True Excellence Takes Time

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

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Mysterious Forest Tarot - Eight of PentaclesThe @GlitterbyInk #NovemberWhispers25 Liminal Dreamland Challenge
Truth-Teller Prompt for November 7
: Echoes
Daily Mental Health Prompt
: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Eight of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of hard work, expertise through practice, honing a skill, quality craftsmanship, handicrafts, and manifestations through skill and hard work. The card is often the embodiment of the “practice makes perfect” adage.

When we think of the skills that we have, how often do we look back at how we got here? Or do we just take it for granted that this is where we are?

The thing is, the skills we’ve honed and the things we are good at, we are good at because we have worked to make it that way. Nobody starts off as an expert or with nowhere to grow from. We all start off at the beginning and learning the basics, and then build up more skill and more technique overtime. The echoes of these learning experiences are carried forward with us as we get better and better at something. The longer we work at it, the more echoes of the past support our skills and abilities in this area.

Today’s card and the corresponding “echoes” prompt are a reminder to go easy on yourself when you’re starting out on something new. You’re not meant to be good at it from the start. Instead, you’re meant to build up to being good at it over time. There will always be others that have been doing it longer than you and that are better at it than you are; just as there will always be others that I’ve been doing it for less time than you and are not as good at it as you are.

Allow yourself to grow and develop at your own pace instead of comparing yourself to everyone else. True excellence takes time.

DECK USED:  MYSTERIOUS FOREST TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsNov2025 Challenge
Philosophical Prompts for November 5th and 12th

Tarot Reading with The Mathematics Tarot and Arthur's Deck of Many ThingsIs it possible to truly experience anything objectively?

Eight of Swords and Puzzle

My understanding of the Achilles and the tortoise paradox (which is Zeno’s Paradox that is referenced in the illustration on this card) argues that the fastest runner (Achilles) can never overtake a slower tortoise if the tortoise is given a head start. The paradox works by breaking the race into an infinite number of smaller steps: Achilles must first cover the tortoise’s head start, but in that time, the tortoise moves a little further. Achilles must then cover that new distance, during which the tortoise moves again, and so on, creating an infinite number of steps where Achilles never quite manages to cover the distance and surpass the tortoise.

This card indicates that no, it’s not possible to experience anything from a completely objective perspective. In our mind, we always have preconceived notions created through past experience and other information that we have learned overtime. Although, that is not to say that new experiences can’t change these preconceive notions. Still, they are always there from the start and need to be dealt with along the way.

What harsh truths does humanity prefer to ignore?

Five of Cups and Balance

My (very layman’s) understanding of the continuum hypothesis is that it poses that there are different sizes of infinity depending on what is used to fill the infinite space (different types of numbers). Natural numbers then creating the smallest sized infinity, and real numbers the next size up, with no other size variation of infinity that lies between them.

Diversity. Humanity often prefers to avoid seeing things from outside their own “box” and take things in from any perspective other than those that align with their own. This takes work, and being willing and able to set aside your own preconceived notions in order to try and see things from a completely different angle then what you believe to be true. Most people are unable to do this and many refuse to even try.

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

DECK USED: THE MATHEMATICS TAROT AND ARTHUR’S DECK OF MANY THINGS

The @owlandbonestarot #78DaysOfTarotSpreads Challenge
The Emperor Spread

The Emperor Tarot Reading with the Mysterious Forest Tarot

What boundary can you create?

Eight of Pentacles – Don’t push yourself to work fast or hard right now. Instead, take things slowly and develop you skills over time. You have a tendency to push too hard, and it’s time to look at creating some boundaries that create space for you to go at a slower pace and be a bit easier on yourself through the development process.

Where can you delegate?

King of Wands – You lead and inspire many with your passion projects and journey. Invite them in to participate instead of leaving them watching in the wings.  They are waiting for an invitation to be at your side and work alongside you.

Where or how can you create structure?

Strength – Focus, for the time being, on shoring up your own personal foundations. Your footing has been shaken lately, and you need to work on building up a greater sense of stability to replace some of what was lost.  In doing so, you will feel more at ease.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Oak Branch with Moss and Lichen for Perseverance
Foraged Ponderosa Pine Cone for Resilience and Adaptability
Desert Rose for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: MYSTERIOUS FOREST TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I made sure to make extra food today so I could have leftovers for tomorrow.

