Month: September 2022

Perception vs Reality

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

Tarocco Sopraffino - The Moon - La LunaToday’s draw is the Moon card, which is a representation of illusion, uncertainty, and the unknown.

Although there is no wolf in the imagery of this card, there is a wildness represented in the two canines baying at the winking moon.  It’s there as well in the crashing waves and I feel an interesting connection to the lobster appearing to sit on a plate on the ground today.

I recently learned that although today lobster is an expensive delicacy, it was once considered a poor man’s dinner and were once fed to prisoners, apprentices and slaves. When I think of this and I see the imagery on this card, it brings to mind the uncertainty that is sometimes associated with the Five of Pentacles.  That feeling of “where is my next meal going to come from” that can plague those with scarcity issues (real, or imagined).

Here, in the Moon card, it’s about imagined scarcity.  Where are you imagining scarcity where there actually is none?  Today’s card encourages us to examine these feelings and identify where we are blowing things out of proportion, providing a reality check for those moments when we think we are experiencing scarcity, when in reality it’s all in our head.

DECK USED: TAROCCO SOPRAFFINO

OwlandBonesTarot’s #BothSidesOfTheTarot Prompt
Questions for September 9th and 10th

Antiquitarian Tarot and Pythia Botanica OracleWhat is useful?

The Emperor atop The Hierophant – Your ability to combine your strengths in order to accomplish what needs done and empower others to do the same.

What is useless?

King of Cups – Don’t lead with your emotions. You are not suited for it. The journey in this area is too new for it to be considered a strength.

Finding Balance Between the Two – Don’t buy into the lie that says you have to do it all on your own (Mandrake). Lean into Gideon to help you and make you stronger (Comfrey connected to King of Cups).

What’s bright in your life?

The Devil atop Knight of Pentacles – The slow and steady enjoyment of this things you take pleasure in. When you stretch these pleasures over time and take things at a slow pace, you not only avoid your addiction issues, but also spread that enjoyment out over a longer period.

What is dim?

Five of Wands – Conflict. There are better ways to share what you are passionate about and get your point across.

Finding Balance Between the Two – Not everything in your life needs to be shared (Hawthorn). It’s okay to pick and choose, weeding out what you want to share and letting go of the rest (Hyssop).

DECKS USED: ANTIQUITARIAN TAROT AND PYTHIA BOTANICA ORACLE 1ST EDITION

The #ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge Prompt by E Roebuck-Jones
Questions for September 7th thru 10th

Tarocco SopraffinoHow can I shine in the world?

Queen of Cups – Allow people to see your compassion and how much you care. Yes, it is a show of weakness, but it is also a show of strength.

How do I inspire others?

Judgement – They see your moral compass at work and admire it, and it then encourages others to become better people themselves.

How can I make life choices more consciously?

Strength atop Knight of Coins – Don’t allow taking your time to weaken your resolve. They are not mutually exclusive.

How can I take action for myself?

Nine of Swords – Confront your fears and worries instead of letting them eat at you. If there’s shit on your mind that you’re hesitant to bring up? Do it instead of letting it linger and fester.

DECK USED: TAROCCO SOPRAFFINO

Daily Self Kindness

We called a stop to the “hanging of heavy things” today that had been planned. I hurt too much, and both J and B were also in a good deal of pain.  Better to put it off for another time when we’re all feeling a bit better.

Gideon’s Challenge

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IMG_0579Escaping Summer

I long
to go back
to wetter times
where damp earth
permeates the air
with scents
of rich wet soil
and
decaying detritus
while lush green
fills the senses
with a feeling
that all is right
in the world

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Contingency Plans

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

Tarot of the Lantern Path - Two of WandsToday’s draw is the Two of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of planning, decision making, looking ahead, and themes to do with progress.

In the imagery, the woman seems very enamored with her plans as she looks at the globe in her hands.  This intense focus begs the question of what she might be missing by being so intently focused on one thing.

All plans go awry now and then.  Today’s card asks us what we are doing to make sure that we are not stymied by when things don’t go as planned.  Are we so focused on the desired outcome that we haven’t made any contingency plans?  Are we prepared to adapt and be flexible? Or is any small unexpected stumbling block going to cause a major hold up or cause everything to fall apart?

DECK USED:  TAROT OF THE LANTERN PATH

OwlandBonesTarot’s #BothSidesOfTheTarot Prompt
Questions for September 7th and 8th

Black Cat Tarot and Tarot of the Secret ForestWhere could you splurge?

Nine of Coins – No need to splurge right now. You have all that you need.

Where could you save?

The Magician – Time, resources, energy, and effort. When you realize that you have all that you need , then there is no need to push yourself so hard for more.

Finding Balance Between the Two – All the new stuff in your life and foundation building your working on doesn’t have to be introduced immediately (Ace of Coins). It’s okay to have to work for it sometimes, save up for it, and take your time instead of always jumping on the “go” (The Magician atop Seven of Coins).

