Month: October 2025

1525 Feet per Second; No Faster

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Memento Mori Tarot's Seven of Pentacles and Sinister AffirmationsDaily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Seven of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of slow growth, sustainability, domestic harmony, hard work, and practicing patience while the fruits of your labors develop and take form.

The Seven of Pentacles has then been combined with an affirmation card from the Sinister Affirmations deck, which says, “The early bird might get the worm, but the night goddess gets a black cloak made of stars and a flying chariot pulled by dark horses.”

Sometimes the best way forward is to wait.

That feels counter productive, doesn’t it? The idea that inactivity is, in fact, the best way forward just feels… wrong.  And yet, it’s true.  Sometimes it’s in standing back and waiting instead of working your fingers to the bone that you learn and grow and find yourself moving along your path.

My workaholic control freak of a brain has a hard time wrapping itself around that concept.  Yet, I know it’s true, all the same.

The message in today’s cards is that sometimes? The best way forward is the one that you deem to be the least likely. Be open to considering what thinking outside the box might actually look like.  In my case?  That means allowing myself to work on wrapping my mind around slow growth, and letting go of control.  What does it mean for you?

DECK USED:  MEMENTO MORI TAROT AND SINISTER AFFIRMATIONS

#DiscordTarotholicsOct2025 Challenge
Prompt for October 31st : Grab a spread of your choice you’re curious about… and give it a go!
Spread : Scorpio Season

Scorpio Season Tarot Reading with the Memento Mori Tarot

where I’m a little bit pumpkin spicy

Six of Wands Rx – Guilt trips piss you off and expectations on how you should do things, react, or behave have a tendency to make you tense and put up your guard. By the same turn, when you see others acting out of character to people please, it causes you to want to leap in and empower them to break those self imposed chains.

where I might refuse to be a team player

Ten of Swords atop Two of Swords – When you’re overloaded and struggling with your own trials, being a team player is the first thing to be tossed out the window. You feel like you have more control on your own, regardless of the fact this reaction has a tendency to make everything worse and create a sense of overwhelm.

where there is a radical ending coming

Queen of Swords – There is an uncharacteristic apology coming your way.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Silver Maple Key for Bouncing Back to Thrive
Dried Red Maple Leaf for Adaptability and Connection
Cream Quartz Stone for Amplifying Intentions and Mental Clarity
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: MEMENTO MORI TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I let myself have some fun today handing out candy, and even “dressed up” a bit for the occasion.

Gideon’s Challenge – Candy Day

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Halloween SpiderCandy Day

So much
excitement
and
so much fun
all rolled
into one night
as evening
comes
and the
doorbell rings
and the candy
begins
to flow

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Last Harvest 2025 – Samhain

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Today is the third and Last Harvest of the 2025 autumn season.  Although this holiday (which is also known by most as Halloween and by many as Samhain) is celebrated around the world by those that embrace the rich history of many traditions that originated in Paganism, most don’t realize that is what they are doing… or that this holiday carries special significance as the eve of the Day of the Dead when the veil is at its thinnest between our world and those that have passed.

Samhain

Like with new moons and full moons, I usually do a spread to check in with myself and give myself some direction for the next couple of months for each solstice, equinox, and other Sabbats. This spread is an adaptation of my Self Care Saturday spread, so there are sure to be  some similarities in how it is read. The focus of this spread, though, is not about Self Care, but rather about progress and my path. The time period is also longer, reaching through the next handful of weeks until the celebration of the upcoming Winter Solstice (aka. Yule) in December.

Samhain Tarot Reading with the Jahreskreis Orakel Der Keltischen Feste, Pagan Otherworlds Tarot, Compendium Of Witches Oracle, Healing Herbal Cards

Theme of the Season – Anderswelt (Otherworld), Waxing Gibbous Moon, Evening Primrose (Oenethera biennis)

Anderswelt (Otherworld) is a reference to the thinning of the veil during this time of year.  It is during Samhain when the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest, and many of the traditions and activities practiced during this time are based in either protecting us from the negative spirits that might come through, or welcoming in those of our loved ones that come to visit.

