Gratitude
autumn arrives
in splashes of color
that tumble down
from branches
and dance
among
the green grass
buffeted
by breezes
with a nip
that chills fingertips
and noses
for the first time
in months
Gideon’s Challenge – Gratitude
The Potential in Endings
Today’s meditation was a ten minute DailyTrip session from the @Calm.
• • • ◈ • 🎃 • ◈ • • •
The @GlitterbyInk #OctoberAlchemy26 Challenge
Burn Prompt for October 6th : Transform
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.
Today’s draw is the Death card, which is traditionally a representation of gradual organic changes, loss, slow moving transitions, and letting go.
People who are not educated in tarot (and even sometimes those who are and know better) often have a very visceral reaction to seeing the Death card.
Yes, the Death card is about endings, but it’s extremely rare its appearance is a prediction of literal loss of life. In most cases, it means the eventual organic end to something. Like the completion of Hamlet sans intermissions after realizing you’ve been sitting so long your ass has gone numb. And like this hypothetical theater production, these endings come with them opportunity (such as with our example… getting up and walking around, and getting fresh air).
Sometimes endings give us small opportunities, like mentioned above. Sometimes these endings are transformational, such as graduation from high school or college. There’s always opportunity, though, as long as you’re looking for it.
The message in today’s Death card and Transform prompt is a reminder to look for the opportunities that endings offer you. Don’t get so wrapped up in the ending itself that you forget to look beyond it.
DECK USED: TAROT OF SATAN
October Spooky Season Challenge by @MercuryTarot
Prompt for October 4th and 5th
What role do I play at a party?
Mask, Metamorphosis, Clover
You tend to be a responsible guest, adapting and changing roles as needed to ensure things go off without a hitch. Sometimes that means standing back and watching, other times it can mean stepping in to help in some way.
You tend to look for the hitches and hiccups, and make sure things like that get smoothed over instead of letting them spiral out of control or become a problem.
Are my values more modern or traditional?
Mouse, West, Tower
You tend to take things (including values and other traditional themes) and change them, making them your own rather to conforming to what others expect from you.
That said, there is a traditional bent to your values, even if it doesn’t always look like it from the outside. This inner core of tradition isn’t about other’s teachings or societal expectations, though, but rather about what feels right to you.
Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Parmeliaceae Lichen for a “Breath of Fresh Air”
DECK USED: COSMIC BUTCHER’S WALK THROUGH THE ETERNAL GARDENS ORACLE & LENORMAND
October Prompts by @forgotten.dumpling & @ml.mecham
Prompt for October 6th : dirt beneath my fingernails
chaos rages wild in a cacophony in my brain
emotions out of control and thoughts driving me insane
(Eight of Clubs atop Five of Clubs; Three of Spades)
until all I want to do is make it all stop
and salty tears escape to fall like raindrops
(Ten of Clubs and Five of Hearts)
this is when I step outside with bare feet to dirt
and dig fingers and toes into soil to release the hurt
(Three of Clubs and King of Diamonds)
threads of energy digging deep to tangle up with roots
so I can ground in peace and seek out the truth
(Queen of Diamonds atop Four of Spades; Jack of Spades)
Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Parmeliaceae Lichen for a “Breath of Fresh Air”
Oregon White Oak Leaf for Strength, Stability, and Longevity
Foraged Oak Branch with Moss and Lichen for Perseverance
Dried Red Maple Leaf for Adaptability and Connection
Clear Quartz for boosting Mental Clarity
Rose Quartz for Gentle Kindness to Self and Others
Desert Rose for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy
DECK USED: INFERNO PLAYING CARDS
@owlandbonestarot #OctoberinBetween Challenge
Prompts for October 6th
Engage – The Moon Rx – Make sure that you are engaging in those things that hold a bit of certainty for you.
You need an extra bit of that certainty right now to ensure that your imagination isn’t running amok, so make sure you are connecting with and participating in those things that help you feel the stability under your feet.
Retreat – Knight of Wands – The above includes when you are going after your passion pursuits.
Don’t allow your enthusiasm talk you into something that doesn’t show a clear reward from the onset. Now is not the time to be jumping in blindly or taking risks.
Save your desire to experiment and try new things for later on when you’re feeling more stable and surefooted.
Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Rosebuds for Potential and Beauty Waiting to Unfold
Chestnut for Bolstering the Sacred Masculine Within
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy
DECK USED: TAROT OF SATAN
I did a good deal of sleeping today. I feel like I’m struggling to get back on even keel after too much people time.
Gideon’s Challenge – Need a Moment
Need a Moment
don’t open your mouth
and spout lies
as sunlight glitters
like diamonds
upon the sea
but just stand there
quietly
and let me
have a moment
of peace
where no one
and nothing
will be demanded
of me
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Don’t Stall Out; Keep Moving
Today’s meditation was a ten minute self-guided session based on an affirmation card that says “You are a whole person. You are complete.”
• • • ◈ • 🎃 • ◈ • • •
The @GlitterbyInk #OctoberAlchemy26 Challenge
Burn Prompt for October 5th : Reclaim
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.
