As we are coming up to Halloween, my first choice for this reading was the Trick or Treat Tarot by Barbara Moore and Jonathan Hunt. This is an exuberantly designed deck that evokes the atmosphere of the holiday. Cards feature trick-or-treaters in full costume, monsters, witches, vampires, bats, cats, and spooky settings. The artwork is colorful and fun, and the accompanying book is excellent for beginner and veteran readers alike.
A unique tarot spread
One thing I enjoy in this book is the number of unique, original spreads created just for this set. I chose the Your Haunted House Spread for today’s reading. It includes six cards, each associated with elements of a haunted house. The “haunted house” the reading is about, refers to ourselves, of course. The spread does a good job at pinpointing aspects of ourselves we might need to pay more attention to.
Let’s get on with it then.
The Trick or Treat Tarot cards I drew
Queen of Swords
Four of Cups
Knight of Cups
Six of Pentacles
XVIII – The Moon
Nine of Pentacles
Let’s take a deeper look
Queen of Swords. The card in this position represents something that seems scary but is actually useful. Having drawn the Queen of Swords I initially thought, “well what is scary about that?” … But of course, actually considering the card, it is clear that the card in this position is indicating that perhaps I find it scary to rely on logic and reason to set goals and make plans. I tend to see myself as a Wand, or possibly a Cup, but of course elements associated with the Swords exist within myself as well (not least of which is communication, or writing). What would I be afraid of, in relying on reason in moving forward? Perhaps I tend to see following one’s heart or emotions as being more likely to bring fulfillment. The message of this card is something I will definitely take heed of.
Four of Cups. The book explains that the card in this position represents something you are hiding, either from yourself or from others. This is interesting. My husband and I have been really looking at our lives and our future lately, since losing our parents and having so much turned upside down. It has caused us to kind of question how rewarding our current situation is. Me more so than him, I would guess. The Four of Cups shows that I have a sense of discontentment with my current situation, and that might cause me to miss what is already there. It is easy to think the grass is greener someplace else, especially after stressful events that leave you feeling rudderless. Am I hiding this from myself? My thought is that I have not been quite as aware of this as I should be.
Knight of Cups. This one threw me for a loop at first. The card in the third position is supposed to show what is “haunting” you. The Knight of Cups is quite a good card, isn’t it? But upon reflection, if I see “haunting” as simply hovering behind the scenes and leaving things unsettled, I can see the Knight of Cups here. The Knight of Cups can show idealism, romanticism, being somewhat of a dreamer, and not exactly solidly in the real world. Erm, I can see these things in myself, not as a major influence, but definitely enough to have an impact. Perhaps I am “haunted” by daydreams, or by unrealistic expectations – of life, of myself.
Six of Pentacles. In the sixth position we see what is harmful or damaging. This is interesting as well. I can read this in several ways. The Six of Pentacles can indicate that I am not working hard enough towards my goals, or that the work I am doing isn’t enough. It could also suggest that the work I am doing is harmful to me in itself. The card portrays a child who didn’t dress in costume but still expects to receive treats on Halloween. It demonstrates that you cannot rely on the mercy or generosity of others or the universe, you must show up.
XVIII – The Moon. Position five shows something we are attracted to but that is sucking our energy. And in this position I have the only major arcana card of the reading! So, the Moon of course shows the unknown, mysteries, perhaps secrets. What am I attracted to in the Moon? So much! But seriously, in this context, I can see that perhaps I have spent too much thinking of the unknown since my dad died, and now since my mother-in-law died as well. After my dad passed away I read quite a few books on grieving, which is a positive. I also started reading a bunch of books on theories of the afterlife, on mediumship, etc. Those were positive and helpful as well, but I think what this might be telling me, is to move on from those, not stay so immersed in these things. At least for now.
Nine of Pentacles. In the final position we see a gift or blessing, something that “can help clear your house of haunted energy.” The Nine of Pentacles is an interesting card to draw after other cards pointed to almost contradictory things. The Nine of Pentacles depicts a beautiful, powerful vampiress, who has created everything for herself: her costume, the trellis she stands under, the vines she planted. She is enjoying the fruits of her labor. The card encourages the same, to be proud of your accomplishments, achievements, and hard work. To indulge in the fruits of your labors, to allow self-confidence, and to know your beauty and talent – to celebrate your “best self and best life.” I think I can recognize a message in this, to be myself authentically, to acknowledge my accomplishments, and to appreciate all of my strengths.
A complete message
Although there is almost a sense of gentle reprimand, or reminding, in some of the cards, together they form a rather complete message, and a guide to moving forward. I had not specified a question, had just done a reading looking at my current situation. This could have been health related, or work, finances, relationship, etc. I think what the reading pointed to was work, mostly. I work every day, full time. But I think what this is reflecting to me, is that I have been too wrapped up in the abstract. Grief has probably been much the cause of this. It is a good insight to receive, that it is perhaps time to allow myself to move forward more effectively, and towards more fulfillment.
Learn more about the Trick or Treat Tarot
I’ll be reviewing the Trick or Treat Tarot soon, if you are interested in learning more. You can also read user reviews or purchase the Trick or Treat Tarot at Amazon. It is a fantastic deck for anytime, but of course is superb for the Halloween season.
If you are interested in seeing other tarot readings I have posted here, you can check out Questions in Grief.
I hope you are enjoying your Halloween season! As always, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with questions or comments, or just to say hi.
~ Nellie
Leave a Reply