Daily Meditation

Screw The Naysayers

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Today’s meditation was the fourth installment of the introductory meditation program on the Balance app, which was ten minutes in length.  I did not include piriformis stretches in the meditation today.  I wanted to see if it made any difference in my perception of time during meditation if I left it out.  Which… it does not.

Golden Age of Romance Comics Tarot and Less Anxiety Affirmation CardsToday’s draw is the Page of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of exploring one’s emotions and creativity, and the potential that lies in delving in to one’s curiosity.

What strikes me in the imagery of this card is the irritation on the face of the man who looks over the woman’s shoulder.  While she pursues her curiosity and interest? He is looking on with irritation and jealousy.

Sometimes? That happens. We discover something new, we invest ourselves within it to begin to explore, to learn, and to discover the possibilities it presents to us. And some asshat is there over our shoulder being a bastard… or maybe even it’s your own inner dialogue filling that role.

The affirmation card for today is a reminder that if you choose to stay on task… to not be dissuaded by the naysayers and negative influences? You will get through it. You will find yourself on the other side of it, and in having stayed the course… you will have grown along the way and have far more to enjoy and discover on the other side of it all. In other words? Don’t let the assholes get you down. Do your own thing and have fun with it.

DECK USED:  GOLDEN AGE OF ROMANCE COMICS TAROT AND LESS ANXIETY AFFIRMATION CARDS

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2021 Challenge Prompt
Questions for July 20th and 22nd

Green Witch Oracle and Michelangelo TarotAs an adult, where am I neglecting myself at this time?
Snapdragon (Purification) and The Devil

You are not being discerning enough with your addictions and which ones you choose to pursue. Nor are you being proactive enough in purging what isn’t working.

Decks. Selling shit on eBay. Houseplants. Food. Even jewelry supplies. All of these are things that you enjoy, and anything you enjoy has the potential to become an addiction.  In order to keep these things from building up and becoming unmanageable, occasional purges are necessary.

How can I begin to resolve this pattern of neglect?
Bay (Wisdom), The Sun Rx atop Two of Pentacles

To begin to resolve this unresolved pattern of neglect, you need to acknowledge that when you juggle too much, it’s no longer fun.  This is true with work, and it’s equally true with anything else that you enjoy, especially that may build up over time (like collections of things).  If you are juggling too many of these things at once, it becomes unwieldy and difficult to manage.  That then begins to eat away at the fun and enjoyment that attracted you to these things in the first place.

DECK USED: GREEN WITCH ORACLE AND MICHELANGELO TAROT

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge Prompt by E Roebuck-Jones
Question for July 20th plus Bonus Question

Golden Age of Romance Comics TarotHow does a creative blockage feel?

Creative blockages feel like the end of the world (Ten of Swords). In those moments (or days, or weeks), it can feel like I can’t to anything right (Judgement Rx) and there’s no joy left in the life (The Sun Rx).

So much of my life is wrapped up in my creative spark, from my hobbies to my work, from the things that bring me joy, to the things that expand my perspective and allow me to look at the world through a more positive lens. It is, in one way or another, incorporated in nearly everything that I do.

When my creative spark falters and sputters out, it makes the world look gray and lifeless, and as if there is no longer any place for me within it.

How can I work at overcoming these blockages when they arise?

Acknowledging the wealth of good fortune (Five of Pentacles Rx) and accomplishments (Nine of Pentacles) that  hard work has filled my life with.

Gratitude.  The more gratitude that I feel for what I have in the present, the less there is of the past’s scarcity to drive my need for more. With less of a need for more, there is less dissatisfaction, and with less dissatisfaction there is more room for creativity to flourish in place of the grappling need my past creates within me.

DECK USED: GOLDEN AGE OF ROMANCE COMICS TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I took my progressive glasses in to bitch about the alignment of the bottom portion of the lens. I took some of my jewelry work with me so that I could demonstrate how I work and what I need, and they’re going to send them in to be redone.

Perpetuating Unhealthy Cycles

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Today’s meditation was ten minutes long, and was the third installment of the introductory meditation practice offered in the Balance app. This installment was another breath practice, but that focused upon the body’s sensations with each breath rather than the in and out of the breath itself.

