Month: January 2026

Just Go For It

/ Twist the Leaf / Leave a comment

Today’s meditation was skipped.

•    •    •    ◈    •    ❄️    •    ◈    •    •    •

Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

William Blake Tarot's Knight of Swords

Today’s draw is the Knight of Swords (Child of Science), which is traditionally a representation of a projective and active “beta” energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s thoughts, intellect, education, ambitions, and communication. This often translates into themes that have to do with pursuing one’s goals related to their education, actively seeking one’s goals, action and decisiveness, and at times can indicate impulsivity without thinking things through.

The Knight of Swords has then been combined with the Ametrine card from the Lavish Earth Crystal Affirmation deck, which quotes Anita Brookner to say, “ All good fortune is the gift of the gods, and you don’t win the favor of the ancient gods by being good, but by being bold.”

Sometimes, even if the outcome is unlikely to be in your favor, you just have to make a plan and go for it anyway.

Impulsivity has its place, and planning is never foolproof, but the important part is often in stepping up and taking action. This is how things get done, how we learn new things, and how we turn dreams and ideas into reality.

The message in today’s cards is to go for it. If you have an idea that’s been percolating in the back of your mind and you’ve been hesitating on taking action, perhaps now is the time. After all, you’re not getting anywhere by just thinking about it.

DECKS USED:  THE WILLIAM BLAKE TAROT OF THE CREATIVE IMAGINATION REVISED EDITION AND LAVISH EARTH CRYSTAL AFFIRMATION DECK

One Card Tarot Journal Activity by @mariasofia_astro
Chapter 5 | Entry 7 – Health and Body
Affirmation : “My physical body is part of this earth.”
Prompt : Take a walk today or get outside in nature in some other way. Make a deliberate intention to commune with the physical world. Before you go, draw a card and see what symbols or keywords come forward. After getting into nature, reflect on whether you encountered those symbols or keywords during your experience.

Tarot Activity from The One Card a Day Journal by Maria Sofia Marmanides - Starless Sea Tarot - Strength

What feelings came up when I pulled this card?

Curiosity. Pulling the strength card in relation to going for a walk or getting out in nature today sparked curiosity for me. It made me wonder what I might encounter in this excursion.

What elements of the card’s meaning resonate with me and this prompt?

The Strength card is often focused upon inner strength, persuasion (usually through means of compassion), influence, manipulation, and courage.

This is written before my excursion out in nature, and in this moment the Strength card speaks to me of getting my ass out there and doing it. I’ve spent a lot of time procrastinating myself out of the visits in nature that I know I need. This is a form of neglect of self brought on by self-destructive tendencies. I will, though, find the time and energy to do this activity today. No excuses.

What in the artwork spoke to me?

The mouse in this card is doing the workload of an ant. Alone in his endeavor, he works to coax his burden up over the obstacle in his path in an effort that seems insurmountable. And yet, if we peek at the background on the right side of the card, we see only grass and flat ground.

This card’s imagery indicates to me that there is an easier way to go about things if you’re willing to pause and utilize your surroundings to figure out what that easier way is instead of stubbornly narrowing your focus to the method you’ve already chosen.

My prompt response and reflections.

The imagery and it’s message turned out to be quite fitting for me and my excursion outside today. I took one of the easier hiking trails in some lowlands near the Nooksack River, and although I chose one of the open paths, it turned out to be washed out about a mile in. The trail was a loop, and turning back was a much longer option at this point than continuing on.

Instead of going with either option, I went off trail for a bit (with my compass in hand to ensure I didn’t end up turned around), to skirt around the washed out and flooded area, then return to the path on the other side further up the trail.

Other elements included in this reading:
Sodalite D20 and D6 Gemstone Dice

DECK USED: STARLESS SEA TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJan2026 Challenge
Prompt for January 31st : Grab a spread of your choice you’re curious about… and give it a go!

Oracle Reading with the Whispers of Why Oracle and The Wreck Deck

What I want right now

Betrayed… Because There’s Wisdom You Haven’t Found Yet – You want to understand the motivations of others. It’s not enough to just say “they’re a dick/bitch” and move on. You want to understand what actually brought about those moments of betrayal that you’ve experienced from others.

What I need right now

Anguish… To Help You Break Free From Fear – Instead of focusing on why these betrayals happen, you need to instead focus on your grief. It’s not lack of understanding that creates the fear of trying again, but rather the lingering pain caused by not properly grieving what you lost.

