Imagination
I see jellyfish
floating in air
and pause
in wonder
at the artistry
above
dangling
with handwoven
basketry
and blow glass
orbs
trailing light
from inner shadows
Author: Twist the Leaf
Collaborative Efforts
Today’s meditation was a ten minute long self-directed session based upon The Latest Kate‘s affirmation that says “The darkness you’re feeling won’t hurt anyone else. Please don’t hide yourself away.”
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The @GlitterbyInk #SeptemberSoul25 Challenge
Seeds of Intention Prompt for September 10th : Blueprint
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.
Today’s draw is the Three of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of teamwork, collaboration, working together, and themes to do with bringing in help and/or outside expertise in order to get something done.
Working together will produce better results than going at it alone. You know that idiom “if you want something done right, do it yourself”? I think this phrase was made up by some lazy ass who decided to intentionally bungle their chores so that someone else would have to do them. It’s a marketing ploy for those that don’t want to do anything. A clever one, too. Because then those of us that actually care about the results picked it up as truth.
Thing is though? It’s not truth.
Yes, if you “do it yourself” it’ll get done to whatever standard you want… but by doing it alone instead of inviting other invested parties in, you miss out on ideas and inspiration that you may not have thought of yourself. You miss out on the expertise others may bring with them. And, you miss out on the opportunity to share your own knowledge with others.
Today’s message reminds us that when we opt to “do it yourself”, we are opting out of growth, new ideas, and the bonding experience of including others… not to mention the discovery of whatever surprise skills others may bring with them to the table.
DECK USED: SHUSHU TAROT AND A “THE LATEST KATE” AFFIRMATION
@de_tarotjuf Time for Yourself
#detarotjufseptembertarotchallenge
Prompts for September 9th and 10th
How can I feel more in tune with myself?
Ten of Cups, Mjölnir, Acorn Sprig – You know that time among the trees is your happy place, and that time there connects you to the roots of who you are. If you want to feel more in tune with yourself, it’s time to return to your “happy place” and connect with nature, which will in turn connect you more strongly to your nature.
What does my gut tell me about my next step?
King of Wands and Backpack – Be ready to go at the drop of a hat. Things will move fast in returning to your desired “normal” once movement begins. Make sure all your little ducks are in a row and ready to go so that you can get moving as soon as this holding patter breaks. That means getting those things that you can in order now that you can, so that they’re out of the way and not an obstacle for you later.
Other elements included in this reading:
Carnelian Agate for Inner Drive and Focusing On One’s Aspirations
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy
DECK USED: SHUSHU TAROT AND AUGUR CHARM COLLECTION
I started a new palate cleanser series of books. It seems to work well if I read a heavier or harsher book or series, then take a break with something light and fun before going back to read something heavier or harsher again.
Gideon’s Challenge – Trusted
Trusted
Pokadot toes
in pink and black
like little
sensitive beans
ticklish
and delicate
and even
more sensitive
than soft bellies
put on display
but never
to be touched
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Where’s the Breaking Point?
Today’s meditation was a self-directed ten minute session, focused upon the “Closet Wizards” card from The Az 2 Oracle (shown) by @Sunni_Chapman and the guidance that came with that card.
That guidance says, “Oh honey, I know you learned at some point in your life, that you needed to hide your wizardry. Because when they saw you in your power, it made them quite uncomfortable, so instead of feeling the discomfort, you promptly shut it down. That’s okay, it’s perfect even, you didn’t yet have the tools to do otherwise. But now you do. 😉 It’s time to let your true wizardry SHINE.”
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The @GlitterbyInk #SeptemberSoul25 Challenge
Seeds of Intention Prompt for September 9th : Activation
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.
Today’s draw is the Six of Swords (Bees), which is traditionally a representation of leaving the past in the past, moving on, letting go in order to welcome in something better, and transitions towards something better.
When do you decide that it’s time to make a change? What is it finally activates you into moving on instead of sticking it out where you are?
I think this is different for everyone, but I also think that it’s pretty universal that we all wait just a little too long before we get there.
