Paradise Found
Sweet scents
of lavender
and sweetgrass
blend with sage
cedar
and furniture polish
as footsteps
carry
through the door
and black fluff
rubs
against ankles
in greeting
Month: July 2025
Living Alone and Self-Care
Today’s meditation was eleven minutes long, and was one of the #DailyTrip sessions in the @Calm app.
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The @GlitterbyInk #JulyJoy25 Challenge
Celebration of Joy Prompt for July 14 : Sharing
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.
Today’s draw is the Four of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of one’s passionate love for the security and welcoming energies of home. This often translates into themes that have to do with homecoming, celebrating home and stability, as well as relaxation in comfortable spaces.
Sometimes, I miss living alone. Not that I think it was particularly healthy for me, as I get away with a lot more self-neglect when living alone.
The thing is, though? I don’t live alone. I haven’t for the past 15 years. That’s when L moved in… or rather, more like transferred from our parents house to mine. It was supposed to be temporary; but let’s be honest… it’s totally not temporary. And honestly, even if she moved out there would still be J to contend with, and he spends far more time here than at his own place.
This means that as much as I don’t like sharing my space, I’m stuck with it; and that is a good thing for me.
Sharing space means you look out for each other, care in someway for each other, and learn from each other. There’s truth in the old adage that “sharing is caring” after all. Especially when it comes to sharing one’s space and resources.
The message for today is about the value of sharing your space and resources with others, even when it’s sometimes aggravating as well. This message encourages us to take the time to consider and acknowledge the benefits, especially in those times when you are chafing under the contact with others.
DECK USED: THE CRAFT FELT TAROT
@LightningWildflower‘s July Tarot Challenge
Reclaim Prompts for July 13 – 15
What power have I given away that I need to reclaim?
Buffalo atop Bull – You are yielding to the stubbornness of others instead of allowing your own hardheadedness to shine through and take the reins. You will make more progress with your goals and holding strong in your boundaries by reclaiming this power from those you have been handing it over to. Be the bull.
What label(s) have I outgrown?
Octopus – You were once considered a clever child, but you have grown into a wise adult. No one really considers you “clever” in that way you once were labeled. As you have matured, you have grown into being considered “smart” or “wise” instead. You would think that these terms are interchangeable, but they are not.
What would it look like to live more fully as my authentic self?
Monkey – It would be more carefree and fun. This is a side of yourself that you’ve ended up clamping down on as more responsibilities have crowded into your space.
Other elements included in this reading:
Black Spruce Tips to Boost Self-Confidence and Positive Thinking
Gneiss Wishing Stone for Patience in Moments of Discomfort
Carnelian Agate for Inner Drive and Focusing On One’s Aspirations
Desert Rose for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy
DECK USED: WILD DREAMS ANIMAL ORACLE
I took a nap today, even though I really didn’t want to. Apparently, I need it, because I slept for quite some time.
Take Your Time
Today’s meditation was fourteen minutes long, and was one of the #DailyTrip sessions in the @Calm app. The session for today addressed the topic of embracing defeat and giving up.
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The @GlitterbyInk #JulyJoy25 Challenge
Celebration of Joy Prompt for July 13 : Emerging
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.
Today’s draw is the Temperance card, which is traditionally a representation of moderation, balance, slowing down, practicing patience, and can at times represent a connection between the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.
When a butterfly emerges from its cocoon, it does so slowly. Little by little it shifts and stretches, adjusting in minute, sometimes indecipherable ways. It figures out how to use its legs to push and pull and grip. It feels the air on its body and wings for the first time, even before those wings have unfolded. Once free of the cocoon, its wings are still scrunched up and molded to its body, and it sits in stillness as bit by bit they begin the process of unfurling.
This process can take hours, which to a butterfly probably feels like an eternity. In the end, they must then learn to fly.
We too are emerging. Every day we learn new things and grow. Today’s message is that, like the butterfly, this process can’t be rushed. When we push and rush, we often lose far more than we gain.
Our lives are a journey of discovery on a path meant to be meandered down and enjoyed.
Take your time.
