Gideon’s Challenge

IMG_9274Sunbathing

I am eager
to stretch forth
with new tendrils
tender and delicate
seeking the light
and warmth of the sun
that is your love
shining down on me
like kisses
across the skin
and I share with you
my most
vulnerable parts
because you make me feel…
safe.

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Weekly Creativity Prompt – The Hierophant

Prompt:“Pull the card from your deck(s) that matches the card posted below. Compare the imagery between the card provided below and the card(s) from your own deck(s). How would you read them differently and why?

Tarot of the Hidden RealmTarot of the Hidden Realm – Here in this card I see a kind old man willing to guide and teach, but not with a strict demeanor.  Instead he nurtures our curiosity, provides us room to grow and guidance to keep us on the straight and narrow path as we explore and learn. He’s understanding, and willing to listen as well as to teach, and it is this energy that fills the card and any reading that this card would fall into.

The Hierophant in the Wandering Moon Major Aracana, Tarot of the Hidden Realm, Mara Lunne Tarot, Radiant Tarot, and Second Sight Tarot

The Wandering Echo Major Arcana – In this deck, the Hierophant is renamed the Teacher, and we see in the imagery the shifting grow of a moon from half to three-quarter and finally to full.  The keys in the half moon speak of the tools we have and the knowledge we must gain, where the development of the moon speaks of growing into our knowledge as we learn more and more until finally we come to a place where we have the keys needed to unlock the doors to even more knowledge… and still more to explore.

Mara Lunne Tarot – One of the more traditional imagery cards in those chosen for this activity, this card depicts the Hierophant as a robed religious figure with a halo of holy knowledge surrounding their head and a tomb in their hands. In this depiction I see peace and serenity. There are no harsh lessons here, only trust and guidance passed down from generation to generation, and entrusted to us to be passed down as well.

Second Sight Tarot – Although the imagery in this card is not as traditional as the one to either side of it, I see this one as far more leaning into the “atmosphere” of the traditional imagery in the RWS tarot. It is in the ruffled cuffs of the sleeve, and in the Marionite cross (which I believe was meant to be the Papal cross) which serves as an emblem for the office of the Pope in ecclesiastical heraldry.  This card speaks to me of stringent rules and rigid tradition.

Radiant Tarot – In this card we see the crow figure standing crowned and holding a key of knowledge. He is robed in red, speaking of knowledge and authority, and the head is turned to the past, speaking of knowledge that comes from the past through generations and traditions held in long standing.  This card speaks to me most strongly of tradition and knowledge that holds structure and formality, but is perhaps not quite as stringent as what is seen in the Second Sight Tarot card mentioned above.

DECK USED: TAROT OF THE HIDDEN REALM, THE WANDERING ECHO MAJOR ARCANA, MARA LUNNE TAROT, SECOND SIGHT TAROT, RADIANT TAROT

Taming the Beast

Today’s meditation was skipped.

Sakura Spring Tarot - StrengthToday’s draw is the Strength card, which is traditionally a representation of one’s inner strength, skills at persuasion, and using compassion to help influence others.

In the maiden and the tiger that are depicted in today’s card, we see this inner strength and persuasion in the happiness the tiger shows as it is petted by the woman. There is no tension, as she has tamed the beast and soothed its soul.

Sometimes, we all need help in finding that soothing.  When we have someone in our lives that can provide us with that, it can help us through troubled times and gives a nurturing comfort element to what can be struggling and chaotic times.

Today’s card is an encouragement to recognize those that help ground you and give you that sense of peace, taming the inner storm and helping calm to replace it.

DECK USED:  SAKURA SPRING TAROT

Mr Lionharts’ #TheAprilTarot Animal Guide Challenge Prompt
Question for The Hermit- Day 12

The Phantom Fauna Oracle and Sakura Spring TarotWhat can help me {better} understand what I’m currently dealing with?

The Mouse/Anthurium and The Puffin/Tulip – Gideon.

The symbolism in the animals (mouse and puffin) and plants (anthurium and tulip) speak of a combination of innocence, adaptability, long term relationships, and deep love.

When I am in subdrop (as I am now), I feel very small and vulnerable, and it is through my relationship with Gideon that I find shelter and strength during these moments. The mouse card is a representation of that subdrop and my feelings during, while the puffin is a representation of our love and relationship.

In what way can {more} time to myself be a good thing?

The Bat/Daffodil and The Duck/Magnolia – It can provide me time to explore new ideas and perspectives with grace and dignity. Essentially giving me time to process things fully, instead of feeling rushed and perhaps missing important details as a consequence.

