Run Away, or Stay

/ Twist the Leaf / Leave a comment

Today’s meditation was skipped.

•    •    •    ◈    •    🕯️    •    ◈    •    •    •

The @GlitterbyInk #FebYOUary26 Moments & Memories Challenge
Prompt for February 17th : Forgive
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

The Medieval Scapini Tarot - Six of Swords

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.

Walking away isn’t always the answer. Sometimes the work has to be done staying right where you’re at.

It can be really easy to get into the habit of running away from one’s problems. And to be fair, sometimes that is the best answer (as recently discussed in the card of the day pull on the 14th).

The problem is that that when it becomes a habit that we repeat again and again, we end up running away from our problems not because it’s the best answer, but because it appears to be the easiest answer or the least scary solution.

The thing is, though, that that isn’t always the best answer. Easy isn’t always our best choice. Take the imagery on this card, for example. The man has clearly fallen off his horse; is the answer to kill the horse? No. It’s to pick your ass up off the ground and try again, or perhaps give the horse some more training so that you don’t end up in the same situation again… you know, if it wasn’t user error in the first place, that is.

The message in today’s Six of Swords combined with the “forgive” prompt is a reminder that we have to stay and fight for the things that we want sometimes. Yes, there are untenable situations where walking away is the only option available. This is especially true in abusive situations or situations that are unhealthy for us. There are just as many situations, though, where staying to forgive and work things out can be the better choice… especially if both sides are willing to put in the effort.

DECKS USED: THE MEDIEVAL SCAPINI TAROT

@ambitiouslyalexa’s February Journal Prompts
Prompt for February 17th

Tarot Reading with the Soprafino Dellarocca and the Love Oracle of Eden

What I’m learning to trust myself about

Four of Cups atop Four of Wands; Openness – When it’s time to reach out and connect with others, and when it’s time to spend time relaxing alone. A lot of this has to do with learning how to understand when it’s safe and comfortable to be open with others, and understanding when it’s better to keep to yourself and take a breath.

It used to be that you spent all of your time closed off, and even those close to you weren’t allowed to really be all that close. Over time you’re learning how to allow yourself to be open more and discern when it’s better to step back for a bit.

How I can better connect with that trust

Seven of Coins and Explore – You learned to trust by doing. The more experience you gain through exploration and experience, the more you are able to trust yourself to identify the healthy path for you in the moment when making these types of decisions.

Other elements included in this reading:
Gneiss Stone for Patience in Moments of Discomfort
Mookaite for Help with Weighing One’s Options
Carved Rhyolite Leaf for Facilitating Calm Transitions
Green Aventurine for Harmony and Balance of the Heart
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: SOPRAFINO DELLAROCCA AND LOVE ORACLE OF EDEN

#DiscordTarotholicsFeb2026 Challenge
Prompt for February 17th : Something to look forward to.

Tarot Reading with The Medieval Scapini Tarot

Reading Summary – You may always be an introvert (the man’s arms are crossed in the Three of Coins, and that he’s looking decidedly grumpy), but there’s a lot to be said for the time you spend with others both in work (Three of Coins) and play (Three of Cups); not to mention the inspiration that they provide you through their presence in your life… and the inspiration that you provide them in turn (Queen of Wands).

Take Away – Stop automatically dreading social time with others. By anticipating it won’t be enjoyable, you put a pall over the experience. It tinges your time spent with others.

You could be enjoying this time more by letting go of your resistance and expectations. Even more so if you put an effort into looking forward to these times with others.

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

DECKS USED: THE MEDIEVAL SCAPINI TAROT
Daily Self Kindness

Two words… Häagen-Dazs 😋

Gideon’s Challenge – All for You

/ Twist the Leaf / Leave a comment

All for You

Touch me
gently
nice and slow
until I burn
white hot
beneath
your hands
and the glide
of lips
upon
warm skin
claim me yours
again

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Building Wisdom

/ Twist the Leaf / Leave a comment

Today’s meditation was a twelve minute long self-directed session that used the quiet tick of the ceiling fan as a focus.

