Needy
pay attention
to me
and the need
that blazes hot
in my chest
creating
a searing ache
at my center
where
the soul lives
that seeks
the comfort
of your touch
promising
that everything
will be okay
Gideon’s Challenge – Needy
The Pivot of Anxiety’s Voice
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.
Today’s draw is the Five of Pentacles (Orbs), which is traditionally a representation of tests, trials, struggles, and setbacks in the area of one’s finances, resources, health, home, work, or manifestations. This often translates into themes that have to do with scarcity and times in life when one needs to seek out help from others instead of suffering through alone
The Five of Orbs has then been combined with the Sensitivity card from the Pass Around the Smile Guided Affirmation Cards, which says, “ I embrace my feelings of sensitivity and know that I can protect myself from negative energy.”
Reminder! It’s okay to freak out now and then when things aren’t going the way that you think that they should be going. The key here is to make sure that you don’t fall into the negative thought patterns that turn a small or medium sized problem or hiccup into an end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it event.
Being sensitive gives our lives of depth and exposes us to an array of emotions that we avoid otherwise not have the opportunity to explore. In opening yourself up to being sensitive, though, there is also a trap waiting where anxiety can turn things from normal sensitivity into catastrophizing.
It’s such an easy slope to slide down too; suddenly some problem that may be peripheral, or maybe right in the center of things but isn’t particularly catastrophic, becomes the end-all of everything.
The message in today’s Five of Orbs and the Sensitivity card is a reminder to keep an eye on when agitation and anxiety begin to turn the tables for you, and that pivot begins to blow something out of proportion. By being aware of when anxiety begins to introduce negative influences into your emotions, you can help to circumvent these more extreme and chaotic reactions.
DECKS USED: QUESTEROS TAROT
One Card Tarot Journal Activity by @mariasofia_astro
Chapter 5 | Entry 2 – Health and Body
Affirmation : “I honor my mental well-being.”
Prompt : Under times of stress we all have certain coping mechanisms. Can you identify what yours are? What can the tarot show you about how helpful those strategies may or may not be to your mental health?”
Coping Mechanism : One of my biggest coping mechanisms during stress is to withdraw into myself and deaden my more vulnerable emotions.
What feelings came up when I pulled this card?
This card came out of the deck reversed, and while I don’t usually use reversal when working with the activities from this book, there are significance in the reversal in this instance.
Amusingly, I felt a sense of betrayal at the appearance of this card. I don’t usually get my favorite card in such a negative context as provided here in this reading. It’s a silly reaction, but then emotions are very rarely logical.
What elements of the card’s meaning resonate with me and this prompt?
The Hanged Man card is about stepping back. It’s about distancing yourself from a situation in order to observe things from a different perspective.
While the defense mechanism mentioned above can absolutely be seen in this light, the fact that it was turned upside down indicates that while I am, in fact, distancing myself from the situation by stepping back emotionally… what’s missing is seeing the extra perspectives that should be picked up with this action.
Instead, with the card reversed, we see that in stepping back I am closing myself off instead of opening up. This means that I end up stuck with only my own perspective to circle around and around in my head and get mixed up with the negativity and anxieties that linger there, instead of seeking out more positive perspectives and outlooks that could be more helpful.
What in the artwork spoke to me?
The Hanged Man’s eyes are closed, at the same time the little furry gremlin on the ground at his head has its eyes wide open in an anxiety-like stare. Neither the Hanged Man’s close eyes nor the gremlins’ open ones seek any outside perspectives. Combined with the appearance of anxiety in the yellow eyes of the gremlin, this speaks of getting lost in one’s own perspectives and opinions, and allowing anxiety to hold sway rather than the seeking of alternate perspectives this card usually represents.
My prompt response and reflections.
The withdrawal and closing off defense mechanism may protect me from outside sources that could hurt my feelings or touch on my vulnerability, but it also closes me off with the most vicious monster of all which is my own mind and the negativity and pessimism that lie there. This negativity and pessimism is always ready to speak up and put a negative cast to anything and everything at the smallest provocation on a good day, let alone on a bad one where my anxiety then swing the door open wide for it to step in and make a mess.
Other elements included in this reading:
Amber Resin D25 and Banded Agate D6 Dice
DECK USED: LEGEND OF ZELDA TAROT
#DiscordTarotholicsAug2026 Challenge
Prompt for August : Do Spread 4
Focusing on the SPIRITUAL aspects of your life and growth this season
Seeds Sown: What seeds for my spiritual health & growth planted in the Spring have flourished and grown strong?
