What Love Is… and Isn’t

/ Twist the Leaf / Leave a comment

Today’s meditation was skipped.

•    •    •    ◈    •    🍃    •    ◈    •    •    •

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

Witches Tarot (1989) - Eight of Cups

Today’s draw is the Eight of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of withdrawal, abandonment, or letting go of things, situations, or people in your life that are just not working out for you emotionally.

The Eight of Cups has then been combined with the Protection and Strength card from The Life Navigator Deck, which says, “Love is who we are. Love made you and walks close beside you, always ready to protect and strengthen you in times of need.”

Remember that participation is not always necessary, and just because you walk away from an experience doesn’t mean that the others involved won’t still love you, regardless of your lack of interest. Neither does it mean that you don’t love them.

Real love is not conditional upon you allowing others to cross your boundaries. True love is about who you are, not what you can do for others.

Therefore, even when you love someone dearly doesn’t mean that you need to be their drinking buddy or wing man, or go to the carnival with them, or be the one that they depend on for all the stuff they don’t want to and/or can’t do themselves. That is not what love is about.

If someone is going to reject you because you aren’t filling those rolls for them, then it’s not love.

The message in today’s Eight of Cups and affirmation card is a reminder that love is more than just a companion. Love protects as well as supports, which means if you are stepping back for your own reasons? They will still love you because that’s what you needed to do.

DECK USED:  WITCHES TAROT (1989) AND THE LIFE NAVIGATOR DECK

The @ambitiouslyalexa July Journal Prompts
Prompt for July 6th : A habit you’re rebuilding

Oracle Reading with the Soul Seeds Oracle

Reading Summary: You are rebuilding the habit of allowing yourself, when feeling vulnerable (Soften) you are to reach out your partner and loved ones (Kindred) for their comfort and support (Support).

Take Away: Once upon a time, I was better at this than I am today. There was a time during my relationship with Gideon that when I toppled into subdrop it was easier for me to reach out to him and seek out support to get me through the experience.

I don’t know what happened. Somewhere along the line I forgot how to do this and once again became resistant to seeking out that support and allowing myself to have it. It’s like I regressed back to before that period of acceptance.

I am now seeking to re-awaken that acceptance and allowance for support, and to reach out to him when I need him instead of forcing myself to deal with the subdrop on my own.

Other elements included in this reading:
Baby’s Breath Bundle for Connecting to Purity of Heart
Gneiss Stone for Patience in Moments of Discomfort
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: SOUL SEEDS ORACLE

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2026 Challenge
3-Card Spread Prompt for July 6th : About creativity…

Tarot Reading with the Witches Tarot (1989)

What unseen or unacknowledged factor is the source of my current creative block?

Ace of Swords – You are too much in your own head and aren’t doing anything physically to stir things up, not even in so far as writing down your new ideas.

If you visualize your creative juices as a body of water currently lying stagnant, then your ideas are simply a gentle brush of a breeze over the surface. You need the physical act of writing them down or doing something about them to dip beneath the surface and stir the currents below into movement. That movement can then eventually become flow when nurtured in a particular direction.

How can I move beyond this block to access and amplify my creative energies and inspiration?

Seven of Wands – Act. Show your devotion and how much you value your creativity by acting in some way upon the ideas you have. Do something, even if it’s something small, to get those juices moving instead of sitting still.

Moving forward, what strategy can I an enlist to help keep my creative energies flowing?

The Tower atop Two of Cups – During times of struggle and strife, don’t abandon your creative endeavors. This is how you got in this situation in the first place. Don’t let the chaos of other responsibilities and obligations shut down your creative spark.

Other elements included in this reading:
Zodiac Wheel on cusp of Aquarius & Pisces for Empathy & Creativity
Foraged Oak Branch with Moss and Lichen for Perseverance
Foraged Lodgepole Pine for Resilience, Growth, and Renewal
Foraged Acorns for Protection during New Beginnings
Citrine for Energy Lift (easing the weight of heavy energies)
Carnelian Agate Mushroom for Focusing On Aspirations
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: WITCHES TAROT (1989)
Daily Self Kindness

I pushed myself past the resistance I felt to letting Gid help when I discovered that the drop has started.