•    •    •    ◈    •    🕯️    •    ◈    •    •    •

The @GlitterbyInk #FebYOUary26 Moments & Memories Challenge
Prompt for February 16th : Wisdom
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

The Little Light Tarot - Temperance

Today’s draw is the Temperance card, which is traditionally a representation of moderation, balance, slowing down, practicing patience, and can at times represent a connection between the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.

There’s truth in the adage that “only fools rush in”. They wrote a whole song about it, in fact (although I’m pretty sure that song is about love in particular). That’s because wisdom takes a modicum of moderation. After all, it takes time to think things through and weigh the different aspects and choices involved in a situation.

When we just rush forward to solve something, we don’t give ourselves time to weigh all the aspects involved and choices that are available to us. We’re just reacting.

The message in today’s Temperance card and the “wisdom” prompt is a reminder that wisdom comes from growth. It’s not fast, and the situations requiring wisdom are not the sort of things that you can instantly resolve or immediately fix. True wisdom takes growth through contemplation, and contemplation takes time.

DECKS USED: THE LITTLE LIGHT TAROT

@ambitiouslyalexa’s February Journal Prompts
Prompt for February 16th

Tarot Reading with the Modern Hue Tarot and FATUM GM Oracle

How I handle disappointment

Sea atop Kill Someone; The Emperor – You handle disappointment with emotional turmoil that has the tendency to turn into something that hurts others and damages relationships.

The bigger the repercussion that come in the aftermath of these moments demonstrates to you the level of emotional reaction you had to the disappointment you were experiencing.

This is often how relationships end for you, and how people end up unceremoniously cut out of your life. You reach the end of your rope, you tell them about themselves, then remove them from your life without further consultation.

There are a lot of stages, steps, and second chances that lead up to this, but this describes the last rattling breath of life in a relationship with someone that manages to disappoint you to the point of letting go.

How I can better handle disappointment

Ally Help atop Construction; Two of Wands – Instead of living purely in the present moment of the disappointment in the emotions it has elicited, consult on the situation with others that you trust to have your best interests at heart, and have them help you to incorporate into your response where you want things to go. Their council can help you in building better responses to disappointment that can then turn into healthier habits in this area over time.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Rhododendron Leaf for Fostering Confidence
Foraged Acorns for Protection during New Beginnings
Mookaite for Help with Weighing One’s Options
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: MODERN HUE TAROT AND FATUM GM ORACLE

#DiscordTarotholicsFeb2026 Challenge
Prompt for February 16th : What do you need to focus on for self-care for this month’s new moon?

Tarot Reading with The Little Light Tarot

Reading Summary – Make decisions (Two of Swords) to lead yourself towards (figure in Two of Swords is looking towards the right/future and Ten of Cups) what makes you happy (Ten of Cups), and then go for it. No hesitation (Eight of Wands).

Take Away – Stop hesitating to act when you identify something that has the potential to make you happy. This isn’t about your aspirations toward stability or your dedication to your responsibilities.

It’s about joy, happiness, and enjoying things just because you enjoy them or like them. Stop putting these things off in deference to all those other things you need to do.

Your happiness is important and should belong in the “needs” category, instead of a “want” that can be continually shoved off and ignored for other things.

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
Rose Quartz for Gentle Kindness to Self and Others
Desert Rose for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: THE LITTLE LIGHT TAROT

Crossroads Daily Topic Question for February 15, 2026
Topic: Shadow Work

Tarot Reading with the Modern Hue Tarot

What is a lie you tell yourself?

The Chariot and Strength – Telling yourself that powering through obstacles and setbacks with determination and a hard focus on your goals, which causes you ignore your needs in order to get to where you’re going, makes you stronger.

How is it holding you back?

Empress and Seven of Wands – This behavior puts your needs in the back seat (or trunk, for that matter), which causes you to be unable to reach for the self-nurturing you need when you need it.

As a result, neglect becomes a pattern that breaks you down over time, as you’re too busy seeing these needs as another obstacle in your way that has to be battled and overcome.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Red Maple Leaf for Adaptability and Connection
Bird Figurine for Fostering Hope, Positivity, and Renewal
Gneiss Stone for Patience in Moments of Discomfort
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: MODERN HUE TAROT
Daily Self Kindness

I did a little research into Matrix/Element… but might have allowed myself to sort of (at least for now) give up when it became confusing.

