Daily Meditation

Mindfulness as a Tool

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Today’s meditation was skipped because I just wanted to lounge instead.  I did take time to relax under the ceiling fan and do my piriformis stretches, though.  I just didn’t do the meditation part of things.

Spiritsong Tarot and Less Anxiety Affirmation CardsToday’s draw is The Magician, which is traditionally a representation of resourcefulness and having all the tools needed to accomplish one’s goals.  He is, in essence, “the man with all the tools” like that neighbor you always go to to borrow tools from because he always has just the right tool for the job.

The Raven, as features in this card, is certainly one of those characters in nature that fits that “all the tools” category. They are extremely intelligent, can learn to mimic human speech and singing, and can recognize and remember the faces of humans.  They are efficient and clever, and uniquely qualified for their own survival.

In combination with the affirmation card for today, what I see in the message of today’s cards is that even when we have all the tools needed to forge ahead?  Sometimes what we need to do is stay in the present and savor what we already have. Life isn’t always about advancement and gain. A part of learning to enjoy life to it’s fullest and having all the tools at our disposal to do so includes knowing how to be in the moment and enjoy the present.

DECK USED:  SPIRITSONG TAROT AND LESS ANXIETY AFFIRMATION CARDS

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Questions for June 26th and 27th

Spiritsong Tarot and Pure Magic OracleWhat is out of my control?
The Traveler and Closing Circle

Your path. Things move at their own pace. A healthy pace to take you where you need to be when you need to be there. Not everything on your path and where it leads is under your control. Sometimes you have to walk forward on blind faith that where you end up will be just where you need to be.

How can I cut through the noise and get to whats important?
Telekinesis and The Hanged Man

Be open but decisive. Listen to all perspectives, take them in one at a time, then cut loose what doesn’t work and see what’s left. You’re missing the cutting part of the equation, and without that part of the process, you just build up more and more to examine and sort through.  Get to the cutting already.

DECK USED:  PURE MAGIC ORACLE AND SPIRITSONG TAROT

#DiscordTarotolicsJun2021 Challenge Prompt
Topic: About coziness…
Question: What can I do to make things more cozy and comfortable during this horrendous heat wave?

Spiritsong TarotPage of Acorns (Monkey) – Stick close to home and explore all the little things that can build up a bit at a time. Each fan you can find to turn on, the closing of the blinds and curtains. Adding the reflective insulation to the west windows.  Each small bit of adjustment made in the home will help a little more.

Ten of Crystals (Alligator) – Spend some time in the bathtub. A cool soak can do wonders and is something you’ve done in the past to cool down.  Yes, the lotion and scar treatments afterwards are a pain in the ass, but it’s still worth it.  Fill the bathtub up like a kiddy pool and just take a bit of a dip now and then. It will help you feel a great deal better just to splash around in there a bit.

The Star (Swan) – Remember that it’s temporary. The heat wave isn’t going to last forever. It’s just a few days and there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Be patient, be safe, and keep your eye on the relief that’s just around the corner.

DECK USED:  SPIRITSONG TAROT

CoffeexTarot’s Self Love For The Summer Prompt
Questions for June 26th and 27th

Flora Healing Oracle CardsWhat positive energy do I need to focus on?

Dianthus (Know Your Limits) – It’s important to make sure that you are setting safe and healthy boundaries and limits for yourself. The summer is supposed to be a time to catch your breath and rest.  Don’t allow yourself to get so overwhelmed that you’re not getting the rest that you need.

How can I better express my gratitude?

Sage (Cleanse) – Somehow, even with three of us in this house we just can’t seem to keep up on the cleaning.  I can’t really blame the girls, because I think they hate it just as much as I do. The thing is, though?  When the house is clean it just feels better.  So much better.  Maybe it’s time to start looking for a housekeeper again.  Life just feels so much better when the house is clean and dusted.

DECK USED:  FLORA HEALING ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I selfishly turned the AC to blow directly on me today.  It’s still hot enough that my skin is sticky and it just feels gross in here, but it would be so much worse without the AC.  Z and my sister have been taking turns chilling in the bedroom, which is a good deal cooler than the rest of the house.

Focus On The Present

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Today’s meditation was skipped (again) because today was my driving day, which means that after my shift at the farm I immediately hit the road to drive for about six hours.

Connolly Tarot and Less Anxiety Affirmation TarotToday’s draw is the Chariot card, which is traditionally a representation of willpower and drive set to a purpose, action, and direction.  It’s about seizing control over one’s actions, fate, and destiny.

