The Spice of Life

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Leonardo da Vinci Tarot - Wheel of Fortune card@FatMumSlim August #FMSPAD Challenge
Prompt for August 16th : A Doorway | #FMS_DOORWAY25
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Wheel of Fortune card, which is traditionally a representation of luck (both good and bad), changing circumstances, the ups and downs of life, and the cyclical nature of life and the world.

Some of my most favorite places in nature are liminal spaces. That is… the in-between spaces between one place and another. Fairy rings and tree hollows. Doorways that you sense rather than just see.

To me, these spaces feel welcoming, beckoning, even eager for my presence. They whisper of possibilities and tease at my natural curiosity. They are a promise of the unknown, like a gift not yet unwrapped. You never know what you’ll find on the other side… and no matter if good or bad or completely innocuous, it sure to be interesting.

Life is like that too. Like these liminal spaces, there are those people that are too scared to explore, unable to see that it’s in the exploration that things get interesting. Today’s message is a reminder that the “spice of life” is in the spice. Don’t let fear of the unknown keep you from exploring, and making the best out of that exploration that you can.

DECK USED:  LEONARDO DA VINCI TAROT

@Lionharts #TheAugustTarot Leo Season Challenge
Four of Wands – Celebration Prompts for August 11 thru 13

ShadowCat Tarot Oracle and Floridian Mythos Oracle ReadingHow can I honor a recent win by fully celebrating it?

Clear and Migration – Acknowledge your movement. Take joy in each small bit of organization you accomplish, instead of focusing so hard on where you’re going next and what’s coming that you stop enjoying the present.

Where in my life can I make more room for joy?

Unfair and Determination – Use your formidable will to turn your gaze away from your feelings of  victimization. You don’t have to feel like a victim, even when things in life are unfair. Instead, focus on adapting and shift your narrative to empowerment.

What steady foundation is allowing me to shine today?

In a Hurry and Hood Omen – The life training of your youth taught you to push yourself to your limits, and that is going to come in helpful today. Not that you will have to take yourself there, but that you can sense when you are headed in that direction with your behavior, and see it as an indication that a change is needed before it gets out of hand.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Silver Maple Key for Bouncing Back to Thrive
Black Spruce Needles to Boost Self-Confidence and Positive Thinking
Dried Purple Heather Flowers for Independence and Luck
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: SHADOWCAT TAROT (ORACLE) and FLORIDIAN MYTHOS ORACLE

@Lionharts #TheAugustTarot Leo Season Challenge
Page of Wands – Curiosity Bonus Prompts for August

ROAR Oracle ReadingWhat new adventure is calling my name?

The Mirabal Sisters – Stand up for what you believe in, and lead by example. Never forget that others are learning from you, and let your values shine in the face of adversity. Be memorable. Let your personal ethics and moral compass lead the way, even when those stronger and more powerful try to force you to veer off track.

How can I approach today with playful curiosity?

Vera Rubin – Be indomitable in your passions, and don’t let others choose what’s right (or not right) for you. Your interests are your own, so who cares what others think about what you’re interested in; as long as you’re happy with it.

Where am I ready to express myself without holding back?

Queen Nanny – You are a leader at heart, even if one that does not stand on a pedestal or hold yourself above others. In the thick of things, you lead by example and there is no counting how many you have helped and healed in your journey. Lean into this energy without reservation.

Other elements included in this reading:
Pressed Yew Tips for Ancestral Connections
Black Kyanite for Transformative Cleansing
Desert Rose for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: ROAR ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I stopped eating chocolate chip cookies before I made my stomach upset.  They were SO good.

Finding the Positive for August 13 – 15

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Mindscapes Tarot, Life is Like a Board Game Tarot, Outgrow Yourself Tarot and Oracle, and The Az Oracle

August 13 – Mental Health Card of the Day 

Today’s meditation was skipped.

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@FatMumSlim August #FMSPAD Challenge
Prompt for August 13th : Something That’s Changing | #FMS_CHANGING25
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Two of Swords (Two of Spires) which is traditionally a representation of crossroads, difficult decisions, needing more information, seeking inward for answers, weighing one’s options, and sometimes avoidance.

