Today’s meditation was a ten minute self-guided session based on an affirmation that says, “Bees don’t waste their time explaining to flies that honey is better than shit.”

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

Today’s draw is the Ten of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of satisfaction and stability in the area of one’s finances, resources, home, health, manifestations, and the physical world. This often translates into themes that have to do with hard earned success, accomplishments, abundance created through patience and hard work, and reaching a point in that abundance and stability where it is comfortably shared with those around us.

The card has then been combined with a card from the deck, which says, “What makes you different makes you beautiful. Don’t hide who you are from the world.”

It’s because of who you are and your unique collection of skills and attributes that you’ve accomplished the things you have in life. Both your biggest and smallest achievements are a direct reflection of who you are.

The message in today’s Ten of Pentacles and affirmation card is that it’s important to both acknowledge and celebrate these successes in life, both big and small, for in doing so we provide ourselves validation and nurture ourselves.

This type of validation is much healthier than the kind where we depend upon others to be provided with it, and is strong medicine against self-consciousness and moments of flagging confidence.

DECKS USED:  IVA TAROT AND LIGHTS IN DARK PLACES ORACLE

October Spooky Season Challenge by @MercuryTarot
Prompts for October 19th and 20th

What brings me comfort?

Ningyo / Seimeiryoku – Nature and life of the forest and green brings you comfort. You find comfort in those things that connect you with a sense of refreshment and vitality.

Places in nature, especially those that connect roots to damp earth and forests to sea, give you this feeling of completion and life’s spark like nothing else can. Reconnecting with those energies then brings you both stress relief and comfort.

What scares me?

Ittan Momen / Jū yoku gō without seisu – It scares you that allowing your softness and vulnerability to be exposed will leave you open to betrayal or defeat.

You forget, when feeling exposed, that vulnerability is its own kind of strength. In seeing it as a weakness, you fear that it will be used against you, when you should be seeing it as a strength to use to your own advantage.

Other elements included in this reading:
Wasp Hive Segment with Parmeliaceae Lichen for Easing Defense Mechanisms
Foraged Driftwood for Connecting with Cycles
Rose Quartz for Gentle Kindness to Self and Others
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED:  THE YŌKAI ORACLE

October Prompts by @forgotten.dumpling & @ml.mecham
Prompt for October 20th : I am seasonal

spring comes with a burst of energy
and an eagerness
for green things and blooms
as the return of sunlight
peeking among clouds
feels like sips of fresh air in the lungs
(Jack of Hearts)

summer sun means cranky days
with irritation climbing
higher and higher
with each day where rain is missed
a slow crawl through hell
with too much to do
and no relief in sight
(Ten of Clubs)

Autumn kisses skin with coolness
missed for months on end
where evergreens create a foil
for sparks of color as leaves turn
and the scent of decay
bend with rain and cool winds
(Queen of Diamonds)

Then winter arrives with downpours
and snow at the mountain peaks
with gray skies for months on end
and hibernation so sweet
(Four of Spades)

I ride the seasons year to year
they permeate my blood
with a cycle of discomfort and respites
celebrations and season’s songs
(Ace of Clubs atop King of Clubs)

Other elements included in this reading:
Staghorn Sumac for Connecting with Nature and the Wild Within
Foraged Red Oak Leaf for Fostering Unconditional Love
Conch Shell Knot for Concentration, Clarity, and Determination
Desert Rose for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED:  CRYPTID CREATURES PLAYING CARDS AMERICAN MONSTERS EDITION

@owlandbonestarot #OctoberinBetween Challenge
Prompts for October 20th

Resist – The Devil atop Queen of Swords

Resist the temptation to allow sharp words to lead the way and erect unneeded defense mechanisms.

Soften your words when you are feeling like you have extra sharp edges to your energy instead of allowing those sharp edges to translate into an even sharper tongue.

Allow – The Hanged Man

Instead of giving those sharp edges free reign, allow yourself to pause and reflect.

Consider other’s perspectives with an open mind and open ears, rather than allowing paranoia and suspicion to dictate what you see and hear.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Oak Branch with Moss and Lichen for Perseverance
Black Spruce Needles to Boost Self-Confidence and Positive Thinking
Dried Rosebuds for Potential and Beauty Waiting to Unfold
Dried Purple Heather Flowers for Independence and Luck
Clear Quartz for boosting Mental Clarity
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED:  IVA TAROT

Another nap today. I’m not sure how much good they’re doing. I also went and got my flu shot done.