Today’s cards are calling me out.

The thing is?  I am constantly trying to look ahead, constantly planning, scheming, strategizing, and directing how I want things to go. This control is habitual and some of it has to do with fear of losing control and things going off the rails.  The presence of the Chariot here is a reference to those tendencies.

Combined with the affirmation card for today, the message here is that I need to stop spending so much time trying to control the future, when it’s the present that really matters.

DECK USED:  CONNOLLY TAROT AND LESS ANXIETY AFFIRMATION CARDS

CoffeexTarot’s Self Love For The Summer Prompt
Question: What gives me clarity?

Secrets of the Mystic Grove OracleReading Summary: Being able to step outside my own perspectives and see things through the eyes of others (Seeing Differently), combined with my ability to ground myself through the earth and find comfort and peace in this process (Rhythms), allows me to see my fears and anxieties in a different light and give me a level of clarity and calm concerning things I would otherwise be blind to (Trust).

Take Away:  Sometimes fears make it impossible for us to see anything besides what we fear the most.  Anxiety narrows our focus and forces us into tunnel vision on those things that trigger us.  These cards indicate that during these times, I have the added benefit of being able to connect with the earth for calm and step out of myself to find perspective, and in doing so, I am able to find more clarity than I would be able to otherwise.

DECK USED:  SECRETS OF THE MYSTIC GROVE ORACLE

#DiscordTarotolicsJun2021 Challenge Prompt
Topic: About dreams…
Question: how can I get a more restful sleep with less dreams getting in the way of that?

Connolly TarotReading Summary: If you didn’t worry so much and struggle so much (Five of Pentacles) with the new changes taking place (Ace of Cups), then you wouldn’t have so many dreams that involve imbalance and unresolved endings (Two of Pentacles).

Take Away: It’s the balance being askew and a lack of resolution in my dreams that makes me feel so unrested when I wake up. Issues with scarcity, combined with my worries over staying on this new path of self love and emotional growth, are spurring on the dreams in which I’m never quite able to find balance or resolution.

DECK USED:  CONNOLLY TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I had a really nice evening with Gideon, both sharing my haul from the post office as well as in beginning a bit of a date night in play.

Less Impatience, More Kindness

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Today’s meditation was skipped due to it being orders day.

Dragon Tarot and Less Anxiety Affirmation CardsToday’s draw is The Star card, which is traditionally a representation of hope, optimism, and the connection between ourselves, the world around us, and our spirituality.

When this card is combined with the affirmation card for today, the message that I see here is about patience and self care.

I have been struggling with this a lot lately.  My inner voice seems to feel that my spiritual growth and transition to a more self-care focused balance is not moving fast enough.  It blames me for holding on to what is familiar and comfortable, which hangs up the process of moving forward as I struggle with letting go.

The cards today speak of making sure I am trusting the process.  Trusting that things will work themselves out at their own speed, and to focus on caring for myself and being kind to myself as this process unfolds instead of focusing on the speed or whatever failings or momentary hurdles I can use to beat myself up with along the way.

DECK USED:  DRAGON TAROT AND LESS ANXIETY AFFIRMATION CARDS

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Questions for June 23rd and 24th

She Whispers Her Truth Oracle and Dragon TarotWhat brings me joy?

Foi, Force Puissance and Two of Cups

Something that helps in fostering my joy is in finding balance in my life that allows me to move forward with confidence and sure footing. I like it when things are steady beneath my feet, allowing me to feel strong and well grounded as a result. It gives me a sense of freedom that I don’t feel when things feeling unsteady.

How can I live in abundance?

Nous sommes toujours là and The Lovers

Remember that your guides are there to help you in making good decisions. Don’t ignore their advice or disregard what they have to say, for it’s with their help on your side that you will live a fuller and happier life filled with good things.

DECK USED:  MEET THE SELF ORACLE AND DRAGON TAROT

#DiscordTarotolicsJun2021 Challenge Prompt
Topic: Self-care for the Full Moon…

Dragon TarotReading Summary: Take some time to examine your path and make sure it is aligned (Judgment) with where you really want to go (Three of Wands) and what your intuition has to say on the matter (The High Priestess).

Take Away: Sometimes our actions do not align with what we want, either through stubbornness, subconscious influences, or old habits. This full moon is a good time to take a moment to examine your actions and make sure that they are aligned with your purpose and the direction you want your feet to head on life’s path.

