Too Much of a Good Thing

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

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The Incidental Tarot - The Devil Card, The Chimera cardThe @GlitterbyInk #NovemberWhispers25 Liminal Dreamland Challenge
Shape-Shifter Prompt for November 17 : Surreal
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Devil card (The Chimera), which is traditionally a representation of temptation, struggles with moderation, harmful excesses, addiction, and self-harm.

Things that are good for you can easily become things that are bad for you.

This is especially true in my case, and for people that have addiction issues like I do. Addiction is more than something that applies to drugs, alcohol, or sex. It applies to things like dopamine and serotonin from the brain, and because of that… pretty much anything that brings pleasure or joy.

The thing is, when we go deeper and deeper into something, it can become an obsession. This includes the things that are good for us. At that point, these things are no longer healthy, no matter how healthy they should be.

That is the root of the adage “too much of a good thing”.

The message in today’s card combined with the prompt “surreal” is that we need to be aware of these tendencies within ourselves. Otherwise, they can lead us down unhealthy paths that we pretend to our ourselves are still healthy. This detachment from reality then just pulls us in deeper and deeper.

DECK USED:  THE INCIDENTAL TAROT

The @owlandbonestarot #78DaysOfTarotSpreads Challenge
The Hanged Man Spread

The Hanged Man Tarot Reading with the West of the Moon Oracle

Where are you being asked to pause?

The Witch Fog – Take time to look at where others are causing problems for you that you are not acknowledging or perhaps not even noticing. Pause to pay attention to what other others are doing, how they influence you and your experiences, and how they are creating obstacles in your path. Not acknowledging these things means that those obstacles slow you down.

What can be seen from a new perspective?

Unseen Abundance – When feelings of scarcity come upon you, take a moment to look at how much you actually have. By mindfully acknowledging the bounty in your life, you will be able to begin quieting the feelings of scarcity that plague you.

Where might you surrender?

The Cycle of Giving – Allow yourself to accept the generosity of others without wallowing in shame or guilt. They wouldn’t be offering if they weren’t needing to give, and you as the recipient have the good fortune to feel grateful without the need to shame yourself for accepting. In accepting, you are playing your own part in the cycle of generosity.

What knowledge is gaining in stillness?

The Crone’s Wisdom – Getting older is not a bad thing, even if it comes with it’s own challenges. Rather, aging allows you to gain lessons and experience you can then scatter among others around you in the form of gifts of wisdom.

Other elements included in this reading:
Japanese Cherry Leaf as a Reminder of Life’s Fleeting Moments
Foraged Beech Pods for Realizations that Foster Personal Growth
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: WEST OF THE MOON ORACLE

@LightningWildflower November Tarot Challenge
Earth and Water “The Sevens” Prompts for November 19th thru 21st

Tarot Reading with The Incidental TarotSeven of Pentacles

What do I need to pause and assess before continuing?

Blue Buddha atop The Queen of Quills (Swords) – Meditation helps to keep your sharper sides at bay. When you skip these moments each day, you open the door for your harsher and more judgmental self to come to the fore.

What progress have I made that might be difficult for me to notice?

Seven of Roses (Cups) atop The Muse (Page of Cups) – As you move along your path in developing your emotional intelligence, and you share that path with others, you become an inspiration for them to try as well. They see the progress you’ve made that you are not able to see.

Seven of Cups

How can I balance dreaming with grounded decision-making?

Ten of Roses (Cups) – Instead of leaning into what you want, lean into what you have. There will always be goals in place that are geared towards a greater sense of happiness in the future, but don’t lose sight of enjoying those things that you already have.

Other elements included in this reading:
Pressed Pansy Flower for Hearing the Heart More Clearly
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

DECK USED:  THE INCIDENTAL TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I had a hard time getting to sleep last night, so when I had the opportunity this morning, I slept in a bit.

Gideon’s Challenge – Autumn Mornings

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Mist Among the TreesAutumn Mornings

Dawn comes
in hues
of gray
with damp air
and evergreens
kissed by clouds
that make
a slow retreat
in silence
as the world
feels
like stillness
will reign
forever

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

What Lies In the Dark

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Oracle of Many Paths Tarot - The Moon CardThe @GlitterbyInk #NovemberWhispers25 Liminal Dreamland Challenge
Shape-Shifter Prompt for November 16 : Twilight
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Moon card, which is traditionally a representation of uncertainty, illusion, anxiety, fear, the unknown, and the subconscious.

There is always a pinprick of light to keep you moving, even in the darkest twilight of new beginnings or dusk of endings not yet complete.

These times of uncertainty are also times of opportunity, but only if you can keep your reaction to the uncertainty in check.