🌑 New Moon & Solar Eclipse in Aquarius- February 2026

/ Twist the Leaf / Leave a comment

Tomorrow is the new moon, and like all new moons and full moons, I did a spread aligned to the moon’s current themes as a part of my recognition of the moon’s cycle and influences upon us. Today’s spread is courtesy of @moonlightandmindfulness

New Moon in Aquarius Tarot Reading with the Honey & Lavender Tarot

Do some creative problem-solving & keep your heart open to paths you didn’t plan on taking – Life may throw something unexpected your way. How can you connect with putting your trust in the process?

Strength – Keep quiet and watch over what matters most to you. You don’t have to say anything. You don’t have to do anything. At this time, just being a silent witness will be enough to ensure safety and security.

This is innovative, rebellious, & visionary energy encouraging fresh starts and personal freedom. What can you do to make it easier on yourself to set open-ended intentions that aren’t so specific or rigid?

Seven of Swords – Look further into the future than the present moment and current experience. Open-ended intentions without a rigid definition are easier to make when they are connected to something further in the future than just tomorrow. Start with these long-term type of perspectives when seeking to set open-ended intentions, and then you can start working into closer and more present goals and intentions as the practice becomes more familiar and comfortable.

You may be guided towards unexpected experiences that support growth, even if the full picture is still unclear. How can you hold trust that it’s all designed to align you with a deeper authenticity

The Star – Your optimism practices are important. You need to keep it up even when you aren’t really feeling it. Fostering hope sometimes takes more effort and time than you might anticipate, but it’s worth it. It allows you to add a more positive outlook to life in general, and that then begins to permeate through the darker spaces in your head even without you realizing it.

This is a perfect time to connect, collaborate, & make bold moves for social change. In what ways can you carry this energy forward into working with your community?

Two of Wands – Keep an eye on feedback from others as to where they want to go as a community. It’s not all about you and what you want. At the same time? It is about how much you can handle, so don’t take on more than you can chew just because a minority tries to take advantage of your willingness to please.

Uranus, the planet of change, is active, so expect the unexpected. How can you use this time to break free from outdated patterns & beliefs that no longer serve you?

Page of Pentacles – Stay open to learning new things, new skills, and new methods. A lot of times, the learning experience helps you work through changes and transitions without you even realizing what’s happening. It can just gradually shift you from one pattern to another a little at a time.

Eclipses are said to open new pathways & powerful new beginnings. In what way can you use this eclipse’s spirit of reinvention to close off old timelines and open new ones?

Five of Pentacles – Look at where your hardships lie, and use this time during the New Moon and its accompanying eclipse to ask for help in turning these hardships around into something healthier and more in-line with your wants and needs.

New Moon advice from the Minoan Goddess Amalthea.

Page of Wands – Be open to new pathways and experiences. Even in those things you’re an old-hand in, there’s new aspects to be explored as long as you stay open to it.

Other elements included in this reading:
Goat Figure as Sympathetic Representation of Amalthea
Japanese Cherry Leaf as a Reminder of Life’s Fleeting Moments
Foraged Acorns for Protection during New Beginnings
Gneiss Stone for Patience in Moments of Discomfort
Rose Quartz for Gentle Kindness to Self and Others
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: HONEY & LAVENDER TAROT

Gideon’s Challenge – A Moment

/ Twist the Leaf / Leave a comment

A Moment

pause
for a moment
to listen
to the quiet
and just
be
without
interruption
or thoughts
intruding
a moment
to breathe
nothing less
and
nothing more

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Not Just Words

/ Twist the Leaf / Leave a comment

Today’s meditation was a ten minute long self-guided session visualizing a college-ruled notebook flipping through blank pages.

•    •    •    ◈    •    🕯️    •    ◈    •    •    •

The @GlitterbyInk #FebYOUary26 Moments & Memories Challenge
Prompt for February 15th : Becoming
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Tezuka Tarot - King of Swords

Today’s draw is the King of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of a projective “alpha” energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s thoughts, intellect, education, ambitions, and communication. This often translates into themes that have to do with someone that has a way with words and is able to use those skills to lead others to their way of thinking, as well as those that are in authority on intellectual topics such as professors, doctors, etc.

Take care how deep you cut with your words.