DECK USED:  DRAGON TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I tried to pace myself a bit with the orders today.  I’m not sure how good I did at it, but I did use the balcony and plants there to help a bit.

Self Care Within the Fray

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Today’s meditation was skipped.  No excuse, I just didn’t get to it.  Tomorrow is an orders day, so I will pick back up on Friday morning.

Botanica Tarot and Less Anxiety Affirmation CardsToday’s draw is the King of Wands (Pomegranate), which is traditionally a representation of a projective alpha energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s drive, willpower, passion projects, enthusiasm, and interests. This often translated into themes of leadership that involve connecting to their followers through zeal and enthusiasm, successful entrepreneurship, and weighing impulsivity with responsibility.

When you are driven and inspired, it can sometimes feel like whatever you do is never enough. I run into this often with my business.  There’s always so much more to do, and you’re so focused on the enthusiasm and pushing to make things work and thrive that you forget…. you need to also take care of yourself.

The King of Wands combined with today’s affirmation card is a reminder that you can’t finish everything before taking that break. Instead, take the break, and then go back and do more.  Taking care of yourself, even when pushing and striving for something to succeed, is extremely important and should be a part of the process.  Not set aside for a more convenient time.

DECK USED:  BOTANICA TAROT AND LESS ANXIETY AFFIRMATION CARDS

CoffeexTarot’s Self Love For The Summer Prompt
Questions for June 23rd & 24th

Botanica Tarot and Inner Compass Kids CardsHow can I better balance my positive and negative emotions?

Lion and Five of Pentacles (Hellebore) – When the going gets tough, it’s time to shine. Tap in to your skills and those things you enjoy doing and that you’re really good at, and use them to balance out those times when you’re feeling especially negative.

How can I build more confidence in myself?

Sea and Knight of Wands (Passiflora) – You don’t always have to lead, in order to allow your passions to shine. Someone else can take a turn at the wheel now and then. When you let this happen, you will be able to see that even when you’re not steering the ship, you’re still along for the ride and the boat still gets where you want it to go.

DECK USED:  INNER COMPASS KIDS CARDS AND BOTANICA TAROT

#DiscordTarotolicsJun2021 Challenge Prompt
Philosophical Question: Do people need other people for true happiness?

Botanica TarotTwo of Pentacles (Blue Waterlily) – Balance. Too much of anything is always not a good thing; same for too little. Contact with other people as necessary, but only in good measure. Too much, or too little, leads to an imbalance and siphons away happiness.

King of Wands (Pomegranate) – Sometimes it is only with the encouragement of others that we find our true calling and our passions. And sometimes we need their help and their support to go after our calling. Even those at the very top need others. The crown is of no use if there’s no one to lead, after all.

Justice (Gladiolus) – Through color association, this card ties in to the balance card on the left (Two of Pentacles). It is about finding balance, and the cause-and-effect of either being in balance… or out of balance. This is the repercussions that come from the choices you make.

Take Away: The answer is yes. People need other than people in order to be truly happy. But, the amount of time and connection needed between people is different from person to person. Some people need more, some people need less. The key is to find the balance that works for you.

DECK USED:  BOTANICA TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

After my eye appointment, I stopped by the park and took a peaceful two mile walk. It was an easy walk, since it was all level ground and mostly paved, but it was a nice bit of time in nature all the same, and I wore my new hiking boots to break them in a little bit.

Time Off Is Allowed

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Today’s meditation was skipped because I was super eager to get online with Gideon.

Family Tarot and Less Anxiety Affirmation CardsToday’s draw is the Empress card, which is traditionally a representation of nature and earthen energies, abundance, nurturing, and sacred femininity.

Here in the affirmation card, we have a reminder that we are more important than the things we need to do.  This is a reminder I often need to hear, and combined with the Empress card, this is very clearly my cards calling me out on worrying about the business and work when I’m supposed to be wallowing in what is pretty much my last day off.   Tomorrow, of course, will be a relaxing day, but it will also be the day that I hope back into work and start to catch up on the orders that have piled up while I was off work.

The cards today are an encouragement to make sure that I am getting the time off that I need (and deserve), even if it can sometimes be hard to allow that to happen.

DECK USED:  FAMILY TAROT AND FLOWER FORTUNE CARDS

CoffeexTarot’s Self Love For The Summer Prompt
Question: How do I overcome negative thoughts about myself?