Chinese Tarot and Less Anxiety Affirmation CardsToday’s draw is the Lovers card, which is traditionally a representation of love, harmony, relationships, and all that good stuff, but can also often represent making choices.  Especially choices that force people to weigh their priorities and reaffirm their values.

In the imagery of this card, we see love and harmony at work in the swirling magic in the air, the smiling faces, and the physical closeness between the two figures. This is not romance, but it is indeed love.

Sometimes, when we love others, we get lost in the need to put their needs first.  We want to help them and love them and support them in everything they do and any struggles they come upon.   The thing is?  Not everyone needs that much of our help.   Some will rebuff the help and say they can do it on their own, but there are others who will take it just becauze it allows them to then be lazy.  They can hand over their worries and work to another and slack, which soon becomes habitual.

As it also becomes habitual for us to let it happen.

That is where today’s cards message lies.  The combination of the Lovers card and the affirmation card today are a reminder that we need to choose wisely who and how we pour our energies and emotions into others.  Are you being healthy about it?  Or are you just perpetuating unhealthy cycles for yourself… and possibly for them as well?

DECK USED:  CHINESE TAROT AND LESS ANXIETY AFFIRMATION CARDS

Mr Lionharts’ #TheJulyTarot #TarotSuitsChallenge Prompt
Questions for July 19th and 20th

Oilracle Essential Oils Card Deck and Panda TarotWhere, or in what way, is my current focus supporting my growth?
Panaway atop Sensation, Knight of Pentacles

Working on the transformation from negative space into a more positive and healthy one. by lifting you up through rest and focus on the now.  The effort taken to focus on and enjoy life in the now is healthy and uplifting. It allows for a more positive and optimistic mindset to balance out the negativity  of your inner narrative, giving you space to breathe and grow where the inner narrative once created no space and was smothering you.

Where, or in what way, is my current energy hindering my growth?
Peppermint, Seven of Swords Rx atop Seven of Wands

As usual, you are being too gung-ho about progress and moving forward, and that mentality and energy is tapping into (and sapping out) your strength and certainty of purpose. Slow down and watch where you’re going.  It’s not a race, nor is life a battle to constantly be waged.

DECK USED: OILRACLE ESSENTIAL OILS CARD DECK AND PANDA TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2021 Challenge Prompt
Question:  What can I do to help my inner adolescent feel heard and understood?

Chinese TarotReading Summary: More time in nature, for it is through your connection with the earth that you find grounding and peace (The Empress). Assure them that they have all they need to weather any storm (The Magician). Treat them with a firm hand that is heavily tempered with kindness and understanding (King of Cups).

Take Away:  In order to help my inner adolescent feel heard and understood, they need to feel supported and empowered. So much of that time was spent powerless and destitute that the scrabble for power is a real thing that lives within you through them.  Providing the grounding and reassurances that your inner adolescent needs will help them in not acting out, as it means that their fears, worries, and healing wounds are seen, heard, and understood.

DECK USED: CHINESE TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I took a nap today even though it was an orders day. I just got super tired out of the blue, and instead of pushing through it as I normally would, I allowed myself to lie down for a bit instead.

Worst Case Scenario Thinking

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Today’s meditation was skipped.  It just didn’t end up happening.  I do plan to get back on track though tomorrow.  I don’t want to fall back into skipping over and over again.

Tarot de Marseille Jean Dodal and Less Anxiety Affirmation CardsToday’s draw is the Nine of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of worries, stress, negative inner dialogue, and nightmares as well as the unpleasant results of these issues such anxiety and insomnia.

What I see here in the combination between the Nine of Swords and the affirmation card today is a reminder that “what ifs” and worse case scenario thinking is not healthy. Yes, it can prepare you for things to come and the unexpected. But that doesn’t make it healthy.

The message in today’s cards is to remember to instill a bit more optimism in your thinking. You don’t have to discount the bad that may come, but rather you need to make sure that you also accept that it (whatever “it” may be) has just as much potential to turn out good instead.

