Prioritizing Authenticity

Today’s meditation was skipped.

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The @GlitterbyInk #FebYOUary26 Moments & Memories Challenge
Prompt for February 2nd
: Innocence
Daily Mental Health Prompt
: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Jane Austen Tarot - The Hermit

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

This card depicts Mr. Bennett from Pride and Prejudice reading in his study, a room that is uniquely his from the furnishings to the books, all the way down to the smallest of details. It is his retreat and his sanctuary, and no other’s tastes or opinions hold sway here.

This card begs the question… Why are you allowing other people’s judgments to be the deciding factor on how you feel about yourself?

Like Mr. Bennett study is an expression of himself, and thus where he feels most comfortable, it’s important to have a place where you are just yourself and feel comfortable. The very best place for this is within yourself.

Too often we try to mold ourselves into what others expect from us, and what makes us uniquely us becomes something to be ashamed of or lost along the way. It’s naïve to believe that everyone else knows you better than you know yourself, or knows what is right for you more than you yourself do.

The message in today’s Hermit card and “innocence” prompt is a reminder that it’s okay to listen to other people’s opinions, but authenticity to yourself needs to be prioritized over bending to what others expect of you or expect you to be.

Sometimes this means that you need to spend some alone time with yourself and do some self reflection and self exploration to “find yourself” again. Especially if you’ve been conforming to other people’s expectations for far too long.

DECK USED: JANE AUSTEN TAROT 2026

@ambitiouslyalexa’s February Journal Prompts
Prompt for February 2nd

Oracle Reading with the Oracles des Animaux Guérisseurs

What feels tender for me right now

Le Colibri – You’re struggling right now to see the positive aspects of things and focus on the little things that make you happiest. Caught any sort of “haze”, you struggle to see the joy in every day with clarity of mind.

This is because you have retreated, putting yourself in a precarious position in the process. You are starving yourself of the love and affection that could nourish you back to a healthy balance.

What can I do to help support myself and this tenderness?

Le Scorpion – Remember that (for you) isolating yourself is not a boundary, but rather a method of self neglect and an unhealthy way to try and protect yourself from unpleasant experiences.

Instead of holding yourself apart, reach out to those that you love and trust to help you through your darker moments when you struggle with your emotions.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Purple Heather Sprigs for Independence and Luck
Gneiss Stone for Patience in Moments of Discomfort
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECKS USED: ORACLE DES ANIMAUX GUÉRISSEIRS

#DiscordTarotholicsFeb2026 Challenge
Prompts for February 2nd and 3rd

Tarot Reading with the Jane Austen Tarot and Tiny Teacup Pocket Oracle

How can you connect to the theme of hygge in your life at this time?

Six of Coins and Yes – Don’t back away from opportunities you are being given to spend time with others that care about you, nor refuse the gifts that they offer. Remember that you are an introvert in the process of trying to learn to be more of an extrovert with your loved ones. Saying yes more often when they choose to include you in things, as well as when they try to include themselves in things that you usually do alone, will help you in becoming more comfortable with this endeavor.

Where would it be wise to practice the mindset of gluggaveður in your life?

Wheel of Fortune and Quite Likely – When things turn upside down. It’s okay to step back and observe instead of inserting yourself in the middle of things.

The cycles of life include both ups and downs. It’s okay to be cautious during these moments of transition and uncertainty during changes and shifts. Instead of diving in to try and fix things, step back and observe, and wait for the opportunity for something new to present itself.

Other elements included in this reading:
Japanese Cherry Leaf as a Reminder of Life’s Fleeting Moments
Conch Shell Knot for Concentration, Clarity, and Determination
Agate Stone for Slowing Down and Finding Balance
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: JANE AUSTEN TAROT 2026 AND TINY TEACUP POCKET ORACLE
Daily Self Kindness

I splurged on sushi tonight for a bit of a treat.

