Opportunity Within Unpredictability

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Tarocchi di Giulietta e Romeo Shakespeare Tarot's Six of Swords and a card from the Mindfulness Cards

Today’s draw is the Six of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of leaving the past in the past, moving on, letting go in order to welcome in something better, and transitions towards something better.

The Six of Swords has then been combined with the What Will Happen Next? card from the Mindfulness Cards, which says, “Asking ‘What will happen next?’ can be very powerful. Just by inviting the question, we prime our minds to be on the lookout, like a cat, waiting at a hole for the mouse to come out.”

Just because life is unpredictable doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take chances or hold back from moving onto new challenges. It is in the unpredictability of life we find both our greatest trials and most valued experiences.

This Six of Swords tells the story of Hamlet’s exile, and how he was saved from the death that awaited him on other shores by the Danes that attacked the vessel he was on. He had expected to be taken to his death, but instead was unexpectedly saved and thus given the opportunity to seek retribution upon his enemies.

The message in today’s Six of Swords and affirmation card is a reminder that the unpredictability of life is a good thing, and encourages us to charge forth with eagerness rather than diminishing ourselves and our opportunities by shrinking back in fear.

DECKS USED:  TAROCCHI DI GIULIETTA E ROMEO SHAKESPEARE TAROT AND MINDFULNESS CARDS

September Prompts by @forgotten.dumpling & @ml.mecham
Prompt for September 17th : tuning in to moss and magic

Creative Writing and Cartomancy with the Sacred Spring Playing Cards

lie down within the forest
on a bed of softest moss
(Four of Spades)
close your eyes to the world
and breathe deep
(Nine of Hearts)
let your tension slowly ease
as you listen to the trees
(Three of Hearts)
allow your energy to seep
into soil to tangle
with roots and mycelium
then, rested and rooted
(Four of Diamonds)
open your eyes
to take in the magic of nature
(Ace of Clubs)
immersed within the soft green cradle
of her touch
(Queen of Hearts)

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Parmeliaceae Lichen for a “Breath of Fresh Air”
Rainforest Rhyolite for Facilitating Calm Transitions
Desert Rose for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: SACRED SPRING PLAYING CARDS

@lightningwildflower‘s September Self-Talk Challenge
Prompt for September 18th through 20th

Oracle Reading with The Shakespeare Oracle

Mercury opposite Saturn – Where am I being asked to take responsibility for my actions?

Insect / Martius

When you are being reactive and mercurial.

It happens to us all. It’s okay to call yourself up short when you catch yourself falling into this pattern, then owning the behavior and apologizing for it.

It shows greater character than if you refuse to acknowledge or apologize and make it “someone else’s problem) rather than taking ownership of the situation and behavior.

Boundary – What is a line I’m not willing to cross?

Ghost Characters / Lady Macbeth

You are unwilling to allow others to set you aside and forget about you. Although you are often willing to go to great lengths for those you love, you are unwilling to let them completely disregard you and your own needs. You are not a doormat, but require them to respect your boundaries and your own needs.

Honesty – What truth do I need to tell myself gently but firmly?

Contest / Bassanio and Portia

There is sneaky shit going on and it’s important to make sure that you are paying attention; not to what is being said, but to the actions of both yourself and those around you. Words are just words. Look for the inconsistency between words and actions to ensure you head trouble off at the pass.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Oak Branch with Moss and Lichen for Perseverance
Green Aventurine for Harmony and Balance of the Heart
Moss Agate for Attracting Opportunities for Growth
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: THE SHAKESPEARE ORACLE

September Prompts by @forgotten.dumpling & @ml.mecham
Prompt for September 18th : thunder rusted my spine

Creative Writing and Cartomancy with the Art of Nature Beetles Playing Cards

at the moment of impact
there is no sound
only shock as breath
leaves body
(Five of Diamonds atop Five of Spades)

and the sensation
of walking on bubble wrap
within the bones
(Nine of Spades)

movement, fast and chaotic
seems to go on forever
(Eight of Clubs)

and then death-like stillness
takes hold
(Four of Diamonds)

It’s only in the memories
that silence broken
as the rumble of thunder
breaks spine and bones
(Ten of Spades atop Six of Hearts)

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Parmeliaceae Lichen for a “Breath of Fresh Air”
Dried Red Maple Leaf for Adaptability and Connection
Norway Maple Key for Fostering Strength and Resilience
Calcite w/ Conichalcite for Amplifying Intuitive Messages
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: ART OF NATURE BEETLES PLAYING CARDS

@jourie.co‘s An Imaginative Life Journal Prompts
Prompt for September 17th : What deserves a clear no?

Tarot Reading with the Tarocchi di Giulietta e Romeo Shakespeare Tarot

Reading Summary: Watch out for the one who comes to you with a new idea (Ace of Swords) on how to grow your wealth and stability (Page of Coins). They are eager, but have no idea what they are talking about, no matter how knowledgeable they may seem (Knight of Swords).