DECK USED:  TAROT DE MARSEILLE JEAN DODAL AND LESS ANXIETY AFFIRMATION CARDS

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2021 Challenge Prompt
Topic:  Do Spread #3

Saros TarotWhat have I forgotten that needs to be brought with me upon my path?

Two of Staves – Although you haven’t abandoned your path, you have spent some time in standstill and need to reconnect to the plan and ensure that your coordinates don’t need adjusting.

How can I begin to incorporate that back into my life?

Strength – Everything you need is a part of who you already are. Look inward to your strengths. Connect with your inner moral compass, and what you know is right for you.

Where am I on my path at this time?

The Emperor – You may be large and in charge of your own life, but you also aren’t moving. This pause is necessary to rally your people around you, and learn to appreciate their support and just how much they contribute to your life and your journey.

What should I prepare to harvest at the end of the month?

Five of Cups – There comes a spill… a tumble from grace, just try to salvage what you can instead of wallowing in the negative aspects of the experience.

How do I begin those preparations?

Three of Swords Rx – Work on seeing the up side in bad situations. Optimism is going to be important, and just like intuition or and physical muscle, the more you use it, the stronger it will become and easier it will become to lean on when needed.

DECK USED: SAROS TAROT

Mr Lionharts’ #TheJulyTarot #TarotSuitsChallenge Prompt
Topic:  Something I am asked to heed or consider this week.

Tarot de Marseille Jean DodalReading Summary: Optimism (Five of Cups… the meaning of the card in this reading is an echo of the previous reading I did for myself above) doesn’t equal blind trust. It means you look at both sides of the coin instead of one in order to achieve a healthier perspective (The positioning of the Fool and the Five of Cups straddling the Lovers card creates healthy choices as the ultimate outcome of balancing two perspectives).

Take Away:  As a pessimist, I look at pessimism as a method of preparation.  If you’re already expecting the worst, then you can only be pleasantly surprised if things go better than expected… instead of disappointed or butthurt if things go bad.

This has always been my mindset.  But, something I’ve struggled with is that pessimism isn’t healthy unless you have a balance.  That’s why the saying goes “prepare for the worst, hope for the best”.  Without hope? Pessimism is a toxin.  Poisonous and corrosive to the spirit.

DECK USED: TAROT DE MARSEILLE JEAN DODAL

Daily Self Kindness

I managed to get over 100 orders done and packaged today, with the help of Z and L.  Which, in turn, should take a lot of stress and pressure off order day tomorrow as I play catch up from having time off.

Present Focus

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Today’s meditation was attempted but I ended up napping instead.  I mean I started meditating, and fell asleep. So, I’ll have re-try the third installment from the Balance app tomorrow.

Memento Mori Tarot and Less Anxiety Affirmation CardsToday’s draw is the Eight of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of movement and swift action. This often translates into a “get your ass moving” theme in a reading, especially when combined with other action based cards.

Here in today’s draw, what we see is in the opposite, though. The affirmation card in today’s pull is a reminder to not push, nor strive and struggle, but instead be mindful of the pleasures of the present, which fits extremely well with the fact that the wands (baseball bats) in this imagery are not just planted in the ground, but also covered in nails.

The message here is that too much focus on the future and not enough on the present is not healthy. Make sure you are enjoying the journey, as the end should not be your focus, but rather what you experiences, learn, and enjoy along the way.

DECK USED:  MEMENTO MORI TAROT AND LESS ANXIETY AFFIRMATION CARDS

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge Prompt by E Roebuck-Jones
Questions for July 15th thru 17th

Golden Age of Romance Comics TarotWhen am I most creative?
Knight of Pentacles and Five of Pentacles

When you see something you want and are ready to go after that, even in the face of adversity or other hurdles that might try and get in your way. Interest and inspiration spark my creativity and bring it rising up to the surface.

What action can I take today to be more creative?
The Empress and The Hermit

Get your ass out in nature more. Yes, it’s miserably hot and dry, and even during mild summers, the summer feels like a slow crawl through hell. But, you need that time alone in nature to not just center and ground yourself, but also nurture and invigorate your creative juices.

