Releasing the Weight

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Today’s meditation was an ten minute long #DailyCalm session from the @Calm app.

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Tarot of a Forest Witch - Seven of Feathers, Seven of Swords and Christmas Affirmation CardsDaily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Seven of Swords (Feathers), which is traditionally a representation of strategic thinking, “sneaky shit”, or getting away with something. It can also often be about taking only what one can carry.

The Seven of Swords has then been combined with one of my Christmas Affirmation cards, which says, “It’s all going to work out fine.”

Don’t worry too much on what isn’t getting done, what still needs doing, or what’s going wrong. Don’t allow these stresses, worries, and anxieties to steal away the joy that you could otherwise have right now.

Like a bride freaking out at her own wedding because one small thing went awry, this type of anxiety can ruin your day if you let it.

The message in today’s cards is an encouragement to let go instead of allowing small moments of discontent to ruin your whole day. Acknowledge that the bad thing happened and even that you’re disappointed… then let it go so that you can enjoy the rest of the day and all that it has to offer.

DECKS USED:  TAROT OF A FOREST WITCH AND TWIST’S CHRISTMAS AFFIRMATION CARDS

@LightningWildflower December Arcana Challenge 
Prompts for December 23rd thru 25th

Oracle Reading with the Winter Solstice Season OracleThe Devil: Where am I ready to reclaim my power?

New Year and Cocoa – As the new year approaches, it’s time to start reclaiming your happiness. This includes stepping outside of stagnancy when things get stale instead of lingering due to an illusion of comfort.

Recommit yourself to enjoying each day and those elements of each day that make that day better. Allow them to lift you up, rather than focusing on the negative or trying to hide from what’s uncomfortable.

The Tower: How do I usually respond to sudden change?

Eggnog – You have a tendency to respond to sudden change with revulsion and feelings of overwhelm. You duck and cover and refused to move, which opens you up to repercussions that movement would normally protect you from.

The Tower: What did I learn from a time in my life when things fell apart?

Snuggle atop Celebrate – Even times of recovery include movement. You learned the importance of getting those breaths of fresh air that you need to keep your equilibrium in check. Comfort can only take you so far before it binds you up and leaves you unable to move.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Rhododendron Leaf for Fostering Confidence
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: WINTER SOLSTICE SEASON ORACLE

#DiscordTarotholicsDec2025 Challenge
Philosophical for December 24th : Which is more important… love or trust?

Tarot Reading with the Tarot of a Fores WitchReading Summary: It all starts and ends with trust. The answer being all about stability, as all three cards pulled our acorns (Pentacles).

Love may eventually play a factor in one’s relationships with others, but it’s trust that builds love not the other way around. This is shown through the presence of both the Page and the Ace… which indicate great potential for growth. That said, it is the Nine of Acorns, and the stability presented there that is the foundation for that growth.

The Nine of Acorns presents as consistency and trust in the resources available to you. The cornucopia is not empty, after all, but full to overflowing.

Take Away: I’m not sure that these cards actually indicate that one is more important than the other. Love and trust are both very important. But, what these cards are saying is that trust is the building blocks of love, not the other way around.

Other elements included in this reading:
Carved Sandalwood Antler for Confidence and Quiet Strength
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: TAROT OF A FOREST WITCH

Daily Self Kindness

I watched a movie. As in, just relaxed and watched a movie without doing a bunch of other stuff at the same time.

Gideon’s Challenge – A Bit of Silly

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Christmas Tree SurpriseA Bit of Silly 

A skinny little
Christmas tree
staring out
at me
as we wait
for doctor’s orders
and wonder
how long the wait
will be
but the eyeballs
bring a smile
and a hint of cheer
to make the wait
worthwhile

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Anchor in the Storm

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Winter Waite Tarot 2021 Glitter Edition - King of Cups and Christmas Affirmation CardsDaily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the King of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of a projective alpha energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s emotions, relationships, emotional intelligence, creativity, or intuition. This often translates into authority figures that are emotionally supportive and understanding, possessing both compassion and strong leadership qualities.

The King of Cups has then been combined with one of my Christmas Affirmation cards, which says, “Like a snow globe shaken up, life can settle into something beautiful.”

What, where, or who is your emotional anchor? When things get out of hand, is there something you reach for or someone you reach out to that helps you to find perspective and keep your emotions in check so that they don’t fly out of control?