Gideon’s Challenge – Longing

/ Twist the Leaf / Leave a comment
Pixie Cups Lichen and Moss

Longing

lie down with me
among blades
of grass
and soft mounds
of mossy green
with your fingers
laced in mine
and sip
from my lips
like bees
from the flowers
as we get
grass stains
on our clothes

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Hope vs Control

/ Twist the Leaf / Leave a comment

Today’s meditation was skipped.

•    •    •    ◈    •    🍃    •    ◈    •    •    •

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

The Book of Shadows So Below Deck - The Magician

Today’s draw is The Magician card, which is traditionally a representation of capability, potential, resourcefulness, action, and manifestation. This often translates into themes having to do with being in possession of all of the skills, abilities, and tools necessary to reach one’s goals and accomplish one’s ends. It’s about being capable and skilled, resourceful and gifted with what is needed to get the job done.

The card has then been combined with an affirmation from the deck, which says, “Hopefulness: To feel hope is to acknowledge how little control we so often have.”

For me, having cancer was a lesson in hope. Prior to that experience, I didn’t really consider hope as a part of my emotional vocabulary. In its place was persistence and determination. Even in the face of those things I couldn’t control, it was not hope but persistence, determination, and adaptability that got me through.

Then… cancer. It was something I couldn’t plow through, nor adapt to, nor ignore as I stubbornly continue to do my own thing. It wasn’t something I could solve. In fact, it was a situation where even though I had options, I had very little to no control over the overall result going my way even with choosing the best and most aggressive options available to resolve things.

And there was the hope.

It wasn’t big or flashy. It wasn’t something I reached for or even realized was there for a good portion of the experience. But, it was there all the same, whispering in the background so quietly it was nearly inaudible. Just a barely sensed glimmer in the dark.

Since noticing it and identifying it for what it is? I’ve come to realize that it’s always there, flying under the radar so incognito as to be missed and often remain unseen… and yet, still there all the same.

This experience makes me wonder how many people out there scoff at “hope”, or truly believe they have none… and yet merely haven’t been introduced to that glimmer in a way that allows them to recognize it.

The message in today’s Magician card and emotions prompt asks us to take a little time to get to know that small glimmer of hope within us, and allow yourself to cling to it when there’s nothing else you can do… because no matter how hard we try, some results will never be under our control.

DECK USED:  THE BOOK OF SHADOWS AS BELOW TAROT AND THE BOX OF EMOTIONS

One Card Tarot Journal Activity by @mariasofia_astro
Chapter 6 | Entry 8 – Spiritual Development
Affirmation : “I am open to what the Divine wants me to release or make room for.”
Prompt : It is important to remember that your spiritual path is not a destination but a lifelong commitment. You are constantly growing. According to the card you draw, what changes or steps can you take right now to continue growing on your spiritual path to fulfill your sense of purpose?

Tarot Activity from The One Card a Day Journal by Maria Sofia Marmanides - Common Thread Tarot - The Sun Card

What feelings came up when I pulled this card?

The classic meanings of this card came up for me before anything else when it was pulled. Specifically, success.

My first emotional reaction was then a dose of skepticism as my head said, “I don’t think so”. That is to say that the negative inner narrative shot down my “yes I can!” that the card was communicating and brought me into the realm of pessimism from the start.

Ouch.

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

Success isn’t the only classic interpretation of the Sun card, but with the combination of the illustration? That’s exactly where this particular card takes me. More on this below, as I’ll explain how it resonates there.

Suffice to say the “happiness” interpretation also fits, but not in the way I would normally interpret it due to the illustration. Therefore, it really leans into the success side of things instead.

What in the artwork spoke to me?

Right, so the illustration is where everything comes together here. Look at that woman on her unicorn. Naked and riding under a beating sun, emaciated and holding a ribbon like she’s just won a race.