This Samhain, we are on the cusp of the Waxing Gibbous Moon. Metaphysically speaking, the Waxing Gibbous Moon is a time of preparation for rebirth. Soon, the full moon will be upon us, and its power at its peak. During this time, power is building and condensing, and we must be active in planning what we are going to do with that power when it reaches its peak in another few days. Do we want to siphon off of that growing power a little at a time? Or do we want to let it build into something bigger and greater that we can utilize all at once?

Evening primrose is a symbol of rebirth, helping us to release old wounds and other emotions that weigh heavily on the heart that have been carried with us from childhood.  This release opens us up to allow for a rebirth of joy and enjoyment.  Medicinally, this plant’s essential oil is used to also release us from pain and discomfort to make room for healing, as it is used in folk medicine to treat skin conditions, menstrual cramps, and labor pains.

When looking at these three cards together, what I see here is a reminder that when we allow ourselves to explore our past, it provides us with the healing needed to become stronger and better moving forward. This healing releases us from the weight and pain we carry in old scars and long-standing wounds, giving us a new lease on life. In the same way, working with one’s ancestors and loved ones that come to visit during this time can heal generational trauma as well, if we’re open to the experience of working with them in this way.

Earth – Eight of Wands Rx – Slow your roll. Taking things easy right now is the best course of action for you. There is too much activity going on with the veil being thin, and you don’t want to get so caught up in the whirlwind that you lose your footing.

Air – The Tower Rx – There is currently a lull in the chaos. It’s temporary, but it’s giving you the opportunity to rise a bit before the next plummet begins. Use this time to bolster your inner dialogue and get your head on straight… or a straight as you can get it.

Water – Five of Swords Rx – Again, we see a message encouraging slowing down and holding back. Now it’s not the time to leap forward into battle. You’re not emotionally ready for it right now.

Fire – Knight of Swords – Focus your energy in the past, and seeking restoration through healing past wounds. Now is the time to deal with these issues; while the veil is thin, and those from your past are here and present to assist you.

Waning – The Memory and Briar – There’s smooth sailing when it comes to dealing with your past at this time. You won’t end up tangled up in the ways that you normally would be, because during this time you have the assistance needed to make changes and heal.

Waxing – The Oracle and Ruins – Lean into your ancestor work and mediumship abilities right now, and do a bit extra to honor the past and those who are long-standing at your side.

Take Away – There is a lot of advice here on slowing down in forward growth, your future goals, and aspirations. Instead of growth and the future, during this last harvest while the veil is thin, you are encouraged to dip into the past and work with your ancestors and guides. Be open to their guidance and focus in this direction rather than on advancement..

DECKS USED: JAHRESKREIS ORAKEL DER KELTISCHEN FESTE, PAGAN OTHERWORLDS TAROT, COMPENDIUM OF WITCHES ORACLE, HEALING HERBAL CARDS VOL 1 – 3

Abundance Abounds

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Creepy Halloween Cat Tarot's Nine of Pentacles and Halloween AffirmationsDaily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Nine of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of solitary satisfaction, a job well done, self-sufficiency, abundance, financial independence, and luxury earned through hard work.

The Nine of Pentacles has then been combined with a Halloween Affirmation card that says, “Pumpkin spice and everything nice… That’s me!”

You don’t have to be on the defensive all the time. Sometimes it’s okay to sit back and just enjoy what you’ve accomplished instead of always trying to defend it or strive for more.

There’s truth to the saying that “all work no play makes for a dull boy”. Not only does it make for a dull boy, but it also makes for one that’s not particularly enjoyable to be around.

The message in today’s card encourages letting a little bit and just enjoying the fruits of your labors, instead of always trying to angle for something else or worrying that someone is going to ruin it for you if you’re not prepared to protect it.

DECKS USED:  CREEPY HALLOWEEN CAT TAROT AND TWIST’S HALLOWEEN AFFIRMATION CARDS

#DiscordTarotholicsOct2025 Challenge
Prompt for October 30th : Do the Thinning Veil Spread

Tarot Reading with the Creepy Halloween Cat Tarot

What Spirits have come to visit and walk with you while the veil is thin?

Ten of Wands Rx – The spirits that have come to walk with you at this time while the veil is thin are those that wish to nurture your need for rest, and want to encourage you to create a better balance where you don’t fall so easily into overwhelm and burnout.

How are these Spirits assisting in keeping you safe?

Temperance – These spirits work to guide you towards moderation. They are here to remind you to take time for yourself, and that you’re pushing too hard and working too much.

