Morning Bonus Read – Vision Check

The prompt for this reading came from one of my Discord servers and is as follows:
Use your preferred divination to ask the following questions. If you’re feeling extra, put the cards or tiles into a fun shape as you draw them.

Jeu de 54 Cartes CarnavalsIn what areas of life is my vision clear?
Eight of Clubs and Eight of Hearts

I know what works for me and what doesn’t, and I’m not afraid to turn away from those things that don’t. My moral compass speaks from my gut and provides me the right path to tread upon.

This card brought about a realization for me that perhaps part of the struggle that I’ve been going through recently with letting go of a few old bad habits is that I’m not following my gut, but instead fighting against it.

In what areas of life is my vision blurry, blocked, or otherwise unclear?
King of Spades and King of Clubs

The desire and passion to steer my business in a certain direction is being blocked by a heavy dose of practicality and logic-based thinking. As much as I want to move things in that direction my brain keeps getting in the way of my creative spark and telling me that it’s not practical and I need to keep things the way that they are.

What factors, if any, are impacting my vision of things close to me?
Five of Spades and Six of Spades

Feeling conflicted about pushing forward along the same path that has always worked for me in the past and made I feel like I am a success. Or setting it aside and trying something else that may be better for me… but may also mean leaving behind the success I have achieved and starting over.

What factors, if any, are impacting my vision of things more distant from my present?

Four of Hearts – My view of the past is blocked by my feelings of the dejection, and a desire to have a stable emotional center that keeps me from looking at the turbulence of the past too closely.

Jack of Hearts – My view of the future is being impacted by my current emotional growth and desire to keep growing as I move forward.

DECK USED:  GRIMAUD’S JEU DE 54 CARTES CARNAVALS

Focus On The Present

Today’s meditation was skipped (again) because today was my driving day, which means that after my shift at the farm I immediately hit the road to drive for about six hours.

Connolly Tarot and Less Anxiety Affirmation TarotToday’s draw is the Chariot card, which is traditionally a representation of willpower and drive set to a purpose, action, and direction.  It’s about seizing control over one’s actions, fate, and destiny.

Today’s cards are calling me out.

The thing is?  I am constantly trying to look ahead, constantly planning, scheming, strategizing, and directing how I want things to go. This control is habitual and some of it has to do with fear of losing control and things going off the rails.  The presence of the Chariot here is a reference to those tendencies.

Combined with the affirmation card for today, the message here is that I need to stop spending so much time trying to control the future, when it’s the present that really matters.

DECK USED:  CONNOLLY TAROT AND LESS ANXIETY AFFIRMATION CARDS

CoffeexTarot’s Self Love For The Summer Prompt
Question
: What gives me clarity?

Secrets of the Mystic Grove OracleReading Summary: Being able to step outside my own perspectives and see things through the eyes of others (Seeing Differently), combined with my ability to ground myself through the earth and find comfort and peace in this process (Rhythms), allows me to see my fears and anxieties in a different light and give me a level of clarity and calm concerning things I would otherwise be blind to (Trust).

Take Away:  Sometimes fears make it impossible for us to see anything besides what we fear the most.  Anxiety narrows our focus and forces us into tunnel vision on those things that trigger us.  These cards indicate that during these times, I have the added benefit of being able to connect with the earth for calm and step out of myself to find perspective, and in doing so, I am able to find more clarity than I would be able to otherwise.

DECK USED:  SECRETS OF THE MYSTIC GROVE ORACLE

#DiscordTarotolicsJun2021 Challenge Prompt
Topic
: About dreams…
Question: how can I get a more restful sleep with less dreams getting in the way of that?

Connolly TarotReading Summary: If you didn’t worry so much and struggle so much (Five of Pentacles) with the new changes taking place (Ace of Cups), then you wouldn’t have so many dreams that involve imbalance and unresolved endings (Two of Pentacles).

Take Away: It’s the balance being askew and a lack of resolution in my dreams that makes me feel so unrested when I wake up. Issues with scarcity, combined with my worries over staying on this new path of self love and emotional growth, are spurring on the dreams in which I’m never quite able to find balance or resolution.

DECK USED:  CONNOLLY TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I had a really nice evening with Gideon, both sharing my haul from the post office as well as in beginning a bit of a date night in play.

Morning Bonus Read

Anne of Green Gables Tarot - The MagicianJune 14 – Birth of the Muses
This card shows how our inspiration and creativity is manifesting.

The Magician – Naturally, with just a little push. Highs and lows are natural, but you have all that you need when you need it.  (Anne of Green Gables Tarot)

TV Series Tarot - Ten of SwordsJune 15 – Vestalia – An ancient Roman festival dedicated to Vesta, Goddess of the Hearth.
This card shows us our hearth, the fire at the center of our life and home, and how to tend it.

