Today’s meditation was ten minutes long, self-directed, and based upon the graphic by @twinkling.toad shown below and its words “If being hard on yourself worked… it would have worked by now.”

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Today’s draw is the Eight of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of hard work, expertise through practice, honing a skill, quality craftsmanship, handicrafts, and manifestations through skill and hard work. The card is often  the embodiment of the “practice makes perfect” adage.

I am spectacular at self-degradation and abuse. It’s a skill that was developed early, practiced often, and grown over a lifetime of practice and reinforcement.

These days I’m working on some new skills. Skills geared toward self-kindness and appreciation. I’m not going to lie… it’s hard going. But maybe, if I put as any years of effort into it as were put into self-recriminations and cruelty, I will become just as skilled at this new path as I have become at the old one.

Because, that old path? It’s just not working for me anymore. I came to that understanding a few years ago, and realized it was time to start breaking those long-ingrained habits, and to replace them with healthier ones.

What long ingrained unhealthy habits are you holding onto that aren’t working for you? Today’s card and meditation prompt ask if it isn’t time to start working on changing them into something healthier.

DECK USED:  NEO TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsApr2025 Challenge
Prompt for April 21st, 22nd, 24th, and 25th :

What difficult truth do you need to acknowledge?

Baby I’m a Star – You are far more capable (and interesting) than you realize. It’s difficult to set that ingrained modesty aside, but others can see you shine even when you cannot.

How can you accept this truth more fully?

Master of Destiny – Look at all you have accomplished and acknowledge that you have the skills, experience, and thirst for knowledge needed to tackle any obstacle that may come your way.

What illusion is clouding your perception?

Bound for Boundaries – Your boundaries are are being tinkered with more than you realize, and therefore not as stable as you think. Take care not to allow little everyday things to stretch your boundaries even in small ways right now, because bit by bit they’ll end up stretched out of shape if you do.

How can you break free of this illusion?

Any Way (the Wind Blows) – Be flexible, but only within the scope of what feels right for you. Don’t ignore your niggles of discomfort, for they are telling you something you need to hear.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Mugo Pine Cone for Resilience and Longevity
Pressed Pansy Flower for for Hearing the Heart More Clearly
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: HUMAN SPIRIT ORACLE

I took time to actually make a grocery list instead of just “winging it” as I have been doing lately, which always ends up with me forgetting something.