Although an extreme example, it’s like someone in an abusive relationship. They shut down more and more of themselves and who they are. They are hurt in a myriad of ways; some subtle and others blatant. For many in this situation, they stay way too long. However, eventually something is said or something happens and, like flipping a switch, all that repressed self comes roaring back; and they leave.
That activation of self that says “this is not working. It’s time to move on” is with us in all sorts of situations; not just abusive ones.
Today’s message asks us where in our lives are we holding back from walking away from something that’s no longer good for us… and encourages us to dig into why we are hesitating, and just what it will take to spur us into moving on in our own best interests.
DECKS USED: VICTORIAN STEAMPUNK TAROT AND THE AZ 2 ORACLE
#DiscordTarotholicsSep2025 Challenge
Prompts for September 8th and 9th
Where do you need to ease up and not push yourself so hard right now?
You can’t move right now (Hanged Man) and the uncertainty of that is eating you alive (The Moon). With all your emotions pinging around this way and that, it can be hard to be diligent and pay attention to what’s going on around you.
In these times of stillness, just make sure you’re not allowing your uncertainty and fears to get an upper hand. You don’t have to actually abolish them, bury them, or tuck them away. (Knight of Cups) So stop trying to.
The Problem
Eccentric Person – Look at that… even the cat and the flowers are orange (lil’ bit o’ sarc). Your current problem is that the eccentricity of another is screwing with your own personal goals and your livelihood. Their whims are affecting you in ways that you find disheartening and even frightening.
The Lesson to Learn
Soulmate – You have support around you in those that love you whom you trust. Lean on them not just in small ways, but share with them how you’re feeling and trust them to help ground you and get you through the hard parts. These are the people you can ugly cry in front of and they’ll just hold you tighter.
Advice to Help You Through
Temptation – Pay close attention to your addictions and temptations right now. Your self-destructive tendencies have a wide open field to play in at the moment. If you don’t want them to get out of hand, you need to make sure that you’re being diligent about watching for them and making healthy choices.
Take Away – Stop trying to distract yourself from your fears and uncertainties by indulging in your addictions and temptations. It will only cause more obstacles for you in the long run, and you don’t need any extra hurdles right now. Instead, take comfort in your loved ones and communicate openly with those that you trust what you’re going through. You can’t ignore your feelings without there being consequences you don’t want to have to add to your already overwhelmed anxieties.
Other elements included in this reading:
Black Spruce Needles to Boost Self-Confidence and Positive Thinking
Dried Purple Heather Sprigs for Independence and Luck
Rainbow Moonstone for Emotional Balance and Intuition
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy
DECKS USED: KUMACCHI TAROT AND FOLIA ORACLE
I decided to spend the night at Ms B’s instead of trying to drive home and risking falling asleep at the wheel.
Gideon’s Challenge – Enchanted Moment
Enchanted Moment
my ass
is far too bony
for quiet moments
sitting on
uncomfortable rocks
but the
gentle breeze
seduces me
to linger
for just a bit longer
watching
the clouds dance
and sparrows fly
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Setting the Dial
Today’s meditation was a ten minute long self-directed session based upon the Mirror Work Affirmation card that says “I am creating the life of my dreams.”
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The @GlitterbyInk #SeptemberSoul25 Challenge
Seeds of Intention Prompt for September 8th : Frequency
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.
Today’s draw is The Sun card, which is traditionally a representation of success, optimism, positivity, fun and frivolity. In my path, the Sun is also a symbol of male vitality, virility, and warmth.
It’s all about perspectives.
Have you ever met one of those people that always seemed cheerful? Not the fakers, but the real deal. They always have a smile for you and the world large. They genuinely appear to smile more and laugh more than the average person. They seem to be unaffected by bad days and negative people, and they seem to just enjoy life more fully.
Let me tell you a secret. Two, actually.
1) Their life is not the sunshine and roses that it appears. They are going through the same struggles and tribulations as everyone else. Life still throws them curve balls, and they still trip and fall now and then.
