Month: May 2020

Weekly Creativity Prompt – Ghost Story

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Draw up to three cards and use them as a guide in depicting and/or
describing a day in the life of a ghost.

Alis Luminis Playing Cards

A Saturday with Father Andrew

Father Andrew couldn’t leave.  The church and his flock was his life, and he could not abandon them, even in death.   And so the father lingered in the church, watching his flock as the children grew and the elderly passed on.  He watched over the new priest that took his place, and the new priest after that as well.

Things change, plans change… but his flock continues to live on through the generations that came before, and now Father Andrew spends his days sitting with the grandchildren and great grandchildren of his flock.

On this Saturday morning, he stands with his predecessor at the altar.  The tall ghost lingers in the background, close enough to the young priest’s back to look over the man’s shoulder at the book lying open in the man’s hand.

Before them stands two young women, and as vows are spoken he glows with pride behind the living priest.  He glows with pride because the great grand-daughter of his brother’s wife is about to marry the love of her life… and he gets to be there to oversee the service. (Jack of Hearts)

Later in the day after the wedding party has moved on to celebrate the sacred union of love and commitment, those that come in next are tortured with guilt and struggle with the weight of the world upon their shoulders.  He joins these decedents of his flock in this as well.  He sits with them in the little booth, as they confess their sins to the priest on the other side of the divide.  Sits quietly to listen to their struggles and the trials of their life, he listens to the good and the bad and even the ugly with silent empathy. (Three of Spades).

In the evening after the confessionals are quiet and the chapel is empty, he waits. And she comes as she has always came… and as he knows she always will. His beloved’s grand daughter comes. Once young and sweet, now bend with age, she comes every Saturday to sit in the front pew and pay respects to her ancestors and the glory of God.  She comes and sits… and he sits with her each visit. Every visit.

Although she thinks she is alone in this time of quiet that fills her heart and soul with the gentle glow of joy and hope, in truth he sits at her side as she gives thanks for all she has had, all she has, and all that she will be blessed with in the days to come. (Nine of Hearts)

DECK USED:  ALIS LUMINIS PLAYING CARDS

The Power of Optimism

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Today’s meditation was attached to the end of my yoga / physio practice, as I was a little short on time today due to obligations to help an employer getting ready to re-open his business.

It was nice and relaxing, and honestly?  The yoga practice went a little more smoothly than I anticipated as well.  Usually I have a little bit more resistance in my hips and ribs when it comes to easing tension in the muscles.   Today, however, it seemed to ease smoothly in each position after just a deep breath or two.

Forager's Daughter Tarot - Ace of PentaclesToday’s draw is the Ace of Pentacles, which is traditionally interpreted as an indication of new beginnings or new opportunities in the area of one’s finances, resources, manifestations, and the physical world.

This card is essentially the “seed” of the pentacles suit, and is all about potential, just as when you plant a seed within soil that practice is all about the potential that seed has within it.

So much stood out to me today in the imagery of this card, that I got a little overwhelmed with it all and it took me a bit to actually walk back and figure out what stood out to me first.  What first stood out to me in this card when I pulled it this morning was the fruit. Although the apples on this tree are not quite ripe yet, they are plentiful, and the symbolism of apples as a whole is one of abundance.

I see the message of this card to be one of optimism.   When you plant a seed, you never know what is going to happen.  You have to wait.   When you plant a tree from seed?  That wait can be a very, very long one and there are many stages of worry and concern involved from waiting for the sprout, and then caring for that sprout to make sure it survives.

Growing an apple tree from seed takes years and a good deal of care, and yet when it is finally established and matured enough to bear fruit, the prize is sweet.

So the message of optimism has to do with planting the seed… and keeping a positive outlook as you foster that seed into growth.  Whether that seed is better health, starting a savings account in the hopes of creating a substantial sense of security one day, or literally planting seeds to grow your own food. Stay positive, and that positivity will help that seed to become a seedling… and foster that seedling into growth.

DECK USED:  FORAGER’S DAUGHTER TAROT

#TarotForGrowthMay Challenge Prompt
Question: How can I better prioritize my needs without falling into guilt?

Mermaid Tarot

Reading Summary: Remember that everyone has needs, and that’s ok (Judgement). You’re human just like everyone else (Five of Pentacles) and you go through crappy situations, just like everyone else (The Tower).

