Delicate
emotions raw
with sharp edges
and stripped down
to their
most tender
with an ache
I can’t name
and can’t describe
but you
don’t need
explanation
as long as
I’m reaching
for you
Gideon’s Challenge – Delicate
Reconnecting With the Point
Today’s meditation was a ten minute #DailyCalm session from the @Calm app.
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Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.
Today’s draw is the Seven of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of slow growth, sustainability, domestic harmony, hard work, and practicing patience while the fruits of your labors develop and take form.
The Seven of Pentacles has then been combined with a card from the In This Moment Mindful Affirmation Cards, which says, “In this moment, I am in charge of how I feel, and I choose happiness.”
Developing a healthy and happy mindset takes time. For someone like me, whose natural tendency is to lean towards pessimistic thinking and negative inner narratives, it can take a lot of time… and a lot of effort too.
That is, after all, what this daily practice with the cards is all about.It’s about finding nuggets of positivity to help balance out all the negative crap going on in my brain. And, it’s okay that it takes as much time as it takes, because this activity is not a cure, but rather something to be sustained for a happier and healthier life.
The message in today’s Seven of Pentacles and affirmation card is a moment of re-orientation. Sometimes the negative self talk in my head tries to tell me that this activity is just a waste of time and energy. These cards are a reminder of why I do this practice every day, and provide a moment of reflection to reconnect with the purpose of this activity.
DECKS USED: CHROMATIKA TAROT AND IN THIS MOMENT MINDFUL AFFIRMATION CARDS
@note.project August Journal Prompts
Prompts for August 11th and 12th
Something I would love to try if I had more time
Chili Pepper and Banana
Strength training. There was a time when I went to the gym regularly for strength training. This, along with regular yoga and pilates, allowed me to have a great deal more strength and flexibility, and thus more mobility than I have these days.
These activities have been traded in for other responsibilities, for there is only so many hours in a day and energy available to me. If I had more time for these activities, I would love to get back into it on a regular basis.
Something I would do if money was not a limitation
Chickpea and Blueberry
I would like to allow myself more time and space to be vulnerable. A large part of each and everyone of my days is eaten up by the activities required to pull in the money I need for simple day-to-day survival and comfort. This means I need to have my “shields up” a great deal more often than would be necessary if money were not a motivating factor in my life.
Other elements included in this reading:
Pressed Pansy Flower for Hearing the Heart More Clearly
Raw Garnierite for help in Releasing Anger, Anxiety, and Guilt
Desert Rose for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy
DECK USED: THE FOOD TAROT (oracle)
@lightningildflower‘s August Reflections Challenge
Solar Eclipse in Leo, Mercury sextile Uranus
Prompt for August 12th : How can I courageously embrace change?
Two of Wands – Make a plan. Even if the plan doesn’t work or goes awry at some point, having a plan in place helps you feel more confident in dealing with change. You can always adapt to that plan later on, or toss it out the window and make a new one if needed. It’s not about setting that plan in stone, but rather the confidence it inspires within you.
The Hermit Rx – Remember that you’re not alone. Change can be very challenging, and it’s easy to get lost in the uncertainty. Reach out to others to help support you during these times instead of trying to take it all on your own shoulders and not bother anybody else. Those that would help you in these situations are the same people that it’s okay to see you when your vulnerable.
The World – Don’t lose track of the fact that the changes you’re riding out it will eventually come to an end. Everything is temporary, including change. Sooner or later there will be a lull where things will settle down again, if only for a little while before the next change comes calling.
Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Cedar Bundle for Protection from Negative Influences
Deodar Cedar Cone for Fostering Clarity and Spiritual Connection
Calcite for Gently Calming the Mind and Stimulating Insights
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy
DECK USED: CHROMATIKA TAROT
I spoke up about needing more AC in the car instead of just suffering through it because no one else was saying anything about being uncomfortable.
🎨 Weekly Creativity Prompt – Spot the Difference
Prompt: 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! Today’s cards are The Star, Four of Tomes (Pentacles), Creator of Bells (Queen of Swords). And the question from our imaginary querent is “What do I need to keep in mind for the upcoming trip?”