DECK USED: THE PHANTOM FAUNA ORACLE AND SAKURA SPRING TAROT

The #ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge Prompt by E Roebuck-Jones
Question for April 12th and 13th

Sakura Spring TarotHow confident am I in making decisions?

Ten of Pentacles and Five of Wands – You are very confident in making decisions, but you are willing to take time and listen to everyone’s input before making up your own mind in what’s best.

Am I confident in naming my boundaries?

Seven of Wands and Two of Wands – Yes, you have no problem making it clear where you draw the line and standing strong in your boundaries. Your “sense of direction” upon your path is unerring because of this. You know where you want to go and your boundaries are in place to help you plot the course and stick to it.

DECK USED: SAKURA SPRING TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I spent time with Gideon today, even if that time was interrupted by tummy troubles.  It helped my day feel more cohesive and settled by having spent that time with him.

Gideon’s Challenge

IMG_9279The Periwinkles

Vibrant blooms
say hello
as they flutter quietly
in the spring breeze
inconspicuous
where they spread
close to the ground
and celebrate
spring’s arrival
in hues meant
to soothe the soul
and lift us up
in eagerness
to see more

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Aspects of Self Lenormand Reading

Aspects of Self Lenormand Reading with the Binx Lenormand

Shifting MindsetShip and Birds – Don’t allow yourself to become overwhelmed by all of the small responsibilities that come with the day to day running of your business.  You need to start looking at starting your own site now that you’re surfacing out of the depression and will have an easier time dealing with all that’s involved with this. 

Open HeartRing and Bear – Be open to the possibility of new opportunities to make money.  Watch closely what you agree to, and be protective of what you have… but not to the point that you close yourself off to new opportunities that could be good for you.

Soul AwarenessWoman and Whip – Keep in mind that when emotions run high, people often lash out in ways they wouldn’t normally. During these times, take a breath and a step back to stay calm and level headed instead of allowing their emotions to carry you away with them into a less stable mindset.

DECK USED:  BINX LENORMAND

Good Stuff Lies Ahead

#DailyCalm from the Calm AppToday’s meditation was just over eleven minutes long, and was another of the guided #DailyCalm from the Calm app.  The topic of today’s guided session was about acceptance of ourselves and others.

This is something I struggle with. Accepting others? Easy for the most part.  But accepting myself is more difficult, especially when it comes to my injuries and mobility issues. Sometimes, when I skip my meditation?  I think I am punishing myself. And I know that sometimes when I do my meditation and push my stretching too far that I am as well.

Radiant Tarot - Two of SwordsToday’s draw is the Two of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of making plans, plotting a course, preparation and looking ahead, and making decisions for one’s future.

I realized last night that I just have today’s orders day to get through, and then I’m off for a few days.  I didn’t realize it until just a few hours ago, and I’m SO relieved.

The card here today is a reminder of the plans I have for the days ahead, the good stuff that’s coming, and that I need to look at all that good stuff and look forward to it instead of grumbling about having to work today.

DECK USED:  RADIANT TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsApr2022 Challenge Prompt
Questions for April 11th and 12th

Oracle des MedeoresWhat illusion is clouding your perception?

Croisée des Chemins and Réconciliation – You need to remember that every decision does not need to be made right this moment. And, that every decision you make right this moment will not matter in the future.

How can you break free of the illusion?

Confusion/Doute and Réponse déjà en Soi – When in doubt, let go of logic and listen to what your intuition is telling you. The logical mind has limits that your intuition has the key to breaking free from. But you have to be willing to set that logic and reasoning you tend to lean into aside and go with what you feel in your gut instead.

DECK USED: L’ORACLE DES MEDEORES

The Self Appreciation #STCTarotChallenge for April Prompt
Questions for April 11th and 12th

Radiant TarotI will continue to…

Nine of Cups – …practice appreciation and gratitude in my life. It’s important to acknowledge those things that I enjoy and appreciate them instead of taking them for granted.

By?

King of Pentacles atop Ace of Pentacles – I can practice this appreciation and gratitude by focusing on all the opportunities I have been given and all that I have built out of those opportunities.

I am grateful for…

The High Priestess – The guidance my intuition provides. The knowing that comes from that intuition, and the trust I have in that knowing that allows me to act on it without hesitation.

And this helps…

Judgement – ..keep me on the straight and narrow concerning the type of the man that I want to become, and how I will feel about my life at the end of my journey.

DECK USED: RADIANT TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I took a break today to nap a bit, which was nice.  Especially nice since it was an orders day.