Gideon’s Challenge – The Trap

Wood Craft Artwork

The Trap

Caught
dumbstruck
and fascinated
as gaze is
drawn in
and the mind
clears
and the world
disappears
for a few moments
before a touch
on the shoulder
bring reality
back into focus

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Finding Courage

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

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The @GlitterbyInk #FebYOUary26 Moments & Memories Challenge
Prompt for February 1st
: Origin
Daily Mental Health Prompt
: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

The Dreamer's Tarot Visions from the Cloud Kingdom - Seven of Swords

Today’s draw is the Seven of Wands, 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.

Did you know that the human body, in the moments prior to fertilization, views the sperm meant to fertilize the egg as an intruder and attacks it? Add to that the fact that thousands of sperm are released at once, but only one makes it, beating out all others in order to be the one that makes the baby.

And yet, there are over eight billion people in the world, all born by confronting adversity.

The message in today’s card and prompt combo is a reminder that good things come from adversity. Confrontation can be scary, and competition as well. In the end, though, when we keep our focus on what’s important, it’s in these moments that good things are born.

It’s okay to be afraid of adversity, competition, and confrontation… just be courageous enough to keep going anyway, despite your fear. Stand strong for what you believe and the values that are important to you.

DECK USED: THE DREAMERS TAROT: VISIONS FROM THE CLOUD KINGDOMS

@ambitiouslyalexa’s February Journal Prompts
Prompt for February 1st
: How I’ve been talking to myself lately.

Tarot Reading with the Jonasa Jaus Tarot 2nd Edition and The Earth Speaks Oracle

The Chariot, First Snow, Two of Pentacles – You are upsetting your own balance and stability by pushing too hard at times when you are still adjusting to new conditions and experiences.

The terrain in your life has changed both in your social life and activities, as well as more recently in your business. It’s okay to not be okay at first. It’s okay to slip and fall and take your time adjusting. Pushing yourself so hard only makes things harder, because it creates a sense of instability that doesn’t need to be there.

Six of Swords, Magnolia Blossoms Beckon, Eight of Wands – You have been forcing yourself to ignore your need to step out in nature and away from the day-to-day, by overburdening yourself with all the other things that “just have to be done first”.

Neglecting your needs to connect with nature by overwhelming yourself with everything that needs to be done “right now” is born from your self-destructive tendencies. This particular tendency is the same one that gets in the way of your meditation practice, which is also good for you and your body, but you avoid when your self-destructive tendencies rise up.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Rhododendron Leaf for Fostering Confidence
Rose Quartz for Gentle Kindness to Self and Others
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECKS USED: JONASA JAUS TAROT 2ND EDITION AND THE EARTH SPEAKS ORACLE

#DiscordTarotholicsFeb2026 Challenge
Prompt for February 1st
: Do the Imbolc Spread

Imbolc Tarot Reading with The Dreamer's Tarot Visions from the Cloud Kingdom

What seeds need planted in my life right now?

The Magician – Autonomy and independence. You spent a lot of time recently flinching away from the blows that have come your way both in your personal life as well as your business. It’s time to reconnect with that part of yourself that knows what it wants, and is confident enough (and ingenious enough) to find a way to get there.

What preparations do I need to begin making to prepare those seeds for growth?

Nine of Swords – Confront your fears instead of allowing them to rule you. Accept the worries and the “what if” thoughts, then step forward into the the fray to prove to yourself that those fears are nothing to actually be afraid of after all.

What in my life is beginning a phase of reawakening and renewal?

Nine of Pentacles – It’s often only after you lose something that you realize just how much you valued it in the first place. This is true about people and things, and it’s also true about your accomplishments.

The awakening happening right now in your life resides in the knowledge that you did it once (accomplished these goals that are currently facing setbacks), and you can do it again.

How can i best foster that awakening?

Death – Don’t fight against change. It’s in accepting and moving with the flow that you find a rhythm that works. Standing against the tide only gets you swept away into the riptide.

Other elements included in this reading:
Carved Jade Japanese Kitsune for fostering Wisdom and Cunning
Foraged Northern Red Oak Leaf for Strength and Determination
Japanese Cherry Leaf as a Reminder of Life’s Fleeting Moments
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: THE DREAMERS TAROT: VISIONS FROM THE CLOUD KINGDOMS
Daily Self Kindness

Rather than pushing through, I skipped a couple of personal readings I had planned to do today. I was feeling a little overwhelmed.

