Deck Pressure
**DISCLAIMER: The decks listed in this post are amazing decks, I just didn’t resonate with them, so don't start a witchhunt**
Hi, my name is Andrew and I am a tarot-holic.
*In Unison* “Hi Andrew”
If you have been following me for a while, you know that I LOVE Tarot and Oracle Decks, and I have quite a few (80 last time I counted) of them. Something struck me tonight, that has actually struck me before but I figured people wouldn’t really want to read about it…so if you don’t…then #byefelicia.
What I want to talk about is Deck Pressure. This isn’t something where people literally force you to buy a deck. No, this is where you see a deck so often on social media that you just HAVE to have it, not because you resonate with it, but because you see the people you love and look up to have gotten it, and you want to have it as well. You may or may not connect with it, but you hope that connection comes.
This has become more and more apparent to me as I have been cleaning out my decks that I just don’t resonate with at all.
I think back on a particular deck that I bought, The Starchild Tarot. I didn’t connect to the imagery that much, at all. Not that it wasn’t beautiful, because oh my god it’s GORGEOUS, but I just didn’t connect with it at all…my intuition hit roadblocks every time I took the deck out. I got it because I saw that everyone else had it and I wanted it as well. So I spent $80 on a deck I hardly ever used and later sold.
I am kind of going through this right now with the “Animal Spirit Oracle”. I saw that people were raving about it and I decided to get it because I guess I wanted to be like the ‘cool kids’….and I honestly don’t resonate with it….at all. I don’t know why, but it doesn’t set my spirit on fire or give me goosebumps. The deck is stunning, a masterpiece even. Visually, there is little that can compare. But I didn’t connect to it and bought it anyway.
See what I mean here? I know I’m not the only one that this has happened to or happens to.
I am feeling a call to calm the fuck down on buying decks that I don’t resonate with immediately. I mean, so what if I don’t have a deck that someone else has? If I don’t connect with it, what damn good is it to have? It collects dust on my shelf and never gets used and I wasted my money.
Now, there is NOTHING wrong with having tons of decks. I am sure I am going to get to 100 before years end haha, hopefully, more will clear out, but who knows? Each deck is different in the way that it communicates with us and in the way our intuition interprets the imagery. That’s the beauty of Tarot and Oracle cards! But know that I have seldom had it happen that I bought I deck I didn’t connect with, and it grew on me to the point I LOVED it.
I know this post isn’t that interesting, but to those of you who are collectors, you don’t have to catch ‘em all. Buy what jives with YOU! If something catches your eye, look up reviews on it! Research it!
But don’t buy a deck because you feel like you have to because everyone else has it.
Tarot is such an individual journey, don’t let your ego trick you into thinking you have to “keep up with the jones’”. This can lead to debt, anxiety, and greed. We don't want that energy around us.
It doesn't matter if you have 1 deck or 100 decks, it has no impact on how talented you are as a reader and/or healer.
This also goes for your favorite deck creators! Don't feel pressured into buying a deck just because your favorite author/artist made it. I learned this is hard way, haha. You aren't obligated by any means to buy a deck even if you have every deck this person has made. There are some Alana Fairchild and Stacey Demarco decks that don't resonate with me for one reason or another. Does that mean I don't love their work? NOT AT ALL! I love their work, but there is no rule that says I have to resonate with the theme of the deck or whatever else may not jive with me about it.
The same goes for you!
I hope this helped!
Angel Blessings,
Andrew
My Interview with Vicky Maxwell!!
So it's safe to say that I absolutely adore Vicky and her work at New Age Hipster! I was so happy to be able to interview her! I hope you guys enjoy it as much as we did!
When did you start working with Angels and how did your interest get 'peaked' in the topic?
A couple of years ago I was putting in a crystal order online and for no apparent reason whatsoever I found myself clicking the buy button on a pack of Angel cards. I actually can't even remember what was going through my mind as I did it! The cards came and I was hooked. I had them for a week and had started getting really into the energy, it was so easy to connect with! I started asking the Angels for signs and I remember finding a white feather on the couch! :O There's just no way it could have gotten there by itself. I was totally hooked from that moment on!
What Angel do you work with most often?
Archangel Michael. He's always with me. I'm pretty sure he's actually one of my guardian angels too since he never leaves my side! Archangel Raphael is around a lot too. He's super cute.
What is your process of 'tuning in' to your intution and/or the Angels?
It really depends what I'm doing. Sometimes I just whisper to myself - "Angels what do you most need me to know?" Other times I'll do a big hoo-hah with candles, visualisations, calling all the Angels in. I really think it's super important to do what works for you and what feels right. I'm always discovering new ways of tuning in! I will say that crystals definitely help me though, especially selenite!
What is the most powerful experience you have had with an Angel/God/ Goddess/Spirit?