What brings joy?

King of Swords – Lots of knowledge.

What brings sadness?

The High Priestess Rx – Lack of knowing.

Finding Balance Between the Two – Get in close with those that possess the power/knowledge that you seek (Strength). This requires getting in touch with what you value, and what you don’t, so that you don’t go after knowledge that you don’t need or that would be useless to you (Six of Wands Rx atop Seven of Wands).

DECK USED: BLACK CAT TAROT AND TAROT OF THE SECRET FOREST (trimmed naked)

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2022 Challenge Prompt
Questions for September 8th thru 10th

Tarot of the Lantern Path and Haikyuu Fantasy TarotCreate – Two of Cups – Connections.

Evolve – Five of Swords – How you deal with confrontation.

Balance – The Star – Hope and optimism is needed for both of the above pursuits, and for your life in general as well, to create a sense of balance that you need. You lean too far into pessimism, and it is through consciously instilling optimism and hope that you are able to balance out those more negative tendencies.

What do you need to focus on for self-care for this full moon?

King of Cups, Eight of Wands atop Judgement – Get your ass in gear and spend some time with Gideon this full moon. He is in need of your attention to keep his outlook good, and you are in need of his to help in taming your inner demons.

What personal growth should you be directing energy toward at this time?

Temperance Rx atop King of Swords, Three of Cups Rx – There is no moderation needed when it comes to working towards improving your communication skills. Not doing so creates isolation that can be avoided by mastering communication with others, even when you are in authority positions.

DECK USED: TAROT OF THE LANTERN PATH AND HAIKYUU FANTASY TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I’ve decided that I need to get myself one of those sleep number beds.  They are fucking spectacular.  Not that I can afford it right now, but I’m definitely going to be looking into it.

Gideon’s Challenge

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IMG_0331In Winter

Fields brown
and green hues
are long gone
as cold
nips at every
vine tip
and branch
while the sun
sets glacial peaks
to glow
brilliant
and bright
against
blue skies

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Taking Things Too Far

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

Mountain Dream Tarot - Five of SwordsToday’s draw is the Five of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of conflict, tests, trials, or hardship in the area of one’s education, intellect, thoughts, logic, ambitions, or communication.

This card can often translate into themes that have to do with “winning at all cost”, and can be a reminder that sometimes the costs are just too steep.

The appearance of this card today asks where are you pushing too hard right now? What are you sacrificing in your effort to “win” or succeed?

Today’s card is a reminder that we need to be mindful of just how far we’re willing to go and what we’re willing to sacrifice.  Not just if we’re willing… but if we really should be going as far as we are considering taking it… or should we back off instead?

DECK USED:  MOUNTAIN DREAM TAROT

Mr Lionhart’s #TheSeptemberTarot Between Dusk & Dawn Prompt
Questions for September 7th thru 9th – CONTEMPLATE

La Flora Tarot and For Strange Women Botanical OracleWhat am I holding onto that is holding me back?

The Tower and Frozen Lilacs – What happened in the end of your last “relationship” continues to hold you back. It was violent, ugly, and painful. The destructive end to that friends-with-benefits relationship was definitely a surprise, and the after effects of it continue to linger.

How is this holding me back?

Ten of Pentacles and Clairvoyant – Being able to find a sense of security and stability in your accomplishments has taken a hit as a result of that experience. Finding your sense of stable footing and purpose was not so much a problem prior.

What can I do to rise above that which is holding me back?

Page of Cups and Roots – Continue to explore your emotions and dig deep for the hidden truths that will serve as an elixir to healing.

If I could change one thing for the better, what would you suggest I should change?

Six of Swords and Maidenhair Fern – Don’t rush into this. You need to slow down and take things at a more sedate pace for the changes that you want to happen to actually stick.

DECK USED: LA FLORA TAROT AND FOR STRANGE WOMEN BOTANICAL ORACLE

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2022 Challenge Prompt
Philosophical Question: What is humanity’s biggest mistake?

Mountain Dream Tarot - Queen of Wands, Knight of Pentacles, Nine of SwordsReading Summary: Humanity’s biggest mistake is in not worrying enough (Nine of Swords Rx) about taking things slow (Knight of Pentacles) and exploring one’s passions in depth (Queen of Wands).

Take Away: We rush through so many things, even those things that are meant to be slowly savored and enjoyed. This rushing to and fro is a mistake, as it means that humanity is missing out on the good stuff that comes with moving at a slower pace and truly savoring the present and our surroundings.

DECK USED: MOUNTAIN DREAM TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

Jer and I were both very tired at the end of the day today and decided that, instead of going back home, we would stick around and sleep over, then continue with getting stuff done tomorrow.

Gideon’s Challenge

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IMG_0594Too Strong

Tenacious
and steadfast
I stubbornly
fight to remain
upright
and yet
all I truly want
is to let go
falter
fall
and allow you
to catch me
so that
I can feel safe

Photo © ZenStatePhotography