I enjoy hiking. Whether it’s a difficult climb or a meandering shinrin-yoku, being out among the trees is my happy place. I would live among them if I could… although at this point, the only chance of that ever happening involves a tent and trespassing.

Pendulum UseSometimes, when I am feeling particularly overloaded though, I struggle to make even the simplest of decision (like where to go to visit the trees). At these times, it’s easy to get caught in a freeze and end up doing nothing.

Often, that’s exactly what happens. I end up not going, and I’m worse off for it. Other times, I pull out my trusty pendulum and let chance decide. Because, the thing is? It doesn’t matter where I go, as long as I go.

Today’s message is that freezing in place is not the answer; movement is. Even if the act of making the choice feels like too much. Close your eyes and take a step forward anyway. You can’t get out of your current circumstances or feelings of overwhelm by stewing in them.

DECK USED:  MINDSCAPES TAROT

August 14 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was a self-directed ten minute session, focused upon the theme of “Bread & Butter” from The Az 2 Oracle card (shown) by @Sunni_Chapman and a quote from the guidance that came with that card.

That guidance says, “People frown on bread and butter things, as if the more you struggle the greater you are… don’t they know they’re already great?”

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@FatMumSlim August #FMSPAD Challenge
Prompt for August 14th : In the Kitchen | #FMS_KITCHEN25
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Ten of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of satisfaction and stability in the area of one’s finances, resources, home, health, manifestations, and the physical world. This often translates into themes that have to do with hard earned success, accomplishments, abundance created through patience and hard work.

Groceries are so damned expensive that a trip to the grocery store these days often causes a churning worry in my stomach.  I can’t help it.  Due to metabolic issues, food is something that we cannot go without in this house, and it’s only when my pantry is full that I truly feel things are right in the world.

That full pantry is getting harder and harder to accomplish these days; even with being fed away from home twice a week these days.

There are ways, though, to make the food stretch.  Rice and potatoes are a big one, but so too are slow cookers.  The thing is?  It takes more strategy to inspire that “the kitchen is full of food” feeling, but it -can- be done with some adjustments.

Today’s message is a reminder that a sense of wealth and security is about more than just money.  Sometimes it takes figuring out what -really- makes you feel secure, and working “outside the box” to make sure that those needs are being met.

DECK USED: LIFE IS LIKE A BOARD GAME TAROT AND THE AZ ORACLE

August 15 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was skipped.

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@FatMumSlim August #FMSPAD Challenge
Prompt for August 15th : Soft Focus | #FMS_SOFTFOCUS25
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 Wands, which is traditionally a representation of public accolades, societal expectations, people pleasing, and peer pressure.

You know that saying “light of fire under your ass”? Well the woman in this card doesn’t look all that happy about the situation, does she?

Held in place by tangled hair that feels a lot like the burden of obligation, no amount of public accolade is going to turn that frown upside down. Nor does whatever victory she’s after seem it all worth it.

Today’s message is a reminder that we do things for ourselves first and foremost; just like putting on your own oxygen mask in an airplane before helping others with theirs.

If something is not good for you, why are you doing it? Is your own sense of obligation keeping you there? Maybe, if so, it’s time to put yourself first and pull your ass out out of the fire.

DECK USED:  OUTGROW YOURSELF ORACLE AND TAROT

🎨 Weekly Creativity Prompt – Spot the Difference

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Prompt: “Below is a 3-card spread from Enchanted Forest Felines Tarot and a question/prompt to go with it. Your task is to pull the same three cards from your deck(s) and tell us how you might interpret these decks differently, and why. Same question, same cards, different decks. And if you’d read them similarly? Tell us that, and explain why!”

Enchanted Felines Tarot - Knight of Wands, Five of Swords, Page of Wands

Question: What could I do to inspire a little more creativity and passion into my life?

Look closer at those things that strike your interest and curiosity (Page of Branches).  You can’t chase every passion and explore every whim that wanders by.  Some of them?  You just have to let go (Five of Dandelions), in order to allow you to chase after the ones that truly inspire you (Knight of Branches).

