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ukiyo-e Tarot
The Japanese have a type of wind chime called a furin – ‘wind bell’ – which traditionally consists of a glass bell (hence the name) and a weight to catch the wind that is made from a ribbon of paper, usually with a prayer written on it.
A little while back, I stumbled across a blog that explained how the author’s grandmother would write affirmations on her ribbon of paper before attaching it to her furin so that every time she heard the chime, she called her wish into her life (or, at the very least, the sound of the bell attracted opportunities to her). As I was reading this about furin, I realised that Tarot cards would lend themselves perfectly to this traditional Japanese charm.
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ukiyo-e depiction of furin
I absolutely love the idea of having an actual card as the weight of the chime – how satisfying would it be to see the beautiful image of your chosen card flick-flick-flicking in the wind, working its mojo to call your dreams into reality? Gives me goosebumps!
However, I know you and I are probably cringing together at the thought of decimating one of our beloved decks by removing a card (and odds are, one of our favourites) just for this one project. So! I have already come up with several solutions which could be used instead:
- Photocopy the card (perfectionist? Do both sides);
- Print the image from the net;
- Draw your own version of the card (no art degree necessary; you could, for example, just draw three cups);
- Write the definition of the card on to paper;
- Use cards from a cheap, damaged or incomplete deck.
Want extra credit? Use origami paper for authenticity!
The charm
You could create your own wind charm for all sorts of things – attracting love or abundance into your life, protection, improved health, starting a new business… you name it!
So that you don’t get a little overwhelmed by too many options, I’ve compiled an easily adaptable cheat-sheet of general correspondences which I think will be popular. Don’t be shy about creating your own, though – you are creative and ingenious! Go forth and have fun with this.
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Nine of Cups – Dreamscapes Tarot
Happiness
Cards: The Sun, 9 of Cups.
Crystals: Citrine, Sunstone.
Essential oils: Lemon, Bergamot, May Chang.
Love
Cards: Ace of Cups, 10 of Cups, the Star.
Crystals: Rose Quarts, Emerald.
Essential oils: Jasmine, Rose, Ylang-Ylang.
Money
Cards: Ace of Coins, Wheel of Fortune.
Crystals: Citrine, Goldstone, Jade.
Essential Oils: Basil, Cinnamon, Orange.
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Strength – Ukiyo-e Tarot
Protection
Cards: Knight of Swords, Strength.
Crystals: Obsidian, Quartz, Tiger Eye.
Essential Oils: Frankincense, Sandalwood.
Blessings
Cards: The Empress, The Star.
Crystals: Amethyst, Ametrine, Citrine.
Essential Oils: Mandarin, Hyacinth.
Angels
Card: Temperance.
Crystals: Selenite, Angelite.
Essential Oils: Lemon, Linden blossom.
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The World – Robin Wood Tarot
Health
Card: The World.
Crystals: Quartz, Amethyst.
Essential Oils: Lemon, Mint, Sage.
Want to earn some Rabbit Moon brownie points? You can cheat and use the card you invoked for your personal empowerment!
Charmed, I’m sure!
Here’s how to make it.
You will need:
- 1 wind chime (make sure that you like the sound it makes!);
- Tarot card/depiction thereof;
- Oils and crystal beads (optional);
- Glue/tape.
What to do:
- Clean the wind chime and carefully remove the original weight – make sure to keep as much cord attached to the chime as possible.
- If you’re using paper: on the plain side, write or draw your Tarot card and key words about what you want from the chime. Fold the paper into a strip with the words on the inside and glue/tape the seams closed (be fancy and fold it into an origami shape, if you like).
- Carefully punch a hole into your Tarot card/paper ribbon.
- If you’re using crystal beads, thread them on to the cord before attaching your paper charm.
- You can stop here or you can anoint your chimes with essential oils to give your charm a little extra ‘oomph!’
Remember, where you place your chime is important: for example, hang it by your front door for protection or in your bedroom for love. Uncertain? Use feng shui!
Image may be NSFW.
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Whenever you hear your charm singing in the breeze, repeat your affirmation to yourself. You can put it into a little rhyme if it helps you remember:
“Every time
I hear my chime
I know [insert desire here]
Will be mine.”
Sound a little juvenile? Well, look at it this way: how many nursery rhymes do you remember? Exactly! Such simple verses act like anchors in our mind and keep us on track when it comes to going after what we want.
Image may be NSFW.
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Right now is the ideal time to make this furin charm because the moon is moving from new to full, which is the perfect phase for creating opportunities and starting new ventures. So off you go! Design your perfect, charmed life.
Want other ideas for the new moon?
Get inspired for next month, check out these articles!
New Moon – Assessing Goals and Recognising Opportunities
Image may be NSFW.
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