Take Away: I wasn’t expecting this to be a predictive reading, but I’ll definitely be taking the warning to heart all the same.

The warning here is to make sure I say “NO” clearly and without room for argument when the next “get rich quick” or “easy money” scheme comes my way… no matter who it comes from, how knowledgeable they seem, or how good of an idea it sounds like.

Don’t get caught up in the excitement. Say no.

Other elements included in this reading:
Bronze Compass Rose for Seeking Directional Guidance
Black Spruce Needles to Boost Self-Confidence and Positive Thinking
Dried Rosebuds for Potential and Beauty Waiting to Unfold
Dried Purple Heather Flowers for Independence and Luck
Flower Agate Moon for Opening the Mind to New Possibilities
Desert Rose for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: TAROCCHI DI GIULIETTA E ROMEO SHAKESPEARE TAROT
Daily Self Kindness

I cancelled today’s dentist appointment and had them put me on the call list for some time in the near future instead.

Gideon’s Challenge – On Hold

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In the Tide Pools

On Hold

sunbathing
seashells
full of life
linger
in cool tide pools
clustered together
among pebbles
and tiny
hidden crabs
as the wait
through the day
for the
rocking caress
of tide’s return

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

The Purpose You Serve

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

•    •    •    ◈    •    🌾    •    ◈    •    •    •

Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

The Golden Tarot's Nine of Pentacles and a card from the Crone Power Oracle and Affirmation Deck

Today’s draw is the Nine of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of solitary satisfaction, a job well done, self-sufficiency, abundance, financial independence, and luxury earned through hard work

The Nine of Pentacles has then been combined with a card from the Crone Power Oracle and Affirmation Cards, which says, “I am serving. My being supports myself and others.”

In the grip of my depression, it can be hard to see that my presence in others lives serves a purpose. At these times I feel like a burden weighing others down, or even that I’m harming them.

It’s these thoughts more than any others that used to (prior to finally getting on a medication that works) pave the way to suicidal ideation. The idea that I am worthless, that I serve no purpose, that I’m hurting the ones I care about; these thoughts and feelings made it feel impossible that I should go on living and breathing.

Here’s the thing, though. If any of that was actually true? These people wouldn’t be a part of my life to begin with. They would have moved on instead of sticking around.

Now, when these thoughts crop up (which they still do during deep depression, even without the suicidal thoughts attached) I remind myself that the people that love and care about me are a curated collection of those that feel I matter. They don’t want or need free of my sphere of influence, but instead desire more time with me. Not less.

The message in today’s Nine of Pentacles and affirmation card is a reminder that those who love you do not see you as you see yourself… especially during times of depression. They don’t see someone who is a burden or that they don’t want to be around. These perceptions are the lies depression whispers in your ear; not fact.

DECKS USED:  LIZ DEAN’S THE GOLDEN TAROT (heavily trimmed) AND CRONE POWER ORACLE AND AFFIRMATION CARDS

September Prompts by @forgotten.dumpling & @ml.mecham
Prompt for September 16th : smudged watercolours

Cartomancy and Creative Writing with the Fungi, Mushrooms & Lichens Playing Cards

you reach for me
(King of Hearts atop Three of Diamonds)
in a moment of passion
(Two of Hearts)
and intensity
sparks a fire within us both
(Ace of Clubs)

and as laughter fills the room
you crowd in close
(Three of Hearts)
while brushes scatter
and rinse water spills,
work falling to the wayside
smudged and forgotten
(Five of Diamonds)
as pleasure steals the day away
(Ten of Hearts)

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Cedar Bundle for Protection from Negative Influences
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: FUNGI, MUSHROOM & LICHENS PLAYING CARDS

@jourie.co‘s An Imaginative Life Journal Prompts
Prompt for September 16th and 17th

Tarot Reading with The Golden Tarot by Liz Dean

Reassessment – What is an assumption I’ve made that I need to reassess?

Queen of Cups Rx and Ace of Swords

Not everyone you get into conflict with necessarily wants to work things out. Sometimes it’s better to just let it be. By seeking closure and opening up communication, you just open yourself up to more abuse, as there’s no true opportunity here for reconciliation or closure.

Strength – How have I demonstrated my inner strength recently?

Queen of Pentacles and King of Cups Rx

You haven’t allowed emotional instability to create instability in other parts of your life of late. Often, when you emotions feel like they are in upheaval, you try to self medicate with destructive tendencies. Lately though, you’ve been able to keep that part of the cycle at bay.

Other elements included in this reading:
Bird Figurine for Encouraging Hope, Positivity, and Renewal
Dried Rosebuds for Potential and Beauty Waiting to Unfold
River Rock for Resilience within Life’s Flow
Rose Quartz for Gentle Kindness to Self and Others
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: LIZ DEAN’S THE GOLDEN TAROT (heavily trimmed)
Daily Self Kindness

I’m so tired, and I’m going to bed early tonight.