Gideon’s Challenge – Tidal Flats

Anacortes Tidal Flats

Tidal Flats

When the tide
retreats
to reveal
pools and sand
the underbelly
left exposed
for hours
at a time
do you linger
waiting
or explore
secret hollows
until they’re hidden
once more

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

📆 Transitioning from January to February

Month End Tarot Reading with the Green Witch Tarot

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

The Generous Beggar – You are currently in a place where you are learning to not just generously offer your help to others, but ask for it when you needed it as well.

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

The Painter Girl – Imagination and inspiration may take a backseat for a bit as you tend to your personal needs instead. Try not to beat yourself up over this, as things will eventually slip back into a balance you’re more comfortable with.

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

Awaiting Spring – Patience has never been your strong suit, but it’s something you strive to become better at. You may get a bit of extra practicing with this goal as February begins.

Limitations – Negative influences, opposition, or ill will.

The Plastics – Don’t try and fit in where you don’t belong. It won’t go well, and will end up being something you regret in the long run.

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

The Green ManDo step into those places where you do belong and fit in. Don’t be shy about joining in on those things that are truly a good fit for you.

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

Witchery Afoot – A cleansing is needed. That tulpa that was sent your way a few years ago has left some lingering traces of energy tapping behind. It’s time to purge what’s left and lingers so that it can be left behind for good.

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

Severing the Stems – The severing ritual worked, and the tulpa was expunged. Don’t doubt the power of what you already have accomplished; the most taxing part of the work is already done. The problem lies in your emotions that linger on in response to the experience.

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

The Artisian – Overworking yourself won’t make things better right now. It’ll just make you tired and careless, leading to mistakes that you otherwise wouldn’t be making.

Empowerment – A future opportunity to work toward.

The Abundant Sun – The potential for peace and tranquility in your life is high right now, if you’re willing to train your focus in that direction. If you put too many irons in the fire at once, though, it’ll create too much work and become harder to focus on what’s truly important.

Message from the Spirit World – When you work hard and play hard, it opens up a wealth of new opportunities to explore.

Message from the Mind’s World – There’s a difference between the thoughts that hold you back and the thoughts that offer opportunities for growth. Take care not to let the former outweigh the latter.

Message from the Physical World – Be active in pruning those from your life that are harmful to you, and involve others to ensure that this is done with thorough permanence.

Take Away – You’re tired and need to rest. Don’t allow guilt or ambition to keep you from getting the rest and re-centering that you need right now. The transitions in your life that you are struggling to adjust to will move at whatever pace you set, so set one that’s healthy and manageable for you.

Spent some time making sure you are truly disconnected (including emotionally) from events in the past that could still be tapping into your energy. Deal with those emotions that linger instead of ignoring them, for they’re siphoning off energy you could be using elsewhere right now.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Oak Branch with Moss and Lichen for Perseverance

Dried Red Maple Leaf for Adaptability and Connection
Dried Cedar Bundle for Protection from Negative Influences
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECKS USED: THE GREEN WITCH TAROT (TRIMMED NAKED)

Just Go For It

Today’s meditation was skipped.

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

William Blake Tarot's Knight of Swords

Today’s draw is the Knight of Swords (Child of Science), which is traditionally a representation of a projective and active “beta” energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s thoughts, intellect, education, ambitions, and communication. This often translates into themes that have to do with pursuing one’s goals related to their education, actively seeking one’s goals, action and decisiveness, and at times can indicate impulsivity without thinking things through.

The Knight of Swords has then been combined with the Ametrine card from the Lavish Earth Crystal Affirmation deck, which quotes Anita Brookner to say, “ All good fortune is the gift of the gods, and you don’t win the favor of the ancient gods by being good, but by being bold.”

Sometimes, even if the outcome is unlikely to be in your favor, you just have to make a plan and go for it anyway.

Impulsivity has its place, and planning is never foolproof, but the important part is often in stepping up and taking action. This is how things get done, how we learn new things, and how we turn dreams and ideas into reality.