DECK USED: THE RADIANT ESSENCE TAROT
#DiscordTarotholicsJul2025 Challenge
Philosophical Question for July 16 : What makes something moral or immoral?
Reading Summary: The wisdom gifted to us by calm moments (Bupleurum chinense DC) of contemplation in a time of clarity (Mentha canadensis L) combined with love and caring for others well-being (Rumex acetosa L).
Take Away: My normal answer to this is society. Here, we see another answer entirely. It’s about contemplation, thoughtfulness, and love.
These cards suggest that what makes something moral vs immoral is the love and caring involved in helping others combined with clarity of thought on the motives behind these judgements. In fact, it doesn’t really consider moral vs immoral as judgements at all, but more as acts of good vs not good.
Other elements included in this reading:
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy
DECK USED: HERBAL INSPIRATION CARDS
I had a “do nothing” day that included a nap (although, obviously I still pulled cards for myself).
❤️ Self Care Saturday (On a Sunday)
These Saturday readings are (not usually) bearing in on any one thing or event in my life, as the question used is asking for a more general outlook. This is a self care exercise, and is not meant as a predictive reading… although that, too, happens on occasion.
The question is… What do I need to focus for self-care through the week ahead?
Earth – The Empress – You take care of everyone else, but who takes care of you? You are no longer “maiden fresh” with energy that abounds, and you should not be putting out more than you are receiving. Abundance, like everything else, is a balance of give and take. Consider taking more this week in order to foster a better balance.
Air – Two of Combustion (Wands) – Continue with getting your ducks in a row this week. Make plans, but with the caveat that they might be for naught if something unforeseen enters the picture. Rough drafts are great, just don’t carve them into stone.
Water – Eight of Æther (Swords) – Don’t panic. You do more harm than good when you’re in a panicked state. No matter how much you want to fix things or help, the best thing you can do in these moments is to close your eyes, take a breath, and stay calm. If you can’t manage that? Step aside and wait, then try again.
Fire – King of Combustion (Wands) – No micromanaging this week allowed. Instead, work on delegating effectively and with authority. You aren’t alone in this, so don’t act like you are.
Waning – Lump In My Throat – Keep your mouth shut. When you feel that tension in your jaw and neck? Don’t speak up. There is nothing you can say in this moment that’s going to make things better.
Waxing – Digesting Life – Careful what you ingest this week. Let your gut guide you on when it’s worth speaking, and when it would be better to listen. Remember that just because you don’t speak your mind, and choose to listen instead of contribute, doesn’t mean you are agreeing with (or to) anything. You’re simply choosing not to engage.
Take Away – Keep your mouth shut and mind your own business this week. It’s all about staying the course and making plans based on where you want things to go. There’s nothing here about actually -acting- on anything. Instead, use this week to focus on taking care of -you- and giving others the opportunity to help in that regard.
DECKS USED: BOADICEA’S TAROT OF EARTHLY DELIGHTS AND THE ANATOMY OF HEALING ORACLE
Dreaming and Doing
Today’s meditation was ten minutes long, and was one of the #DailyCalm sessions in the @Calm app. The session for today was about welcoming our emotions instead of pushing back against them.
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The @GlitterbyInk #JulyJoy25 Challenge
Celebration of Joy Prompt for July 12 : Dreams
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.
Today’s draw is the Wheel of Fortune, which is traditionally a representation of luck (both good and bad), changing circumstances, the ups and downs of life, and the cyclical nature of life and the world.
If we leave everything up to chance, we will miss out on achieving those things we dream of.
Yes, pushing too hard is definitely a thing; it leads to overwhelm and burnout. But, not pushing hard enough is also a thing; it often lead to dissatisfaction and apathy.
We have dreams for a reason. They inspire us to achieve things that we want in life and motivate us to act in our best interest. Yes, good things (and bad) will come to us either way, as this is how the universe creates a balance, but the universe is not going to fulfill your dreams without at least some of effort on your part. Often, that means a -lot- of effort.
This means not giving up at the first sign of struggle, and taking the wrenches that the universe tries to throw into the works in stride.