What do I feel when I work on something creative?
Eight of Pentacles and Seven of Cups

You can feel your experience and expertise growing as you expand and grow, and that growth in turn opens up new venues you are then eager to explore. It’s a cycle of accomplishment, curiosity, exploration, that eventually leads again to discovery and then accomplishment, before then beginning again.

DECK USED: GOLDEN AGE OF ROMANCE COMICS TAROT

Cosmic_Crow_Tarot’s #FreedomTarotChallenge Prompt
Question:  What can I do to make the world better for all of us?

Memento Mori TarotReading Summary: Keep creating (Ace of Coins). You provide people with an abundance of satisfaction and joy (Nine of Cups) far more often than you disappoint (Wheel of Fortune).

Take Away: My jewelry business has a purpose that goes far beyond making money.  I take a great deal of pleasure in the fact that the pieces I create and send out into the world are sent out to people who will not just enjoy them, but love them.  Won’t just love them, but will feel beautiful wearing them.

I love that I can make something that can uplift others.  I love that each and every one of the pieces I make is made with the intention to do just that. The potential to do just that.

DECK USED: MEMENTO MORI TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I premade dinner at 2:30am so that I wouldn’t have to worry about cooking today.  Because I was worried that the drop would make it difficult to function today.  Although the drop didn’t hit like I expected it to, I think it was a good plan.

Coming Home

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Today’s meditation was ten minutes long, and was the second installment of the Balance app’s introductory sessions. It went as quickly and smoothly as the last, and was an extension on the basic breathing exercises that had been introduced in the first installment.

Fyodor Pavlov Tarot and Less Anxiety Affirmation CardsToday’s draw is the Four of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of one’s passionate love for the security and welcoming energies of home.  This often translates into themes that have to do with homecoming, celebrating home and stability, as well as relaxation in comfortable spaces.

Sometimes?  We get so wrapped up in work and responsibilities that we lose track of the simple pleasures that are offered to us in just having a safe and secure place to live and rest.   We forget just how fortunate we are, and just how much we have to be grateful for and celebrate in our lives.

The cards in today’s draw are all about the need to take a step back from responsibilities and obligations to make sure we are appreciating these things we take for granted.

By protecting your time and giving yourself room to truly get in touch with a practice of gratitude, taking time to appreciate those things that make you feel good and happy, safe and secure, it opens up our lives to instill a “breath of fresh air” into the times when we have to push ourselves a little harder.  So don’t forget, when you walk through your front door, to take a moment to pause.  To connect with the sense of safety and security, comfort and pleasure, that coming home creates.  Connect with… acknowledge… and appreciate just what that moment of easing does for you, and how good it feels.

DECK USED:  THE FYODOR PAVLOV TAROT AND LESS ANXIETY AFFIRMATION CARDS

The Sacred Grounds Tarot Club Prompt
Questions for July 16th thru 18th

The Experiential TarotWhat abundance can I expect throughout the summer?
Ten of Swords and Queen of Pentacles

As the summer continues, so too will continue your gentle and slow exploration of this year’s shadow work. There will be painful moments, and lots of opportunity to show yourself kindness and help yourself heal. Throughout this period of time home life and finances will continue to remain stable.

What abundance can I expect throughout the autumn?
Knight of Cups and The Hierophant

Autumn will bring about the opportunity to dive into old traditions surrounding what makes you happy. Lots more time outside, in the woods and among the liminal places of the forest. The summer having been so hot and dry, autumn I’ll give you the break that you need from these conditions so that you can dive in and once again really enjoy these long-standing methods of instilling joy, peace, and happiness in your life.

What abundance can I look forward to in the winter?
Ten of Pentacles and The Wheel of Fortune

Money. Money. Money. And a wealth of ups and downs that come with a busy season. The holiday rush is always a roller coaster ride of anxiety and overwhelm. But, the benefits of it are in the monetary gain that then stretches out throughout the rest of the year to support in the times when things are not so busy or lucrative.

DECK USED: THE EXPERIENTIAL TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2021 Challenge Prompt
Questions for July 16th and 17th

Fyodor Pavlov TarotWhat unresolved angst is my inner adolescent still holding onto?