King of Cups – You are connecting with and sharing more with Gideon. He is your “emotion guru”, often helping you to work through and sort out your feelings when they become overwhelming or confusing. Since the spring you have been working to open up more and withdraw less when things get emotional. In doing so, this helps you be less chaotic in your spiritual practices, for there is less stagnancy to work through.
The Chaff: What seeds have not flourished and need to be let go to encourage healthy growth in other areas?
Six of Pentacles Rx – All for one and one for all has not served you well. Remember that it is okay to lend your experience and formidable knowledge to others where able. Help them to grow and thrive through sharing what you have in abundance, instead of keeping your own council.
The Harvest: How can I best prepare now to reap the benefits of a positive and healthy harvest in the Fall?
Knight of Swords – Stay sharp and be ready to swoop in at a moments notice. Take care to think strategically, and not act on impulse.
Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Oak Branch with Moss and Lichen for Perseverance
Flower Agate for Opening the Mind to New Possibilities
Clear Quartz Point for boosting Mental Clarity and Focus
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy
DECK USED: QUESTEROS TAROT
I took a little time to just lie on the couch and space out. I can’t really call it meditation, but I needed a little silence and stillness, and was too scattered to manage an actual session.
❤️ Self Care Saturday (On a Sunday)
These Saturday readings are (not usually) bearing in on any one thing or event in my life, as the question used is asking for a more general outlook. This is a self care exercise, and is not meant as a predictive reading… although that, too, happens on occasion.
The question is… What do I need to focus for self-care through the week ahead?
Earth – Asmita – Breathe deep and let go of the blockages you feel building up inside you as you are confronted with difficulties this week. Not everything in life is pass-or-fail. Consider what the universe is trying to teach you in these experiences. For example, forcing you to outfit your account with admins is an inconvenience, but also allows you a chance to connect with others and examine your friendships and relationships in another light.
Air – Saucha – Focus on clarity and cleansing. Good mental health hygiene needs to be a priority right now, and increasing your diligence in this area is important when things become difficult or challenges arise.
Water – Ujjayi Pranayama – When you are feeling vulnerable, instead of listening to the negative self talk you have going on in your head, take a moment to pause, breathe, and remember your past accomplishments. Remind yourself of the survivor that you are and all the amazing things you are capable of.
Fire – Clear Quartz – Use the tools at your disposal to keep a clear and grounded view of what’s going on from one day to the next. No over-inflation from anxiety or doom-saying from your pessimistic tendencies allowed.
Waning – Two of Clubs and Eight of Diamonds – Sticking with what you know and being resistant to making plans would be a detriment this week. Be open to possibilities for future endeavors and opportunities to expand upon your skills and abilities instead of shutting down those options.
Waxing – Two of Diamonds and Eight of Spades – Take care not to ignore your limitations on how much you can take on and juggle. What doesn’t overwhelm you today could be the last straw tomorrow. Be vigilant in protecting your balance from ego’s enthusiasm and pride.
Take Away – Those inner narratives of negativity and pessimism are on the rise this week, and riding on their coattails is the influence of anxiety. Step up in your mental health care in order to cut these issues off at the ankles and keep them from coming in with unneeded chaos and uncertainty. Don’t bury yourself in work in an effort to hide, either, as that’s just going to cause more problems later on down the line.
DECKS USED: LAND SKY ORACLE AND THE FOXY DECK
Gideon’s Challenge – Released
Released
a breath taken
and anxiety
eases
as reality
reasserts itself
once more
and the end
of the world
isn’t at hand
after all
for the panic
made everything
far more dire
than reality
revealed
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Little Things and Pocket Change
Today’s meditation was a fifteen minute long self-guided visualization session while listening to JW LoFi’s Fog track.
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Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.
Today’s draw is The Sun card, which is traditionally a representation of success, optimism, positivity, fun and frivolity. In my practice, the Sun is also a symbol of masculine vitality, virility, and warmth.
The Sun card has then been combined with a Mindfulness Practices card from the Rethink 120 Learning Cards For Mindful Daily Life, which says, “Mindful Tea Ceremony: Mindfully brew, a cup of tea. Pay attention to the process of boiling the water, selecting the tea leaves, and steeping them. Sit down and savor each sip, noticing the aroma, flavors, and warmth. Engage your senses fully and embrace the moment of relaxation and nourishment. The goal is to create a ritual of presence and self-care, finding tranquility in the simple act of drinking tea.”