The message in today’s card combined with the “twilight” prompt is a reminder not to allow yourself to get lost in the dark when moments of uncertainty begin to encroach on your path. These are the times when we need to keep a level head, and seek out the opportunities that the darkness and uncertainty are presenting to us.

DECK USED:  THE ORACLE OF MANY PATHS

@LightningWildflower November Tarot Challenge
Earth and Water “The Sixes” Prompts for November 16th thru 18th

Tarot Reading with The Awakening Tarot and Les Noir of Odilon OracleSix of Pentacles

How is generosity showing up in my life?

The Seeker (The Fool) and Métamorphose – Others have come to acknowledge one of your most essential needs is to get out in nature to move at your own pace and discover the things that help connect you to the earth.

Have you noticed that there’s no longer the groan of compliance or bitching of resistance from those it’s necessary to have along for your safety? Rest assured they don’t enjoy these excursions any more than they ever did, but they have seen the transformation in you when you are given the opportunity to do these activities.

Their generosity lies in the fact that they’ve also noticed that subconsciously you’ve been avoiding these activities in part to spare them their discomfort, and stopped complaining in order to cut down on that being a factor.

Six of Cups

What memory is resurfacing, and how can I best process this?

Two of Air (Swords) and Le Conflit – In the heat of conflict you made a few rash decisions that turned out badly. It’s time to sit with these decisions and consider what you can do now to put things back on track in the right direction.  Remember that everyone makes mistakes, but it’s how we learn and grow from those moments that counts.

What emotional pattern from the past am I ready to release?

Balance (The Chariot) and La Sensation – Often, your need for control over everything is the root of why you feel so overwhelmed. It’s time to begin looking at this need for control as the issue that it is. Not as something of value, but rather as something that ties your hands and leaves your brain buzzing with too much activity.

Other elements included in this reading:
Northern Red Oak Leaf for Fostering Unconditional Love
Japanese Cherry Leaf as a Reminder of Life’s Fleeting Moments
Dried Cedar Bundle for Protection from Negative Influences
Flower Agate Moon for Opening the Mind to New Possibilities
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: THE AWAKENING TAROT AND LES NOIRS OF ODILON

#DiscordTarotholicsNov2025 Challenge
Prompt for November 16 : Do Spread 3

Tarot Reading with The Oracle of Many Paths Tarot

What have I been taking for granted?

Six of Cups – The past is a powerful thing. Even the unpleasant memories helped in building you into the person you are today. Remember that the past is the building blocks of the present, as well as who you are and who you will become. Seek out the value that these memories and past experiences hold.

What’s been holding me back from seeing my blessings clearly?

Justice – Your need for things to be fair and just causes you to find flaws in both the boons and banes of life. Your perceptions are polluted by this need for fairness and balance, causing you to dirty the good with guilt or shame, and place greater value on misfortune than necessary.

How can I better express my gratitude in the future?

Temperance – Remember; it’s not about quantity, but about quality.

What do I need to acknowledge gratitude for in my relationships?

Three of Wands – We travel together instead of solo. The direction set out before us is one that includes not just yourself, but those closest to you as well. Motivate not just yourself into moving forward, but others to come along with you, for they belong at your side.  When you “do it alone” you hem yourself in with extra unnecessary obstacles.

What do I need to acknowledge gratitude for in my finances?

The Empress – Your relationship  with your partner works no matter what financial issues are involved. You can speak to each other about these issues without any expectations placed on each other to offer assistance, and without there being an offer made that might change the nurturing dynamics of the relationship.

What do I need to acknowledge gratitude for in my work life?

The High Priestess – Growth may be small and slow, but led by your intuition, it is happening. Life still resides within your business, regardless of the fact that it took a beating recently. You may feel adrift, but with the guidance of your intuition at the fore, the business will continue to thrive.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Rhododendron Leaf for Fostering Confidence
Gneiss Stone for Patience in Moments of Discomfort
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: THE ORACLE OF MANY PATHS

Daily Self Kindness

I chose to stay up late in order to get a little extra time with Gideon today.

Gideon’s Challenge – Dedication

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Peruvian Lily FlowerDedication

A momentary
flash
of temper
sparks
in the heart
as words
slip in through
the ears
and set fire
to instincts
to protect
and defend
what’s important

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

❤️ 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 The Altered Tarot and Dusk 'til Dawn Lenormand Dusk Edition

Earth – Eight of Wands – Things that need to be done this week need to be done this week. Not next week, not “I’ll do it later”. Don’t allow yourself to procrastinate, or it could damage the stability you’re seeking to repair.

Air – The Chariot – Stay motivated and keep moving. No dawdling or stagnant moments.