Take Away:  The message here is that I’m not invincible, nor am I perfect.   I make mistakes like everyone else, and I struggle from time to time, just like everyone else.   It’s okay to need to take care of myself… because if I don’t take care of myself, then I’m of no use to myself, or anyone else either.   Our flaws and our vulnerabilities are a part of what make each and every one of us who and what we are… and along with everything else that makes us human comes the need for self care.

DECK USED:  MERMAID TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsMay2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: Philosophical Question – Is absolute freedom / free will possible?

Cosmos Tarot and OracleIntuitive Interpretation: Freedom is subjective (Sculptor) and is all about how you choose to perceive the world (Libra). A mentality of victimhood will never find freedom (Cepheus).

Take Away:  Wow.  Talk about just “dropping the bomb and walking away”.  *Chuckles*  This makes sense to me, though.  Everyone has a different definition of what “freedom” and/or “free will” actually is.

Those that focus upon the positive and choose a path of optimism are more likely to find their definition of freedom and be happy with it.  Meanwhile, those that choose to linger on the side of negativity and pessimism, on the other hand, will very rarely ever find freedom, because they will always be looking for something more or something different than what is right before them.

I write this as a pessimistic person myself, incidentally.   I work very, very hard for each and every one of my little nuggets of optimism.

DECK USED:  COSMOS TAROT AND ORACLE

#MysticStarChallenge
Question: What should I learn from this time away from my ‘normal life’?

Sun and Moon Tarot

Reading Summary:  How to reign myself in (Prince of Swords) while discarding what isn’t working for me (Eight of Cups) so that I can take better care of myself (Empress).

Take Away:  I’ve said this again and again… and the cards have said it to me again and again… but I push myself too hard.  I know it.  The cards know it.  Pretty much everyone knows it.

The lesson I should learn during this time when “normal life” is  a distant memory and not likely on the horizon for a bit of time to come is that I need to better organize and prioritize my responsibilities, and weed out those that aren’t working for me or no longer resonate with me. By doing this, I free up space in my schedule and my life to better care for myself physically, mentally, and spiritually.

DECK USED:  SUN AND MOON TAROT

 

Finding Meaning In The Ordinary

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Today’s meditation was non-existent today because I spent some time in the hospital instead due to an allergic reaction from a bug bite.   I have no idea what kind of bug it is, but I had no idea that I was allergic to any types of bug.   Still, it was definitely an allergic reaction and… well yeah.  It took up a good portion of my day getting everything under control.  I tried to meditate while in the hospital but god that was just impossible.  At least not in the way that I usually do anyway.  I mean, yes, not all meditation is the same and you can meditate anywhere, but it just wasn’t as… refreshing as I’d have liked.

Forager's Daughter Tarot - The HierophantToday’s draw is the Hierophant card, which traditionally is a representation of tradition and spiritual wisdom shared with others.  It can also be an indication of institutions and conformity to expected norms.

It may be because the Hierophant card is my birth card, but I see the Hierophant a bit differently.  I don’t see institution or conformity. I see a teacher.  I see the energy of guidance and wisdom that is offered out to others.   This perception goes a long quite well with the aspects that stuck out to me in the imagery for this card today, as what really drew my eye today was the Viburnum carlesii in full bloom above, and the toad’s stately posture below.

Viburnum carlessi (Korean Spicebush) is a beautiful plant that is both fragrant and eye-catching.  It shares its celebration of spring with the world through the scent of its blooms, drawing attention to not just the beauty of spring but the freshness of the air and spring’s renewed spark of life upon the world.   The toad’s posture (as opposed to the toad itself) is what drew my eye to the toad.  It has a regal, posture of stillness and watchful patience that makes one think that he sees all and absorbs everything.

Both of these qualities combine to blend into a theme of taking in and absorbing the world around you, as well as finding hidden meaning in those observations.

When you do this, you then come to a place where you can share that meaning with others in a way that allows them to see what you see… and find meaning in the ordinary as well.   I take a great deal of joy in this process, and the message in today’s card is a reminder of just how much enjoyment I get not just from the teaching and guiding of others, but in the listening… seeking… and observing of the world around me, and discovering those hidden meanings for myself.

DECK USED:  FORAGER’S DAUGHTER TAROT

#TarotForGrowthMay Challenge Prompt
Question: How can I use that success to remind myself of my strength?

Dixit v2 Quest Expansion Pack

Reading Summary:  I am protected (Left Card).  I am clever at avoiding obstacles (Center Card).  And I am grounded (Right Card).

Take Away:  I need to remember that in having pulled myself out of that place of destitution, imbalance, and struggle… I have gained the skills needed to help me avoid falling back into that situation again.