Today’s draw is The Tower card, which is traditionally a representation of sudden change, chaotic transformation, destruction, and the tearing down of something within one’s life or beliefs that leaves room for something new to take its place.
When things fall apart, which they inevitably always do, it’s important not to spend too much time in the grip of panic or grief.
Instead, we need to pull ourselves out of our emotional response and begin the plan to rebuild.
Spending too much time in surprise, panic, or grief holds us back from recovering from the blow that has been dealt. If we want to reclaim what we have lost and build something better on that land that has been stripped down to bare, then we need to get in gear and start moving instead of sitting and staring at the devastation that was wrought.
The message in today’s Tower card and Reclaim prompt is a reminder that although grief has its place, as well as stunned moments of silence, it’s only when we move to rebuild that we are able to reclaim the momentum we had prior to the chaos and destruction we’ve faced.
DECK USED: PERFECT ORGANISM TAROT AND TWIST’S HALLOWEEN AFFIRMATIONS DECK
#DiscordTarotholicsOct2026 Challenge
Prompt for October 5th and 6th
Zombies: What new opportunities are rising up at this time?
Spider Shrooms On the Hunt
Pay attention to those that appear to be trying to control you through manipulation. If you feel like you’re being jerked around, there’s a very good chance that’s exactly what’s happening. These particular situations offer you an opportunity you wouldn’t otherwise have.
Creaky Hinge: What doors need opened to allow these opportunities to enter?
King of the Hippies Hoping the Newfangled Treatment Works
You will have the opportunity to turn the tables on those that are attempting manipulation, but only if you are paying attention so that you know what’s going on with a clear head and strategy at the fore in your mind.
Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Parmeliaceae Lichen for a “Breath of Fresh Air”
Clear Quartz for boosting Mental Clarity
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy
DECK USED: CREATURES OUT OF THE SUBCONSCIOUS CARDS CHIPBOARD EDITION
October Prompts by @forgotten.dumpling & @ml.mecham
Prompt for October 4th and 5th : hungry wolves eat anything / feed me truth
I don’t want to hear
pretty words and half truths
(Jack of Hearts)
nor listen to you lie to yourself
(Jack of Clubs)
for these fictional stories have no “juice”
no nutritional value to dispense
(Three of Spades)
I want you to feed me the truth
that’s not built but is always there
(King of Diamonds)
threaded beneath the lies
and steady beyond compare
(Ace of Diamonds)
Other elements included in this reading:
Pressed Pansy Flower for Hearing the Heart More Clearly
Black Tourmaline for Grounding and Protection
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy
DECK USED: COUNT CHOCULA PLAYING CARDS
@owlandbonestarot #OctoberinBetween Challenge
Prompts for October 5th
Less – Queen of Ampules Rx – Stop being so hard on yourself. Emotional self abuse is not the answer.
From the treatment you experienced within your youth, you know that emotional abuse doesn’t motivate nor solve anything. Nor does it beat perceived flaws into submission or make anything better.
More – Knight of Flutes – Invite more enthusiasm and play into your life. It will play into your strengths and allow you to set this type of self abuse aside.
Diving into the things that interest you and becoming inspired by them keeps you from wanting or needing that harsh “guidance” that isn’t guidance at all.
Other elements included in this reading:
Oregon White Oak Leaf for Strength, Stability, and Longevity
Rose Quartz for Gentle Kindness to Self and Others
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy
DECK USED: PERFECT ORGANISM TAROT
I took today off to recover from my “vacation”. This was planned into my schedule to make sure I could bounce back, and it was glorious sleeping in this morning.
Gideon’s Challenge – Too Tired
Too Tired
frazzled
and disjointed
I wait with
bated breath
for the clock
to hit end of shift
and my replacement
to step through
the door
as all I want
today
right now
is a nap
upon the floor
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Following the Spark
Today’s meditation was a ten minute self-guided session based on an affirmation card that says, “Depression lies. There is no circumstance that’s unchangeable. There is no situation that is ever hopeless.”
• • • ◈ • 🎃 • ◈ • • •
The @GlitterbyInk #OctoberAlchemy26 Challenge
Burn Prompt for October 4th : Ignite
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.
Today’s draw is the Ace of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of the seed of new beginnings and new opportunities in the areas of one’s finances, resources, health, labors, manifestations, and the physical world.
New opportunities come and go at lightning speed. There will always be another opportunity coming along the line when you pass one up and allow it to pass you by.
The key to choosing what opportunities you decide to partake in resides within. When an opportunity ignites something within your soul, sparking your interest, curiosity, or ambition… that is when you’ve found an opportunity worth pursuing.
The message in today’s Ace of Pentacles and Ignite prompt as a reminder that no one can seize every opportunity that comes their way. The key to a healthy and happy life is in listening for the inner spark that tells you an opportunity is made just for you and worth pursuing.
DECK USED: SPIRIT OF HALLOWEEN TAROT AND TWIST’S HALLOWEEN AFFIRMATIONS DECK
One Card Tarot Journal Activity by @mariasofia_astro
Chapter 5 | Entry 9 – Health and Body
Affirmation : “I release stressful situations I cannot control.”