Family Tarot and Backyard Blessings CardsReading Summary: Remember all that you’ve gone through and the survivor that you’ve become (Three of Swords). Moving forward, work at focusing more energy into the concepts of lightheartedness, cheerfulness, and anticipation.

Take Away: It’s not enough to fight against that negative narrative in your head, you also need to remind yourself of all the good you have done and all that you have accomplished along the way.

When you allow yourself to acknowledge and accept that you’ve done well, it encourages more positive emotions and attitudes to step forward, creating a sense of adventure and rightness where before there were shadows in which that inner narrative could easily hide and whisper from.

DECK USED:  FAMILY TAROT AND BACKYARD BLESSINGS CARDS

#DiscordTarotolicsJun2021 Challenge and Sacred Grounds Tarot Club
Topic: About opportunity…

Family TarotWhat is blocking me from my intuition right now?

End game struggles of moving on (Ten of Swords), and the need to find a meditative rest and balance (Four of Cups).

I need to relax.  Let go and let things move forward without hindrance or pushing.  Letting things just flow along at their own pace isn’t really one of my strong points.  I can fake it now and then, but in truth, when it comes to myself and my own life, I most often find myself with the need  to either push… or resist… far more often than feeling the relaxed and easy energy of letting things move at their own pace.

What opportunities am I missing as a result?

Achieving greater stability (Ten of Coins) and more joy (The Sun). This easy going skill that I struggle with would allow me to find a greater sense of stability and enjoy life more.  It’s something I need to be conscious of, and work at bringing into my life, as it will also give my intuitive gifts a greater amount of freedom.

DECK USED:  FAMILY TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

Super hot sexy time with Gideon definitely counts as a self kindness.

Leave It All Behind

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Today I did a purge, cleanse, and grounding hike in the forest.  I took one of the steeper trails up into the rainforest to ensure that my stalker would have a hard time following, and brought J along with me for protection.  After a couple of hours of steep uphill climb (the purging through exertion and sweat), we stopped at the lake and I took a swim (the cleansing), before then leaving J at the lake and going off into the woods for a skyclad meditation lying upon the forest floor (grounding).

The meditation lasted about an hour before I dressed and returned to the lake, and from there J and I hiked back down to the trail head. On the whole it was immensely refreshing and wonderfully cleansing, and I haven’t felt so good in a long time.

Vox Arcana Tarot and Less Anxiety Affirmation CardsToday’s draw is the Queen of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of a receptive alpha energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s finances, resources, health, home, manifestation, and the physical world.  This is the area of one’s earthly pleasures and how one balances life’s needs and responsibilities.

I see the Queen of Pentacles in this reading combined with the affirmation card for today as a celebration of the rainforest hike and meditation that took up a good part of my day today.  I have been needing time in nature for quite some time. Usually at this time of year I’m out in the woods at least a couple of times a week.  That hasn’t been the case this year due to… well, stalker issues.

The Queen of Pentacles and the accompanying affirmation card in today’s pull is about making sure that I truly allow myself to fall into nature’s embrace and leave the stresses and worries of day to day life behind during this time.

DECK USED:  VOX ARCANA TAROT AND LESS ANXIETY AFFIRMATION CARDS

#DiscordTarotolicsJun2021 Prompt
Topic: About happiness…
CoffeexTarot’s Self Love For The Summer Prompt
Question: What is my heart feeling? How can I encourage more joy and happiness in my heart?

Vox Arcana TarotWhat is my heart feeling?

Overburdened (Ten of Wands) and in need of rest (Four of Swords).  God yeah.  I know that I’m over the half way mark now in my time off this week, but it feels like I haven’t gotten even close to enough rest and restoration.

It always feels this way for some reason.  It’s like the first couple of days are “oh I feel great. What do I need rest and recovery for?” and then by the last few days I’m dragging ass and whining in my head about needing more days off.

How can I encourage more joy and happiness in my heart?

It’s all at your fingertips now (The Magician), you just need to add in some gratitude (Nine of Pentacles).

I’ve been getting a lot of reminders lately from the cards to reboot my gratitude practice.  This practice is a part of the meditation, but it’s also a part of something else. I don’t benefit as much from just mentally going over the things I’m grateful for as I do from actually putting time focus into truly and deeply acknowledge these things each day.

DECK USED:  VOX ARCANA TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I had a very wonderfully long hike in the woods today, and I took J with me for safety.  I also chose a hike that I knew would be hard for most people to follow, and that had a “bottle neck” spot (at the lake) where I could leave J to keep watch while I went on to get my meditation and all that done in safety.