Exploring Life… Together

Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Little Otter's Mindful Kids Emotion Cards and Mythos Tarot's Ten of Cups - NaiadsToday’s draw is the Ten of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of feelings of completion, connection with others and harmony in those connections, and is often considered as the “happy family” card.

Curiosity is better when explored together with those in you rlife that make you happy and provide you with a sense of togetherness and well-being.

These people are your family. Not necessarily the family you’re born with, but the family that nurtures your growth and supports you and your aspirations.

This tribe of people are the ones to go exploring with, learn new things with, even fail with… for they are the ones who will support you through good times and bad, making even the worst of times just a little bit better.

The Ten of Cups and “family” aspect of the Naiads combined with the Curious Giraffe card is an encouragement to seek out and appreciate these people in your life. Take a moment to acknowledge their contribution to your life and happiness.

DECK USED:  MYTHOS TAROT

#detarotjufmeitarotchallenge Tea With the Queens Challenge by @de_tarotjuf
Tea with the Queen of Pentacles : Grounding and Materials
Prompts for May 25 – 28

Oracle Reading with the Tarot of the Hidden Realm and With Love Little Pig & Little Bunny Postcard SetWhat do I need to feel more centered?

Nine of Swords and I Can Disappear – Centering, for you, requires more assurance that when you make connections that you value, they aren’t just going to disappear from your life.

Remember that lasting friendships are hard to find, and focus on those you already have instead of worrying about newer ones that might come and go.

How can I better manage my finances?

Four of Wands and Saved the Last Piece – Saving creates stability for the things you want in your life. Take care not to lose sight of the fact that putting money away instead of spending it not only makes sure you have it when it’s needed, but also when you just want to treat yourself or others.

What are my goals in terms of material well-being?

Knight of Cups atop Six of Cups; Should We Do Nothing – True autonomy is the foundation of your material well-being goals. You desire the ability to do what you want when you want, without needing to worry that it will upset the scales of balance in your life. This freedom doesn’t necessarily mean exceptional monetary abundance, but rather a comfortable balance you are seeking to achieve.

How can I make my environment more pleasant?

Page of Cups and Muddy Boots – To make your environment more pleasant, work on learning how to enjoy life being a little bit messy. Mess and chaos don’t have to upset the apple cart of your emotions. The fact that they do indicates that you are gripping onto that habitual perfectionist mindset of  yours far too tightly.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Silver Maple Key for Bouncing Back to Thrive
Foraged Cedar Tips for Protection Against Negative Influences
Gneiss Wishing Stone for Patience in Moments of Discomfort
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: TAROT OF THE HIDDEN REALM AND WITH LOVE LITTLE PIGGY AND LITTLE BUNNY POSTCARD SET

Daily Self Kindness

I managed to get some time to unwind and relax with Gideon once I finished orders.

🌑 New Moon in Gemini – May 2025

Tonight is the new 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 @moonlightandmindfulness

New Moon in Gemini Oracle Reading with the Flowers & Feelings Oracle

This is a great time for making connections, telling your story, and letting your unique, authentic self shine. How can you be more present in each moment without overthinking?

Iris – Irises don’t just attract hummingbirds and bees, they also attract snakes. Watch your step! You don’t have to scour the weeds for the suckers, just be aware and let them show themselves. Chances are? They won’t, and will run instead of being exposed. This is true for the “snakes” of the human variety in life as well.

Work on letting go of the “what if” scenarios in your head and trust that you’re ready and prepared for what may come. That hyper-vigilance is just wearing you out and keeping you from enjoying the blooms.

There may be a sense of clarity and our minds feeling less cluttered. How can you tap into this to inspire fresh ways of thinking, communicating, and expressing yourself?

Peony – Lean into kindness and understanding, especially toward yourself. All that negative feedback in your head makes it hard to step forward and open up, and difficult to be vulnerable or allow others to see your softer side. Use this time of clarity to catch yourself in these unforgiving thoughts and shift the narrative to what you would say to others instead of the abuse you dole out on yourself.

Practice patience and be gentle with yourself as you move through a new chapter of growth. What can you do to help yourself channel anxious thoughts into productive, gentle, and self-loving ones?