How to bridge the gap between want and need

The Pressure of People Who Love You… Because It’s Not About the Outcome – Stop judging outcomes based on other people’s weights and measures. The cruelest voice in your head is the one echoing painful words said by those in your past who you were supposed to be able to trust to love you unconditionally.

Other elements included in this reading:
Scotch Pine Cone for Purging Negative Influences
Foraged Parmeliaceae Lichen for a “Breath of Fresh Air”
Foraged Oak Branch with Moss and Lichen for Perseverance
Rose Quartz for Gentle Kindness to Self and Others
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECKS USED: WHISPERS OF WHY ORACLE AND THE WRECK DECK
Daily Self Kindness

I’ve been fitting in little naps over the last few days (including today) in an effort to catch up on my sleep a bit.

Gideon’s Challenge – The Invitation

/ Twist the Leaf / Leave a comment

The Invitation

I see you there
staring at me
with sleepy eyes
and an invitation
promised
if I’m willing
to lean over
and nuzzle in
to soft fur
and purring
warmth
for a little
shared nap

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

🌕 Full Moon in Leo – February 2026

/ Twist the Leaf / Leave a comment

Tomorrow is the full 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 @moonmamaoracle

Full Moon in Leo Tarot Reading with the William Blake Tarot Revised Edition

Card to represent my energy.

Five of Painting (Pentacles) – Depleted and struggling. You are not at the top of your game right now and although you’re trying to show your “game face”, it’s starting to wear on you more and more.

What emotions are ready to burst out this Full Moon?

The Sun (landed a top the Five of Painting) – The pressure to do well and succeed feels like it continues to mount, even though you’re not getting anywhere. Not all of this pressure is external, but some of it is. Some of it is internal as well.

How can I release these feelings with empathy?

Ten of Science (Swords) Rx – Don’t give up. Your hands may be bound and it may be frustrating, but it’s not quite the end of the road. You’re holding on by your fingernails, and you need to focus on eradicating the emotions of desperation you feel by being more understanding with yourself and what’s going on with you.

Where does my inner child want to roar this Full Moon?

Nature (The Empress) – The weather has been conducive for getting out in nature, so you need to explore why you haven’t been taking advantage of this opportunity. Time in nature can provide you with a sense of nurturing that you need right now and aren’t otherwise getting.

What does this Leo energy want to teach me during the Full Moon?

Angel of Science (Page of Swords) Rx – Be selfish. It’s okay to sometimes make it all about you and what you want, as long as it doesn’t become your modus operandi.

Full Moon advice from the Minoan Goddess Amalthea.

Error (The Devil) – Take a close look at where you’re falling into temptation. Use the energy of this full moon to pull yourself from the edge of these temptations and their draw before you fall over it.

Other elements included in this reading:
Goat Figurine as Sympathetic Representation of Amalthea
Deodar Cedar Cones for Fostering Clarity and Spiritual Connection
Mookaite for Help with Weighing One’s Options
Yellow Jasper Acorn for sparking Interest in New Opportunities
Desert Rose for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: THE WILLIAM BLAKE TAROT OF THE CREATIVE IMAGINATION REVISED EDITION

Keep Moving Forward

/ Twist the Leaf / Leave a comment

Today’s meditation was a ten minute long #DailyCalm session from the @Calm app.

•    •    •    ◈    •    ❄️    •    ◈    •    •    •

Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

The Illest Tarot - Death card

Today’s draw is the Death card, which is traditionally a representation of gradual organic changes, loss, slow moving transitions, and letting go.

The Death has then been combined with an affirmation card from The Language of Letting Go cards, which says, “ I will face discomfort, trusting that feelings of healing and release are on the other side… While I’m doing this, I trust that I’m cared for and protected by myself, my friends, …and the Universe.”

For Beyoncé, the 1990s were a time of great transitions. She started out her career at the beginning of this decade, and went through a number of trials and tribulations along the way in her career as she moved from a new novice on the scene to a member of one of the most popular girl groups at the end of the turn of the century.

This is why Beyoncé is on the Death card in this 90s themed deck, as an illustration of how we grow and improve through struggle. It is only through accepting change and moving with it into the next phase that comes that we are able to advance in our goals and in life.

Too often change is considered a horrible experience that is to be avoided at all costs. But in truth, changes in our life are how we develop and grow over time.

The message in today’s cards is a reminder that even when you are uncomfortable with change, it is healthier to keep moving forward than to balk and resist. In moving forward, we get past these moments of change more smoothly, and our growth takes on a healthier development through each step forward we take.