I have learned how to protect what is mine and create contingencies for when things go wrong.  I have learned how to think creatively in order to avoid mistakes and obstacles that could be fatal to my plans and goals.  And I have learned how create the solid footing in my finances and my life.

All of these skills are strengths that ensure that I will not fall back into that place of uncertainty again.

DECK USED:  DIXIT V2 QUEST EXPANSION PACK

#DiscordTarotholicsMay2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: Do Spread #3

Embroidered Forest TarotPositive Quality I Have That Others Admire: Introspection and the ability to remain unbiased and level headed.  Although my inner critic is vicious, people admire my ability to be honest with myself beyond just surface platitudes, and my ability to keep those judgements and criticisms self focused instead of turned outward upon the world or others.  My ability to remain unbiased and level headed fosters their trust.

Positive Quality I Wish I Had That I Admire in Others: The ability to be… satisfied, satiated, and feel genuine contentment even when things aren’t at 100%.  I spend so much time pushing myself to do more and do better that I find it extremely difficult to just “sit back” and be content.  This isn’t to say that I’m not grateful for what I have and appreciative of all the positive and wonderful aspects of my life…. only that I still feel the need to always push myself harder regardless.  I admire those that are able to step back and set that drive aside and covet that ability.

Steps I Can Take to Develop That Quality in Myself: It is a conscious choice that  requires letting go of disappointment in myself for doing less. It’s not enough to just “do less” and practice gratitude… but requires actually forgiving myself for being “lazy” and shutting down that inner critic that is the slave driver constantly pushing me in the direction of my ambitions.

Steps to Make My Current Positive Qualities Shine: Instead of creating a feeling of self-doubt and uncertainty within myself, accept that there are times when every positive quality is actually a negative… and every negative quality is actually a positive.  It is about how these qualities are perceived and used (or not used).

DECK USED:  EMBROIDERED FOREST TAROT

#MysticStarChallenge
Question: What do I need to do to incorporate more positivity into my life?

I Tarocchi Visconti Sforza Piccolo

Reading Summary: Tools (Magician). Knowledge (Hierophant). Release (Three of Swords Rx)

Take Away:  Lean into providing guidance and knowledge for others and it increase your sense of satisfaction and optimism as a result.   Honestly?  Sinking into the role of guide for others has become extremely comfortable and pleasurable for me.

Once upon a time I used to do guided hikes in the rainforests near my home and teach others about the earth and the rainforest, the vegetation and the cycles of the forest.  When I lost my voice, this ended and there was a long period where the only sort of “guidance” I provided for others was through helping the farm I work for improve their land, providing advice for customers at the nursery I work(ed) for, and helping friends find a modicum of balance in life.

I mentored students in tarot here and there, but there was a long stretch where even that fell to the wayside.  Then more recently, I began to reach out through the internet into pagan communities and tarot communities.  I began providing perspectives, and at times guidance, for others… and I began teaching again.   Sharing the skills and knowledge that I have has given me so much pleasure…. and has unleashed from within me a sense of well-being that I had been lacking for some time.  The cards here are an indication that this path is a good one for instilling more positivity and optimism into my life on the whole.

DECK USED:  I TAROCCHI VISCONTI SFORZA PICCOLO

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question: How can I say no and be kind?

Light Visions Tarot

Reading Summary:  It’s like ripping off a band-aid (Eight of Wands)… just do it.  But, use patience when confronted with their reaction (Knight of Pentacles) and help guide them toward choosing (The Dancing Lovers) to see the positive side of the rejection (Five of Chalices Rx).

Take Away:  It’s not about saying no or doing it kindly. No is no…. and sugar coating it doesn’t protect anyone, it just waters down the message.  The key to saying no with kindness comes afterward and how you treat the person as they process the rejection.  To do this with kindness, it’s important to not leave them twisting in the wind, but encourage them to see how the rejection could be to their benefit.

DECK USED:  LIGHT VISIONS TAROT

 

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?

The Fountain Tarot, TERRA Oracle, Morning Oracle

Earth – Three of Cups, Hound (Pursuit), Wood Mouse (Focus) – It’s time to bear down a bit more stringently on your spending. The cards indicate that this week you will have the urge to go in pursuit of that “feel good” sensation that purchasing something you’ve become hyper focused on can bring.

Air – Hanged Man, Three of Coins, Komodo (Trust), Gazelle (Momentum) – You may feel the urge to run from experimenting with new skills and abilities this week, but the time is ripe for delving in and taking an in depth exploration.  Instead, trust in yourself and your abilities.

