Surprises
Although they
look sweet
pretty berries
are blue
but not
blueberries
and those fooled
may grimace
with the first
pop of skin
as tart flavors
flood over
the tongue
and I laugh
Author: Twist the Leaf
🌑 New Moon in Leo – July 2025
Today is the new 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 @onyerbroom.
Where am I being called to shine?
Hyacinth – Although you might feel like you are constantly in a time of flux and chaos has a stranglehold on you, others find you to be a sense of stability and constancy in their lives. This new moon, dedicate yourself to trying to touch upon that stability yourself that you lend so effortlessly to others.
What strength is rising within me?
Crocus – Rising within you is a greater ease in finding enjoyment in play. Sometimes it’s extremely difficult for you to connect with your inner child and the playfulness that resides within that inner spirit. Those blockages are thin right now, and as a result you are being given the opportunity to allow this playfulness rise up and make life a bit more colorful and fun.
What wild desire needs space to grow?
Apple Blossom – Step out of your comfort zone and confront your fears. The only way to get past the blockages that are holding you back is to take them head on. Skirting around them will get you nowhere.
Observation: Although this deck is filled with cards from throughout the seasons of spring through autumn, all of the cards in this reading thus far have been spring flowers. This indicates something new awakening during this time and, with it, a great potential for growth.
New Moon advice from the Minoan Goddess Amalthea.
Geranium – Remember that you aren’t on your won, and you do, in fact, have true friends you can trust that are willing and eager to come with you at your side through every step along your journey. Take care not to give the impression that you’ve forgotten about them or make them feel like they’ve been left behind.
Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Rhododendron Leaf for Fostering Confidence
Goat Figurine as Sympathetic Representation of Amalthea
Rose Quartz for Gentle Kindness to Self and Others
Carnelian Agate for Inner Drive and Focusing On One’s Aspirations
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy
DECK USED: DIE GEHEIMNISVOLLE DER BLUMEN
Gideon’s Challenge – Little Touches
Little Touches
With medication
taken
and water bottle
in hand
the bed
that’s not my bed
waits
for me to try
and find comfortable
as I find comfort
in your gifts
there
to remind me
of your love
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Daydreaming Possibilities
Today’s meditation was skipped.
• • • ◈ • 🍃 • ◈ • • •
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 Wands, which is traditionally a representation of the first active step in a journey, progress towards a goal, and the seizing of opportunities.
Resting is a time of dreaming.
Whether it’s when we sleep or just when we are relaxing, these are times when we unwind and allow our minds to wander… and in the wandering, we see our (sometimes otherwise hidden) wants, as well as the vast myriad of possibilities life has to offer us. In these moments we see that life can be different or more than the narrow path we walk up upon day in and day out.
Today’s message is a reminder that rest and restoration isn’t just good for the body; it’s also often the first step on a new journey into what’s possible.
DECKS USED: MELODIC MOODS TAROT AND INNER JOY ORACLE
#DiscordTarotholicsJul2025 Challenge
Prompt for July 22 : What do you need to focus on for self-care for this month’s new moon?
Reading Summary: Take some time to work on healing your emotional turmoil and those things that weigh heavily upon you heart (Hawthorn). Seek peace and tranquility by taking time to actually feel your emotions (Fearn), and rise above the chaos instead of allowing it to drag you down. (Holly).
Take Away: You are out of the drop and on the upswing. Don’t allow those things that might rock the boat have sway right now, even if they possibly should be given more weight than you give them. You need to take this time to heal yourself, and you can’t do that if you’re walking on eggshells trying to appease everyone else in your life. Instead of doing this, look within at what’s bothering you and put your energy and attention into acknowledging your feelings, then letting these things go.
Other elements included in this reading:
Black Spruce Tips to Boost Self-Confidence and Positive Thinking
Purple Heather Flowers for Independence and Luck
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy
DECK USED: THE OGHAM GROVE ORACLE
I did the driving today while I had the energy and alertness to put into it, so that I wouldn’t have to do the driving tomorrow.
Gideon’s Challenge – Thoughtlessness
Thoughtlessness
I am an ass
of thoughtless
actions and inactions
that cause
tears and
headaches and
high blood pressure
all because
of a moment
of thoughtlessness
that creates
chaos to reign
and I worry
if I’m even good for you
at all
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Who’s Talking?
Today’s meditation was skipped.
• • • ◈ • 🍃 • ◈ • • •
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.
Today’s draw is the Page of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of a receptive omega energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s thoughts, intellect, logic, ambitions, and communication. This often translates into themes that have to do with learning new ways to communicate with others, beginning new educational pursuits, exploring new ideas. and seeking to sate one’s curiosity.
When I spoke to my shrink the last time, while we were discussing the idea of scheduling daily languishing time, my first response was a harsh condemnation about being lazy. In reply, she asked, “Wow, whose voice was that?”
To be clear? It was my father’s voice, but her calling me on it brought into focus the fact that even after years of trying to break free of the negative narratives in my head (which are invariably not my voice at all, but those in my past), it’s still my brain’s initial response when my guard’s down.
All this time, and I’m still learning how to talk to myself with kindness and treat myself as I would treat others.
My shrink would say to this observation that the years I’ve spent trying to be kind to myself and redirect my negative inner narratives is a drop in the bucket compared to how long I’ve had absorbing and learning to allow these narratives to have free reign. And, she’s right. There is no quick fix. I’m still learning.
Today’s message is a reminder to treat yourself with the same kindness, compassion, and understanding that you would give to others. And, to remind yourself daily that this is the goal. It’s a long journey, learning to turn self abuse and self criticism around into something more positive and nurturing, and this is one of the first steps; an essential one that needs to be repeated again and again.
DECK USED: SUNNY ORANGE CAT TAROT AND WILDLING WISDOM ORACLE
@LightningWildflower‘s July Tarot Challenge
Belong Prompts for July 19 – 21
What do I need in order to feel seen?
Nile Crocodile – To feel seen, you need acceptance without them feeling the need to fix or change things. Especially an acceptance from others that your path is not open to being meddled with by outside opinions, and that just because your path is different than theirs, coexistence is not just still possible but desired.
What role do I often play in a group, and does that reflect who I really am?
Rabbit – You have a tendency to just go with the flow as long as whatever is happening doesn’t conflict with your personal values. If it does, as long as it’s not your own territory in danger, you’ll simple walk away rather than follow. If your territory is involved in some way , you’ll simple walk can be a fierce fighter when backed into a corner. This is all about who you are, and your unwillingness to sacrifice that despite pressures to do so in both large and small ways.
Where do I find it easiest to be myself?
Black Rhino – You find it easiest to be yourself when you’re alone and in your element (whether that’s in the forest, in the garden, or working on a creative project, etc). Being on your own without the push and pull of others on your attention or energy gives you the freedom to be yourself without it feeling like others are vying for your time or attention, or interfering in some way with your self expression.
Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Rhododendron Leaf for Fostering Confidence
Aragonite for Truth and Understanding
DECK USED: ANCIENT ANIMAL WISDOM ORACLE 1ST EDITION
I slept in today. I’d planned to get up and get a few things done, but when I woke up this morning I really didn’t feel like crawling out of bed. Instead of forcing myself as I normally would have, I burrowed back in and slept for a few more hours.
Twisting the Leaf 