Just how much self punishment, self harm, and misery went into this achievement? Was it really worth it? Her expression could just as easily be saying “thank fuck it’s over” as it might be basking in the glory of the moment.

My prompt response and reflections.

It’s important as I grow that I continually reassess my priorities and values, and ensure that I’m not sacrificing myself and my well-being for achievements or completion.

This is something I’m guilty of on a somewhat regular basis. This card is reminding me that self kindness is a new priority, and one not to be forgotten or ignored in the efforts to accomplish my goals.

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

DECK USED: THE COMMON THREAD TAROT MAJORS ONLY EDITION

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2026 Challenge
Prompt for July 5th : Do Spread 1

Tarot Reading with The Book of Shadows So Below Deck

What needs to be left behind as I focus on further growth?

Seven of Cups – Indecisive musings. Sooner or later you have to get your priorities in order. Waffling and indecision is natural, but if you sit in it too long it just develops into unhealthy stagnation.

What is in full bloom for me right now?

Five of Cups – Languishing isn’t going to get you anywhere. Subdrop is coming your way and about to unfurl like a fetid corpse flower in your gut. Remember that this experience may be unpleasant, but is also an opportunity to deepen your bond with you partner.

Where do I need to direct my focus for further growth?

Eight of Cups Rx – Doing research and book work is still taking action. Don’t sell yourself short in what you are doing in these areas just because they don’t produce the flashy results of physical activities.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Wood Fern for Exorcising Negative Influences
Foraged Red Oak Leaf for Fostering Unconditional Love
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: THE BOOK OF SHADOWS AS BELOW TAROT
Daily Self Kindness

I wore a face mask when working on the balcony today to make sure my allergies didn’t deprive me of the ability to breathe.

Gideon’s Challenge – Subdrop

/ Twist the Leaf / Leave a comment
Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)

Subdrop

every sense
and
nerve ending
stretches
far and wide
with sharp tips
and sensitivities
set to high
as stomach coils
and I am lost
to everything
but the feel
of your gaze
upon me
as I ache
inside… and out

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

❤️ Self Care Saturday (On a Sunday)

/ Twist the Leaf / Leave a comment

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 Herbcrafter's Tarot and Midsummer Whispers Lenormand

Earth – Seven of Water / Birch – “Open your heart to wisdom from the soul.”

Don’t depend solely upon logic, necessity, nor your moral compass when making choices this week. Dig deeper and seek input from that side of yourself where your intuition, emotions, and imagination reside. Seek a path that includes your wants and takes into consideration your feelings, rather than discounting input from these sources. They need to carry more weight in your decision making in the week ahead than you usually give them.

Air – Hija of Air / Catnip – “The first answer is the right answer.”

Your intuition, moral compass, and emotions all have a tendency to jump in and make their answer known first. It’s just that their voices are often quiet, while our brain’s voice is often overbearing and loud. Work on opening up and letting yourself hear and accept these first answers when they come this week, instead of letting the mind step in and convince you to ignore them.

Water – Eight of Air / Licorice – “Know your limits and respect them.”

Take responsibility for the overwhelm you feel and open your eyes to the solutions available to you. It’s okay to say no when you need to. You’re allowed to have boundaries. Closing your eyes to the sacrifices you make and the boundaries that have been crossed will only make the situation worse.

Fire – Nine of Air / Pomegranate – “Know love, know grief.”

Take care to be gentle to the grieving this week. It takes longer for some to heal than others, and impatience will stunt that healing process the same way harvesting a pomegranate before it is fully ripe will keep it from ever reaching ripeness. This doesn’t mean allowing them to walk all over your boundaries or that you can’t say no. It just means to do so with gentle care.

Waning – Stars and Lady – Hopeful thinking and going in soft will not be productive this week. Try a bit of tempered aggression and determination instead.

Waxing – Mice and Dog – Suss out the troublemakers in your friendships and those closest to you. Remember that everyone fucks up now and then, but nip in the bud persistent problems.