Ten of Swords – The belief that it is through the things in life that knock us to our knees that have the most profound effect on us and where we go from there. The belief that each pain is a growth spurt opportunity on our spiritual journey. A place where we fall, then pick ourselves up changed and move forward.  (TV Series Tarot)

David's Tarot - Two of WandsJune 16 – Night of Teardrop – Remembrance of the tears of Isis causing the Nile River to overflow.
This card shows what our emotions are telling us at this time.

Two of Wands Rx – struggling with direction and planning at the moment. You know where you want to go, but plotting a course is more of a struggle than expected. (David’s Tarot)

Vox Arcana Tarot - The HermitJune 17 – Goddess Juno – Celebrating the ancient Roman goddess for whom the month of June is named.
This card shows us an area of fertile growth in our lives.

The Hermit – Inner exploration and a better understanding of the self as a result.  (Vox Arcana Tarot)

Family Tarot - Knight of CupsJune 18 – Oak King – A dedication to the Oak King, who is now near the height of his power in his battle with the Holly King.
This card shows us our strength.

Knight of Cups – Going after what you need to be healthy and stable. It might take some time to get there sometimes, but you’re damn good at knowing what you need and not hesitating in moving that direction. Going at your own pace.  (Family Tarot)

Seawitch Tarot - Three of SwordsJune 19 – Scrying
In the tradition of scrying at the time of Midsummer, this card shows us a blessing to come.

Three of Swords – Disappointment is coming… But it’s going to be a blessing in disguise. Sometimes crappy shit happens in order to give you something better, so make sure you’re looking for the blessing even if your heart is hurting a bit at the time.  (Seawitch Tarot)

Botanica Tarot - Ten of Wands RxJune 20 – Summer Solstice
This card shows us how to shine our own light like the Sun.

Ten of Wands Rx – Stop overloading yourself so much with work, responsibilities, and obligations. You’ve been working on this, but you still have a long way to go.  (Botanica Tarot)

Dragon Tarot - Nine of SwordsJune 21 – Festival Strawberries
As the strawberries ripen, this card shows us the sweetness in our lives.

The Tower – sometimes when things fall apart it’s bittersweet and even painful. We try so hard to hold onto those things that are important to us during this time. But sometimes letting go is the only way, and when we do it opens us up to building something better sweeter than before.  (Playful Heart Tarot)

Playful Heart Tarot - The TowerJune 22 – Honey Moon
This card shows us how to release anxieties or worries, how to enjoy ourselves in this moment.

Four of Swords – Truly letting go and being able to enjoy the moment requires excepting that everyone needs time to rest and recover, even you. When you put your nose to the grind stone too often and for too long, you miss out on all the good stuff going on around you that you could be a part of.  (Vintage Flower Faeries Tarot)

Vintage Flower Fairies Tarot - Four of SwordsJune 23 – Saint John’s Eve
Like the herbs traditionally gathered on St John’s Eve, this card shows what protects or heals us.

Six of Cups (Buttercups) – Childish exuberance allows you to be lifted up out of the drag of depression and see the world in a lighter and more optimistic view. Don’t shut this out of your life for it not just heals you when you are struggling with that drag, but also protect you from it in the first place.  (Botanica Tarot)

Botanica Tarot - Six of CupsJune 24 – Guru Purnima – Indian festival of expressing gratitude to teachers.
This card reminds us to have gratitude for lessons and teachers as we move forward.

Nine of Swords – It is only through for confronting our demons that we learn how to deal with them and abolish them. Remember to show gratitude to those that help you in this quest.  (Dragon Tarot)

Connolly Tarot - Six of WandsJune 25 – Parvati Earth Mother
This card shows us how to ground ourselves and how to connect with the Earth’s abundance.

Six of Wands – Connect with the earth in the plants, and seek praise from them instead of from people. It is through your connection to the wild growing places that you will find your connection with the earth and her gifts, as well as that quiet still place of grounding within yourself.  (Connolly Tarot)

Less Impatience, More Kindness

Today’s meditation was skipped due to it being orders day.

Dragon Tarot and Less Anxiety Affirmation CardsToday’s draw is The Star card, which is traditionally a representation of hope, optimism, and the connection between ourselves, the world around us, and our spirituality.

When this card is combined with the affirmation card for today, the message that I see here is about patience and self care.

I have been struggling with this a lot lately.  My inner voice seems to feel that my spiritual growth and transition to a more self-care focused balance is not moving fast enough.  It blames me for holding on to what is familiar and comfortable, which hangs up the process of moving forward as I struggle with letting go.

The cards today speak of making sure I am trusting the process.  Trusting that things will work themselves out at their own speed, and to focus on caring for myself and being kind to myself as this process unfolds instead of focusing on the speed or whatever failings or momentary hurdles I can use to beat myself up with along the way.

DECK USED:  DRAGON TAROT AND LESS ANXIETY AFFIRMATION CARDS

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Questions for June 23rd and 24th

She Whispers Her Truth Oracle and Dragon TarotWhat brings me joy?

