Heart and Home
Like evergreens and fallen leaves
Like moss and tangled briars
Like lichen’s cling to Craig’s bark
And pine cones in the fire
Like the stinging scent of cedar
And pine needles underfoot
Nurse logs wet and rotting
Giving life to brand new roots
Like morels in the shadows
Like snowberries on the bush
Like decay in the detritus
And tree roots among mud’s squish
You are my beloved home
And I need you just as much
November 18 – Mental Health Card of the Day
Today’s meditation was skipped.
Today’s card is the Ten of Coins combined with the affirmation “These overwhelming difficulties will pass with time. There will be life after this.”
The affirmation for today is a reminder that hard times are temporary. When combined with the Ten of Coins, the reminder takes on new meaning as it promises that there is good ahead, if you’re only willing to wait through it and keep moving forward. Sometimes it can feel like the bad stuff is never ending, and there’s a reminder here, too, that even in those times we need to try and acknowledge the good. Even if it’s the fact that something tastes good, smells good, or feels good like a good food, hugging a stuffie, or a moment alone in the shower.
It’s hard to acknowledge these things when everything feels like it’s falling to shit. It’s hard to -see- them at all when you’re feeling at your worst, let alone see that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. That’s what these reminders are about. They are a reminder that even when you can’t see the light up there ahead in the dark? It’s there. It really is there; you just have to keep going to find it. And those tiny pleasures along the way? They’re there to help you take the next step… and then the next.
November 19 – Mental Health Card of the Day
Today’s meditation was skipped.
@GlitterbyInk #November24Challenge
One Word Book Title Prompt for November 19th : Mindset
Today’s card is The Hermit card combined with the affirmation “It is better to handle life alone rather than stay with others who mistreat you.”
It can be hard to let go. Even when we know it’s what’s best for us. This is true not just for when it’s things that we partake in that are unhealthy, but especially true when it has to do with people in our lives. Most especially when it has to do with people in our lives we feel obligated to or dependent upon.
Its that obligation and/or dependence that holds a lot of us back from taking steps to make our own lives better, along with a healthy dose of fear of the unknown (and for some, fear of being alone).
Truth be told, though? Being alone isn’t really that bad. Especially when the alternative is unhappy togetherness, unhealthy connections, or abuse. It’s all in how you look at it. If you look at yourself as incomplete without another there to complete you, then sure, being alone is horrible. But, if instead, you turn your perspective to one of love and acceptance of yourself and self confidence in yourself and who you are? Alone is not so bad. It lets you spoil yourself as you like, enjoy the things you enjoy, and experience the things you want to explore.
This is true whether you are in a relationship or not. It’s true whether you are simply spending a day on your own, or living alone long term. It’s all in how you look at things, and how you approach that time alone, on whether it’s something healthy and happy… or a fear that holds you back and traps you in an unhealthy situation.
The Angel’s Words
My wings don’t spread
wide enough to fly
without you
here
to make them lighter
to carry.
You provide the lift
I need
the air I breathe
and each moment
without you
is a bit heavier
than the one before it.
Yours.
The Heart’s Anchor
In the clouds
resides
a reminder
of just how
small
we all are
and how
your love
provides comfort
and stability
in a universe
filled
with uncertainty.
I love you.
November 15 – Mental Health Card of the Day
Today’s meditation was skipped.
@GlitterbyInk #November24Challenge
One Word Book Title Prompt for November 15th : Grace
Today’s card is the Four of Cups combined with the affirmation “I will do my best to value myself today.
It’s important to remember that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, it just looks that way from a distance, but up close? It’s just as messed up as your own lawn. Sometimes having (and valuing) what you already have is enough.
I feel that grace is a misunderstood concept. Something “old fashioned” that no one really thinks about anymore. It is a blend of poise, simple elegance, refinement, courtesy, and goodwill.
I see this theme a great deal in the Four of Cups, for in this card there is always an offer made, and a rejection of it. Yet, this rejection is not harsh or unpleasant. In this card, too, the offer is in the cups that surround the center figure, and yet the focus of that figure is on what is already in their possession.
The reminder in these cards is we need to appreciate what we have. To value ourselves. Who we are and what we have going for us. Don’t take these things for granted, always looking for something better or the next improvement. You are whole now… right now in this moment. Make sure to appreciate that… appreciate you. Your mind. Your personality. Your body. Your strengths. These things are yours and hold value far beyond the “what if” scenarios of the future and the daydreams of what “could be”.
November 16 – Mental Health Card of the Day
Today’s meditation was skipped.
@GlitterbyInk #November24Challenge
One Word Book Title Prompt for November 15th : Shadow
Today’s card is the Seven of Cups combined with the affirmation “Just because you are struggling now doesn’t mean that you always will.”
Sometimes our struggles are chosen for us by others or happenstance. It happens, and it sucks. But more often than that, our struggles are our own. We have made the choices that lead to them, even if we didn’t know that is what the result would be when those choices were made. We are also who chooses whether to bear them out or leave them behind, to learn from them or repeat them when we don’t learn from them, and how we react to these struggles in the moment. Do we make things easier on ourselves? Or do we pile on the hardship through self abuse and recriminations?
Today’s cards are a reminder that we don’t have to let the dark urges within us take the lead. We can take struggles and hardships with grace and make the best out of things, or we can do the opposite and throw a pity party while we cast blame. The latter gets us nowhere, and leaves us with the need to once again try to learn the lessons that this hardship and struggle is trying to teach us. Better to instead choose to look for the boon, seek out the lesson, and do your best to stay positive as you deal with what needs dealt with so that you can move on.
Tonight is the full moon, and like all new moons and full moons, I did a spread aligned to the moon’s current themes as a part of my recognition of the moon’s cycle and influences upon us. Today’s spread is courtesy of @FaelanShiva.
What habit have I been stuck in that I am being asked to liberate myself from?
The High Priestess and King of Pentacles – Keeping secrets behooves no one. Being more open and getting things out there allows for a more solid foundation to take root. Just like the trees talking to each other and sharing the resources benefits all involved.
Where can I find true comfort for these chaotic times?
The Lovers – Connecting with those closest to you gives you the strength and comfort to keep going when things around you become chaotic. The love you share creates a contract of support between you, making them a healthy choice to reach for even when you aren’t in need, let alone when you are.
Where might I invest in something outside of my usual comfort zone?
Nine of Pentacles atop Knight of Cups – Instead of only acknowledging your own accomplishments, be proactive in reaching out to others to celebrate theirs as well. You don’t come off as condescending in these moments when you compliment others, even when you worry that it will be taken that way.
Full Moon advice from the Minoan Goddess Amalthea.
Ten of Wands – Take care not to overwhelm yourself any more than absolutely necessary.
Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Pin Oak Leaf for Strength and Endurance
Conch Shell Knot for Concentration and Clarity
Carnelian for Gentle Kindness to Self and Others
Picture Jasper for Sense of Proportion and Grounding
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy
Twisting the Leaf 