What should you offer to these Spirits that are watching over you?

The Empress – Listen to them. Accept their nurturing energy. Celebrate the abundance they are guiding you to acknowledge and enjoy, rather than falling into the mindset of scarcity that drives you to push yourself so hard.

What cycle from the past do your Ancestors hope that you will break?

The Moon – Your ancestors hope you will break your history of allowing uncertainty to rule you. Uncertainty is not something you should be using as a motivational tool, nor as a basis to make decisions; no matter how much the urge to “fix it” has the ability to drive you.

What do you know deep within your bones?

Ace of Wands Rx – You need to slow down on picking up new projects. No matter how passionate you are about them, there’s only so much time in each day and room on your “plate” to fit more in. Learn to say no now and then instead of letting your anxieties and fears push you into saying yes.

What do the Spirits and Ancestors need for you to learn?

Ten of Cups – These spirits and ancestors need you to learn to enjoy what you’ve got rather than always striving for more. You have so much to be grateful for already. This doesn’t mean that you can’t work towards advancement, only that you don’t do so at the detriment of enjoying what you already have.

A message for you from the Spirits and Ancestors

Eight of Wands Rx – Slow down!

Other elements included in this reading:
Pressed Yew Tips for Ancestral Connections
Orange Aventurine Leaves for Pause and Reflection
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: CREEPY HALLOWEEN CAT TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I let myself get excited about my brand new Halloween buddy… Big Orange.

Gideon’s Challenge – Big Orange

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Big OrangeBig Orange

The box arrives
with a friend
inside
that I’m eager
to greet
and with
tearing paper
and keys
splitting tape
bright orange
is revealed
and he’s bought
into the light
and welcomed
home

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

If the Shoes Don’t Fit; Toss’em

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Today’s meditation was an eleven minutes long #DailyTrip session from the @Calm app.

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Trick or Tarot Deck's Eight of Cups and Sinister AffirmationsDaily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Eight of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of withdrawal, abandonment, or letting go of things, situations, or people in your life that are just not working out for you emotionally.

The Eight of Cups has then been combined with an affirmation card from the Sinister Affirmations deck, which says, “Life is short. Drink the forbidden potion. Read the enchanted manuscript. Command an army of colossal murderous tarantulas. Seize the day; tomorrow isn’t promised!”

As the affirmation card says; life is too damn short. Too short to deal with things that aren’t suited for you. Too short to let the frustrations and anger of these things that are not suited for you have room in your life. Too damn short to not be enjoying yourself.

There’s something to be said for walking away from those things. For knowing yourself well enough to know that these things aren’t fitting properly and aren’t for you… and thus letting go.

This knowledge requires being able to listen to your gut and understand what it’s telling you. It means accepting yourself as you are and pursuing those things that actually work for you and fit for you, rather than toeing the line of societal values.

The message in today’s cards is a reminder that we are all unique beings, and we need to fill our lives with those things that make us happy and contribute to our goals and align with our values. This message encourages us to reject those things that don’t fit for us, and walk away from them to seek out what does.

DECK USED:  TRICK OR TAROT AND SINISTER AFFIRMATIONS

@thetruthinstory #embracethemagical2025 Challenge
Prompt for Balance (equinox) : Where am I seeking balance between light and dark?

Tarot Reading with the Trick or Tarot DeckReading Summary: Actionable movement (Three of Wands) between your emotional intelligence (Queen of Cups) and still being a novice in this area (Ace of Cups).

Take Away: You are highly adverse to the combination of discomfort and uncertainty. And really, that’s what new things are all about sometimes. Especially where our emotions are concerned.

It’s hard for you to sit and allow your emotions to come as they will, and deal with them as they do. You would rather be in control and take conscious steps to move forward, and so you are struggling due to an inability to take control in this particular area.

If you want to find better balance between the light and the dark, it’s important for you to let go of that control and allow things to come as they will, acting when needed, but not before… nor just because you think it might give you the control you crave.

Other elements included in this reading:
Japanese Cherry Leaf as a Reminder of Life’s Fleeting Moments
Gneiss Stone for Patience in Moments of Discomfort
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: TRICK OR TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I spent a lot of time on the phone today dealing with tech support and customer service agents in order to get something sorted out that I needed to deal with.