The message in today’s cards is to go for it. If you have an idea that’s been percolating in the back of your mind and you’ve been hesitating on taking action, perhaps now is the time. After all, you’re not getting anywhere by just thinking about it.

DECKS USED:  THE WILLIAM BLAKE TAROT OF THE CREATIVE IMAGINATION REVISED EDITION AND LAVISH EARTH CRYSTAL AFFIRMATION DECK

One Card Tarot Journal Activity by @mariasofia_astro
Chapter 5 | Entry 7 – Health and Body
Affirmation
: “My physical body is part of this earth.”
Prompt : Take a walk today or get outside in nature in some other way. Make a deliberate intention to commune with the physical world. Before you go, draw a card and see what symbols or keywords come forward. After getting into nature, reflect on whether you encountered those symbols or keywords during your experience.

Tarot Activity from The One Card a Day Journal by Maria Sofia Marmanides - Starless Sea Tarot - Strength

What feelings came up when I pulled this card?

Curiosity. Pulling the strength card in relation to going for a walk or getting out in nature today sparked curiosity for me. It made me wonder what I might encounter in this excursion.

What elements of the card’s meaning resonate with me and this prompt?

The Strength card is often focused upon inner strength, persuasion (usually through means of compassion), influence, manipulation, and courage.

This is written before my excursion out in nature, and in this moment the Strength card speaks to me of getting my ass out there and doing it. I’ve spent a lot of time procrastinating myself out of the visits in nature that I know I need. This is a form of neglect of self brought on by self-destructive tendencies. I will, though, find the time and energy to do this activity today. No excuses.

What in the artwork spoke to me?

The mouse in this card is doing the workload of an ant. Alone in his endeavor, he works to coax his burden up over the obstacle in his path in an effort that seems insurmountable. And yet, if we peek at the background on the right side of the card, we see only grass and flat ground.

This card’s imagery indicates to me that there is an easier way to go about things if you’re willing to pause and utilize your surroundings to figure out what that easier way is instead of stubbornly narrowing your focus to the method you’ve already chosen.

My prompt response and reflections.

The imagery and it’s message turned out to be quite fitting for me and my excursion outside today. I took one of the easier hiking trails in some lowlands near the Nooksack River, and although I chose one of the open paths, it turned out to be washed out about a mile in. The trail was a loop, and turning back was a much longer option at this point than continuing on.

Instead of going with either option, I went off trail for a bit (with my compass in hand to ensure I didn’t end up turned around), to skirt around the washed out and flooded area, then return to the path on the other side further up the trail.

Other elements included in this reading:
Sodalite D20 and D6 Gemstone Dice

DECK USED: STARLESS SEA TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJan2026 Challenge
Prompt for January 31st
: Grab a spread of your choice you’re curious about… and give it a go!

Oracle Reading with the Whispers of Why Oracle and The Wreck Deck

What I want right now

Betrayed… Because There’s Wisdom You Haven’t Found Yet – You want to understand the motivations of others. It’s not enough to just say “they’re a dick/bitch” and move on. You want to understand what actually brought about those moments of betrayal that you’ve experienced from others.

What I need right now

Anguish… To Help You Break Free From Fear – Instead of focusing on why these betrayals happen, you need to instead focus on your grief. It’s not lack of understanding that creates the fear of trying again, but rather the lingering pain caused by not properly grieving what you lost.

How to bridge the gap between want and need

The Pressure of People Who Love You… Because It’s Not About the Outcome – Stop judging outcomes based on other people’s weights and measures. The cruelest voice in your head is the one echoing painful words said by those in your past who you were supposed to be able to trust to love you unconditionally.

Other elements included in this reading:
Scotch Pine Cone for Purging Negative Influences
Foraged Parmeliaceae Lichen for a “Breath of Fresh Air”
Foraged Oak Branch with Moss and Lichen for Perseverance
Rose Quartz for Gentle Kindness to Self and Others
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECKS USED: WHISPERS OF WHY ORACLE AND THE WRECK DECK
Daily Self Kindness

I’ve been fitting in little naps over the last few days (including today) in an effort to catch up on my sleep a bit.