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
Gideon’s Challenge – Too Tired
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.
❤️ 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 – Ten of Spirits Rx – Use your indomitable willpower to push through what feels like the end of the line. You are far more a survivor than you realize, and this won’t be the end of the journey.
Air – The High Priestess – They say that it’s mind over matter, but in truth, it is intuition over mind. Don’t let your logical mind talk you out of knowing what you do deep down in your soul. Let your intuition lead and prove your mind wrong again and again until it eventually gets the picture.
Water – Seven of Spirits – Keep your secrets close to the chest this week. If you share too much, you’re going to feel like others have stolen from you, when in actuality you’ve given it away for free.
Fire – Queen of Cats – Put your energy and focus into giving yourself the emotional support you need, and lean into others to help provide what you cannot provide for yourself in this area.
Waning – Garden and Heart – Superficial friendships aren’t going to do you much good this week. Don’t spill your heart to those that don’t have your well-being as a priority.
Waxing – Anchor and Stork – Anchor yourself in good news and celebrate the good stuff that happens as the week unfolds. It will help lift you up when things are feeling low, and help steady you when things are feeling chaotic.
Take Away – Lean into those you trust have your best interest at heart this week and take care that you only confide in those that you trust not to stab you in the back. Even then, take care with what you are sharing with them. Listen to your intuition and stay dogged to your intuition’s voice instead of allowing logic and thought to get in the way and change the answer or stir up confusion.
DECKS USED: THE SPOOKY TAROT AND CROOKED WAY LENORMAND
Gideon’s Challenge – Eagerness
Eagerness
as the sun dips
beneath the horizon
casting
golden rays
upwards
toward the clouds
I eagerly await
my return
to the comfort
and familiarity
of home
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
The Power of Indifference
Today’s meditation was a ten minute self-guided session based on an affirmation card that says “No more beating yourself up. It doesn’t help, and you don’t deserve it.”
• • • ◈ • 🎃 • ◈ • • •
The @GlitterbyInk #OctoberAlchemy26 Challenge
Burn Prompt for October 3rd : Forgive
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 Wands, which is traditionally a representation of the seed, start, or new beginnings in the area of one’s passion projects, inspiration, drive, willpower, and determination. This often translates into themes that have to do with budding new interests and new passion projects.
You know that saying about anger or lack of forgiveness allowing somebody to occupy your mind rent free? It’s true, but what’s even more important is when you consider what them occupying your mind is taking away from you and your experiences.
By allowing them to linger, their presence gets in the way of the joy you could find, the interests that could spark your inspiration, and the curiosities that could ignite your passion.
It’s important to remember that providing forgiveness for someone doesn’t mean that you are forgetting what they have done, nor does it mean that you have to allow them to do it again. It simply means that you are no longer allowing them to take up space in your mind and emotions, and in return, freeing up that space for something better to come in and take its place.
The message in today’s Ace of Wands and Forgive prompt us a reminder that forgiveness is a strength, not a weakness. The opposite of love is not hate… it’s indifference. When you reach a place of forgiveness where you can show the people that have hurt you that you’re indifferent to them, that means they are no longer occupying space within your mind and emotions. Space that could be filled up with better things.
DECK USED: TAROT OF CROSSED DESTINIES
#DiscordTarotholicsOct2026 Challenge
Prompts for October 2nd and 3rd
Haunted: What is currently hanging over you head that needs attention?
Nancy Blows Bubbles and Planned Wallpaper Detail
You haven’t had any instances of pareidolia lately. Remember that, for you, this means that your creative spark is at a low point.
Don’t spend too much time or energy worrying about this, though. Instead, let it be what it is and preoccupy yourself with other things. Your creative spark’s flame will come back full and healthy again when it’s ready.
Crypt: What secrets are you hiding tucked away in the dark?
Geektown Beauty Queen atop That ship Has Sailed
You’re very good at hiding the fact that you are not as confident in your looks as you appear to be. Your inner confidence, once upon a time, did in fact come from your looks.
These days, though, it goes much deeper. Confidence in your looks in particular has faded away with age and the scars life has left upon you, but your confidence in other areas has taken its place.
Rest assured, nobody sees the difference that you.
Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Rosebuds for Potential and Beauty Waiting to Unfold
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: CREATURES OUT OF THE SUBCONSCIOUS BLACK AND WHITE EDITION
October Prompts by @forgotten.dumpling & @ml.mecham
Prompt for October 3rd : follow the laughter
evergreens and fern fronds, salal and sap
the scent of pine needles and cedar bark
greet unshod feet and bare skin
(King of Diamonds)
as I’m welcomed by a mossy bed
and lulled to sleep by forest whispers
while the roots welcome me home
(Jack of Diamonds)
until the dapple of afternoon sun
through leaves kisses my eyelids
and I awake refreshed
(Ace of Clubs)
to an invitation
to race through the woods and frolic
to my heart’s content
(Three of Hearts)
Other elements included in this reading:
Bird Figurine for Encouraging Hope, Positivity, and Renewal
Staghorn Sumac for Connecting with Nature and the Wild Within
Japanese Cherry Leaf as a Reminder of Life’s Fleeting Moments
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy
DECK USED: BICYCLE ZENESCOPE PLAYING CARDS DARK EDITION
@owlandbonestarot #OctoberinBetween Challenge
Prompts for October 3rd
Hold – Seven of Wands – Hold onto your values and let them guide you.
Remember that it doesn’t really matter what others think or feel considering what you prioritize and value. These decisions are made by your inner moral compass, and have nothing to do with them.
Let Go – Justice (tipped) – Let go of your expectation that things are always going to be fair.
It’s okay to feel that that’s how it should be, as long as you’re also willing to understand that sometimes life just doesn’t go that way.
At these times, consider that perhaps there is factors in play that you’re not aware of. The universe seeks balance, thus what appears unfair may actually be a repercussion of some previous experience coming back around again.
Other elements included in this reading:
Turtle Figurine for encouraging Slow and Steady Progress
Foraged Pin Oak Leaf for Strength and Endurance
Botswana Agate for Reducing Stress and Anxiety
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy
DECK USED: THE TAROT OF CROSSED DESTINIES
I remembered to bring along not just my bone conduction headphones, but also a pair of in-ear buds for when I really need to just tune others out. They came in very handy today.
Gideon’s Challenge – Cramped
Cramped
tension comes
in tight quarters
as wheels hum
on pavement
and the feeling
of being
all elbows
comes to life
as space comes
at a premium
that makes me
long for
freedom
