A Friendly Greeting

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Today’s meditation was ten minutes long, and was one of the #DailyCalm sessions with the @Calm app.  Although I enjoyed today’s meditation this morning, I can’t for the life of me remember what the session was about.

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Floral Tarot - The HermitThe @GlitterbyInk #MayTag25 Challenge
Celebrating Our Community Prompt for May 3 : Friendly

Today’s draw is the Hermit card, which is traditionally a representation of inner exploration, self reflection, and healthy alone time.

Snowdrops are the first of the spring flowers to arrive. They come out eagerly before everyone else to announce that spring is on the way and pave the way forward for everyone else that then follows.

The flower on this card is actually a narcissus, probably in reference to the fact that it retreats into a bulb underground through winter to hibernate ’til spring. But, so too is the snowdrop that this card reminded me of on first glance. Its eager emergence after the time spent in restorative solitude an expression of friendly optimism for the spring months ahead.

The message in today’s card is that it’s okay to retreat into solitude for some much needed rest and healthy reflection. Just make sure that when you emerge that you are working to put on a friendly face and optimistic spin to what’s coming. Be open and look for the positive, and it will help others to do the same.

DECK USED:  FLORAL TAROT

#detarotjufmeitarotchallenge Tea With the Queens Challenge by @de_tarotjuf
Tea with the Queen of Wands : Creativity and Passion
Prompts for May 4 – 5

Oracle Reading with the Memento Homo Oracle CardsWhat in my environment motivates me to pursue my dreams?

Left Card – Trust. It takes a lot to trust someone with your safety and well-being. When you surround yourself with those you trust to do so, it allows you to be vulnerable in a way that opens you up to being honest about your dreams and gives you the bandwidth to pursue them with more vigor.

What can I do to bring more joy into my life?

Right Card – Play with abandon. Even if you feel you need to put on a front of composure or show a particular outward countenance… play anyway. Have some fun instead of internalizing that outward mask that is sometimes needed.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Silver Maple Key for Bouncing Back to Thrive
Omarolluk for Protection and Bridging Liminal Divides
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: MEMENTO HOMO ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I did the things I wanted to do today, instead of the things that were expected of me by others. That included playing with a few new decks I got in over the past couple of weeks, and taking a nap… oh, and having raspberry swirl cake for breakfast.

I Did a Thing!

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Today’s meditation was ten minutes long, and was a self guided meditation focusing upon the “just make it exist first” graphic by @growthbyvisuals shared alongside the card for today.

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Neuziet Tarot's Nine of PentaclesThe @GlitterbyInk #MayTag25 Challenge
Celebrating Our Community Prompt for May 2 : Optimistic

Today’s draw is the Nine of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of solitary satisfaction, a job well done, self-sufficiency, abundance, financial independence, and luxury earned through hard work.

It’s hard to remember at times that  accomplishment doesn’t have to be about perfection. Just the fact you created something or did something is enough.

When the cards say (as they often do) to “take a moment to reflect upon, appreciate, and/or celebrate our accomplishments,” they’re not talking about our big or perfect ones. The imperfect and small are just as important and need recognition as well.

“I did a thing,” no matter how small or seemingly insignificant holds just as much weight as “I created this perfect thing” does. The value, sometimes, is not in the results… but in the doing. Both in the fact that you are doing something, as well as the fact you are gaining joy or experience or knowledge during the task being done. So, “I did a thing” is absolutely valid, all on it’s own… whatever that thing may be or how it turns out.

DECK USED:  NEUZIET TAROT

#detarotjufmeitarotchallenge Tea With the Queens Challenge by @de_tarotjuf
Tea with the Queen of Wands : Creativity and Passion
Prompts for May 1 – 3

Oracle Reading with the Alchemy of the Spirit OracleWhat inspires my creativity?

The Sword – New ideas combined with a sense of balance. When there is no fairness, balance, or justice, you feel out of sorts and it will smother your creative spark and the impetus of new ideas. As new ideas are what your creativity thrives on, you need that balance to allow your creativity to be set free.

Reflect on a passion project. How can I make it grow?

Project – A wood burned casting tray made into the underside of my wooden reading tray with personally drawn design.