Fly Agaric – Don’t allow fear to rule you. Remember that fear blows things out of proportion, and even the smallest worry can blow up into a unmovable mountain if you let it. This doesn’t mean charging forward without thought, but it does mean “doing the thing” with measured respect for the risks involved instead of staying frozen in fear.

Loosen up and invite a sense of playfulness into your life. Where can you change things in order to find a bit of time to lean into curiosity, learn something new, and make new connections?

Lavender – It isn’t about finding more time to insert these things into your life, but about layering them into the areas of your life that are already there. Lean into your efforts towards positivity and optimism, and their influence will spread itself pervasively throughout all the aspects of your life.

Think through your intentions clearly – write them in a journal, speak them out loud. What small steps can you take to help you to reach your most aspirational goals?

Honeysuckle – The first step in any journey is making sure your goal is in alignment with what you want out of life and who you want to be. Discard those ideals and goals set upon you by others, and the “should do” mentality of outside pressures. What is it you want?

Be open to change and remember that saying ‘yes’ opens up a world of new opportunities. What do you need in order to help you surrender your need to know everything right now and let your story unfold?

Lotus – Trust is needed that you will get through difficulties and come out the other end better for it. Appreciate the fact that you have not been controlling your life single-handedly, but rather in tandem with the universe’s meddling. That meddling helps you grow, and will always make sure everything turns out okay in the end, even when at the moment things seem hopeless.

New Moon advice from the Minoan Goddess Amalthea.

Rosemary – It’s okay to be vulnerable. Not only does the universe have your back, but so too do your loved ones.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Rhododendron Leaf for Fostering Confidence
Lobelia Sprig for Removing Rose Colored Glasses
Fuchsia Flowers for Stability in the Face of External Disruption
Conch Shell Knot for Concentration, Clarity, and Determination
Rose Quartz for Gentle Kindness to Self and Others
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: FLOWERS & FEELINGS ORACLE

True To Self

Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Little Otter's Mindful Kids Emotion Cards and Parfait Tarot de Marseille's Three of CupsToday’s draw is the Three of Cups, Three of Cups, which in the Tarot de Marseille is traditionally a representation of friendships and family connections, harmonious relationships, connecting emotionally with others, and collaboration between those that are linked or alike not just in mind but also in heart.

Confession.  I have an extreme distaste for being around people who are drinking. I waffle between seeing them as unpredictable, moronic, or weak.  Sometimes? I see them as prey, which ties into the whole “weak” category, but I think is actually a kinda messed up perspective.

I don’t find hanging out while having a beer as entertainment, nor enjoy most gatherings where alcohol is served.  This isn’t to say that I don’t enjoy being invited (because I very much do!), and may even accept in a show of solidarity. It just means that even if I accept? I’ll probably hold myself apart, won’t be drinking myself, and may come off as “no fun” to others.

This is me being honest to myself and about who I am.  The message in today’s cards is an encouragement to do just that.  Be true to yourself. Even in the face of peer pressure and possibly disappointing others. Be authentic to who you are instead of trying to conform to other’s expectations. Those that are meant to really matter will accept you as you are, differences and all.

DECK USED:  PARFAIT TAROT DE MARSEILLE AND LITTLE OTTER’S MINDFUL KIDS EMOTION CARDS

#DiscordTarotholicsMay2025 Challenge
Prompt for May 26
: What do you need to focus on for self-care for this month’s new moon?

Oracle Reading with the Resurrection OracleReading Summary: There is value in looking at things with fresh eyes (Inner Child) and taking them at face value instead of delving into the details (Face Value). Doing so is a turning point on trust for you (Turning Point), allowing you to be more open to trusting the universe is a whole instead of continuing to distrust everything.

Take Away: This New Moon’s self care needs to include putting your energy into being less pessimistic and distrustful. Not everything is a harbinger of doom or betrayal, and it’s okay to not predict every obstacle or problem before it lands on your doorstep. It’s okay to just enjoy, instead of picking things apart hunting for potential problems.  Give yourself permission to let go of your hyper-vigilance and just take things as they are.

Other elements included in this reading:
Lobelia Sprig for Removing Rose Colored Glasses
Fuchsia Flowers for Stability in the Face of External Disruption
Lace Agate for Increasing Inner Stability
Green Aventurine for Harmony and Balance of the Heart
(Stone above might actually be Garnierite with similar properties, but I won’t know for sure until I do some testing.)
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: RESURRECTION ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

This is a catch up post, and I’m not entirely sure what the self kindness was for this day.

