What’s Really Important

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

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The @GlitterbyInk #MayMoon26 Rise Root Return Challenge
As Above Prompt for May 3rd : Clarity
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Tarot of Pagan Cats Borderless Edition - Four of Pentacles

Today’s draw is the Four of Pentacles, which is traditionally about stability and gratitude (sometimes to excess, which can turn miserly) for what you have. This is a stagnant sort of appreciation that speaks of not reaching for more, but instead being focused on what you have in the now.

It’s time to assess what’s really important, and what can be discarded. Sometimes we allow things to pile up around us, our mind deciding that everything is of equal value, and thus we end up stuck in the middle of a mess.

At these times, it’s important to sit back and really consider what is important to us and what things we have within our environment that support us in those important pursuits. This means our needs, but also the pursuits that help foster a healthier and happier you.

And then… discard the rest.

No matter how much you like something, if it’s not a need, and it’s not something that helps to support a healthier and happier you, why are you giving it your time, space, or energy?

Instead of holding onto these things, get rid of them. In doing so you’ll find yourself feeling happier, healthier, and lighter as well.

The message in today’s Four of Pentacles and the “clarity” prompt is encouragement to begin weeding out those things that have no true value in your life in order to make room for more things that make you happy and healthy.

DECK USED:  TAROT OF PAGAN CATS

One Card Tarot Journal Activity by @mariasofia_astro
Chapter 1 | Entry 3 – Self-Care and Personal Development
Affirmation : “I seek out spontaneity and adventure to cultivate more joy in my life.”
Prompt : Choose a card that depicts an area of your life you can develop or explore that you may not have previously considered.

Tarot Activity from The One Card a Day Journal by Maria Sofia Marmanides - Tarot of Syndey Sime - The Hierophant

What feelings came up when I pulled this card?

My first thought was that the Hierophant really isn’t a “new” theme in my life, although it has been quite a while since I took on a new mentee or taught a class.

I noticed that the thought didn’t create the same amount of overwhelmed that I’ve been experiencing during my hiatus, though.

What elements of the card’s meaning resonate with me and this prompt?

I enjoy sharing my perspective with others, and using my perspective to help teach others new aspects of their own life and practices.

Sometimes I do this through sharing my photography with the world at large, and other times by sharing my gardening adventures, jewelry design ideas, and other pursuits. I’ve also done this through teaching tarot in a mentee/mentor capacity, as well, and teaching the occasional class.

What in the artwork spoke to me?

The Hierophant’s hand on the smaller figure’s shoulder speaks to me of a mentor/mentee relationship, while the school of fish in the background speaks to me of a classroom environment. This is encompasses both aspects of the teacher relationship in the same card.

Added to that, in the background there is a flight of geese and clouds with a face in the cloud. This really speaks to me of advancing one’s knowledge and exploring new perspectives.

I think it’s important to remember this just because a perspective is foundational or traditional, doesn’t mean that it can’t also be new. It may not be new to you, but it can be new to those who have never encountered it before and are still learning.

My prompt response and reflections.

A few years ago, I set aside my “teacher” hat primarily because mutism can make it a great deal harder to teach that I’m often able to put my energy into. That means that in a lot of cases, the effort of doing classes and taking on mentees becomes too much simply because the communication aspect is a challenge.

This card speaks of an opportunity, at this time, to step back into this role that I thought was lost to me… if I want it.

As the prompt for this activity speaks about spontaneity, the suggestion here is that perhaps instead of structured lessons, a little “pop-up” class now and then could be just the thing to inspire more energy and joy in the process.

Other elements included in this reading:
Rose Quartz D20 and D6 Gemstone Dice

DECK USED: TAROT OF SYDNEY SIME

#DiscordTarotholicsMay2026 Challenge
Prompt for May 3rd : Do Spread 1

Tarot Reading with the Tarot of Pagan Cats Borderless Edition

What positive quality do I have that others admire?

Ace of Swords – Despite your mutism, you express yourself very well. It may not always feel like it, but your communication skills do well at not just expressing what you want to say, but also how you feel and what you need and want from others.

