The Benefits of Silence

Today’s meditation was fourteen minutes long, and was one of the #DailyCalm sessions from the @Calm app.

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Hush Tarot -Ace of SwordsThe @GlitterbyInk #SeptemberSoul25 Challenge
Seeds of Intention Prompt for September 17th
: Expansion
Daily Mental Health Prompt
: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Ace of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of the seed of new beginnings in the area of one’s thoughts, intellect, education, logic and reason, ambition, or communication.

I have “foot in mouth disease”. That is to say that I have a great amount of skill at “saying the wrong thing at the wrong time”. My saving grace is that every once in an extremely rare while, I also say just the right thing at the right time.

The illustration on today’s card looks like a Knight, but is actually the Ace of the suit. This reminds us that sometimes it’s better to not speak, for we don’t know as much as we think we do. When you leap forward to be the first one to speak, you miss the opportunity to listen, observe, and learn.

The message in today’s card is a reminder that the wise listen first, then speak. Don’t be so eager to open you mouth before you’ve gathered all the facts… including the ones you didn’t yet know existed. When you take a moment to listen first, you expand your horizons beyond your own knowledge.

DECK USED:  HUSH TAROT

@de_tarotjuf Time for Yourself
#detarotjufseptembertarotchallenge
Prompts for September
 17th and 18th

Woodland Wardens Oracle Reading with the Hush Tarot -Ace of Cups, Eight of Swords Tarot ReadingHow can I clarify my goals?

Ace of Cups; The Bobcat and Blackthorn – Take the time needed to get in touch with your emotions. Your goals require more input than just good logical reasoning. You need to allow your emotions input as well, and not just on the end results you’re looking to achieve, but also about the journey to get there.

As emotions are not your strong suit, it’s important to take extra time to make sure they are being included. This connection cannot be rushed.

What energizes me when I think about them?

Eight of Swords; The Spider and Passionflower atop The Marten and Foxglove – The ability to block out the world and turn your focus fully on your creative spark and the endeavors born from it. Creativity is your way to play, and through it you enjoy things more. To energize and motivate you toward your goals, creativity needs to be included, in the same way seasoning interspersed throughout food makes the meal taste better.

DECKS USED: HUSH TAROT AND WOODLAND WARDENS ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I gave in and allowed myself half a pain med earlier today.  I just couldn’t get it under control.

Gideon’s Challenge – The Escape

Quiet CafeThe Escape 

If I could
just have
a few minutes
of stillness
and silence
the world
would fall away
and my eyes
would close
into a long blink
and then
blissful sleep
where everything
could be forgotten
for just a little while

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Be the Muse

Today’s meditation was a ten minute long self-directed session based upon @thelatestkate’s affirmation that says “Please take some pressure off; you don’t have to make all the good things happen.”

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The King's Theater Tarot - Queen of Wands and The Latest Kate AffirmationsThe @GlitterbyInk #SeptemberSoul25 Challenge
Seeds of Intention Prompt for September 16th
: Embodiment
Daily Mental Health Prompt
: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Queen of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of a receptive alpha energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s passion, drive, willpower, determination, values, and principles. This often translates into themes that have to do with being supportive of others projects and passions, or searching for inner truth within your own values and principles.

It took me a long time to understand and accept that I don’t have to be “on” all the time, and that it’s not my job to keep others entertained, nor hold their hand through each of life’s learning experiences or personal projects. Nor do I need to supervise their lives and works, hovering over them to ensure that they don’t trip and that they do a good job.

All this hovering is because I care, often too much. This often leads to overwhelm and extra dependency on the part of the other person, which is not healthy. That’s why it’s important to step back now and then, inspire from afar, and do your own thing without worrying about them doing theirs.

The message in today’s cards is a reminder that you can be the embodiment of a muse for others, even while taking a step back and not sticking your meddling fingers in their business. Instead, let them come to you as needed while you do your own thing.

DECK USED:  THE KING’S THEATER TAROT

@de_tarotjuf Time for Yourself
#detarotjufseptembertarotchallenge
Prompts for September 15th and 16th

Augur Charm Casting and Verdance Tarot Reading - Four of Swords and The WorldWhat is the next step in my personal development?