Foi, Force Puissance and Two of Cups

Something that helps in fostering my joy is in finding balance in my life that allows me to move forward with confidence and sure footing. I like it when things are steady beneath my feet, allowing me to feel strong and well grounded as a result. It gives me a sense of freedom that I don’t feel when things feeling unsteady.

How can I live in abundance?

Nous sommes toujours là and The Lovers

Remember that your guides are there to help you in making good decisions. Don’t ignore their advice or disregard what they have to say, for it’s with their help on your side that you will live a fuller and happier life filled with good things.

DECK USED:  MEET THE SELF ORACLE AND DRAGON TAROT

#DiscordTarotolicsJun2021 Challenge Prompt
Topic
: Self-care for the Full Moon…

Dragon TarotReading Summary: Take some time to examine your path and make sure it is aligned (Judgment) with where you really want to go (Three of Wands) and what your intuition has to say on the matter (The High Priestess).

Take Away: Sometimes our actions do not align with what we want, either through stubbornness, subconscious influences, or old habits. This full moon is a good time to take a moment to examine your actions and make sure that they are aligned with your purpose and the direction you want your feet to head on life’s path.

DECK USED:  DRAGON TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I tried to pace myself a bit with the orders today.  I’m not sure how good I did at it, but I did use the balcony and plants there to help a bit.

Gideon’s Challenge

IMG_7679Taking Time

Knees land
on a bed
of pine needles
as body bows
to rest forehead
upon the cushion
of soft moss

Breathe in
Breathe out

While fronds
of sword fern
tickle flesh

and the quiet
sinks in

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Self Care Within the Fray

Today’s meditation was skipped.  No excuse, I just didn’t get to it.  Tomorrow is an orders day, so I will pick back up on Friday morning.

Botanica Tarot and Less Anxiety Affirmation CardsToday’s draw is the King of Wands (Pomegranate), which is traditionally a representation of a projective alpha energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s drive, willpower, passion projects, enthusiasm, and interests. This often translated into themes of leadership that involve connecting to their followers through zeal and enthusiasm, successful entrepreneurship, and weighing impulsivity with responsibility.

When you are driven and inspired, it can sometimes feel like whatever you do is never enough. I run into this often with my business.  There’s always so much more to do, and you’re so focused on the enthusiasm and pushing to make things work and thrive that you forget…. you need to also take care of yourself.

The King of Wands combined with today’s affirmation card is a reminder that you can’t finish everything before taking that break. Instead, take the break, and then go back and do more.  Taking care of yourself, even when pushing and striving for something to succeed, is extremely important and should be a part of the process.  Not set aside for a more convenient time.

DECK USED:  BOTANICA TAROT AND LESS ANXIETY AFFIRMATION CARDS

CoffeexTarot’s Self Love For The Summer Prompt
Questions for June 23rd & 24th

Botanica Tarot and Inner Compass Kids CardsHow can I better balance my positive and negative emotions?

Lion and Five of Pentacles (Hellebore) – When the going gets tough, it’s time to shine. Tap in to your skills and those things you enjoy doing and that you’re really good at, and use them to balance out those times when you’re feeling especially negative.

How can I build more confidence in myself?

Sea and Knight of Wands (Passiflora) – You don’t always have to lead, in order to allow your passions to shine. Someone else can take a turn at the wheel now and then. When you let this happen, you will be able to see that even when you’re not steering the ship, you’re still along for the ride and the boat still gets where you want it to go.

DECK USED:  INNER COMPASS KIDS CARDS AND BOTANICA TAROT

#DiscordTarotolicsJun2021 Challenge Prompt
Philosophical Question
: Do people need other people for true happiness?

Botanica TarotTwo of Pentacles (Blue Waterlily) – Balance. Too much of anything is always not a good thing; same for too little. Contact with other people as necessary, but only in good measure. Too much, or too little, leads to an imbalance and siphons away happiness.

King of Wands (Pomegranate) – Sometimes it is only with the encouragement of others that we find our true calling and our passions. And sometimes we need their help and their support to go after our calling. Even those at the very top need others. The crown is of no use if there’s no one to lead, after all.

Justice (Gladiolus) – Through color association, this card ties in to the balance card on the left (Two of Pentacles). It is about finding balance, and the cause-and-effect of either being in balance… or out of balance. This is the repercussions that come from the choices you make.

Take Away: The answer is yes. People need other than people in order to be truly happy. But, the amount of time and connection needed between people is different from person to person. Some people need more, some people need less. The key is to find the balance that works for you.

DECK USED:  BOTANICA TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

After my eye appointment, I stopped by the park and took a peaceful two mile walk. It was an easy walk, since it was all level ground and mostly paved, but it was a nice bit of time in nature all the same, and I wore my new hiking boots to break them in a little bit.