2) The positive perspective they choose every day to take in the face of those troubles and problems, pains and heartaches, helps them bear those experiences with more grace and less anxiety.
How we approach the world matters.
If we wake up each day and allow misery and discontent to take root, it will be with us all day long, dragging on us even in the most positive of moments.
If we instead wake up each day and insist on seeing life as an adventure, or as delightful game, or as a day we are assured of success; then we head out into the world pre-programmed for those things. With this pre-programming in place, even when bad things happen, somehow that positive start helps us weather them better.
Today’s message encourages us to look at what frequency we are tuning ourselves into when we start out our days, and consider adjusting it to a more positive one to ride out the day with.
DECKS USED: THE FELT TAROT AND MIRROR WORK AFFIRMATION DECK
@LightningWildflower September Tarot Challenge
Prompts for September 1st through 8th
Page of Cups
What creative impulse am I being encouraged to pursue?
Ace of Cups and Raven – “The Raven makes the slight shift from being in the world as it is, to loving the world as it is.” – Tea Oracle Guidebook
It’s all about your emotions right now, and finding new ways to look at life and the world around you. Use your imagination not to visualize the worst case scenario (which you are already exceedingly good at), but to imagine the best case scenario instead.
How can I dream more freely without self-judgment?
Seven of Pentacles and Panda Merchant – You are called “The Deck Dragon” for a reason. You have collected decks your entire life, building something truly magical over time. As much joy as you take in your collection, though, it wasn’t until you found a community to share it with that you found true joy in what you’ve collected. Don’t be shy about sharing with others. They inspire you in a way that wallowing in your collection alone never could.
Page of Swords
What do I need to observe carefully before jumping to conclusions?
The Fool and Hard Training – You have a tendency to push yourself too hard, even when there’s nothing to push for in the moment or you’re struggling with overwhelm. Instead of just jumping on that to-do list you’ve always got going in the back of your head, maybe take a minute to consider if what’s on there is really necessary, or just busy work.
In what way am I being asked to speak up, even though I might not feel ready to do so?
Page of Cups and Better To Specialize Than To Be Versatile – Lean into your strengths right now. Teach a class. Mentor or advise on the things that you are well versed in. You will find your “voice” and confidence much easier to claim when you return to your foundations.
Page of Pentacles
What would slow, intentional growth look like for me?
Five of Cups and Wood Mouse – Like a clusterfuck. Slow, intentional growth feels like you aren’t getting anywhere because those small successes are easy for you to miss. Even though you’re nibbling away at the growth that needs to take place, you feel like you’re getting nowhere. For better or worse, this is what it looks like for you.
How can I stay grounded while exploring the unknown?
Two of Cups and Hedgehog – Lean on others to provide comfort and help you to keep your feet on the ground. They are eager to listen when you need an ear, lend support or a helping hand when you need it, and help you stay positive when your inner pessimist is getting out of hand.
Page of Wands
What new passion am I being called to explore?
Eight of Swords and Intimidation – Look into those things that you have been avoiding because you feel like you’re not good enough to accomplish them or undeserving of being able to explore them. These feelings of intimidation are unwarranted and holding you back.
How can I nurture the desire to try something new without burning out?
Three of Wands and Difficult Terrain – Just go for it, but take it slow so you’re not tripping over yourself and making things more difficult than they have to be by rushing.
Other elements included in this reading:
Black Spruce Needles to Boost Self-Confidence and Positive Thinking
Dried Purple Heather Sprigs for Independence and Luck
Orange Aventurine Leaf for Pause and Reflection
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy
DECKS USED: WINDMILL FLAG TAROT, TEA ORACLE STEEPING IN MAGIC, LÓNG TAROT, THE ORACLE OF GUAN SHI YIN, APPLE TAROT, MYSTERIES OF THE FOREST ORACLE, THE FELT TAROT, AND THE TRUE SIGHT ORACLE
I managed to fit a nap into my day. I didn’t really have much time for it, but it was needed.
Twisting the Leaf 