It also helps that you are open to communication with anyone for any reason. You allow people to come to you with open arms so that they can communicate with you when they need to, and are often a good listener due to your interest in wanting to see and understand things from more than just your own perspective.

What positive quality do I wish I had that I admire in others?

Six of Cups Rx atop King of Wands – The ability to selfishly say no to those around me without fearing losing their loyalty or interest.

You want to be able to pursue your own interest and take others with you, without them trying to stir the pot or mess things up for you along the way. You see others do this and they make it look so easy. In your experience, though, it’s not half as easy as it seems to pursue your interests and endeavors with others at your side without the need to people please interfering.

What step(s) can I take now to work toward developing that quality in myself?

Five of Pentacles atop Ten of Cups atop Ace of Wands Rx

When you cherish those around you through the good times and the bad, they are less likely to jump in and take over new ideas and adventures that you are interested in.

Make sure to share these journeys with them. As a result, instead of trying to take over, they will give you the room that you need to show them what you’re up to and what you really want.

What step(s) can I take to make the positive qualities I already have shine brightly?

Ten of Pentacles – Share your gratitude, good fortune, and the results of your hard work with others. Let them celebrate with you in your accomplishments and successes.

Other elements included in this reading:
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
Foraged Parmeliaceae Lichen for a “Breath of Fresh Air”
Dried Cedar Bundle for Protection from Negative Influences
Dried Rhododendron Leaf for Fostering Confidence
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: TAROT OF PAGAN CATS
Daily Self Kindness

This is a catch up post, and I’m not entirely sure what the self kindness was for this day.

Gideon’s Challenge – Anchored

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Marine Connections

Anchored

Hold me tight
and don’t let go
as stormy seas
crash through
and chaos reigns
for only you
provide safety
in the storm
and shelter
from the chaos
that’s sure
to otherwise
rip me apart

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

❤️ Self Care Saturday (On a Sunday)

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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?

Self-Care Saturday Tarot Reading with the Tarot Du Vin Monochrome edition and Phantasmagoria II LE Playing Cards

Earth – Three of Swords – Be wary of dropping into feelings of disappointment concerning where you are at this time. Resources, money, work, and your health are all up in the air at the moment. Remember that things aren’t as bad as your negative and pessimistic inner narrative is trying to tell you they are.

Air – Four of Wands – There’s a lot to be said for hearth and home. Make sure that you are doing what you can to make these spaces, places, and people as welcoming as possible for you right now. You need to feel that sense of welcome to help combat what’s going on in your head.

Water – Page of Cups – A part of growth is pain. That’s why it’s called “growing pains”. It’s all a part of the process. Don’t give up just because it hurts. That pain actually means you might be getting somewhere instead of being stuck in the mud.

Fire – Queen of Swords – Do what you need to do to support what needs supported… and no more than that. Don’t allow others to put upon you responsibility that don’t belong to you. Instead, teach them to take responsibility for their own shit.

Waning – Ace of Clubs and Queen of Spades – Now is not the time to be proactive in connecting with those from your past. Leave it alone. Looking back isn’t always the answer.

Waxing – Five of Spades and Nine of Clubs – As long as you avoid connecting with those from your past this week, you will have no reason to be on the defensive and ready for attack.

If you choose to ignore the advice in the Waning position of this reading, though, you need to make sure that you have defensive measures in place in order to be the one that comes out on top when conflict arises.

Take Away – Just because things don’t -feel- like they’re going the way you want them to doesn’t mean you have to buy into that reality. Stay afloat by using those places and people that feel like home to help you feel both uplifted and comforted, and take care to avoid those from your past that could damage this support that you need right now.

DECKS USED: TAROT DU VIN MONOCHROME FIRST EDITION AND PHANTASMAGORIA II LE PLAYING CARDS

Clarity In Communication

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Today’s meditation was a ten minute long #DailyCalm session from the @Calm app.

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The @GlitterbyInk #MayMoon26 Rise Root Return Challenge
As Above Prompt for May 2nd : Attunement
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Old English Tarot - Ace of Swords

Today’s draw is the Ace of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of the seed of new beginnings in the area of one’s thoughts, intellect, education, logic and reason, ambition, or communication.