🎨 Weekly Creativity Prompt – Different Scenarios

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Prompt : “The purpose of this activity is to practice interpreting small spreads by combining card meanings, symbols and intuition. We will all interpret the same cards based on a few different (imaginary) situations. A 3 card spread will be posted together with 2 more specific scenarios. It’s your choice which scenario you’d prefer to use, or if you’d rather do a general reading of these cards as for an imaginary querent.”

The Spacious Tarot - Ten of Cups, Three of Swords, Guardian of Swords, Queen of Swords

Scenario 1 – Tyler is looking to deepen his spiritual practice and asks how he could go about it.

When you are being confronted with disappointments, or trying to work through hard truths, make sure that you are counterbalancing these influences through doing the things you love with others who love you. Finding balance in one’s life between negative influences and positive ones is an important step in finding balance in other areas of your life (including your spirituality).  Consider where things are moving slow or are not fitting their best, then use your connection with others to put these obstacles into perspective so you don’t blow them up into something they’re not.

Scenario 2 – Juno just got broken up with by their partner of 3 years. Their emotions are all over the place and they’re coming for advice on how to find their footing again.

Talk to someone who cares about how you’re feeling. Share your pain.  They may give you some good advice, or they may just help you lift your mood for a time. Either way, keeping all of this inside and to yourself is harmful.  Let it out. Spill out your thoughts and your emotions.  Those that love you are ready to help you mop up the mess.

DECK USED: SPACIOUS TAROT

Gideon’s Challenge – Flinching

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Old Window Coverings

Flinching

closed off and
turned away
walls go up
with whatever
defenses
can be found
to create a
patchwork wall
of boundaries
that are unlikely
to stand up
to the test
of time

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Perfectionism and Martyrdom

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Today’s meditation was an eight minute #DailyTrip session from the @Calm app.

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Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Garbage Pail Kids Tarot's Three of Pentacles and a card from the Create Brave Cards

Today’s draw is the Three of Coins (Julius Sneezer), which is traditionally a representation of teamwork, collaboration, working together, and themes to do with bringing in help and/or outside expertise in order to get something done.

From the Guide: Friends, rascals, ruffians – lend me your tissues! Asking for help from others is the best way to get what you want now. No one can do everything by themselves 100% at the time. Sometimes, collaboration is necessary. Embrace the advice and expertise of others.

The Three of Coins has then been combined with the Unravel card from the Create Brave Cards, which says, “I choose to take things apart to create something better.”

Work on picking apart the mentality that if you want something to be done right you have to do it yourself. Ease up on perfectionism and martyrdom, and embrace the assistance of others. Even if they do things differently than you, or it takes them twice as long, it’s still work that you aren’t doing! That right there is a win all on its own.

The message in today’s Three of Coins and affirmation is encouragement to ease up on the reigns and delegate more freely. In the end, it will connect you more closely with others and give you more freedom to do the things you really want to be doing.

DECKS USED:  GARBAGE PAIL KIDS TAROT AND CREATE BRAVE CARDS

September Prompts by @forgotten.dumpling & @ml.mecham
Prompt for September 15th : let the grass grow wild

Creative Writing with the Mad Bunny Playing Cards

let the grass grow wild
with wood sorrel and chickweed
clover and plantain
dandelion, violets, and purslane
(Ace of Diamonds atop Seven of Hearts)

Let them all flourish,
wild and free
and not only will your yard
grow healthy and green
(Queen of Clubs)
but you shall never
go hungry again
(Queen of Diamonds)

Other elements included in this reading:
Clear Quartz for boosting Mental Clarity
Labradorite for a Focus on Mental and Emotional Healing
Gray Agate for Instilling Gentleness, Calm, and Stability
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: MAD BUNNY PLAYING CARDS

@lightningwildflower‘s September Self-Talk Challenge
Venus square Pluto, Neptune sextile Pluto
Prompt for September 15th : What relationship pattern needs to be challenged?

Tarot Reading with the Garbage Pail Kids Tarot

Reading Summary: You have others that want to step in and help you (Three of Coins). Don’t shut them out in order to pursue things on your own (The Hermit atop Page of Swords).

Take Away: Just because you -can- do it on your own doesn’t mean you should.

This is an echo of the message in the Card of the Day for today. Stop leaning into solitary work and believing that your way is the only way. Who cares if it’s not absolutely perfectly the way -you- would do it. The fact that it’s delegated to someone else means that you get a little free time as a result. It’s a fair trade!

As a bonus, the more you allow others to help you? The more skilled they will be come. Soon enough, they may not meet the exacting and unreasonable standards you put upon yourself, but they’ll absolutely improve and become better with time and practice.

Other elements included in this reading:
Bird Figurine for Encouraging Hope, Positivity, and Renewal
Rose Quartz for Gentle Kindness to Self and Others
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: GARBAGE PAIL KIDS TAROT
Daily Self Kindness

I used voltaren on my shin-splints. I really hadn’t thought of it and had been dealing with them all day, then Ms B mentioned it on the phone. So I dug out the tube I have of the stuff and put some on.