The Rainbow – Have faith that you will find the time to work on this project when the timing is right. You need time when you can slow down and really focus, which requires a number of different conditions to achieve. That time will come.

What energy do I bring into my work?

The Library – You bring into your work an openness to try new things, and the ability to know your worth in this area, regardless of being raised to think your efforts are worth nothing. Your work is all about things that you are good at and the exploration of those skills and abilities. This gives you a sense of worth that helps in rewriting the “not enough” narrative in your head.

Other elements included in this reading:
Bind Rune on Cedar for a Protected Home
Dried Rhododendron Leaf for Fostering Confidence
Rose Quartz for Gentle Kindness to Self and Others
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: ALCHEMY OF THE SPIRIT ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I spend a lot of time not listening to people today, and instead listening to the music or audiobook coming in through the bone conduction headphones hidden in my hair.

Self-Acceptance

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Today’s meditation was twelve minutes long, and one of the #DailyTrip sessions in the @Calm app.

The session for today discussed how acceptance is our greatest tool toward growth and self-improvement. When we pause to understand our flaws and flawed reactions, and open ourself up to accepting that they are a part of who we are as humans, it allows those parts of ourselves to soften and become more malleable. It feels a bit counterintuitive, and yet this is how through acceptance of ourselves and forgiveness that change is facilitated.

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Tarocchi by Michelangelo Rossato - The HermitThe @GlitterbyInk #MayTag25 Challenge
Celebrating Our Community Prompt for May 1 : Curious

Today’s draw is the Hermit card, which is traditionally a representation of solitude, self reflection and introspection, alone time, and inner guidance.

Even for an introvert like myself, spending time alone can be a blessing or a curse, depending on where your head is at at time time.

If we are in a mindset that allows our thoughts to run in circles around our mistakes, flaws, or these things that we don’t like about ourselves, then alone time becomes an unhealthy simmering of negativity.

On the other hand, alone time spent in self-exploration with a focus on curiosity, understanding, and acceptance allows for healthy solitude and eventual growth.

The theme of today’s card, meditation, and prompt combo is to remember that not all alone time is healthy or productive, and encourages us to discern the difference and choose our moments of solitude wisely.

DECK USED:  TAROCHI BY MICHELANGELO ROSSATO

#DiscordTarotholicsMay2025 Challenge
Prompt for May 1 : Do the Beltane Spread

Beltane Oracle Reading with the Apothecary Spirits Oracle

Dandelion: How can I use my inner strength to help me in healing old wounds?

Marigold – Instead of focusing on the pain of past experiences, explore their memories while working to recognize the gift that these experiences have offered you. Whether it has created within you a greater sense of independence, understanding of human nature, knowledge or skills you wouldn’t have otherwise developed, etc. these things are life’s offerings to you in appreciation and respect for what you went through. They are earned and hold great worth in and of themselves, but also in allowing you to see that those painful moments held value as well.

Bees: Where could I put in more effort to help my community?

Cayenne – Be bold and loud. Let your anger show when it stirs to the surface. In doing so you validate others and their own feelings, for not everyone is able to speak up as easily or freely as you can. You embolden others, in these moments, to share their own thoughts and feelings as well rather than staying quiet in the background.

Garnet: What do I need in order to foster a greater sense of self-empowerment?

Damiana – You need to be able to allow your vulnerability to shine through without shame or fear in order to foster a greater sense of self-empowerment. This not an easy task for you, and it is often done through the vulnerability that you offer to Gideon in the drown. Over time, he has helped you to see the submissive side of your inner self as a strength rather than as a weakness to be ashamed of.

Swallow: Where do I need to more openly display my love and loyalty to others?

Rosemary – Memories are important. With so many of them fleeting in your head and often slipping through your fingers like grains of sand through a sieve, it’s important to revisit those ones that you can when you’re able.

When you walk down memory lane with others, you allow them to help you remember things that you have forgotten. This takes trust and openness, for you are trusting in their memories to refresh yours and not distort the truth. Within this process of helping to recount happy memories and joyful moments with you, it also creates new bonding experiences.

Malachite: How can I better use intention to bolster the abundance in my life moving forward?

Roses – Roses take a great deal of care in order to not just thrive but become abundant in blooms. So do relationships. Love, romance, and friendships do not just “happen” and will not thrive on their own without your participation. Lean into the intent to keep your friendships and loving relationships happy and healthy, and they will grow to be abundant like the roses in this card.

