Author: Twist the Leaf

The Bear Suit

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

Today’s meditation was skipped again.

White Lotus Elemental TarotToday’s draw is the Ace of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of a seed of new beginnings in the area of one’s emotions, relationships, creativity, and intuition. This often translates into new emotions, new relationships, new creativity based ideas, and the spark of new intuitive skills and abilities.

I have no fucking idea.  I’ve struggled with this all day long and I’m still looking at the card and struggling to find a connection between the imagery and the Ace of Cups and my life.

There is so much meaning in this card that I am missing because I’m not familiar enough with the culture that the card represents to really…. Oh geez.

*Cracking up.*   Okay so thank you Gideon.  I showed him the imagery and he says “The first thing I thought of was you wearing your bear suit.”

BearSuitI did, in fact, wear my bear suit today.  I was freezing earlier, and I discovered just how cozy and warm and perfect the hoodie is for when I’m freezing and need a little snug of comfort.  Usually, I just pull it on if I’m chilly and about to take a nap, but today it felt different. Like an embrace.  Warm and close and perfect.

That is what this card is about today.  It’s not about unknown cultures I don’t know anything about and the guidebook doesn’t provide information on… it’s about finding that comfort in a new and positive way.

DECK USED:  WHITE LOTUS ELEMENTAL TAROT

Mr Lionharts’ #TheFebruaryTarot Kindred Spirits Challenge Prompt
Questions for February 22nd thru 24th

White Lotus Elemental TarotHow can use my power or voice to support and elevate my kin?

Four of Coins – Pay attention to the foundation and roots of where you come from, and follow the path of those roots while learning how to instill them into your life in healthy ways.

What positive impact can this have in the long run?

Two of Coins atop Death – It will allow for more calm and better balance during changes that might otherwise “upset the boat” or cause imbalance. After the events of this past month, you can use a bit more of that stability.

Something I should initiate this week that will help me.

Strength – Shore up your strength. You know the things that will help you to get yourself back to rights and internally balanced and fortified.  Do them.

How can I channel the strength of my kin in support of this?

King of Coins atop The Fool Rx – Don’t be naïve about the world and how it works, or the motivations that drive people to do bad things. You need to approach things with a shrewd eye and a practical perspective.

What can I do to celebrate, appreciate or honor my roots today?

Queen of Swords – Call your mother.

DECK USED: WHITE LOTUS ELEMENTAL TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I did laundry today.  I was not really wanting to and I think I’ve just about made it the entire month without washing anything but work clothes and underwear.  It was time.

Gideon’s Challenge

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

IMG_7070The Approach

They come
marching
in a line
stretched long
although made
of fluff
bringing a bite
in the air
with them
as they move
as one
towards land
promising the need
for warm mittens
and ear flaps

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Weekly Creativity Prompt – Mood Boards

/ Twist the Leaf / Leave a comment

Prompt: “Draw a random card, and create a mood board for that card. You can use the card you drew in your mood board, but only that specific card from that specific deck (no others of the same card from other decks). Build your mood board using whatever other elements you wish to express the theme of the card and its meaning.”

Mood Board for the Emperor - Tarots UniverselsThe Emperor puts out fires… and starts fires. He is the “man” in charge, and not adverse to the luxury provide through success that his position of authority entails, and yet he will work hard for those in his care. Encouraging growth in those that depend on him, he wants those around him to thrive, but will not tolerate usurpers that may try to step on his toes or lay claim to what is his.

Mood Board for the Fool - Tarots UniverselsThe Fool sees life as an adventure filled with unlimited potential and exciting things to explore. Vivacious and naïve, he bounds forward with carefree enthusiasm that is instilled in all that he does. Rose colored glasses and a sense of adventure make life for the Fool a treasure trove of experiences that he’s ready to plow into headlong without a worry to be found.

Mood Board for Judgement - Tarots UniverselsJudgement has sharp edges when at its harshest. A weight we carry as we gather up our experiences throughout life, then look for the exit sign while examining all we’ve collected. Its not about what we own but who we are and what we’ve done with our lives. Do we hide away from responsibility? Or step forward and shout out loud our truths? Through faith and love we reach the end not under the thumb of guilt, but ready to rise above.

DECK USED:  TAROTS UNIVERSELS

It Could Always Be Worse

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

Today’s meditation was skipped (again).

IMG_E8474Today’s draw is the Ten of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of the end of a painful journey and other painful endings, the pain of betrayal, and moments of loss or defeat.

Here in today’s card and it’s imagery, there is a message encouraging you to acknowledge the issue you were faced with went far better than planned, and that you have come out on the other side of it wiser than when it began. The fact that there is one sword that is not piercing the moon, but instead lies resting above it all, is a reminder that things could’ve been much worse.

My most recent Etsy adventure with their customer support went far better than previous experiences.  They seemed to actually read my issue and understand it, and instead of brushing my concerns under the rug as usually feels to be the case, they appear to have taken them forward to the tech department, and resolved the financial implication that was involved as well.

I wish all customer service contact with Etsy could be more like this one, for… for once I actually feel heard.  It might have felt like a huge stab in the back at the time, but it was resolved far easier and better than expected and things could have gone far worse.

DECK USED:  GOLDEN NIGHT TAROT SILVER EDITION

#DiscordTarotholicsFeb2022 Challenge Prompt
Questions for February 21st and 22nd

Golden Night Tarot Silver EditionWhat skill in your tarot practice needs improvement?

Page of Swords and Knight of Cups – It’s time to learn a new skill… and stop hesitating.

This is about my explorations into mediumship. I am curious and I have a lot to learn in this area. I’ve been hesitating and putting it off instead of diving in to explore. This is a venue that I really didn’t have much interest in and tried hard to avoid in my practice for a very long time, but over the last few years my affinity for it has grown and my curiosity has been piqued. It’s time to dive in and explore the possibilities more fully.

How can you best work at improving this skill?

Ten of Pentacles and Two of Wands – Set a goal, and then make plans to work towards it. A lesson plan of some type, even loosely made, will help you in getting on track in studying and exploring this aspect of tarot more thoroughly.

A little structure can go a long way, and a goal combined with that structure will provide direction. I’m not always a big fan of structure, yet I’m aware that I thrive under its influence.

DECK USED: GOLDEN NIGHT TAROT SILVER EDITION

Daily Self Kindness

I had a wonderful nap today.  Usually my naps are kind of so-so.  A recharge, but not really good.  This one was real good.

Gideon’s Challenge

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

IMG_8582Saying Goodbye

Sweet moments
weigh heavy
in tufts
of memory
as the soul aches
for losses
and cold winter
creeps in
to the heart of men
as the sadness
of loss
swallows
us
whole

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Transitions Lenormand Reading

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

Transition Lenotmand Reading - Storytale Lenormand Deck

What shift is taking place in my life?

Clover and Snake – There’s lots of opportunities that look awfully good coming your way, but you need to be careful that you don’t let an opportunity that looks just right end up biting you in the ass. That “grass is always greener” mentality isn’t really true, so make sure you are paying attention to your assumptions.  You want to catch this before it matures. Better self awareness is needed.

What needs to be released so that I can welcome this change?

Tower and Gentleman – Being too on guard is not healthy. It’s not walls that you need in order to protect yourself from the snake among the grass and clover patches.  It’s awareness and strength, as well as owning up to one’s choices and responsibilities.

How will this support my continued growth?

Paths and Lily – Clearer thinking and better decision making will grow from this if you allow yourself to shift with these transitions and follow the wisdom lain out here.

DECK USED: STORYTALE LENORMAND