Today’s meditation was ten minutes long, and was mantra based with breathing exercises. The mantra was pulled from the Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal Cards.

A great deal of my life was spent playing the “two steps forward, one step back” game, except the ratio was more along the line of five forward and four back.  I didn’t realize it at the time, though.  Mostly? Because I was too busy pushing and striving for more.  Burnout would then hit and send me crashing down into a mess of exhaustion (and sometimes also depression) that would cause me to lose all the progress I’d gained.  But I’d ignore that part, and keep pushing, saying to myself “look how much you are getting done!” the rest of the time… not acknowledging how much I fell behind in the burn out.

Over the past few years, I’ve been working on breaking this cycle.  It means that things I’d normally get done quickly now take a lot more time, but I don’t have the debilitating stretch of time between projects -because- I’m stretching out that progress over a longer period of time.  It’s far more healthy, but i sometimes chafe under the slowness of it all.  The mantra for today’s meditation focused on reminding myself I’m not -really- accomplishing things in more time than before, I’m just stretching things out over the time that I’d usually be unable to work and -can- now that I’m working healthier than before.

Today’s draw is the Two of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of juggling one’s responsibilities, trying to balance one’s obligations, committing to use of one’s time wisely, and being adaptable in order to keep things in one’s life in balance.

In the imagery of this card I see a woman that stands tall and seeks to deal with responsibilities, feeling as if she is being watched constantly (by the bird above on the eaves at least) and needing to stay on track as a result. And, before this figure, an antelope (perhaps a gerenuk or impala) that desires to romp and play.  The conflict displayed here is something we all go through and struggle with.  It’s the need to find balance between work and responsibility… and our need for fun and play.

That need for fun and play is something I denied myself for a very long time, and today’s card is a reminder that it’s important.  In fact, it’s just as important as work and responsibility, so don’t neglect it.

DECK USED:  AGNI ROERICH TAROT

@Lionharts #TheJuneTarot The Seeker’s Path Prompt
Questions for June 4th thru 6th – Embark

What new adventures/explorations can I embark on to expand my horizons?

Death and Euryale – It’s time to work on expanding your perspective when it comes to change. You explored this before, but you need to begin to lean into seeing change as opportunity for growth and something better, rather than simply an inconvenience or something to be avoided or dreaded.

What hidden treasures await me as I explore the depths of my true nature?

Four of Cups and Star – Exploring the depths of your true nature will allow you to find an inner peace and a better connection with hope and optimism. Right now that hope and optimism is something that you have to force, but if you allow yourself to delve deeper and know yourself better, you may find that a natural inclination towards it will develop over time with the use of your meditative practice. This is a latent potential for an “upgrade” to your current modus operandi.

How can I begin my journey of embracing my nature on this very day?

Ace of Cups and Talons – Explore your sharp edged feelings towards change rather than ignoring them or pushing them away. It’s time to turn over an emotional new leaf in that area.

DECK USED: AGNI ROERICH TAROT AND DECK OF MANY THINGS COLORS OF MAGIC

#DiscordTarotholicsJun2023 Challenge Prompt
Topic for June 4 : Do Spread 1

How is the rise of summer energies manifesting in my life?

Four of Swords – The rise of summer energies makes you restless, and unable to settle and get all of the rest that you need. You are doing well at channeling that energy into things that don’t land you into working more, though. So you are still getting a break, just not the type you would normally indulge in.

How can I harness these summer energies for my purposes?

Death – Don’t. Change your outlook so that your energy is not always poured into work… not everything is about work. This is something you always do, and it lands you into working more and more instead of getting the rest you need over the summer months.

Instead of harnessing the summer energies towards your purpose, let them flow around you and use them to do little enjoyable things that will make you happy or make life better for you.

Where would I be best served in directing these energies throughout the summer months?

Ten of Cups – Direct that energy towards the things that make you feel happy and content. Have fun and enjoy time with others, rather than always putting your nose to the grindstone every minute of every day.

DECK USED: AGNI ROERICH TAROT

This is a catch up post, and I don’t remember what self kindness might have gone on for today.