Goat: How can I best overcome obstacles before me at this time?

Wisteria – Cling tightly, but with a gentle touch.  It is through your connection with others that you find strength in moments when obstacles become too heavy to handle on your own. Lean into them.

Primrose: How can I add more of the exuberance of young love into my life?

Borage – Don’t allow your uncertainty, nor moments of fear, to hold you back. There is no energy or exuberance in stagnancy. It is in motion and courage that we find those lighter and happier emotions associated with young love. If you want to instill that energy into your life, it takes courage and the willingness to take a leap with alacrity, rather than standing still in uncertainty.

Other elements included in this reading:
Orange Aventurine Leaf for Pause and Reflection
Rose Quartz for Gentle Kindness to Self and Others
Green Aventurine for Harmony and Balance of the Heart
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: APOTHECARY SPIRITS ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

Bah, I worked all day today from the moment I woke up this morning to just before bed time, and I feel like I haven’t given myself a single self kindness today.  I suppose I would count making sure that I ate on time using the timer on my phone as one, though. So there’s that.

Beltane 2025 – May Day

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The last evening of April through the first day of May is Beltane, which is also my sister and I’s birthday. Like Halloween is a time when the veil between the land of the living and the realm of the dead is thin, this holiday is the time when the veil between our world and that of the Fae is at is thinnest.  I personally often find myself amped up with extra energy around this time of year, which I most often use to spend more time playing in that thinning veil as much as possible.

May Day

Like with new moons and full moons, I usually do a spread to check in with myself and give myself some direction for the next couple of months for each solstice, equinox, and other Sabbats. This spread is an adaptation of my Self Care Saturday spread, so there are sure to be  some similarities in how it is read. The focus of this spread, though, is not about Self Care, but rather about progress and my path. The time period is also longer, reaching through the next handful of weeks until the Midsummer celebration in June.

Beltane Tarot Reading with the Pagan Otherworlds Tarot, Compendium of Witches Oracle, and Healing Herbal Cards

Theme of the Season – Welcome the May, Waxing Crescent, Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris)

The phrase “Welcome the May and the Greening of the Land” speaks of the change of season that happens around May Day / Beltane.  Finally, the trees are budding with new leaves and the world is turning green again. The deciduous trees and bushes are once again leafing, the evergreens are sprouting new tips, and wildlife is stirring to life, coming out to enjoy the sunshine.  It is a time of awakening, where those plants that have been stirring to life since March finally begin showing the fruits of their labors invisible ways.

The Waxing Crescent Moon is a moon phase that is often considered a time of growth and determination, associated with making plans on what you want to accomplish and taking those first steps in that direction. It is a time when the moon’s energy is building, and with it we can use that energy to our advantage in strengthening our own resolve.

The herb Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris) is often seen as a weed, but exhibits antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral properties that has had it being used in folk medicine around the world to treat a wide range of maladies that span from diarrhea to diabetes, from skin disorders to inflammatory conditions, as well as many forms of menstrual and gynecological issues. The last of which connects with its metaphysical properties as well, where it is seen as an herb used to connect with feminine energy, create flow and growth of the feminine within us, and encourage creativity.

When looking at these three cards together, the message seen here is that now is a time in your spiritual path when reawakening your “feminine” side and setting goals in that direction is in its prime.  Take time to connect with your creativity and intuition, as well as those softer and warmer sides of your personality. Remember that it’s okay to be vulnerable, and that this vulnerability does not make you weak, but merely stronger in a different way.

Earth – Ace of Cups – A lot of your focus right now is on learning how your emotions affect your body and the physical world around you. It can be hard sometimes to look outward when something new and confusing is trying to draw your focus within, but it’s a part of the process of learning about your emotions to understand in what ways they influence your body and the world beyond yourself.

Air – Seven of Wands – Take care not to let others bait you into going on the offensive. You are susceptible to this right now. Remember that there is no need to defend yourself, your beliefs, or your values to others. As long as you are secure in them yourself, that’s what matters. 

Water – Knight of Pentacles – Don’t twist and turn trying to fight against the slowness of your progress. Just taking things as they come is enough. Pushing for more is just putting a great deal of unnecessary strain on you that doesn’t need to be there and won’t help.