An important part of being a good leader is taking responsibility for the care of those under your stewardship. Too often, constructive criticism and moments of impatience can turn into abuse if you aren’t careful with what you say and how you say it.

Communicating from a place of authority can be tricky. The message in today’s King of Swords and the “becoming” card is a reminder that to become a good leader and sustain positive partnerships, it’s important to watch your tongue.

Words aren’t just words. Words hurt. It’s up to the one in the power position to not just recognize that, but also take care that the words they use, and the tone they deliver them in, don’t slip into unhealthy communication that could be harmful to others.

DECKS USED: TEZUKA TAROT

@ambitiouslyalexa’s February Journal Prompts
Prompt for February 15th

Tarot Reading with the Raincoast Tarot Borderless Edition

What I want love to feel like

Five of Cups Rx, Knight of Pentacles, Page of Cups – You have a tendency to want (and occasionally even expect) love to feel hopeful and encouraging, slow and stable, with a spark of imagination. A safe place to feel your emotions and share them with others where they (and you) will be supported.

What love actually feels like

Page of Pentacles and Page of Wands – Because our lives are constantly changing, so is love. This means we are always learning and always adapting where love is concerned.

Love is a continuous learning journey where you are blindfolded and then asked to pick out where stability lies and what will make you happy. This “beginners mind” type of mentality means that it’s a journey of discovery… every single day.

Take Away : I don’t feel like these two aspects (between what it feels like and what it is) are mutually exclusive. What I was expecting when I was pulling the cards was that I would get some sort of a contrast between the two perspectives. Instead, it’s more like one expands upon the other.

Other elements included in this reading:
Holy Leaves for fostering Strength, Endurance, and Boundaries
Orange Aventurine Leaves for Pause and Reflection
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: RAINCOAST TAROT BORDERLESS EDITION

#DiscordTarotholicsFeb2026 Challenge
Prompt for February 15th : Do Spread 2
@de_tarotjuf’s Love Is All We Need Challenge
#detarotjuffebruaritarotchallenge
Prompt for February 15th : What shadow side of myself can emerge in relationships, and should I be mindful of it?

Tarot Reading with the Tezuka Tarot

Reading Summary – The figure in the Seven of Swords appears to be looking up at the harlequin in the Anchor Card and her jackals, the wink speaking of being in cahoots with each other.

The figure in the Anchor Card and the figure in the Queen of Cups appear to be displaying a polar opposite. Sort of like looking in a mirror or a reflection in a pond to see yourself as someone else entirely.

The laughing jackals in the Anchor Card and the animal in the Nine of Swords all have their mouths open, indicating the yapping of fears in one’s ear until you can’t hear anything else.

There’s a lot of laughter in the Anchor Card (imbalanced as it is). The combination of that manic laughter combined with the Nine of Swords speak of fears, anxieties, and inappropriate reactions. Then joined by the Seven of Swords, there’s a message here about the theft of one’s emotional stability when fear gets involved.

Take Away – You have an emotional imbalance. It’s not just that you’re sad sometimes or struggle to experience joy. It’s not just that you’re an emotional person on the inside where you try to hide it (out of fear) from others. Rather, it is a clinical condition that makes it hard for you to invest yourself as much as you or your partner would like during times when that imbalance is at its greatest.

Yes, this is absolutely something with which to be aware of (note the Queen of Cups listening to the shell), as well as something to share with your partner. This way the two of you can be on tap with what is going on, and understand that the fluctuations in your attention are not due to lack of interest, but simply a part of your (sometimes clinical level) imbalance.

In other words, your mental health challenges are the shadow in question here. They can steal your joy and diminish your attention from time to time, as well as your capacity to feel pleasure and joy. As a result, they can and do have an influence on your relationship. Both of you being aware of this issue allows you to both work at mitigating the negative influences these challenges can create in your relationship.

Other elements included in this reading:
Deodar Cedar Ceramic Impression for Clarity and Spiritual Connection
Rose Quartz for Gentle Kindness to Self and Others

DECKS USED: GALLERY IN A BOX UNMENTIONABLES AND TEZUKA TAROT
Daily Self Kindness

I didn’t fill my afternoon with another shift of work today, but instead took the afternoon off.