Stolen Child Tarot - Page of Flame, Five of Zephyrs, Knight of Flame

Question: What could I do to inspire a little more creativity and passion into my life?

Get in touch with your feelings of childish enthusiasm. Where have you abandoned your dreams and how can you reconnect with them and those feelings they inspire? (Page of Flame)  Trying too hard on a path that’s not right for you will only cause you to feel an unnecessary sense of struggle and defeat (Five of Zephyrs).   Instead, reach for those things that lift you up, create a sense of confidence, and light within you a passion to follow your dreams (Knight of Flame).

DECK USED: ENCHANTED FOREST FELINES TAROT AND THE STOLEN CHILD TAROT

Finding the Positive for August 10 – 12

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Cracked Amethyst Tarot's Three of Pentacles, Ocean from The Sky Tarot's Justice Card, The Theoi Tarot's Justice card, and The Az Oracle

August 10 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was a self-directed ten minute session, focused upon the “Lost & Found” card from The Az  Oracle (shown) by @Sunni_Chapman and a quote from guidance that came with that card.

That guidance says, “If you feel a little lost, or lost about certain things, just ask yourself: what exactly am I looking for? … when you’re following your own directions, it’s just a process of discovery, you feel to go this way… you see what that looks and feels like… and depending on how it does, you make another move. You just keep following the feeling of the thing you are looking for. You’re not worried about getting it “wrong”, cause you’re moving by what FEELS RIGHT.”

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@FatMumSlim August #FMSPAD Challenge
Prompt for August 10th : My Reflection Today | #FMS_REFLECTION25
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 (Stones), 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.

One is no good without the others. Just look at the picture in the card for proof. One stone does not an arch make. Two could make an arch, but it would be wonky and sad. The third stone needs the other two; you could even say that it is the arch… But it wouldn’t manage that alone.

Life is like that. You can make do on your own, but to achieve true excellence you need others there to support you.

That support could be teaching you a new skill, or lending a shoulder to cry on, or helping out on a project… or just cheering you on from the sidelines. It all boils down to teamwork in the end, though.

Today’s message asks us to reflect on how others contribute their support in our own lives, and how we do so for others as well. There’s a massive interlocking safety net of support out there, connected from person to person. Where do you fit into that net? How do you contribute to it? Where are you benefiting from it?

DECK USED: THE CRACKED AMETHYST TAROT AND THE AZ ORACLE

August 11 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was a self-directed ten minute session, focused upon the “You Know What?” card from The Az  Oracle (shown) by @Sunni_Chapman and a quote from guidance that came with that card.

That guidance says, “…so when someone doesn’t like me, then they get to go off and be them and I get to go off and be me. It’s a happy thing. We are not all meant to hold hands in this life… Celebrate people not liking you; it means you get to be more you and they get to be more them.”

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@FatMumSlim August #FMSPAD Challenge
Prompt for August 11th : What I Wore | #FMS_WHATIWORE25
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Justice card, which is traditionally a representation of balance, cause and effect, repercussions and consequences, give and take, and can often indicate the law or legal system.

Some days you just can’t say anything right. How well do you wear the embarrassment of being wrong? Do you get all red faced and awkward? Do you get stubborn and stick to your guns even though you know you’re wrong? Do you apologize and concede with grace?

Someone once told me when I was very young that “there is nothing wrong or bad in being wrong; it just means that you are learning something new.” As a kid with an extremely thirsty brain, I took this message to heart.

Still, depending upon how others act about you being wrong, it can make it hard to concede. Let’s face it, no matter how graceful we are about being wrong, some people can’t be right without being ugly about it, and their asshat reactions can inspire a negative reaction in us.

We can stop them from turning us ugly too, though.

Today, I was wrong about something and the person I was dealing with was a jerk about it. I responded gracefully with an “oh! I’m sorry. You’re right! I didn’t know that.” To which they replied “No shit you f’ing moron. Stupid (racist pejorative here).”