“What do I need to keep in mind for the upcoming trip?”
Interpretation from the Numinous Tarot
In your preparation for this trip, make sure that you seek out advice from others (Creator of Bells) you know have already been on this trip in the past and are well versed in travel. They have nuggets of grounded wisdom to share with you (Four of Tomes), and advice that can help you through what would otherwise feel like obstacles and struggle (Creator of Bells again). You can approach this trip without consulting with them, placing all of your trust on a wing and a prayer (The Star card’s figure on a cloud among the stars), but you’ll find garnering a little advice from someone “in the know” will serve you well in the end and help everything go more smoothly.
“What do I need to keep in mind for the upcoming trip?”
Interpretation from The Titanic Tarot
Be practical in your planning when it comes to the finances involved in this trip (Four of Coins). There is a good chance there are going to be added expenses you aren’t anticipating. Don’t plan your finances so stringently that you can’t have a little wiggle room in that area when you need it (The imagery of the safe in the Four of Coins), and don’t spend so freely, trusting in the universe to take care of you (The Star and the figure pouring out her pitchers into the sea), or you may find the funds you need not accessible to you when you need them (Loose coins falling to the bottom of the sea and the closed safe in the Four of Coins). Judicious, well grounded preparations are needed to make sure you are prepared with a contingency fund when you need it (Queen of Swords).
DECKS USED: NUMINOUS TAROT AND THE TITANIC TAROT
Gideon’s Challenge – Prickly
Prickly
Here it comes
once again
the consequence
of my actions
taking senses
usually smooth
like river stones
and creating
upon them
sharp edges
ready to
draw blood
at the slightest
provocation
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Stability Upon Stormy Seas
Today’s meditation was skipped.
• • • ◈ • 🌻 • ◈ • • •
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.
Today’s draw is the Four of Pentacles, which is traditionally about stability and gratitude (sometimes to excess, which can turn miserly) for what you have. This is a stagnant sort of appreciation that speaks of not reaching for more, but instead being focused on what you have in the now.
The Four of Pentacles has then been combined with a card from the Messages From the Universe Oracle, which says, “It’s never too late to start over. You have to trust in the magic of new beginnings. They are waiting for you. Notice them, seize them, and appreciate all that you have. Just relax and trust.”
I have mentioned before that I have a tendency to mistake stagnancy and stillness for stability and security. It even shows in my speech. I say things like “brace for impact” or use the word foundation in the context of a “stable” and stationary base.
This is a perspective that I just recently realized is inaccurate, for it turns out true security and stability is created not through stillness and stagnancy, but through awareness and adaptation.
The message in today’s Four of Pentacles and affirmation card is a reminder that freezing in place or bracing for impact doesn’t create stability… it just makes you an easy target. Lean into awareness, observation, and adaptation instead, and you will find stability is more about “developing your sea legs” than it is about refusing to sail in the storm.
DECKS USED: THE LOST CODE OF TAROT AND MESSAGES FROM THE UNIVERSE ORACLE
#DiscordTarotholicsAug2026 Challenge
Prompts for August 11th and 12th
What do I need to focus on for self-care for this month’s new moon?
Nine of Pentacles and Peppermint
Allow your past successes and accomplishments to inspire and motivate you.
You have built a life for yourself, and a business all your own that has thrived for over a decade before the hiccups of this past year. Don’t let current obstacles convince you that you can’t do anything you set that formidable determination of yours to do. Bolster your flagging confidence with your past successes, and allow them to spark your motivation.
Philosophical Question: Which is more real, mind or matter?
Seven of Pentacles atop Eight of Cups; Mint
Matter is more real. Each person’s thoughts, like their emotions, are malleable and can be influenced. That means our perceptions and perspectives are flexible (and personal) and with this, so too is our perception of reality.
Matter, by contrast, is solid. A rock is a rock is a rock. It’s the same rock (and the same hardness) no matter who bangs their head against it. Thus, this is why matter becomes the anchors of reality.
Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Oak Branch with Moss and Lichen for Perseverance
Dried Red Maple Leaf for Adaptability and Connection
Gray Agate Druzy Slab for Stabilizing Energies and Expectations
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy
DECKS USED: GAME OF THRONES TAROT AND HERBAL WISDOM ORACLE
@lightningildflower‘s August Reflections Challenge
Mercury opposite Pluto & trine Neptune, Venus trine Uranus
Prompt for August 11th : Where am I being asked to look beneath the surface of a situation?
Reading Summary: Why are you consistently choosing (Seven of Cups) to prioritize other’s expectations above your own (Seven of Wands)?
Just because you are pandering to them won’t create stability (Four of Pentacles); you can only do that by making choices that better align with the goals you want to accomplish (Ten of Pentacles).
Take Away: The dissatisfaction you feel in your relationships with others, and stability you seek in that area, can’t be created by pandering to their wants, needs, and expectations. It can only be accomplished by prioritizing yourself and your goals, choosing to put these things first above the expectations of others.
In doing this, you create a space of authenticity where your own values and aspirations have room to grow instead of being smothered by the demands of others.
Other elements included in this reading:
Black Spruce Needles to Boost Self-Confidence and Positive Thinking
Dried Rosebuds for Potential and Beauty Waiting to Unfold
Dried Purple Heather Flowers for Independence and Luck
Calcite w/ Conichalcite for Amplifying Intuitive Messages
Carnelian Agate for Inner Drive and Focusing On Aspirations
Honey Calcite for Optimism and Motivational Boost
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy
DECK USED: THE LOST CODE OF TAROT
I had absolutely no interest or drive to work on orders today, so I took some time early in the day to rest and relax. This allowed me to get past my moment of resistance and “restart” my day with a better attitude.
🌑 New Moon & Solar Eclipse in Leo – August 2026
Tomorrow is the new moon, and like all new moons and full moons, I did a spread aligned to the moon’s current themes as a part of my recognition of the moon’s cycle and influences upon us. Today’s spread is courtesy of @daisydazzleddreams
What is it time to focus on beginning that requires boldness, bravery, and/or visibility?
Dragoyle – In your work to try and revitalize your business and re-create the steady foundation you once had in this area, you have been playing it safe. Now is the time to experiment and explore. You will not discover (or build) that new foundation of stability by tinkering from the sidelines. Lean into thinking outside the box.
How can I more comfortably express my love, joy, and creative passions?
Serpopard – Instead of directing these energies towards strangers or those you only know on a superficial level, direct your love, joy, and creative passions towards those that have been with you the longest, and that you trust as a part of your inner circle. Here is where the most comfort can be found in sharing your vulnerabilities… which is what you sometimes consider these qualities to be.
Which leadership role in my life needs me to step up and stand strong at this time?
Tigerfolk – You are the safeguard of those things and people that are important to you. Stay vigilant about predatory behavior during this lunar cycle, and step forward quickly and decisively in times when it is spotted in others.
How can I best work with and balance the Crown, Solar Plexus and Heart Chakras at this time?
Ravagon – Historically, it is through your connection with nature that you find the peace and balance that you are unable to sustain on your own without this connection. Be proactive in “touching grass” whenever you can and connecting with the life and energy of the forest and its creatures. Your friends among the trees are waiting for you to return to them.
What is needed to assist me in reconnecting with my creative potential?
Grificorn – Enjoy the activities that sunshine and good weather allow you while you can, because you’re going to miss these things later. Summer isn’t your favorite time of year, it’s true, but it is something you miss in the dead of winter. Just as you miss the dead of winter in the middle of the summer. Make sure you are appreciating your time in the present, so that when the cycle turns to more unpleasant things, you will have joyful and positive memories to look back on and encourage you.
New Moon advice from the Minoan Goddess Amalthea.
Peacock Draconis – Make sure that you are pausing for gratitude in your spiritual practice and self-care. In doing so, you allow your self to see the beauty in life that you would otherwise let pass you by.
Other elements included in this reading:
Goat Figure as Sympathetic Representation of Amalthea