Shock and Awe

Today’s meditation was ten minutes long, and one of the #DailyTrip sessions in the @Calm app.

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Little Otter's Mindful Kids Emotion Cards and The Spectrum Seeker's Tarot - Ace of Spoons, Ace of WandsToday’s draw is the Ace of Spoons (Wands), which is traditionally a representation of the seed of new beginnings in the area of one’s enthusiasm, drive, willpower, principles, determination, and inner spark. This often translates into themes that have to do with budding new interests and new passion projects.

Have you ever just said “fuk it” and done something with the full expectation that it could flop, only to be shocked when it goes well?

If not? You really need to play and experience more!  Fear of failure is holding you back, and doesn’t need to. Failure, after all, is how we learn… and that includes how we learn what we have a natural talent for, what things we like and enjoy, and what things that if we really want them we’ll have to really work at.

When you deprive yourself of experiences out of fear of failure, you miss out on all the happy surprises out there waiting for you to discover them.

The Ace of Spoons (Wands) card combined with the Shocked Starfish are here today to remind you to dive in, and encouragement to give life the opportunity to shock and awe you with new discoveries about the world around you and about yourself.

DECK USED:  THE SPECTRUM SEEKER’S TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsMay2025 Challenge
Philosophical Question for May 14th
: What is happiness?

Oracle Reading with the Nature's Healing OracleReading Summary: Happiness is life itself (all three card meanings end with “of life”), and the blending of our moments of anticipation and excitement (Coffee), with those moments of quiet calm (Olive Oil) where we can slow down and smell the roses (Chickpeas).

Take Away: These cards answer to what is happiness is that it’s all about experiencing the ups and downs of life.  I can’t remember where I read the theory, but there’s a theory out there that humanity can’t be happy long term unless there is struggle.  This theory proposes that in order to truly enjoy and appreciate happiness, we are only able to do so when experiencing it in short duration rather than as a constant.

I feel that this is what these cards are essentially trying to say.  We need variety in life.  Times of rest and relaxation, and times of effort, energy, anticipation, and excitement. Happiness, for humans, therefore, is in the bliss of temporary moments… both the exciting ones, and the quiet ones.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Rhododendron Leaf for Fostering Confidence
Ammonite for a Sense of Stability During Times of Change
Citrine for Energy Lift (easing the weight of heavy energies)
Clear Quartz for a boost of Intentional Energies

DECK USED: NATURE’S HEALING ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

This is a catch up post, and I’m not entirely sure what the self kindness was for this day.

The Simple Pleasures

Today’s meditation was ten minutes long, and was one of the #DailyTrip sessions in the @Calm app.

The topic of today’s meditation was focused upon “What simple pleasures can I tune into today?”

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Tarot Arcanae The Earth Tarot's Hanged Man Card and Little Otter's Mindful Kids Emotions CardsToday’s draw is the Hanged Man, which is traditionally a representation of taking a pause, considering alternate perspectives, relaxing into difficult situations, surrender, or letting go.

Stillness is the blessing that allows you to notice what you would otherwise miss.

Sometimes it can be difficult to partake in that stillness. A moment of pause can feel unnecessary, a waste of valuable time, or even counter productive. This go-go-go attitude might get you places, but you’re missing a lot of really important things along the way.

When you pause instead, you are given the opportunity to experience more, explore in depth, and find pleasure in the process.

The message in today’s card combined with the theme of today’s meditation is a reminder to slow down and savor, even when you feel like you can’t afford the time. Do it anyway. In doing so you are allowing more richness into your current journey and your life as a whole.

DECK USED:  TERRA ARCANAE : THE EARTH TAROT

#detarotjufmeitarotchallenge Tea With the Queens Challenge by @de_tarotjuf
Tea with the Queen of Cups : Emotional Intelligence and Care
Prompts for May 22 – 24

Oracle Reading with the Glimmer Enlightenment CardsWhat does empathy mean to me?

Responsibility and Vigilance – You often see empathy is something that creates a responsibility in you to help. This is because you are experiencing their emotions on a personal level, which in turn triggers that “need to fix it” reaction within you.