I very much wanted to snap back at them, but instead, I put my “mental raincoat” on and let his insult roll right off like a raindrop. I managed to hold my temper, smile, and replied “thanks for teaching me something new” and walked away.

Why? Because they are clearly having a bad day and determined to continue having a bad day. Why should they be allowed to make me have a bad day too?

Today’s message is a reminder that cause-and-effect may be how the world balances itself out, but there are times when you can choose not to participate and let the negative that comes your way slide right off you like rain off a raincoat. You just have to choose to do so.

DECK USED: OCEAN FROM THE SKY TAROT AND THE AZ ORACLE

August 12 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was a self-directed ten minute session, focused upon the “Reflection” card from The Az 2 Oracle (shown) by @Sunni_Chapman and a quote from guidance that came with that card.

That guidance says, “Sometimes you just need to stare it down cold and take it all in without flinching. Just watch it, whatever it is, without forcing yourself to perform or react.”

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@FatMumSlim August #FMSPAD Challenge
Prompt for August 12th : A Tiny Detail | #FMS_TINYDETAIL25

Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is The Tower card, which is traditionally a representation of sudden change, chaotic transformation, destruction, and the tearing down of something within one’s life or beliefs that leaves room for something new to take its place.

Like a game of Jenga, sometimes all it takes is a tiny detail to go awry, and everything falls apart.

The thing is, though?  Maybe that means that what we were building wasn’t really all that great to begin with. If it was, shouldn’t it take more than one little detail to send it all tumbling down?

If that’s the case, then maybe the destruction is a blessing in disguise.  Better it fall apart now than later after we’ve put even more work into it, right?  Now we can start over and build it even better the second time around… or, perhaps start something else entirely new that we’ll be happier with in the long run.

Today’s message is a reminder that breaking a few eggs is a part of the process of finding what’s right for us and what works.  When we fail and things fall apart, we learn from these experiences.  Those lessons prepare us to do better and create something truly able to stand strong in the chaos.

DECK USED: THE THEOI TAROT AND THE AZ 2 ORACLE

❤️ Self Care Saturday (On a Sunday)

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These Saturday readings are (not usually) bearing in on any one thing or event in my life, as the question used is asking for a more general outlook. This is a self care exercise, and is not meant as a predictive reading… although that, too, happens on occasion.

The question is… What do I need to focus for self-care through the week ahead?

Self Care Saturday Tarot Reading with Inquiry An MXTX Tarot and Buzzing Mosquito Lenormand

Earth – The Tower – Go with the flow. Things are changing fast, and you need to be on your toes. Don’t fight back and resist, just let things topple as they will and you can organize the pieces once the dust settles.

Air – Ten of Pentacles – Keep your inner narratives positive. The end result of all this upset could be way better than what came before. You don’t know, and can’t know until it’s all said and done.

Water – Two of Cups – Lean on others to help support you emotionally during the mess of this upset. You don’t react well emotionally to chaos and change. Those closest to you have the capacity to lift you up when everything becomes too heavy.

Fire – Three of Pentacles Rx – This week (and this ordeal, for that matter) just isn’t going to be any fun. Not for anybody, actually. And that’s okay.

Waning – Dog and Ring – Don’t make any promises this week. No matter how good your intentions.

Waxing – Cross and Birds – Social obligations are going to be a necessary burden this week.

Note: All of the Lenormand cards are facing inward toward the other cards in the reading except the Cross. – Use your social obligations to assist you in distraction from the chaos.

Take Away – The chaos going on in your life doesn’t yet have an end in sight.  Use this week to find ways to adjust to the mess and stress, and use your loved ones and social obligations to help you work your way through instead of getting stuck in a pattern of resistance.

DECKS USED: INQUIRY: AN MXTX TAROT AND BUZZING MOSQUITO LENORMAND

Don’t Hide

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Today’s meditation was a self-directed ten minute session, focused upon the theme of Other Lives from the Nowbits Oracle card (shown) by @Sunni_Chapman and a quote from the guidance that came with that card.