Eight of Pentacles Rx and Three of Swords – That “not good enough” dissatisfaction and disappointment in yourself. This topic has been explored a bit in a handful of readings over the past week, including touching on where those feelings come from and where they belong. This is something that needs working on, and worked with, in order to ease up on and eventually release.

What steps can I begin to take to help my inner adolescent in letting go of their unresolved angst?

Nine of Wands Rx and Ten of Cups – Work on easing up on your inner defenses in order to give yourself permission to truly heal, while mixing in a gratitude practice that points out all of the good that you have and that you do for others at this time in your life. This echoes back to yesterday’s cards and the advice about compartmentalizing the past and the present, to make it easier to identify where certain unhealthy inner dialogues are coming from and begin working at finding more satisfaction in the present.

DECK USED: THE FYODOR PAVLOV TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I took a nap.  I didn’t really want to, but I needed it.  And, I feel better after having taken it, even if I still feel a bit scattered.  I think that last part may be a bit of the “dazed and confused” beginnings of a sub drop.

Unnecessary Punishments

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Today’s meditation was ten minutes long and combined with my piriformis stretches, although it was not combined with an interval timer.  I tried out a new meditation app today.  The first ten days are a bit of a trial run where they are supposed to “build a practice” around how you react to the first ten sessions and your goals.  This one went by really quickly, and I’ll be continuing with this process for the next handful of days to see how I feel about this app.

True North Tarot and Less Anxiety Affirmation CardsToday’s draw is the Three of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of disappointments and heartbreak, although not always of the romantic variety. It’s about the letdowns and the regrets in life, the things that stir within us sorry, grief, and other emotional hurts.

When I see this particular Three of Swords, the emotion that comes through is an ache of betrayal.  We have betrayed the earth with our concrete and asphalt, poison and pollution.  We’ve broken the world.  That is what the imagery of today’s card says to me.

Sometimes when we’re feeling down, we feel like we’ve disappointed, or we’ve been disappointed by others, instead of being kind to ourselves we punish ourselves by wallowing in the painful emotions that arise, as if the situation is our fault instead of something that happened to us. This prolongs our pain, making the disappointment and feelings of life’s betrayal upon us stretch out and disrupt more of our lives.

The thing is?  When you fall down and scrape a knee, it doesn’t mean that it’s now time to sit down and dig into the wound with a dirty stick.

The message in today’s cards is that there is a healthier response to these moments in our lives. Instead of punishing ourselves and wallowing in the negativity bred by these situations, we can be kind to ourselves and help the healing process begin and flourish.

DECK USED:  TRUE NORTH TAROT AND LESS ANXIETY AFFIRMATION CARDS

Mr Lionharts’ #TheJulyTarot #TarotSuitsChallenge Prompt
Questions for July 15th and 16th

Hilda TarotHow or where can I benefit from letting go or going with the flow?
Six of Cups and The Devil

Letting go of some of your past issues from your childhood can help ease you away from crossing the line concerning the things that you enjoy and taking things too far. This in turn helps to reduce some of the more negative consequences that result from indulging in your temptations and addictions.

Something I am asked to reflect / meditate on right now.
The Hierophant and Ace of Cups

Work on identifying ways to take care of yourself outside your norm. By mixing things up, self care can become less of a chore and more of a joy. As much as you appreciate stability and routine, there are just some times that you need to include a bit more diversity to keep things interesting.

DECK USED: HILDA TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2021 Challenge Prompt
Topic: Draw or write something free form inspired by the card(s).

True North TarotSomething short and sweet today…

There was once a young prince  that more than anything wanted (Page of Wands) to be King (Frog in the Page of Wands staring at the King of Cups).

Unfortunately, on his way to the top he forgot that without the strength and support of others joining you on your journey (Three of Cups), any amount of success or power gained will be empty and without satisfaction (Nine of Coins Rx).

DECK USED: TRUE NORTH TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I’m feeling really vulnerable today after the play last night with Gideon.  I made sure to keep my schedule as clear as possible today to make sure I had time with Gideon to help soothe that sense of vulnerability.