Fire – Queen of Cups – Instead of continuing to pick apart and berate yourself for what you’re doing wrong or isn’t working, try a little more radical self-acceptance and encouragement.

Waning – The Crossroads and Light – Stop looking for a guiding light to lead you out of the darkness. That’s not what this lesson is about.  Although we aren’t speaking of “embracing the dark” here, what is needed is acceptance rather than banishment. Understanding rather than rejection.

Waxing – The Comforter and Standing Stone – By giving yourself that acceptance and understanding mentioned above, you create a space of strength within you that you can lean on when needed and others find safe and secure.  It’s something that has to come from within.

Take Away – You are in a vulnerable place right now where emotions are taking the center stage. If you feel like you are twisting in the wind? It’s because you are in fact doing just that. It’s in connecting with your values and finding the strength to accept and be kind to yourself that you will build the inner strength needed to carry through.  This is a time of growth and vulnerability, not a trial or a test.

DECKS USED: SABBAT THEMED ART CARD, PAGAN UNDERWORLDS TAROT, COMPENDIUM OF WITCHES ORACLE, HEALING HERBAL CARDS VOL 1 & 2

Transitioning from April to May

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Month End Tarot Reading with the Wild Reflections Tarot and The Light Seer's Tarot

Here and Now I Exist – Who you are now, in your entirety.

Queen of Pentacles – You are working on not just finding, but also nurturing a better sense of balance and stability in your life in the areas where responsibility has been taking the lions share of your time, energy and attention of late.  You’ve realized that through this balance you can not just take better care of yourself, but in doing so you can create greater stability for others too.

The Slough – What is to be left in the past as you move forward.

Page of Swords atop Four of Swords – You can try as you might to put new ideas to rest, but you won’t be able to get far with this if you don’t at least write them down. Doing so will help you from being carried away by them, and keep them from disappearing into the ether of memories lost as well.

What Lies Ahead – An ideal state or ideal self you are seeking at this time.

The Hanged Man – You feel the need to lean into the ability to pause and observe, rather than act. There have been a lot of readings lately that have been steering you in this direction, and you are doing your best to embody that message as best you can at this time.

Limitations – Negative influences, opposition, or ill will.

The Hierophant – Don’t let the way things have always been done hold you back from thinking outside the box and finding new paths forward. Tradition is all well and good, until it becomes a problem. There has to be a balance between traditional methods and innovation. Neither is ideal on their own.

The Boon – Positive influences, higher guidance, or divine intervention.

Eight of Swords – There are some things you’re not meant to see or understand.  Just because you choose to accept this fact doesn’t mean being in the dark necessarily has to hold you back. Move forward regardless of what you can’t see, and trust that your steps will steer you true even when you’re unable to get a clear picture of what lies ahead.

The Wound – An unpleasant past experience or event that is ripe for some support and healing.

Eight of Cups – Remember the reasons why you have chosen to walk away. You need some memory lane time with these events in your life where you’ve stepped away in the past, in order to refresh your memory on why letting go is an important step and touch upon guidance on how to do so with grace.

Nostalgia – A positive past experience or event to acknowledge, reflect upon, and enjoy.

Temperance – This card always makes me think of a young Gideon. His casual seat seems to always be telling me that I’m wound up too tightly.  There is a reminder here that sometimes you have to “fake it until you make it” when it comes to casual ease and relaxation. You’ll never get there if you don’t try, so stop letting yourself get wound up tighter and tighter. Keep trying to untie those knots, even if you don’t feel like you’re getting anywhere with it.

A Warning – Something coming that can be prevented or overcome.

Three of Pentacles atop King of Cups – Don’t allow yourself to get too emotionally invested in the projects of others right now. You have enough on your plate without trying to direct something that doesn’t have all that much to do with you and doesn’t really need to be in your hands anyway. Hold yourself apart instead and let the others sort it out.

Empowerment – A future opportunity to work toward.

The Fool – More fun. Make sure that you are taking care not to let too much responsibility weigh you down. You can only put so much on your plate, and the more you put on there? The harder it becomes to take time  just to find a little joy in life to savor.