Four of Swords; Money Bag and Clover – You need to work on understanding that everything is going to work out fine even without your interference.

Allowing yourself to rest is important, and making that happen requires trust that sometimes luck will be on your side, and everything’s gonna be okay without you involved in making it so. That includes in concern to your business and your finances. Sometimes you just have to take a step back and relax.

Where do I still need more clarity?

The World; Mountains and Love Letter – Other than wanting the things that you do to make you happy., those that love you don’t care about what you can do or  accomplish. They’re there for you through life’s obstacles and struggles because they’re in it for the long haul. They want to be by your side even when the chips are down and the obstacles feel insurmountable.

Other elements included in this reading:
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: VERDANCE TAROT AND AUGUR CHARMS

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2025 Challenge
Prompt for September 16th

The King's Theater Tarot's Nine of Cups, The Magician, Knight of Pentacles, and The  Herbal Healing OracleCreatePage of Pentacles and Nettle

Create a greater appreciation for patience. When you go slow, you allow yourself room to receive instead of having to create everything you need on your own. By contrast, if you rush, you are on your own to make everything happen and build all those building blocks by yourself.

Patience is the key and there is truth in the phrase, “Good things come to those who wait.” With patience, you are able to take a slower pace and be open to receiving assistance more easily.

Evolve Nine of Cups and Clover

Relax and appreciate those things that you enjoy, rather than being so preoccupied with whatever next goal post is waiting for you. You’re allowed, in your moments of pause, to really appreciate life and enjoy it, rather than chafing at the bit for what comes next.

Take ownership of your times of pause and rest, and work on evolving them into something positive that you can enjoy… instead of inconvenient pauses you try to push through.

Balance The Magician and Protection

Your ambition and drive to protect what is important to you has gotten a bit out of control. You may not realize it yet, but you’re back to pressuring yourself to be “on “all of the time and prepared for anything.

Although this is an admirable goal, it’s not a realistic one. Everyone needs down time… even you.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Wood Fern for Exorcising Negative Influences
Pressed Pansy Flowers for Hearing the Heart More Clearly
Handcrafted Sigil for Healthy Sustainable Energy
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECKS USED: THE KING’S THEATER TAROT AND THE HERBAL HEALING DECK

Daily Self Kindness

I didn’t feel well today and spend a great deal of time napping. I also started taking Cold FX and some extra vitamin C to help combat whatever this is.

Gideon’s Challenge – Too Much

Passiflora FlowerToo Much 

Sometimes
even the
perfection
of organization
feels
scattered and
disorganized
and like
nothing
is right
in the world
and the brain
spirals into
overload

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

You Are Likeable… Honest

Today’s meditation was a ten minute long self-directed session based upon the Mirror Work Affirmation card that says “I am loved for who I am, not what I do.”

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True Sunbright Soul Tarot's The Sun Card and Mirror Work Affirmation CardsThe @GlitterbyInk #SeptemberSoul25 Challenge
Seeds of Intention Prompt for September 15th
: Awaken
Daily Mental Health Prompt
: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is The Sun card, which is traditionally a representation of success, optimism, positivity, fun and frivolity. In my path, the Sun is also a symbol of male vitality, virility, and warmth.

Do you ever wonder, “Why do these people stick by me?” Your mind going through all the possible things that they might be getting out of the relationship, or from you specifically, that motivate them to stay?

I do. Maybe I was just raised to be suspicious of other people’s motivations, or to see myself in an unpalatable light, or both. But, regardless of why? My mind goes there nearly every time someone is nice to me or I’m enjoying someone’s company.

It took my partner to help me see that this is not necessarily how others see the world and those around them. He helped open my eyes to the fact that sometimes people hang out with me just because they like me. It’s a really weird thought for me, even now, and difficult to wrap my head around. But, he’s awakened me to the fact that weird or not? It’s probably true.

It goes to show that you just can’t predict what might make others happy or comfortable. Sometimes those qualities in yourself that you see as faults are actually another person safe place, or what makes you interesting to to someone else.

The message in today’s cards is a reminder that happiness is subjective. The people that like you for you can make you happy too, if you’re willing to give them a chance and accept their love.