Water – Queen of Pentacles – Support your emotions with the knowledge that you are moving towards greater stability. Which deep down? Is what you really want and need most for your emotional well-being.

Fire – Two of Wands Rx – Now is not the time for planning. It’s the time for action and movement. Write down the things you want to get done in order to have a list of things to do later, and focus on the movement that needs to happen right now.

Waning – Anchor and Clouds – Move away from lingering with your head in the clouds. Your emotions can often try to seek out what feels stable, but really only feels that way because it’s comfortable or familiar instead of healthy or helpful.

Waxing – Man and Ship – Lean into your responsibilities to get things moving. You can’t get where you need to be without a bit of aggression and a lot of movement.

Take Away – Business is picking up a bit with the arrival of the holiday rush. Make sure you are staying on top of things to get the most out of this period. It might be slower than usual, but this week is not going to be so slow that you can screw around.

DECKS USED: THE ALTERED TAROT AND DUSK ‘TIL DAWN LENORMAND DUSK EDITION

The Compass and the Path

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

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The Endless Tarot - Ace of SwordsThe @GlitterbyInk #NovemberWhispers25 Liminal Dreamland Challenge
Shape-Shifter Prompt for November 15 : Navigate
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Ace of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of the seed of new beginnings in the area of one’s thoughts, intellect, education, logic and reason, ambition, or communication.

It’s an important part of the journey of one’s life to align with one’s values and communicate them clearly. There’s always going to be new ideas to explore and opportunities that land at our feet.  When we are in alignment with this compass that lies within us, our journey becomes more than just a trudge down a path towards some far off and goal.

It is through our inner moral compass and what our gut tells us is right for us that we decide how to navigate life in an authentic way, and communication of those values is key to ensuring that we choose to follow those opportunities that suit us best.

The message in today’s card combined with the “navigate” prompt as a reminder that staying in touch with what’s right for us should be at the top of our priority list. It’s the core foundation of how we will feel about how our lives are going and how much we enjoy the journey.

DECK USED:  THE ENDLESS TAROT

@thetruthinstory #embracethemagical2025 Challenge
The Descent Prompts 17 and 18

Tarot Reading with the Pillars deckAncestor (Connection) – Who among the ancestors is reaching for me?

Sulfurous Rose – A passionate male figure who sought a greater understanding of the universe. Yet, discovered that it’s only in the cycles of death and rebirth that these secrets are exposed.

Tomb (Rest) – What must be laid to rest, sealed away in peace?

The King’s Constriction – You will be smothered under responsibility and obligation if you allow yourself to continue to hold so tightly to control. Ease your grip and let the tower stand, rather than crushing it in that too tight grip.

Silence (Stillness) Where can I allow silence to speak for me?

The Giving – Listen more than you speak. There are times when collaboration needs your voice in the mix. More often, though, is the need for you to listen and dole out advice only sparingly.

Raven (Messenger) – What omen or message is flying in from the unseen?

Cedar Tips – All that’s coming through right now is an overwhelming encouragement to spend some time in nature among the evergreens. Doing so will provide you with stability that you are currently lacking.

DECK USED: TRAVIS LAURENCE’S PILLARS

The @owlandbonestarot #78DaysOfTarotSpreads Challenge
The Justice Spread

Justice Tarot Reading with The Endless Tarot

What is light?

King of Pentacles – Right now you are feeling uplifted by sharing what you can with those you love. This sense of community is creating a needed sense of stability in your life right now, making your responsibilities feel a bit lighter than the have been previously.

What is heavy?

The High Priestess Rx – In your efforts to get some momentum back in your jewelry business, you’re neglecting the more intuitive side of your nature. This is making everything more difficult.

What is true?

Knight of Swords – You can only move forward, not back. You long for the easier times that you took for granted, but it’s in a forward direction that you need to stay focused. You can learn from the past, but you can’t go back to it or recreate it.

What is known?

Nine of Wands – You know where your boundaries lie and need to remember to keep them in place. Don’t allow others to sneak over the line, because they will do so eagerly if you give them the wiggle room to do so.

What is felt?

Seven of Cups – You are feeling a bit overwhelmed by the options currently available to you. It’s not the waffling indecision of two or three, but the snarl of many and their possible repercussions that has managed to tangle you up.

What is fair?

Page of Pentacles – Step back and slow down. Allow yourself time to linger and enjoy the little things and small moments that help to lift your spirits. Neglecting yourself should not be an option, regardless of the reasons why.

DECK USED:  THE ENDLESS TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I paid the housekeeper to come by and clean the bathrooms and give the place a good vacuuming. I haven’t had her come by in more than a month, but her help was needed for a few things.