Our dreams are how we keep fighting the good fight, even when it feels like the deck is stacked against you, or the whims of fate try to get in the way. Today’s message is a reminder that achieving our dreams is not free, and requires riding out both the good and the bad times that life throws our way. This card and prompt combo is an encouragement to use your dreams as inspiration that directs your path, and motivation to keep going.
DECK USED: TAROTWEAVER ROLEPLAYING GAME TAROT DECK
@LightningWildflower‘s July Tarot Challenge
Resist Prompts for July 10 – 12
In what area of my life would saying ‘no’ more often best serve me?
Four of Pentacles and Between Two Worlds – When you are waffling between save or spend, take time to consider how this money is best suited instead of making snap decisions. Blowing through every cent won’t create stability, but neither will being so stringent that you then end up rebelling against the restrictions of being too miserly.
Where am I being asked to challenge what I’ve accepted as normal?
Page of Wands; Sacrifice atop Riddle Me This – Self sacrifice is not the only way to support those in your life that need it. You are simply ignoring and/or rejecting other options out of hand. Part of this is because giving this kind of support is new to you and you are still learning, and those teaching you are the ones benefiting from the methods currently in use. You need to work at thinking outside the box.
What do I need to rebel against?
Six of Swords and Wheel of Fortune – Although bailing on things isn’t always the answer, and sometimes you have to ride things out instead, that doesn’t mean that you can’t walk away if you need to for your own good. Don’t forget that option is always there for you, and that it’s also okay to be too stubborn to take it… as long as it’s you making the choice.
Other elements included in this reading:
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy
DECKS USED: RAINBOW TAROT AND MERMAIDS ORACLE
I did the yard work today so that I wouldn’t have to do it next week when it’s hotter out.
What We Value
Today’s meditation was skipped.
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The @GlitterbyInk #JulyJoy25 Challenge
Celebration of Joy Prompt for July 11 : Blessings
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.
Today’s draw is the Nine of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of boundaries, defensive maneuvers, and protection of what you hold dear.
It’s in taking stock of what you’re grateful for that you come to understand what in your life is worth defending and protecting.
Sometimes, especially when I’m feeling vulnerable, I have a tendency to go “on the defensive” with a hair trigger. During those times I’m bewildered by the behavior, which I later understand is purely emotional in nature.
When I discuss these moments with Gideon, it always brings out into the air that in the moment something that I value felt threatened. And, because I was in a vulnerable and the emotional headspace, I reacted in an emotional way to that perceived threat.
By acknowledging these things (blessings) that I feel have value in my life, as well as how I reacted when I feel they are threatened, I’m able to better appreciate these things and respond with a more effective and appropriate response the next time.
The message in today’s prompt and card combo is an encouragement to look more closely at our moments when we are reacting to perceived threats, and what we are defending. Acknowledge their value to us, and explore how we feel and respond when these things are threatened. Is there a better and more effective way to defend and/or protect them? What would that look like?
DECK USED: CLOTH DOLL TAROT
#DiscordTarotholicsJul2025 Challenge
Philosophical Question for July 9 : If every cell in the body gets replaced in 7 years, will you still be you in 7 years?
Reading Summary: As we move forward through life, we grow and change (Surrender). It isn’t just our bodies that go through changes, but our minds and spirit as well (Sacred Desire).
This doesn’t mean that we lose everything we were before though, because we carry with us in our history what came before, and that helps guide us as we continue forward (Trust atop Ancestors).
Take Away: We are more than just our bodies, and even these non-physical qualities change over time. A seven year cycle means there are always older cells that carry forward and teach the newer cells, which means traits and information is brought with us from one year to the next and accumulated over time instead of lost.
Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Red Maple Leaf for Adaptability and Connection
Northern Red Oak Leaf Impression for Inner Strength
Red Jasper for Awakening and Motivation toward Growth
Desert Rose for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy
DECK USED: HEALING THE INNER CHILD ORACLE
I did a bit of writing roleplay with Gideon and a friend after I finished work for the day.
Twisting the Leaf 