DECK USED:  TRUE SUNBRIGHT SOUL TAROT AND MIRROR WORK AFFIRMATION CARDS

@LightningWildflower September Tarot Challenge
Prompts for September 9th through 15th

Tarot Reading with The Celestial Folklore Tarot, Intimacy Cards, Ukiyo Tarot, I-Ching Oracle, Journey to the Crossroads Tarot, Witches Through History Oracle, True Sunbright Soul Tarot, and The Healthy Witch Oracle

Knight of Cups

How can I express my feelings authentically, even if they’re messy?

The Lovers and Rapid Fire – Get it out. Spill them out on the floor like a dropped glass of water and let them splatter out all over the place. Just make sure that you are doing so with someone safe and trusted, who can provide you the support and care you need.

Where might I be romanticizing a situation instead of seeing it clearly?

Knight of Cups and Success – Look back on past experiences of success where things went in the direction you wanted them to go, and make sure that you’re not forgetting all of the hard work, stress, and struggle that went into the process. Acknowledge that it wasn’t as easy as you’re remembering it to be.

Knight of Swords

Where do I need to communicate or listen more effectively before acting?

Four of Cups and Limping – Retreating into yourself for some solitude may feel like what you need, but it’s not always the healthy choice. Instead of keeping to yourself how much you’re struggling, make sure that you’re communicating with others so that they can help you. There’s no point in limping along on your own and struggling under the weight when there’s others that are willing to take part of the load from you.

What truth might I be overlooking in my haste to charge forward?

King of Cups and Biting – Putting all of your focus on what you can’t control right now is leaving your partner feeling neglected and alone. This allows the emotional side of the drop to bite deeper than it would normally. Don’t be surprised if you feel a little bit of backlash from this when it overflows beyond his control.

Knight of Pentacles

How can I show up for myself consistently, especially when progress feels slow?

Five of Coins and The Owl – Be aware that your negative thoughts and self talk are lying to you about scarcity issues. It’s important to remember that there are always going to be times when you feel like you’re playing catch-up, even when things are at their best. When things are moving slow, though, it allows your inner thoughts more room to try and stir up trouble. Use your cards, your intuition, and your spiritual practice to help keep you from falling too far down into that rabbit hole of lies and the resulting panic they bring with them.

What long-term goal needs steady attention and care?

Six of Wands and Belladonna – Achieving success is not going to take just time and hard work, but will also require you to stay on top of those negative narratives going on in your head. This goal in particular requires constant attention and validation. You need to be able to give yourself the reassurance of positivity and optimism whenever those voices speak up to try and poison your perspective.

Knight of Wands

What risk feels exciting right now but could use a little more direction?

Ace of Wands; Blood Flow – Be vigilant in ensuring that any new “brilliant” ideas and projects that come up right now aren’t something that’s going to feed into your addictions and self-destructive tendencies. You don’t need these extra obstacles right now, so make sure before you start that you look at things clearly and closely, and that you’re not creating more problems by picking it up.

How can I balance impulsive action with more thoughtful care?

The Moon; Arms and Legs – It’s important that the things you take on right now are within your wheelhouse. Don’t overextend yourself , nor let the uncertainty of the current situation make you freeze in place and stop moving entirely.

Other elements included in this reading:
Black Spruce Needles to Boost Self-Confidence and Positive Thinking
Dried Purple Heather Flowers for Independence and Luck
Amazonite for Self Awareness and Facing Truths
Carnelian Agate for Inner Drive and Focusing On One’s Aspirations
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: THE CELESTIAL FOLKLORE TAROT, INTIMACY CARDS, UKIYO TAROT, I-CHING ORACLE, JOURNEY TO THE CROSSROADS TAROT, WITCHES THROUGH HISTORY ORACLE, YRUE SUNBRIGHT SOUL TAROT, THE HEALTHY WITCH ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

We had rain today!  And I went for a walk in it.

Gideon’s Challenge – Feelings of Failure

Cloudy DayFeelings of Failure

How is it
that in a day
filled with
hard work and
physical labor
at the end
of the day
somehow
failure
seems to be
the feeling
that weighs
heaviest
on the soul?

Photo © ZenStatePhotography