Today’s meditation was a ten minute long self-directed session based upon @thelatestkate’s affirmation that says “Maybe today is not an “improve yourself” day. Maybe it can be an “accept yourself and get through” day instead.”

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The @GlitterbyInk #SeptemberSoul25 Challenge
Seeds of Intention Prompt for September 20th : Equinox
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Five of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of pessimism, regrets, doomsday thinking, disappointments, and occasionally, failure (or at the very least, the perception of failure).

I have a tendency to push too hard and expect too much. And, as true as this is in regards to other people and things around me, it’s significantly more so in how I treat myself.

I was raised to understand that “doing your best” requires self sacrifice… and that you should never do less than your best. That means that to do your best is to neglect your own needs for the cause. You put everything you have into the perfection that you are seeking to achieve. And, at the end of the task, you don’t look at what you’ve accomplished with pride, but with modesty and humility. Because secretly you know you could have sacrificed more, and in doing so done better.

This is the mentality I was raised with, and one I still struggle with even now. I know it’s unhealthy, but it’s deeply ingrained and difficult to root out.

The message for today is to take a look at your expectations, especially towards yourself. Where are you pushing so hard that no matter how good you do, it’s never going to be enough? Take time today to examine why you are treating yourself this way, and look at ways to ease up on yourself.

After all, no harvest is perfect. So, consider how you can be happy with your achievements and celebrate them, instead of tearing them down.

DECK USED:  CHANG’AN’S ILLUSION TAROT AND THE LATEST KATE AFFIRMATION

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2025 Challenge
Prompt for September 20th: What do you need to focus on for self-care for this month’s New Moon?

Reading Summary: Rest remains your number one focus for this new moon (Four of Swords), as well as making sure that you’re staying connected with those that are important to you and enjoying your time with them (Three of Cups). You have a lot to be thankful for, and you should be enjoying these things instead of torturing yourself with uncompromising expectations (Four of Wands atop King of Swords).

Take Away: Although as time goes on this month, you’re trying to create a little wiggle room, don’t get so wrapped up in it that you forget that you’re supposed to be resting and waiting, not taking action. Don’t become so obsessed with your little experiments that you lose sight of that. Spend time with others that you like and care about, and enjoy their company. Give yourself some time to relax, and make sure that your aspirations and impatience for movement don’t cause you to get ahead of yourself.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Silver Maple Key for Bouncing Back to Thrive
Ceramic Red Maple Leaf Impression for Adaptability and Connection
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: TAROT FOR PREGNANCY

@de_tarotjuf Time for Yourself
#detarotjufseptembertarotchallenge
Prompts for September 19th through 21st

What lessons can I take with me from the past?

Judgment and Maternal – All of them. You carry those lessons forward with you through your life and into death and what comes beyond.

The one that you seem to be most resistant against thus far is your “mother issues”. You may want to get that sorted out before something happens that makes it impossible to do so.

How can I accept myself more as I am?

The Lovers and Natural – Open yourself up to vulnerability in healthy, low risk ways. Instead of discounting those things about yourself that are positive and good (as you have a tendency to do), take time to appreciate them instead. Foster self acceptance by making choices that validate yourself and those areas of vulnerability.

How can I improve my mind-body balance?

The High Priestess and Pacific – Go with the flow of what you know through your intuition, rather than through logic. Sometimes it’s that inner knowing that has the real answers you need, even for the mind and body. When you connect to your intuition and listen to what’s going on on within you, it allows you to gather knowledge that you wouldn’t otherwise have about yourself and your needs.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Fuchsia Flowers for Stability in the Face of External Disruption
Pressed Pansy Flower for Hearing the Heart More Clearly
Foraged Purple Heather Sprigs for Independence and Luck
Rose Quartz for Gentle Kindness to Self and Others
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECKS USED: CHANG’AN’S ILLUSION TAROT AND CHANGE YOUR MOOD ORACLE

I remembered to bring a pair of gardening sleeves with me to protect my arms from the rose thorns.