That guidance says, “Whatever you see yourself doing and feeling (in the future)… how might you do that and feel that TODAY? You must be like a mouse and crawl into your dream until it begins to take shape in your (present).”

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Animal Crossing New Horizons Tarot's Knight of Pentacles and Nowbits Oracle@FatMumSlim August #FMSPAD Challenge
Prompt for August 9th : Cosy Corners | #FMS_COSYCORNER25

Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Knight of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of an active, projective beta energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s finances, resources, health, home, labors, and manifestations. This often translates into a slow moving but determinedly forward moving energy, personality, or person that has their eye on the prize regardless of the slow and steady speed they may be moving at.

Don’t let your cozy corners keep you from moving, even if you’re movement is slow. Yes, cozy corners and other comfortable spots are a wonderful thing, but don’t use them to hide from your stresses and worries. These places are for rest and restoration, not hiding away from the world.

Sometimes, trudging through a struggle takes time. It’s okay to retreat to rest, but you can’t stay in retreat forever. Sooner or later? You have to get back out there and moving again. Even if “moving” is pure determination and baby steps, rather than an actual race or even a walk.

Today’s message is a reminder that sometimes slower is better; and other times slower it’s just the best you can do right now. Moving forward on your path one excruciating inch at a time is still healthier than stagnancy. So don’t hide. Keep moving, even when the going is at a snail’s pace.

DECK USED:  ANIMAL CROSSING: NEW HORIZONS TAROT AND NOWBITS ORACLE

@Lionharts #TheAugustTarot Leo Season Challenge
Two of Wands – Vision Prompts for August 5th thru 7th

Tarot Reading with the Dawn Aquarius Tarot and Higher Intuitions OracleWhat vision am I being called to commit to?

The High Priestess and See the Beauty Around You – The beauty of the world can only be enjoyed if you’re willing to be open to the unspoken magic of it all. It’s in looking at the little things and seeking out the secrets of nature and the earth. It’s in finding a spiritual connection to these things through moments of thought and reflection.

Where am I still playing small in relation to what I really want?

The Fool and Take a Chance – Big rewards come from big risks. You are often far too cautious to take those risks, letting reason and fear dampen your enthusiasm, instead of letting your curiosity and excitement run away with you and your “good sense”.

How can I take the next courageous step toward the future I imagine?

The World and Be Strong – Keep your eye on the prize and keep moving. Let determination and willpower be an accelerant to your inner fires, increasing that spark of interest you are feeling into something bigger that can propel you forward.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Wood Fern for Exorcising Negative Influences
Foraged Purple Heather Sprigs for Independence and Luck
Rose Quartz for Gentle Kindness to Self and Others
River Tumbled Quartz for Opening Up to Mindfulness
Yellow Aventurine for a Boost of Confidence
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: DAWN AQUARIUS TAROT AND HIGHER INTUITIONS ORACLE

@Lionharts #TheAugustTarot Leo Season Challenge
Three of Wands – Momentum Prompts for August 8th thru 10th

Barbara Walker Tarot in a Tin's Temperance card, Prince of Wands, and Ten of WandsWhat progress am I ready to claim with pride?

Temperance Rx – Although the anxiety of doing so is vicious, you are taking care to move with moderation through this current trial and not get ahead of yourself, nor jump ahead of slow to emerge developments.

How can I stay rooted in focus as my vision expands?

Prince of Wands – When you’re not moving fast, keep your attention on what you want. As you see more and more of the bigger picture, you will need that determined focus on what matters to you to keep you from getting distracted and veering off track.

Where am I being invited to trust the momentum I’ve created?

Ten of Wands – Don’t allow the chaos to weigh you down or keep you stuck. You are a survivor, and if you are careful with how you expend your energy and resources, you will not end up in the untenable situation you fear.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Rhododendron Leaf for Fostering Confidence
Dried Cedar (in Bundle) for Cleansing and Protection
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: BARBARA WALKER TAROT IN A TIN

Daily Self Kindness

I took a break to clean and tend to the cut I got on my thumb today instead of plowing through and ignoring it.