Not all goodness in life comes from career, success, or monetary rewards. Sometimes just spending time with another can create a sense of well-being, as can making a cup of tea.
The key in life’s celebrations and positive moments doesn’t lie in the accolades of others or the garnering of material goods. Instead, it lies in the mindfulness to acknowledge the good stuff… even the little stuff that’s good. In doing so you choose to brighten your day one nibble-sized piece at a time.
The message in today’s Sun card and Mindfulness Practice card is a reminder that like pocket change tossed in a jar, all the little good things begin to add up over time. As they do so, they change your perception of each day that passes into something a little brighter and lighter than before. These cards encourage us to take the time to be mindful of those small good things in our life instead of letting them pass us by unnoticed or ignored.
DECKS USED: ANCESTRAL PATH TAROT AND RETHINK 120 LEARNING CARDS FOR MINDFUL DAILY LIFE
@note.project August Journal Prompts
Prompt for August 22nd and 23rd
A choice that feels aligned with the person I want to be
Seek your inner wisdom
I don’t want to be someone who looks to others for validation, but neither do I want to be unfeeling to their opinions and perspectives.
Instead, I wish to tap into my intuition, inner moral compass, and gut instincts and allow them to have priority. Yet, at the same time, still listen to what others have to say with an open mind so that I see and understand their perspectives on the situation.
I want to know who I am, and be unshakable in that authenticity to the point where considering others perspectives, opinions, and ideas doesn’t change that sense of comfortable security, but broadens my horizons and understanding of the world around me and the people therein.
A relationship I want to nurture more intentionally
Make a plan and take action
I want to tap into the inspiration and motivation that creates action with a flavor of curiosity and interest, rather than approaching creativity with a feeling of reluctance and dissent.
Often it feels like I’m stuck in the mire of slow movement and stagnancy to the point where it sometimes seems like I’m not getting anywhere or doing anything at all. It’s hard to be mindful of one’s accomplishment during this time when it feels like nothing is getting done.
Writing down the things that I am doing helps to shut down that inner voice telling me that I’m doing nothing, but it does not inspire me with motivation and get me off my ass to change things up and do more. As a result, I would like to find a way to more deeply nurture my relationship with motivation, inspiration, and curiosity.
Other elements included in this reading:
Staghorn Sumac for Connecting with Nature and the Wild Within
Rose Quartz for Gentle Kindness to Self and Others
Moss Agate for Attracting Opportunities for Growth
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy
DECK USED: LIFE DESIGN CARDS
@lightningwildflower‘s August Reflections Challenge
Sun enters Virgo
Prompt for August 22nd : How can I bring intention to my daily routines?
Reading Summary: Don’t be tempted to run off with “a bunch of trinkets” you haven’t earned and that hold little meaning for you (The Devil atop Seven of Swords). That path only leads to more uncertainty (The Moon). Instead, seek out the things that make you truly happy (Nine of Cups), and share those things with others (Three of Cups).
Take Away: Hoarding things that hold very little sentimental value or meaning for you can easily take up a great deal of your time and attention if you let it. It’s important to remember that if something doesn’t bring you joy then there’s no point in having it. Nor is there much point in having it if all you’re going to do is stare at it and not share it with others or otherwise enjoy it.
The key to a greater sense of purpose and intention in your daily routines is to fill these routines with substance and meaning. If you’re just collecting stuff to do just for the sake of having stuff to do, but that stuff has no meaning to it, then of course there will be less intention within these routines. It is better to have less to do and more meaning, than it is to have more to do but less meaning.
Other elements included in this reading:
Japanese Cherry Leaf as a Reminder of Life’s Fleeting Moments
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
Norway Maple Key for Fostering Strength and Resilience
Calcite for Gently Calming the Mind and Stimulating Insights
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy
DECK USED: ANCESTRAL PATH TAROT
I ordered sushi at the place that never fails to always serve good sushi when we went out to dinner today.
Gideon’s Challenge – Overwhelmed
Overwhelmed
a moment of pause
needed
for the mind to rest
and worries
to ease
as anxiety tries
to make fissures
in my calm
and silence
in noticing the
smallest of things
can help in finding
my footing
Twisting the Leaf 