Dream Echoes
Heart and stomach
clenched like rocks
heavy
in the chest
as each takes turns
trying to climb
into the throat
and a hand lifts
to wipe
sleep from
corners of the eyes
while a shaky breath
is drawn
and reality
comes back into focus
Always On My Mind
Every day
I think of you
From the moment
eyes open
to greet the day
to the moment
my head
touches upon
pillow’s softness
it is you
my thoughts return to
again and again
I love you
Prompt: “Pull the Death card from your deck(s). Compare the imagery between the card provided below and the card(s) from your own deck(s). How would you read them differently and why?“
Modern Love Tarot – Whips and chains and patent leather really leans into the sexual aspect of the Devil card, and I would normally interpret this card as being about those things you are curious about that might be considered risky or taboo. Out of the four cards I’m interpreting in this exercise, it is the most likely card that I would interpret with sexual undertones, although not always… for it isn’t sex I think about when I look at this card, but the thrill of anticipation when trying something new and/or dangerous.
Midnight Magic Tarot – Hypomyces lactifluorum is a parasidic fungus that takes over the fruiting bodies of other nearby mushrooms. In this card I see the potential for addiction. Not just in reference to drugs or alcohol, but to anything that can provide one the dopamine our brains crave. Sugar, cookies, praise, kisses, driving too fast… the list is endless. What in your life has the potential to take over if you don’t keep it in check? What can you do to help keep these things in check so that they don’t take over and possibly change your life in negative ways?
Margarete Petersen Tarot – Eyes gaze upon you through the sharp angles of judgement as open wounds fill the frame and chaos reigns. In the grip of obsession and addiction, it doesn’t matter how deep the knife cuts… as long as you get what you crave. The imagery in this card speaks to me of wounds, self judgements, and that savage need that grips one’s insides when addiction is upon us. Where in life are you sacrificing pieces of yourself for something that’s slowly starting to take over or sabotage what you once held dear?
The Mind’s Eye Tarot – Again we see eyes watching on and a theme of red. Red is the color of passion, anger, lust, and blood. It’s the color of obsession and the color of gaping wounds. The figure in this card seems indifferent in both her posture and demeanor. Combined with the eyes and the overwhelming red of the card’s coloring, what I see her is a question about what you are ignoring. What bad habits or shadow behavior needs dealt with instead of turning your back upon it and pretending it doesn’t exist?
August 31
The High Priestess – You learn through experience, and so does your intuition. Living here with Ms B has been difficult and there’s been a lot of physical and emotional struggle, but there is also intuitive growth happening during this time. Being in a home with active spirits of the dead (as opposed to the Fae that occupy your own home) is giving you a chance to stretch your wings in your mediumship abilities. In this way, remember that you are gaining from this experience with Ms B as well as learning, experiencing, and growing stronger. Not just physically or emotionally, but intuitively as well.
Here and Now I Exist – Who you are now, in your entirety.
Strength Rx – You are not feeling particularly powerful at the moment, and are struggling with self confidence while powering through. Self doubts are natural, but take care not to let them take over.
The Slough – What is to be left in the past as you move forward.
The Star – Wishful thinking. Things cannot change unless -you- put in the work to change them. Sitting back and waiting for them to change on their own is not the answer.
What Lies Ahead – An ideal state or ideal self you are seeking at this time.
The Hermit atop Queen of Wands – Independence to once again pursue your own passions and inspire others to do the same. You want to get back to the status quo where you have the alone time and independence you need, and the room to foster your creative spirit and let your creativity flow.
Limitations – Negative influences, opposition, or ill will.
Two of Cups – Those loved ones closest to you in your life right now. Your current situation is a together sort of thing, and you can’t get out of it, but that doesn’t mean it’s healthy for you and you need to be aware of that.
The Boon – Positive influences, higher guidance, or divine intervention.
Seven of Wands – You are stubborn and strong, and have the ability to fight back by doing things for yourself that are right for you. Even when others might think they are being selfish or try to make you feel bad about them.
The Wound – An unpleasant past experience or event that is ripe for some support and healing.
Ten of Wands – Don’t forget that you can only carry so much. You know what the sensations of burnout feel like, and the things you can do to mitigate them. You are flirting with that line again and again this year, and you need to do more for yourself to keep from crossing over into burnout again.
Nostalgia – A positive past experience or event to acknowledge, reflect upon, and enjoy.
Ace of Swords – You are smart, capable, and know how to communicate your needs. Look back on times when you have done so well, and use them to bolster you into doing the same in the present.
A Warning – Something coming that can be prevented or overcome.
Nine of Cups – Don’t get comfortable. Remember that when you slow down, that’s when shit hits the fan. Better to keep moving than lay back and relax and end up being shaken back to life by the harsh bite of fate.
Empowerment – A future opportunity to work toward.
Ten of Coins – A return to a sense of stability and security is absolutely possible. The month ahead provides you the opportunity to make that happen, and as long as you keep working toward that goal, you’ll get there.
Message from the Spirit World – Don’t fall into sitting on your laurels and enjoying what you have, you still need to fight for what you really want to achieve.
Message from the Mind’s World – It’s okay to feel weak sometimes as long as you keep your chin up and give yourself what you need in order to heal and recover your spark.
Message from the Physical World – Put upon others in your life the responsibility of finding ways to take some of the weight off your shoulders. Show them you need their help.
August 28
Five of Wands – You know, I never thought of Sailor Moon cartoon characters as butting heads, and yet here the wands are on the five of wands. Today’s card is a reminder that even when you butt heads with others, it’s still possible to get things done and make great things happen. Conflict is uncomfortable, but sometimes it’s a necessary part of the process. Don’t shy away from it… work through it instead and everything will sort itself out in the end.
August 29
Six of Swords – Instead of trying to quash your anxieties and worries, berating them or shoving them under the rug… try talking about them instead. When you discuss them with others, it helps expunge them from your head, effectively giving them an outlet to be let go of instead of forcing yourself to hold onto them while trying to ignore them.
August 30
Six of Swords – When this is all over, make sure that you remember to give yourself time to rest and recover instead of just jumping back in full speed into everything else. Slough off this time and take a moment or three to feel the difference that removing that weight feels like. Take a breath and give yourself time to recuperate. You need it, whether you will be wanting to give it to yourself or not.
Twisting the Leaf 