For this reason you’re often extremely careful in how far you’re willing to dip into other people’s problems and emotions. This vigilance allows you to avoid getting too involved, and thus too invested.

You see sympathy is a better option, for you can listen to their problems without involving your own emotions in the process.

What dreams do I have that I can explore?

Integrity – Make sure you were seeking out those that are true to themselves, and appreciate you being true to yourself as well. Don’t give time to those that lie to you or use deception to get their way, as integrity is one of those things at the top of your list when it comes to valuing both yourself and others. Take care not to cut others slack in this area.

How can I further develop my emotional well-being?

Romance – Work on enhancing those rose colored glasses. Your down-to-earth dependency on logic often causes you to miss out on opportunities for new emotional experiences and the resulting emotional growth. Let your emotions flow and wear them on your sleeve, rather than keeping them bottled up inside.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Rhododendron Leaf for Fostering Confidence
Picture Jasper for Sense of Proportion and Grounding
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: GLIMMER ENLIGHTENMENT CARDS

Daily Self Kindness

This is a catch up post, and I’m not entirely sure what the self kindness was for this day.

Finding the Positive for May 20 – 22

Phantasm of Life Tarot's Knight of Cups, The Mythical Creatures Tarot's Four of Swords, The Tarot by Caitlin Mattisson's Seven of Cups, and Affirmation Cards from Little Otter's Mindful Kids Emotions Deck

May 20 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was ten minutes long, and was one of the #DailyTrip sessions in the @Calm app.

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The @GlitterbyInk #MayTag25 Challenge
Celebrating Our Community Prompt for May 20 : Nurturing

Today’s draw is the Knight of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of an active beta energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s emotions, relationships, intuition, and creativity. This often portrays itself in a theme of going after what brings someone joy or following your imagination and creativity into new adventures.

Often, the word “nurturing” is associated with what we do for others or how we affect others. It’s seen as a gift to be given. Sometimes, though? The one that most needs to be nurtured is the self.

The Knight of Cups asks us what do you want? What do you need? It’s message is that sometimes it’s okay to be selfish. It’s perfectly okay, and even healthy, to nurture yourself and to at times prioritize your own wants and needs over those of others.

Today’s message is an encouragement to get in touch with those needs and wants, and give yourself the nurturing you need rather than expending all that energy on others.

DECK USED: PHANTASM OF LIFE TAROT

May 21 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Today’s draw is the Four of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of taking time to rest, recuperation after a trying time, and stillness for restoration and meditation on the events that have brought you to this place as well as where to go from here.

It’s hard to connect with joy when you’re not fully rested. This is why we need vacations, time off, and… well, sleep. Deprivation of rest isn’t just detrimental to our physical health and concentration. It’s also detrimental to our happiness.

The Four of Swords combined with the Joyful Sandpiper are a reminder that we all need rest. Even you. It’s important to make time for it even when there’s no time for it. Even if it’s fifteen minutes here or there when we just can’t fit more than that in.

Rest more. When we allow for recovery from the daily fray, happiness and joy are easier to reach in everyday moments.

DECK USED: THE MYTHICAL CREATURES TAROT AND LITTLE OTTER’S MINDFUL KIDS EMOTION CARDS

May 22 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Today’s draw is the Six of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of charity, generosity, sharing the wealth, asking for or accepting help, and balancing the scales between the “haves” and the “have nots” in life.

Let’s talk about “scarcity mentality”. This is an issue that I personally struggle with a lot. It’s the mindset or habitual assumption of not having enough. Not enough food, or money, or resources, etc. It keeps you in a constant semi-state of anxiety, pushing you to always work harder and earn more, often to the detriment of your health, happiness, and well-being.

The thing is? In many cases (such as mine), that fear that drives this mindset is unfounded. I have simply lived in a place in my life where scarcity was a very real thing, and fear returning there.

The message in the Six of Pentacles combined with the Scared Bear card is a reminder to check in with yourself and the fears that drive your unhealthy behaviors. Look at that fear objectively and ask yourself if things in this moment are really justifying the fears that are driving you. If not, maybe it’s time to ease up a bit.

DECK USED: THE TAROT BY CAITLIN MATTISSON AND LITTLE OTTER’S MINDFUL KIDS EMOTION CARDS