Message from the Spirit World – It would be folly to allow others to deceive you into believing you can emotionally handle being a part of their projects right now. You will sacrifice too much of your own personal freedom and happiness by going down that path.

Message from the Mind’s World – There is much you can learn from moments of stillness by remaining quiet, maintaining your peace, and watching closely from an objective distance.

Message from the Physical World – Make sure when you decide it’s time to turn over new leaves that you aren’t carrying forward with you too much of the past and its baggage.  Lessons learned in the past are all well and good, but you need to let go of the pain, resentment, and other weights associated so that only the lesson itself comes forward with you into the future.

Take Away – Wait and watch is the theme at this time. Lots of observation, little action. Maintain what needs maintained and learn what you can by watching others sort out their own problems for once. Work on accepting that in order to have a little fun, you just can’t be on top of things 100% of the time… and that that’s a perfectly alright sacrifice to give for the joy of those moments of fun and enjoyment you get in return.

DECKS USED: THE LIGHT SEER’S TAROT AND WILD REFLECTIONS TAROT (MIX DECK)

Energy Leaks and Replenishment

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Today’s meditation was eleven minutes long, and was one of the #DailyTrip sessions from the Calm app.

The topic of today’s session was about what the neuroscientist Lisa Feldman Barrett calls the body’s “energy budget”. It delved into how our bodies only have so much energy to work with each day, and how even something that seems as simple as talking on the phone can at times leave us feeling drained due to what kind of budget our body has for the day and how much of it is spent in the conversation.

The session spoke upon how its important to take times of quiet and peace for yourself on days you are feeling tired in order to “top up” our energy stores, and how meditation can in this way be seen as a “dose of replenishment” for when feeling drained.

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Gendron Tarot's Justice CardToday’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.

Life is always about balance. You get what you give. This is true in all areas of life from how we act to how we treat ourselves, and even the little every day actions we take for granted. The universe seems to be built upon the premise of cause and effect… otherwise known as “balance”.

I feel that this is important to understand, as it effects so much in our lives including our own bodies and our energy levels. If we push and neglect our needs, then our bodies react by breaking down or running out of energy.  We are bombarded day in and day out by little energy leaks from the news, our phones, social obligations… even niceties.  It’s no wonder that we feel tired so often, and refreshed so rarely and fleetingly.

The card for today and meditation combined with it hold a reminder that we all need to do more to replenish our energy stores in order to combat all those little (and sometimes big) energy leaks in our lives. Whether that’s through creative pursuits, having fun, meditation, or just taking a few minutes to ourselves once in a while to breathe.

DECK USED:  GENDRON TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsApr2025 Challenge
Prompt for April 30 : Grab a spread of your choice you’re curious about… and give it a go!
@Lionharts #TheAprilTarot Equinox Threshold Challenge
Prompt for April 30 : The Huntress’ Mark Tarot Spread

The Huntress Mark Tarot Reading with the Bird King Tarot and Growing Oracle

What instinct within me is calling to be honored?

Four of Wands and Energy – The desire to savor, or even celebrate, the time spent at home is an instinct within you calling out to be honored. That moment when you step through the door and take a sigh of relief as you take your shoes off is a moment that needs to be leaned into and acknowledged, savored and enjoyed. Focus on letting the bad parts of your day slough off at the door, so that you step through into your home with a greater sense of peace than when you’re outside of it.

How do I close the distance to what I seek?

The Lovers; Freedom atop Differences Rx – There’s always going to be differences of opinion concerning what you should be doing with your spare time. The great part is that it’s your spare time to do with as you please, so make sure that you were doing things that are good for you during this time… and not for others. Your spare time needs to be about you.

What lasting imprint will my pursuit leave behind?

The Magician and Worthiness – Working on these boundaries concerning your spare time will help you in combating those feelings of “not enough” that you often feel in relation to what you provide for others. It will help you develop the tools you need to see yourself as worthy of your own self-care and good regard, creating a better balance between the energy expended on others and what you keep for yourself.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Silver Maple Key for Bouncing Back to Thrive
Serpentine Dragon to Bolster Heart and Emotions
Ammonite for a Sense of Stability During Times of Change
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: BIRD KING TAROT AND GROWING ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

This is a catch-up post, which means I have no idea what my self-kindness was on this day.