DECKS USED:  THE ILLEST TAROT AND THE LANGUAGE OF LETTING GO CARDS

One Card Tarot Journal Activity by @mariasofia_astro
Chapter 3 | Entry 5 – Friends and Family
Affirmation : “I honor my roots.”
Prompt : Traditions are key component of how family members relate to one another. Draw a tarot card and meditate on the artwork or the cards keywords to help describe a family tradition that holds a lot of meaning for you, and to better understand what underlying feelings are informing this tradition for you.

Tarot Activity from The One Card a Day Journal by Maria Sofia Marmanides - The Way Jodorowsky Explained Tarot to His Cat Cards - Temperance

What feelings came up when I pulled this card?

Considering that I drew this card while sitting here with a “food baby” in my belly from eating too much, I found a good deal of amusement in the commentary that this card holds for the situation.

What elements of the card’s meaning resonate with me and this prompt?

As this card appears to be commenting on my “food baby”, I feel like the tradition that it is pointing to is that of food, and the abundance of special dishes and all that food related goodness that comes with different holidays and get-togethers between family.

There is a lot of gluttony that comes out of these days and activities, and because we are not really practicing moderation during these times, we always end up a little too full by the end of the day.

What in the artwork spoke to me?

I did note that the cat in this card also has a bit of a “food baby” going.

Also, the fluid being passed from one vessel to another looks an awful lot like honey taffy, which is something that my mother made a lot of over the holidays during my youth.

My prompt response and reflections.

This is why we all go on diets or vow to do better with our eating habits and self-restraint after the holiday season.

This is why there are birthday cakes and challah bread, Thanksgiving turkeys and Christmas feasts.

Even in families with very few traditions, most of the ones that do exist are centered around food. This is because food is something that we can share and enjoy together. It’s how we take care of each other.

With these sentiments in mind, it’s no wonder that during these times we aren’t as stringent with our diets and moderation goals. I think that’s perfectly healthy and acceptable, as long as it’s only happening a few times a year and not every day.

Other elements included in this reading:
Amethyst D20 and D6 Gemstone Dice

DECK USED: THE WAY JODOROWSKY EXPLAINED TAROT TO HIS CAT

#DiscordTarotholicsJan2026 Challenge
Prompts for January 29th and 30th

Tarot Reading with The Illest Tarot and Modern Life Oracle

What is something to consider leaving behind for 2026?

Seven of Cups and Impulse Buyer – A lot of times when you’re trying to make a decision between more than one thing that you want, you end up just saying “fuck it” and buying them both.

This choice to lean into impulse spending instead of decisive decision-making is a tendency that you might want to consider leaving behind as you move into 2026.

What is something you miss that you could bring back into your life?

The Moon and Gym Rat – You used to actually enjoy going to the gym. Not only did it bring you a sense of stability in your physical body, but it connected you with others through your endeavors as a physical trainer.

Even if you’re not going to the gym, getting more exercise could help you in better regulating yourself during moments of uncertainty. J could also benefit from this uptick in activity, for as you already know from being his personal trainer in college, he requires someone to push him to actually do these activities instead of sitting on his ass.

Other elements included in this reading:
Staghorn Sumac for Connecting with Nature and the Wild Within
Conch Shell Knot for Concentration, Clarity, and Determination
Gneiss Stone for Patience in Moments of Discomfort
Carnelian Agate for Inner Drive and Focusing On Aspirations
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: THE ILLEST TAROT AND MODERN LIFE ORACLE
Daily Self Kindness

I took the chance to take a nap today.

Gideon’s Challenge – Red

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

Red

Red
is the color
of winter
with cold air
and wet earth
and rows of
empty branches
aching
for the warmth
of spring
as they wait
patiently
beneath
heavy skies

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Spirit of Adventure

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

Today’s meditation was skipped.

•    •    •    ◈    •    ❄️    •    ◈    •    •    •

Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Witchling Academy Tarot - Knight of Wands and The Little Yogi Happy Notes

Today’s draw is the Knight of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of a projective beta energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s drive, passions, willpower, principles, inspiration, or enthusiasm. This often translates into themes that have to do with rash behavior and a go-get’em attitude toward the things that matter to that person.

The Knight of Wands has then been combined with an affirmation card from the Little Yogi Happy Notes deck, which says, “Promise me that you will never forget that you are more courageous than you believe, stronger than you appear, and smarter than you think.”