For me, this is my partner, Gideon. He is my anchor in the storm that keeps me from being tossed around by the turbulence of my emotions. The key to this, though, is that I have to actually reach out to him to get this benefit from him. Sometimes I forget… and sometimes I am reluctant due to misguided pride or other unreasonable expectations placed upon myself.

The message in today’s cards is a reminder to use your anchor wisely during holiday turbulence (and the rest of the year). Reach out to it or them when needed instead of stubbornly insisting you can do it yourself. Life is far more beautiful and pleasurable when you reach out for help when you need it… especially when emotions are involved.

DECKS USED:  WINTER WAIT TAROT 2021 GLITTER EDITION AND TWIST’S CHRISTMAS AFFIRMATION CARDS

@Lionharts #TheDecemberTarot Fruits of 2025 Challenge
The Scythe Prompts for December 21st thru 24th

Oracle Reading with the Holiday Magic OracleWhat boundary will shape my energy more than any goal I set next year?

New Heights – Knowing when it’s okay to move on a new opportunity or advance on a current project, versus when it’s time to rest and recover.

These boundaries and awareness can help you to not push yourself when you need this time of recovery, as well as not to sink into stagnancy at the end of recovery instead of getting back up and moving again.

What personal vow am I ready to uphold or make without hesitation?

Thoughtful Act – Vow to show your appreciation more; not just for others, but also for yourself. Express your gratitude. Allow yourself to show just how much their presence in your life means, and just how much you value yourself. This might not be your strong suite, but is a promise you can make without hesitation or reservation, as it aligns with both your path and personal growth.

Which old version of myself is ready be released with gratitude?

Simple Pleasures – That long-in-the-tooth part of yourself that is too busy to truly appreciate the small things, and therefore takes them for granted. When you’re too busy and always striving for more, your anxiety and your adrenaline kicked up to a high level. That then causes you to miss out on the small and lovely things in life.

Which emerging version of myself is ready to take the lead from here?

Magical Spirit – The version of yourself that appreciates those around you more, and is willing to come together with them to show that appreciation. This includes appreciating yourself more, for you also need to celebrate your own accomplishments.

Other elements included in this reading:
Japanese Cherry Leaf as a Reminder of Life’s Fleeting Moments
Foraged Lodgepole Pine for Resilience, Growth, and Renewal
Rose Quartz for Gentle Kindness to Self and Others
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: HOLIDAY MAGIC ORACLE OF CHRISTMAS

#DiscordTarotholicsDec2025 Challenge
Prompt for December 21st thru 23rd

Tarot Reading with the Winter Waite Tarot 2021 Glitter EditionWhere should you direct your focus this week to foster your understanding towards others?

Page of Pentacles – Patience is going to be key this week, as is remembering that you don’t know everything. Listen more, speak less. Pay attention to not just what’s going on around you, but also what is right in front of your face.

How can you better foster your relationship with friends and loved ones?

The Magician – Set the tone. Be helpful, but don’t allow others to dictate your own actions, thoughts, ambitions, or goals. Even when you’re sitting back to watch instead of taking an active role, continue to be yourself instead of one of the sheep.

What could you be more grateful for?

Six of Swords – Consider fostering more gratitude for the fact that you can step out and get a breath of air when you need it. You can also walk away from the conversation instead of allowing it to continue. Be sure to eep these things in mind through the week ahead.

Other elements included in this reading:
Black Spruce Needles to Boost Self-Confidence and Positive Thinking
Dried Rosebuds for Potential and Beauty Waiting to Unfold
Dried Purple Heather Flowers for Independence and Luck
Carved Bamboo for Positive Outcomes
Conch Shell Knot for Concentration and Clarity
Desert Rose for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: WINTER WAIT TAROT 2021 GLITTER EDITION

Daily Self Kindness

I pulled a few of the decks for January to be prepared for when I get back after my stay away.  That way I’m not struggling to get them pulled when I return home, and it can be a bit more of a relaxed return as a result.

Gideon’s Challenge – The Boots

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Christmas Front PorchThe Boots

All decked out
and lit
in welcome
the warm glow
offers a reprieve
from the
long drive
and the cold
as it feels
like snow
even though
there’s not a flake
to be seen
so take
your shoes off
and come on in

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Emotions are Fluid

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Today’s meditation was an ten minute long #DailyCalm session from the @Calm app.