Water – Three of Wands Rx and Meerkat (Altruism) – The urge for generosity is upon you but due to current circumstances, so is the need to take small steps rather than contributing in the larger ways you might normally be prone to.  Don’t let your desire to help others make you careless concerning your own future.

Fire – Hierophant and Yak (Strain) – Put off your lessons until next week.  Although this Wednesday is supposed to be your lesson time, it would be wise to set aside that obligation until next week.  Otherwise you are going to end up feeling overwhelmed and under too much pressure.

Waning – Time – As mentioned in the Fire section of the above reading, you are going to be feeling a bit short on time this week.  This is more perception than reality, and yet that is not going to matter much as it’s perception that is influencing your life  more so than fact while you are in the process of adjusting to that new breadth of emotion.

Waxing – The Letter – Take time to get in touch with reality so that you don’t get carried away by the ethereal realm of emotion and perception.  Write things down and make ideas solid. Use your ability to sort and list to feel out the space and corners, which will allow you to grasp the difference between fact vs fiction during this confusing time.

Take Away – Turn your attention from fleeting moments of pleasure (like spending money) and sink into something more substantial like exploring your creativity.  Things are going to feel a bit disorganized and out of place this week. Ground yourself by using pen and paper to reaffirm reality over perception and emotional response, and it will help you in staying centered and less overwhelmed. For now, continue to take care to keep your generosity in check so that you do not overextend yourself.

DECKS USED: THE FOUNTAIN TAROT, TERRA ORACLE, THE MORNING ORACLE

Found the Ball, Now Get On It

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Today’s meditation was… skipped.  Okay, so I know that it’s Self Care Saturday, but I totally skipped my meditation today. I have no excuse for skipping other than a lack of enthusiasm. I think it was a bad idea, though, as I’ve found myself dealing with being cranky and having a bit of anxiety all day long.  I will make sure to meditate when I go to bed, though.  I’ll probably fall asleep in the middle of it, but it’s better than nothing.

Maruco Animal Tarot - Five of PentaclesToday’s draw is the Five of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of tests, trials, and struggle in the area of one’s finances, resources, health, manifestations, and other aspects of the physical world.

What really stands out to me in the imagery of this card today is the snow. The two critters move through not just heavy snowfall, but what looks to be a blinding blizzard.  Meanwhile, light glows from the window just behind them… but the question is, are they ignoring it?  Or is it possible that they just can’t see it at the moment?

The blizzard like conditions represented in this card speak to me of a need to look within for help rather than searching outside yourself.   If you simply can’t see the help available to you due to elements beyond your control, perhaps it’s time to do a little soul searching on how you can help yourself.

I need to get my taxes prepared and done.  I can’t take everything to the accountant until I do my part of things first.

DECK USED:  MARUCO ANIMAL TAROT

#TarotForGrowthMay Challenge Prompt
Question: What obstacle have I overcome that deserves to be highlighted?

Tarot of the 78 Doors

Reading Summary: Finding a way to move forward and on to a better place in my life (Six of Swords) after changes came about (Death) that created a lack of security and feelings of instability (King of Pentacles Rx).

Take Away:  This is about moving out of my parents home. When I first emancipated from my parents home, the support system that I had used to get legal independence at such an early age fell through and I spent some time homeless and even more time living in a state of financial uncertainty that made everything I valued feel constantly at risk… including my life. I overcame that obstacle.  I finished school and put myself (almost) all the way through uni.  I worked hard and signed a mortgage and found a level of financial security and stability in my home.   This is a monumental feat that I really don’t give myself all that much credit for most of the time.

DECK USED:  TAROT OF THE 78 DOORS

#DiscordTarotholicsMay2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: What am I ignoring that needs to be dealt with?

Mystical Manga TarotReading Summary:  I need to take control (King of Coins) and get my responsibilities balanced and organized (Ace of Coins under Two of Coins) so that I can better prepare for the continued ups and downs this year has in store for me (Wheel of Fortune).

Take Away:  My lack of stability and balance in my responsibilities is forcing me to miss out on positive opportunities.  It’s time to get my shit together and get done what needs done so the bit of extra space the cards have been telling me to make on my plate can be created. The Wheel of Fortune is my card for the year, and its presence here is both a representation of the ups and downs that have passed and are still before me… as well as the year as a whole.

DECK USED:  MYSTIC MANGA TAROT