You can’t be on the same page with others if you aren’t communicating clearly and honestly with them.

Today you go under the knife. Make sure that you answer all questions with the doctor honestly and clearly. No hedging. No beating around the bush or trying to make things sound more palatable. Be honest and direct in your communication.

The message in today’s Ace of Swords and “attunement” prompt is that if you want to be “in tune” and successfully aligned with another, the quickest and easiest way to get there is through forthrightness and honesty. Today’s message encourages us to be direct and authentic. In doing so, you facilitate the attunement you’re looking for, leaving no room for misunderstandings.

DECK USED:  OLD ENGLISH TAROT

@ambitiouslyalexa May Journal Prompts
Prompt for May 2nd and 3rd

Tarot Reading with the Nuovo Tarocco Ligure Piemontese and Every Day Oracle Vera Sibilla Italiana

A part of my life I’ve been taking for granted

Casa, I’ll Diavolo, Falsita

Your ability to read those around you, and in doing so suss out lies and deceit both in yourself and in others.

You don’t allow dishonesty to stand, but instead use the stability of what you feel is “right” to test the waters and reveal what isn’t. This means that deception is often easy for you to identify as it doesn’t “feel” stable to you.

What brings me genuine joy lately

L’Amante, La Stella, Allegrezza al cuore

Enjoying old pastimes with Gideon. It lifts your spirits, and gives you a touchstone for emotional grounding to spend time in pursuit of these endeavors you share.

Memory lane discussions and writing together allow for you to not just connect with him and feel the comfort of his love and his presence, but give you an emotional boost at the same time.

Other elements included in this reading:
Bird Figurine for Fostering Hope, Positivity, and Renewal
Desert Rose and Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECKS USED: NUOVO TAROCCO LIGURE PIEMONTESE AND EVERY DAY ORACLE VERA SIBILLA ITALIANA

#DiscordTarotholicsMay2026 Challenge
Prompt for May 2nd : How could you benefit from adding more fun into your life?

Tarot Reading with the Old English Tarot

Reading Summary: It would allow you to learn new things (Page of Swords) and explore new passions (Ace of Wands) on your way to becoming the person you want to someday be (Judgement).

Take Away: The self-development in growing into the person that you wish to someday become isn’t just about achieving goals and following one’s moral compass. It’s about learning new things, experiencing life, and exploring the world around us.

By adding more fun into your life, you facilitate these experiences, allowing yourself to have more of them along the way. As a result, you become an even more rounded version of that possible future self.

That doesn’t mean you are being waylayed from this development and growth, but rather that it gives you a more “well rounded” and dynamic result than you would get without inviting more fun into your life.

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

DECK USED:  OLD ENGLISH TAROT
Daily Self Kindness

This is a catch up post, and I’m not entirely sure what the self kindness was for this day.

Gideon’s Challenge – Serenade

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Pelagic Cormorants

Serenade

Let me
sing to you
of my love
from the
rooftops
of skyscrapers
as you listen
to my heart
laid bare
while my soul
breaks into
a song
that is yours
and yours alone

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Moving At a Snail’s Pace

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

•    •    •    ◈    •    🌷    •    ◈    •    •    •

The @GlitterbyInk #MayMoon26 Rise Root Return Challenge
As Above Prompt for May : 
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Moondust Tarot - Page of Pentacles

Today’s draw is the Page of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of a receptive “omega” energy in the area of one’s finances, resources, health, labors, home life, and manifestations. This often translates into themes that have to do with work apprenticeships and learning a new ability or skill.

Slow is not stuck. Just because we’re moving slow, sometimes it can feel like we’ve fallen into stagnancy; a snail’s place sometimes feeling like we’re not moving at all.

The truth is, though, that if we pay attention to what’s going on, and take the time to acknowledge even our smallest of wins, we’ll see that we are not actually standing still at all.