•    •    •    ◈    •    🎄    •    ◈    •    •    •

The Visionary's Tarot - Page of Swords and Christmas Affirmation CardsDaily 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.

The Page of Swords has then been combined with one of my Christmas Affirmation cards, which says, “These painful feelings aren’t permanent. There are better times ahead.”

You know, I never actually considered a lack of inspiration or lapse in creativity as something that is a painful feeling. And yet, today’s cards to bring this to the fore for me, and highlight the fact that there is actually pain involved in these moments of slump.

It’s the sensation of missing something vital. A piece of me that drives my ambitions and allows me to see the world around me as beautiful. That creative spark within me provides these things, and when it sputters and struggles to catch flame, I’m a bit surprised to discover upon reflection that feel that lack as an actual internalized wound.

The message in today’s cards is the repeat of a message that I have gotten several times of late. That is… It’s temporary. Discomfort is temporary. Sadness is temporary. Uncertainty is temporary. Our emotions are always moving and flowing and shifting beneath us like sand under waves.

That means that these unpleasant moments we find ourselves in are temporary by nature. Sometimes the key is to just wait it out, other times playing an active role can help us learn how to emerge from these times a bit quicker. There’s nothing wrong with being proactive about it.

DECK USED:  THE VISIONARY’S TAROT AND TWIST’S CHRISTMAS AFFIRMATIONS

@aplacetodock #Yuletide Oracle Challenge
Prompts for December 21st and 22nd

Oracle Reading with the Yule OracleWhat is rocking around the Christmas tree?

Fig and Cinnamon – You can be protective without aggression. Consider the power that resides in silence. Within silence there can be warmth and support, comfort and care… there can also be a statement never spoken with more than a glance or an expression on one’s face.

Silence is a tool. Use it to your advantage by exploring it’s power and the unique language it presents, rather than jumping in with words.

What message comes from the fireplace embers?

Candles and Reindeer – Bank your fire instead of letting it leak out into your disposition this holiday season. You will gain more by staying warm and inviting… and learn a lot more about those around you as well.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Acorns for Protection during New Beginnings
Mandala Disk Charged for Serenity and Balance
 Carved Rhyolite Leaf for Facilitating Calm Transitions
Raccoon Figure for Problem Solving and Seeking Knowledge
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: YULE ORACLE

@LightningWildflower December Arcana Challenge 
Temperance Prompt for December 22nd : How can I move toward a greater sense of equilibrium?

Tarot Reading with The Visionary's TarotSummary: Stop trying to jump at every opportunity that comes along (Ace of Pentacles Rx). In doing so, you are overwhelming yourself (Temperance Rx), which is in turn causing stagnancy (The Hanged Man).

Moment of Reflection: Why was the Temperance card the one that came out, instead of the Ten of Wands? This is because we are talking about the potential for overwhelm, instead of an actual present predicament of overwhelm.

Take Away: It used to be that any opportunity that dropped in your lap, you jumped on, picking it up and inserting it into your life.  When you were younger and had a crapload of energy, not to mention were ignoring your personal needs and self-care?  This was fine, as you could just keep plowing forward.

Now, though, it’s not the same any longer.  You aren’t the same any longer.  The consequences of acting in this way now are much steeper, as you don’t have as much energy and you are trying to take better care of yourself.  You don’t bounce back as easily, which means you can’t juggle as many projects and responsibilities as you once could as your recovery time after doing too much becomes longer and longer.

In order to maintain equilibrium, moderation is needed.  You just -can’t- continue to jump on every opportunity that comes along, no matter how much you want to. The cost and consequences of doing so end up setting you back far more than the boons involved.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Rosebuds for Potential and Beauty Waiting to Unfold
Foraged Lodgepole Pine for Resilience, Growth, and Renewal
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: THE VISIONARY’S TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I told Ms B we wouldn’t be coming on Tuesday, since we’ll be coming up there on Wednesday to spend the night, then staying for a little over a week.

Gideon’s Challenge – Trees with Teeth

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Lodgepole Pine TipsTrees with Teeth

It’s in the
crisp tingle
in the nose
and prickle
on the skin
that emerald hues
remain vibrant
through winter
for the miracle is
in the evergreens
that stay
lush and full
as winter
bites deep

Photo © ZenStatePhotography