Prompt : When you think about what stresses you out mentally or physically, what energy does the card you draw offer for you to tap into when you are starting to feel overwhelmed?
What feelings came up when I pulled this card?
To be fair, I’m not a fan of this particular card in this particular deck. I think because the figure in the card looks quite a bit like my father in my opinion.
For that reason, my first reaction was a touch of disappointment when the card showed up. It was then followed by a sense of rightness when I processed that this card is the Strength card, as I feel that Strength’s themes fit this prompt well.
What elements of the card’s meaning resonate with me and this prompt?
The Strength card is often about inner strength, rather than brawn and force. It speaks of knowing when to play a situation to your advantage rather than trying to push or force things to go the way you want them to go.
Thus, by playing up to our strengths, we are able to come out ahead even in situations where we have no control.
What in the artwork spoke to me?
As mentioned above, the figure in the card reminds me of my deceased father for some reason. I’m not even entirely sure why… perhaps something in the cheekbones and mouth?
The figure is wise and gray, and combined with the snow on the ground, this speaks of a long journey through many changes (autumn leaves).
The earring he wears speaks to me of a vast array of experiences in their past, while the out-held card offers insight. The cane implies to me that while the journey has been long, they continue to be self-sufficient, providing for themselves even now (blueberries in the background).
The figure’s massive eyes feel like they see everything, and yet time and accrued wisdom have given them the inner knowledge and strength to know when to act and when to hold back.
My prompt response and reflections.
When you start to feel overwhelmed, it’s important to tap into that inner strength that keeps you strong and gives you the wisest this course of action, rather than simply laying back and letting things happen to you or fighting against them.
It’s in connecting with your inner strengths that you do neither of these things, but instead adapt to the situation in a way that will allow you to come out on top rather than crushed beneath the wheels of change.
Other elements included in this reading:
Amber Resin D25 and Banded Agate D6 Dice
DECK USED: HALLOWEEN TAROT
#DiscordTarotholicsOct2026 Challenge
Prompt for October 4th : Do Spread 1
Bat – What is ending at this time that needs your awareness and focus?
Building – Like every season around this time of year, when you reach October, it’s time to put away the creative edge to your business and projects, and prepare to be swept up like a leaf in the storm as the holiday season approaches. Make sure that you are finishing up any projects that need to be finished during this time so that you’re ready for the whirlwind to come.
Calendula – Who is a loving constant in your life that needs a bit more recognition?
Will – Remember when you butt heads with J that he’s only speaking up because he cares. He’s not actually trying to be a pain in the ass or make things harder for you, but rather he is trying to make sure that your best interests are being considered and that your well-being and needs are being met.
Owl – What do you need to know right now to trust that you’re on the right path?
Spirit – You are getting more brave when it comes to confronting your fears, but make sure you also continue to protect yourself against them rather than being lackadaisical in that protection and ending up regretting that choice later. For example, don’t put off or skip altogether the bug bombing of your home. It does more good than you realize.
Rosemary – What memory from your past needs revisited to guide you in your future safety?
Courage – Remember that leopards don’t change their spots and vipers don’t blunt their fangs.
You may not remember all the details of why you have cut someone out of your life or now treat them as if they are in need of being held at arms length, but that doesn’t mean that behavior should be changed or is wrong. What it means is that you need some help in revitalizing the memories of that time so that you can reconnect with the reasons why.
Black Cat – Where is conformity more of a risk than independent thought?
Reflextion – Don’t allow the demands for conformity to shift you away from what you know to be true about yourself and your authentic presentation of yourself to others. You do you, and if others have problems with it, remember that those problems belong to them and are not your concern.
Wormwood – While the veil is thin this month, what in your life needs protecting?
Protection – Make sure that you have refreshed your regular wards and protections before the cooler half of the month arrives.
Raven – Where can sating your curiosity lead to the resurrection of something you’ve lost?
Vitality – It is through your curiosity that you connect most strongly to your creative inner spark and the enthusiasm you feel for life. When your curiosity is at a low, these things tend to wane. Look for those little glimmers of curiosity within you in the day-to-day, and you can then find the flames of vitality by following those little sparks.
Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Oak Branch with Moss and Lichen for Perseverance
Calcite for Gently Calming the Mind and Stimulating Insights
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy
DECK USED: CREATURES OF THE MOON STORYTELLING ORACLE
@owlandbonestarot #OctoberinBetween Challenge
Prompts for October 4th
Listen – Five of Cups atop The Empress
Pay attention when your pessimism and negative inner narratives start to affect your self-care.
Speak – Six of Pentacles
Counteract these negative influences towards self-care with an extra amount of generosity towards yourself.
This includes reminding yourself that those inner narratives are liars, and expressing what’s going on to others you love and trust so they can help you in pushing back against those thoughts.
Other elements included in this reading:
Pressed Pansy Flower for Hearing the Heart More Clearly
Oregon White Oak Leaf for Strength, Stability, and Longevity
Rose Quartz for Gentle Kindness to Self and Others
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy
DECK USED: SPIRIT OF HALLOWEEN TAROT
I got up early and went for a walk so I could enjoy a little alone time before we all pile back into the car again.