The courage to go after your dreams, often lies not in those things that you have already learned, but in the openness to explore new things and be wrong.

Being wrong as a major part of the learning process. It’s through being wrong that we discover new ideas and concepts, new methods, and principles.

The message in today’s cards is a reminder that discovery requires a spirit of adventure. That spirit of adventure allows you to be courageous and dive in to discover new things and bring to light new passions. It allows you to step past the fear of being wrong in order to dive in and explore.

DECKS USED:  THE WITCHLING ACADEMY TAROT AND LITTLE YOGI HAPPY NOTES

One Card Tarot Journal Activity by @mariasofia_astro
Chapter 2 | Entry 6 – Love and Relationships
Affirmation : “I attract love to me.”
Prompt : Use the card you draw to understand the qualities you most seek and desire in an ideal partner. Write a love letter to that person.

Tarot Activity from The One Card a Day Journal by Maria Sofia Marmanides - Astro Tarot - Justice Card

What feelings came up when I pulled this card?

Satisfaction. I have an excellent partner, and when I was shuffling the cards, I was wondering if the card pulled would tell me something that’s missing in my relationship with him… or give me a glimpse of what makes us work so well together.

It’s the latter, and I found that pleasurably satisfying.

What elements of the card’s meaning resonate with me and this prompt?

The Justice card is about balance. Sometimes that translates into cause and effect, but often it also speaks of the world’s need for balance. That’s what creates cause and effect in the first place, after all.

Relationships also need balance. There’s a give and take to them that allows opposites to connect and work together. Gideon and I are very different, not just physically but also in how we think, how we were raised, our problem solving methods, our energies, leadership styles, and much more. It’s those differences that create balance in our relationship.

What in the artwork spoke to me?

What drew my eye first is that this planet depicted on the card has the scales balanced on top like a tree growing out of its earth. It’s fully attached. Which means if the scales go out of balance, the world will tip and spin out of balance in one direction or the other.

If -that- happens, those scales are going to swish through and disrupt the clouds, knock off kilter the sun and moon, and scatter the stars. The colors of daytime and night time will get mixed together in a miasma. A mess. Eventually? When the spinning stops, those scales will no longer be balanced at the top, but hang from the bottom.

This all speaks to me about just how delicate balance can be, and how hard it can be to not just achieve, but maintain.

My prompt response and reflections.

My Beloved,

I often feel like you love me -more- than I do you. I feel that you take on the lions share of making sure that our balance works, and that I’m often the one more cavalier and careless in our relationship.

I know that this isn’t true, but sometimes I feel that way regardless of this knowledge.

Today’s prompt and card are a reminder to me that even in these things like expressing our love for each other and the care taken in each other’s feelings and experiences? There’s a balance at play. One that works for us, and has worked for us going on eighteen years now.

What makes us different connects us the strongest. Just like puzzle pieces that fit together to create a beautiful picture, we fit, compensating for each other and filling in “the gaps” as we connect with each other year after year.

I love you. I love us, too.

– Yours

Other elements included in this reading:
Green Aventurine D20 and D6 Dice

DECK USED: ASTRO TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJan2026 Challenge
Prompts for January 26th and 27th

Tarot Reading with the Witchling Academy Tarot and De la Nuit Lenormand

What do you feel you deserve?

Rider, Ten of Swords, Mice – Degradation for your failures, and the opportunity to pick yourself up after them to try again.

It’s not enough to fail and pick yourself up afterward. You feel that its important to punish yourself for that failure, as if in doing so it will drive your to try harder the next time around.

(Yes, I know this is extremely unhealthy and I’m working on it.)

What do you actually deserve? 

Key, Seven of Wands, Birds – The opportunity to fight for what you believe in and for the cheerleading of others to be the key to your success.

You aren’t in life’s battles alone, and you deserve those that want to cheer you on to be there for you. You deserve their support, and the successes that their support can offer you if you’re willing to accept their help.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Lodgepole Pine for Resilience, Growth, and Renewal
Deodar Cedar Cones for Fostering Clarity and Spiritual Connection
Dried Red Maple Leaf for Adaptability and Connection
Aquamarine for fostering Wisdom and Clarity
Carved Rhyolite Leaf for Facilitating Calm Transitions
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: THE WITCHLING ACADEMY TAROT AND DE LA NUIT LENORMAND
Daily Self Kindness

I bought more apples. This is a daily kindness not only because I enjoy them, but because I’ve been avoiding buying them lately due to their current prices.