Gideon’s Challenge – The Red Tree

The Red TreeThe Red Tree

Sun drenched days
are fading
into the past
as rain clouds
and overcast skies
begin to dominate
the days
and yet
every so often
pops of color
continue to amaze
in flashes
of autumn hues

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Not As They Appear

Today’s meditation was skipped.

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The Somnia Tarot Revised Edition - The Death CardThe @GlitterbyInk #NovemberWhispers25 Liminal Dreamland Challenge
Deam-Weaver Prompt for November 6
: Nightmare
Daily Mental Health Prompt
: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Death card, which is traditionally a representation of gradual organic changes, loss, slow moving transitions, and letting go.

As a tarot reader, the Death card is the number one card (even above the Devil card) in getting negative reactions from clients. It’s an undeserved reputation, but a visceral reaction.

People uneducated in tarot often see the card and their first reaction is “oh shit, it’s going to predict my death” or “oh shit, it’s predicting the death of someone close to me.”

The thing is, though, that the Death card is far more nuanced than that. Although it can be about death in a literal sense, it’s more often a representation of changes taking place in someone’s life. Often, it’s the things that we know are coming, but that we ignore until we can’t ignore them anymore.

The messages in today’s card and the “nightmare” prompt is a reminder to not just take things at face value and assume that’s how things are. Go deeper. Look at what lies beneath and for the nuances. Like the Death card, many things in life are not what they appear at surface level, and you need to delve in to really understand what’s going on or what’s being said.

DECK USED:  THE SOMNIA TAROT REVISED EDITION

The @owlandbonestarot #78DaysOfTarotSpreads Challenge
The Empress Spread

The Empress Tarot Reading with the Mercury Tarot and The Wild Soul Oracle

What is ready to grow in your life?

Five of Pentacles and The Butterfly – You are learning to process your feelings of scarcity differently, and are beginning to see asking for help in a different light. Remember that you are at the very beginning of this journey, and give yourself the space and grace to grow without pressure or harsh judgements.

How do you nurture yourself and others?

The Star and The Worm – Your efforts of leaning into hope and positivity provide a sense of renewal not just for yourself, but also for others. These messages of hope and positivity provide a sense of empowerment and nurturing energy that encourages growth.

Where can you invite more beauty and pleasure?

Queen of Pentacles and The Guinea Pig – Allow yourself to experiment and explore those things that you are passionate about, and it will inspire others to join you in doing the same. Some people need to see first, in order to do it themselves. Your pioneering efforts give them inspiration to explore their own passions… which is something you notice, appreciate, and find a great deal of beauty in.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Wood Fern for Exorcising Negative Influences
Foraged Beech Pods for Realizations that Foster Personal Growth
Pressed Pansy Flowers for Hearing the Heart More Clearly
Gneiss Stone for Patience in Moments of Discomfort
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED:  MERCURY TAROT AND THE WILD SOUL ORACLE

#DiscordTarotholicsNov2025 Challenge
Life Prompts for November 6

Tarot Reading with The Somnia Tarot Revised EditionMy Greatest Strength

Three of Coins – Your willingness to learn from others. You are always eager to learn and expand your knowledge and skill set, and open to others showing you new ways to do things in pursuit of that expansion.

My Greatest Weakness

Death – Your resistance to change. It’s not really that unusual a trait, the tendency to balk at change. That resistance is ingrained in many people. It holds you back and makes life far more difficult than it needs to be, though. It’s the one thing in your life that creates the greatest (and most plentiful) obstacles on your path.

Finding Balance

Two of Swords atop Six of Cups – Learn from your younger self how to choose to take on change as an adventure, rather than something to fight against or fear.

Other elements included in this reading:
Staghorn Sumac for Connecting Deeper with Nature and the Wild
Conch Shell Knot for Concentration and Clarity

Gneiss Stone for Patience in Moments of Discomfort
Carnelian Agate for Inner Drive and Focusing On Aspirations
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECKS USED: THE SOMNIA TAROT REVISED EDITION

Daily Self Kindness

Gid and I started new characters to give me a “soft top” character that I was feeling the need for.

Gideon’s Challenge – The Water Dragon

Cloud PhotographyThe Water Dragon

Wisps
of dragon
whisper
on the wind
as eyes
cast skyward
and see
hidden shapes
among
the clouds
that whisper
of magic
and rain

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Healthy… or Not?

Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Tima's Terrible Tarot Cats - The Lovers CardThe @GlitterbyInk #NovemberWhispers25 Liminal Dreamland Challenge
Deam-Weaver Prompt for November 5
: Fantasy
Daily Mental Health Prompt
: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is The Lovers, which is traditionally a representation of love and relationships, long term contracts, harmonious unions, and making choices that are geared toward what is best for you.

Ground your self care in fact, not fiction.

Self care isn’t about what you are “supposed to” do or “supposed to” enjoy.

Neither is it about masking unhealthy habits with a friendly face (hello, bed-rotting and doom-scrolling). These are the things we pretend are good for us, but are really just ways to avoid whatever it is we’re “supposed to” be doing.

The message in today’s card and the “fantasy” prompt is a reminder that it’s important to take an honest look at those things we are dubbing as “self-care” and ensure that they are actually healthy for us.

DECK USED:  TIMA’S TERRIBLE CATS TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsNov2025 Challenge
Prompts for November 3, 17, and 28th

Tarot Reading with the Moonshadow Tarot and AWAKE Inner Wisdom CardsAdvice I need to hear at this time concerning my friendships.

Page of Wands and Release + Accept – The more you put into it, the stronger it will grow. By the same turn, if you hold yourself apart from those closest to you, the connection dwindles. You need to choose what you want to happen and align your actions accordingly, or don’t be surprised when the connection breaks.

Advice I need to hear at this time concerning my family relations.

Ten of Pentacles and Embrace – You don’t have many family connections left. Welcome and embrace those you still have. Cherish them and use them to create a greater sense of stability than what is already present in your life.

Advice I need to hear at this time concerning my love life.

Queen of Cups and Reflect – It’s time for some “memory lane” togetherness. This activity helps to bolder you both, and you both need that little extra boost in your relationship right now.

Other elements included in this reading:
Black Spruce Needles to Boost Self-Confidence and Positive Thinking
Foraged Silver Maple Key for Bouncing Back to Thrive
Dried Purple Heather Flowers for Independence and Luck
Conch Shell Knot for Concentration and Clarity
Gneiss Stone for Patience in Moments of Discomfort
Orange Aventurine Leaves for Pause and Reflection

Desert Rose for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECKS USED: MOONSHADOW TAROT AND AWAKE INNER WISDOM CARDS

The @owlandbonestarot #78DaysOfTarotSpreads Challenge
The High Priestess Spread

The High Priestess Tarot Reading with Tima's Terrible Tarot Cats

What lies beneath the surface?

Nine of Wands – Fear of losing what is most important to you. You are wide eyed and braced for impact, protecting those that don’t even realize you’re doing so, and yourself by proxy.

Where is silence guiding you?

Ace of Pentacles Rx – Silence reduces your opportunities for growth. You may be mute, but you’re far from silent, and that’s a good thing. It’s through communication that you learn and grow. Silence, for you, often creates an unhealthy stagnancy that can be difficult for you to claw your way out of.

How can you trust your inner wisdom?

Six of Pentacles – Give that inner wisdom the benefit of the doubt. Even if you can’t leap forward into action at its whim, you need make sure to keep yourself open to its advice and guidance.

What is hidden that you are ready to see?

Six of Cups – Those from your past that hurt you were actually showing they cared. Their methods were flawed, wrong and abusive, but their motivations have been misinterpreted.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Scotch Pine Cone for Purging Negative Influences
Foraged Parmeliaceae Lichen for a “Breath of Fresh Air”
Foraged Acorns for Protection during New Beginnings
Carnelian Agate for Inner Drive and Focusing On Aspirations
Desert Rose for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: TIMA’S TERRIBLE CATS TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I had the absolute -best- aburi salmon nigiri today.  I’m so cautious about ordering sushi, because I’ve been to a lot of places people swear by only to find the fish below par.  I took a chance with it today, though, and it was amazing.

Gideon’s Challenge – Irrational Fears

Caramel HorseIrrational Fears

That’s a lot
of hardware
for a horse
I think
as I pass him
on the street
and pause
to confront
my fear and
snap a picture
when he turns
his head
my way

Photo © ZenStatePhotography