When I first started working with Angels Archangel Raphael came to me when I was sick. It was just a head cold, but I was acting like it was man flu (I'm not very good at being sick!). I called him in and was talking to him like I was on my death bed. I felt this burst of air across my body and he just started talking to me! We had this amazing conversation about why it was part of the human experience to have a cold sometimes. He was hilarious, such a great sense of humour. We just got along so well. I also had this cool experience when I woke up one night and I know I wasn't meant to and I saw this amazing green light over my body! :O
You are currently running your business full-time, and that is AMAZING! What suggestions or tips do you have for those who are wanting to take that leap?
That it's really hard work. I had this vision of myself in fluffy slippers watching infomercials and taking the odd call, but that couldn't be further from the truth! I worked my butt off starting my biz as a side gig for ages. I worked nights and weekends while I worked full time in a really stressful job. I did 100 free readings for strangers (I'd been reading for friends for years) before I started selling my services. Running a spiritual biz isn't just about doing readings, you have to learn the business side of things too, which isn't always easy! Marketing, software, systems, finances, sales, taxes. But if you're willing to put in the time, energy and love it can be the best thing you ever do!
What hurdles did you have to get through when it came to reading for others?
The biggest thing I struggled with was confidence. My friends had been telling me for years they loved my readings, but I always thought they were just saying that because they had to! Doing 100 readings for people I didn't know really helped me with that, and I'd recommend it to anyone who isn't that confident in their ability yet, or at least do readings for donations or pretty cheap. At the end I had 98% accuracy and learned two really important lessons from the 2% and I thought that was pretty good so I started my biz!
What is your process for creating spreads?
I read intuitively so I don't always use a spread in my readings, I usually just shuffle and see in my mind's eye where the cards are going to go and what they mean. Sometimes I'll hear a number like 7 in my head and then I'll put down 7 cards and they will tell me the positions and what they mean. If I'm reading for myself I'll write it down quickly and I then test it with a few different spreads, make some alterations if needed and that's that!
What is the most used deck in your collection?
My most used Angel deck is probably Daily Messages from your Angels (my first deck!) or the Archangel Oracle cards, both by Doreen Virtue! My most used Tarot deck is the Rider Waite Smith.
What advice to do you have for those who want to work with Angels who haven't before?
It's super easy. Close your eyes right now and just say - hey angels, wanna hang out? Grab yourself a deck of cards and don't look back!
For more information on Vicky, check out her website at www.newagehipster.co!
Angel Blessings guys!!!
Andrew
Be The Empress of your life! You to fellas!
Hello All!
Blog post time, again!
I have two cards today, ‘The Empress’ and ‘Be You’.
Living authentically is something that has been coming up a lot for a lot of people. Authenticity is honoring all sides and aspects of yourself in a way that is freeing and liberating to you mentally, spiritually, and physically.
The Empress comes to us as a reminder to nurture ourselves and embrace that feminine energy of receptivity and love. We all want to manifest money, abundance, and prosperity in the physical world, but what about in our spirits? Everything that we see on the outside is a direct reflection of what is going on inside of us. There is a song by Alanis Morissette called “Underneath”, and it is literally my jam (find it linked below) because it talks about the direct correlation between our heart and the physical world.
The Empress is a gorgeous card, a woman who is in touch with her power and her creativity and her light. You can benefit from her wisdom even if you are a male, so get that notion out of your mind, right now (shakes finger). Be prepared for a lot of work ahead, you are getting tons of guidance right now that is unlocking the person that you want to be and person that Universe says you already are. This guidance is meant to be acted on, not sat around and played with.
‘Be You’ is telling us that it is indeed a challenge to live authentically, and that it is imperative we take every opportunity to be our true selves.
*Example* I recently got a new District Leader at work and she asked what brought me to DC. I had the option to either say“my roommate and I moved up her for ‘xyz’” or “my boyfriend and I moved up here for ‘xyz’”.
Being gay isn’t something that I advertise, not that I am ashamed in any way, shape, or form, because I honestly don’t give a shit haha, but I just don’t like to throw it in people’s face, it isn’t necessary to me. But I had the option to care, or not to care. And I decided not to care, and it felt really good!!! So that is my example**
These two lovely cards are telling you to use the power of The Empress to launch yourself into a brand new world of authenticity and badassery! haha
Much Love,
Andrew
Career Advice!!
Hello Again!!!
Jesus, it feels like forever since I wrote here, even though it was less than a week ago haha. I am writing this very cold, very very cold. It is definitely an adjustment from NC to DC, but I Will Survive! haha
Anyway, I am wanting to write to you guys to say hello and tell you about the card I drew for all of you :)
We have the "Career Angel" from the "Angel Reading Cards"! I don't know about you, but my Career is weighing heavy on my heart. I am currently in a job where I am trying to be passionate and happy, but my heart isn't in it. No matter how hard I try, I can't be enthusiastic about it. I know I have to have a job (my lights don't run off magic haha). But I want to be fulfilled. This card is saying that fulfillment is coming!! Positive Changes are occurring even if we can't see them. But we have to help them along!
I say this all the time: Change is neutral, but the way we react to change determines if it is positive or negative.