The message in today’s Page of Pentacles, combined with the “stillness“ prompt, is that even when we feel we are standing still and stuck in stagnancy, we can sometimes create a sense of movement to hold on to by acknowledging our small wins and accomplishments.

Even the little things are still movement, after all.

DECK USED:  MOONDUST TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsMay2026 Challenge
Prompt for May 1st : Do the May Day Spread 

May Day Tarot Reading with the Next World Tarot Pocket Edition

Dandelion: How can I use my inner strength to help me in healing old wounds?

Five of Swords – Look at who’s really winning now. They may have been tough on you then, but that only helped you find a better place in the future than the one you were in at the time. Acknowledge that you survived these times when you weren’t coming out on top, and how far you’ve come from that person you used to be into the person you are now.

Bees: Where could I put in more effort to help my community?

Knight of Cups – Show them how you feel about them and how grateful you are to have them in your life by sharing your imagination and creative ideas with them. It’s in sharing your creative spark that the true love you hold in your heart comes through.

Garnet – What do I need in order to foster a greater sense of self-empowerment?

Three of Wands – Direction and movement. It’s not enough to have a plan, you have to actually be moving in order for that plan to mean anything. It’s in the movement where empowerment comes from, for with movement comes momentum, growth, and eventually, success.

Swallow: Where do I need to more openly display my love and loyalty to others?

Three of Pentacles – Involve others in your efforts and ideas instead of trying to do it on your own. Invite them to share their perspectives, and lend their own skills to your endeavors, so that you’re not the only one contributing to the whole.

Malachite: How can I better use intention to bolster the abundance in my life moving forward?

The Fool Rx – Don’t just wing it.

Winging it is all well and good when it’s all fun and games. But, you actually need a plan when it’s something serious that you want to accomplish.

If you really want to grow abundance in your life, you need to have a plan. In the Swallow question above, the cards speak of motion, but it also speaks of having a direction to move in… and that is true here as well.

Motion without direction gets you nowhere but going in circles.

Goat: How can i best overcome obstacles before me at this time?

Knight of Wands – Put some “oomph” into your efforts. Drumming up enthusiasm isn’t always easy, but it’s what greases the wheels and really gets the ball rolling. Work on finding that enthusiasm and using it to motivate and thus propel you forward.

Primrose: How can I add more of the exuberance of young love into my life?

Knight of Swords – Take time for it. It’s not enough to want it, or be enthusiastic about it. You have to actually take the time to enjoy it as well. Otherwise, what’s the point?

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Purple Heather Sprigs for Independence and Luck
Japanese Cherry Leaf as a Reminder of Life’s Fleeting Moments
Dried Rhododendron Leaves for Fostering Confidence
Bird Figurine for Fostering Hope, Positivity, and Renewal
Carnelian Agate Mushroom for Focusing On Aspirations
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: NEXT WORLD TAROT POCKET EDITION

@ambitiouslyalexa May Journal Prompts
Prompt for May 1st : What is actually going well right now?

Tarot Reading with the Moondust Tarot

Reading Summary: By allowing yourself to dig in the dirt (Eight of Pentacles) and work on a possible plan for a new idea in your garden (Knight of Wands) next year, you are beginning to pull yourself out of the slump you’ve been experiencing of late (Knight of Swords).

Take Away: In taking the time to work on your balcony garden, you’ve sparked interest in caring for it through the summer months as well as the interest in trying something new out there in the future.

Continue with your planning, and with caring for those living things growing on your balcony. In both cases, by allowing your interest to stay kindled instead of dwindling out, you’re breathing new life into the creative spark you’ve been struggling with over the past few months. At the same time, you’re working on something that doesn’t just catch your interest, but that you find familiar and comforting… sans stagnancy that a lot of other comforting and familiar things tend to cause for you.

Other elements included in this reading:
Pressed Pansy Flowers for Hearing the Heart More Clearly
Mushroom Token for Encouraging Growth
Dried Rosebuds for Potential and Beauty Waiting to Unfold
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: MOONDUST TAROT
Daily Self Kindness

This is a catch up post, and I’m not entirely sure what the self kindness was for this day.