Translating this to your (our) career(s). We have to hold the highest, most positive, vision in our minds that we can! That is so tremendously helpful and is really the 'make or break' between staying where you are and going to where you want to be!
This Angel is currently working with you to heal any emotional issues that are affecting you. And don't be surprised if you meet people who are going to help you with networking or any other kind of searching. Don't despair. It's coming sooner than you think:
Affirmation: "I surrender any worries that I have about my career path to my Career Angel. I feel safe in the knowledge that he will guide me in the direction I am meant to follow to improve my Career"
You can purchase this AMAZING deck by clicking here
Angel Blessings,
Andrew
PS. If you are wanting to be a part a super awesome group of spiritually minded people, learn about and develop relationships with 7 Archangels, Enhance your intuition, and more for an unbeatably low price, check out and Subscribe to Andrew's Angel Crew!
COTD 8/21/2015
Deck Used: Magical Mermaids and Dolphins
Alright.
Let's chat.
How many of you know how truly powerful you are? Probably not a lot. I know I don't haha. We have ideas, and we hear people talk about it, but how often do we actually walk in it? What if I told you that your thoughts, even the fleeting ones, can change the course of your day, year, or even your life? Well guess whaaaattttt, they can! I am really being spoke to today about my thoughts and how they need to change. How can you change your thoughts? By realizing how powerful you are! Once you fully realize it, you are limitless in what you can manifest!! You have the power of the Universe running through you, at this very moment, the stardust that makes up galaxies is inside of you. The power that created the Universe is the power you have!!! Step into it!! All you have to do is open the door and step into it!!! You are loved beyond belief and it is so incredibly safe to be powerful and to know you are!!
Angel Blessings!!
Andrew
COTD 8/16/2015 and Changes
Deck Used: The Archangel Power Tarot
Hello everyone!!
First, accept my sincerest apologies for not having a card of the day for a while. If you saw my post before, my boyfriend Matt and I were looking at Apartments in D.C. and I just didn't have time to post. I really did try though! I just couldn't find time to do it. So here we are, after a brief time apart. We have the Chariot card today!! This card tells you that you have all of the power! Self Control is your friend right now, don't go took crazy and over do things to the point of exhaustion. You are entering a very successful time in your life and you are going to be recognized for all that you do, even if it isn't in the professional setting. You are going be seeing a lot of desires come true and manifestations occur as long as you realize that you hold all of the power that these desires and manifestations need to occur! You've got this!!!
PS. My Prices have officially changed. For more info, visit the Readings page by clicking here
Angel Blessings,
Andrew
COTD 8/10/2015
Deck used: Daily Guidance from Your Angels
Alright guys!
Financial healing is coming your way in the form of a Shower of Abundance! You have to give up your worries first! You can't have worry and faith together. It just doesn't work. So you have to make a concious effort to not worry and expect the help you desire. The Angels are more than willing to help you!! It's also up to you if, and how quickly, your financial healing will take place! So don't resist!!
Angel Blessings,
Andrew
COTD 7/25/2015
Good Afternoon Lovely People!!
Today, The Mermaids and Dolphins have a message for you! What has you feeling stuck? Are you trapped in lower energy thoughts, feelings, word, or actions? The time has come, dear one, to make a decision. They are showing me a clock, telling me to tell you that time is of the essence. You see, the longer that we stay 'captive' (this is in quotes because we are never really captive to anything unless we give it power) to these lower energies, the worse things will get for us. So make a decision to walk away from whatever it is keeping you down. You have all of the power here!
Angel Blessings,
Andrew
COTD 7/22/2015
Deck Used: The Secret Language of Colors
Hi everybody!!
There was an overall theme in my personal reading, including this card, for today. It's time to carve out space in our schedules to consciously connect with the Divine energy in, and around, us. Everyone has it. Everyone can tap into it. It is important that we all take time to make that connection to God/dess, whoever is in your sphere of influence. It helps us become better people and it keeps our vibrations high! So pray, meditate, chant, do yoga, anyway you connect is fine, just as long as you do.
Angel Blessings,
Andrewq
COTD 7/3/2015
Deck Used: Ascended Masters Oracle Cards
Hey All!
Your likes and dislikes have changed, and you have outgrown situations that once appealed to you. This is a sign of spiritual growth. Even though things seem hard, these situations are blessings in disguise. This card tells you that you are supported right now and that it's OK to let go and make a leap of faith. Leave your comfort zone, you won't regret it. Don't procrastinate anymore. Ask Paravati for help in finding solutions to your problems :)
Angel Blessings,
Andrew
COTD 7/2/2015
Deck Used: The Archangel Michael Oracle Cards
Hey guys!
We have a message from Archangel Michael today! Life Purpose is a big subject, and one that everyone, including myself, wonders about. The prayer on this card is simple and beautiful. Give your worries about your life purpose to Archangel Michael, he will help guide you in the right direction. :)
Angel Blessings,
Andrew