Take Away – Your intuition and emotions need to be given extra weight and consideration this week when making decisions. Use these tools to help you in deciding which boundaries in your life need reinforcing, and which are no longer serving you well. What you feel needs to outweigh what others expect from you, so don’t allow them to monopolize your time or consideration this week.

DECKS USED: THE HERBCRAFTER’S TAROT AND MIDSUMMER WHISPERS LENORMAND

Healthy Introversion

/ Twist the Leaf / Leave a comment

Today’s meditation was skipped.

•    •    •    ◈    •    🍃    •    ◈    •    •    •

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

The Alleyman Tarot

Today’s draw is the Three of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of friendships, revelry, celebration, and collaboration between those that are linked or alike not just in mind but also in heart.

The Three of Cups has then been combined with the It Tickles card from the Happy Little Things deck, which says, “Where words can’t reach, you can use hands. Or feathers. Tongues are allowed as well. One can bask in the moment and laugh with their body. And it could be helpful to remember that adults can be tickled, too. They have been kids, too, and not that long ago, if you ask them.”

Sometimes the best (and healthiest) fun you can have is the fun you have with others.

As a (primarily) introvert, I have a tendency to be drawn to, and even seek out, solitude. The issue with this is that no matter how comforting solitude is, it’s not always healthy for us.

Don’t get me wrong, sometimes it is. Sometimes alone time is the time you need to reflect or recover or de-stress. And yet, sometimes alone time is just time to stew in stagnancy and hide from the world in unhealthy ways.

The message in today’s Three of Cups and affirmation card is a reminder that even those who are fully and completely introverted need social contact in their lives now and then. It’s healthy, and if partaken of in ways that you enjoy, can also be a highlight in your day instead of a trial or tribulation.

DECK USED: THE ALLEYMAN TAROT w/ BOOSTERS 1-3 AND HAPPY LITTLE THINGS DECK

The @ambitiouslyalexa July Journal Prompts
Prompts for July 4th and 5th
Reading Note: I split The Alleyman into a 78 card tarot deck, a 22 card majors only deck, and the leftovers as an oracle deck. The cards used in this reading are the leftover “oracle” cards to be read not as a tarot, but off of the imagery instead.

Oracle Reading with The Alleyman Tarot

A truth you’re ready to name

Top Two Cards – The harsh judgments that you put upon yourself are cruelty and punishment rather than constructive feedback.

That negative inner voice insidious in its narratives in your head isn’t helpful or kind. It’s angry and mean, petty and cruel. Listening to it and absorbing what it has to say is not just habit, but a form of self abuse.

A version of you that’s emerging

Bottom Three Cards – You are learning not to dread change, but instead see it as an opportunity.

No matter how much you want to, change isn’t something that you can ignore and loss happens to everyone. Through these times of uncertainty, you are beginning to better understand the cycle of opportunity presented during these moments… instead of trying to hide away and/or brace for impact.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Parmeliaceae Lichen for a “Breath of Fresh Air”
Foraged Purple Heather Sprigs for Independence and Luck
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: THE ALLEYMAN TAROT w/ BOOSTERS 1-3

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2026 Challenge
3-Card Spread Prompt for July 4th : About opportunity…

Tarot Reading with The Alleyman Tarot

What opportunity is knocking on my door right now?

Six of Wands – Pay attention to what’s being offered to you by others where their expectations play a heavy role in the situation.

When considering these opportunities, make sure that you are also considering whether or not you want to take on those expectations that are attached to it, whether those expectations are reasonable or not, and whether or not those expectations will become overwhelming for you over time. Consider as well, whether or not you are even considering this opportunity simply as a way to please someone else.

Is this opportunity suited to me and where I am on my path at this time?

Five of Swords – This opportunity doesn’t particularly look good from the start and it’s not going to start looking any better the further you go on in your considerations mentioned above. It’s far too easy to find the pitfalls, and that should be a warning that it’s not a good opportunity for you.

What would change in my life if I were to jump on this opportunity?

Nine of Cups – Self satisfaction and contentment. The problem lies in the fact that due to the double-bulb nature of these cups, not only does the card offer the traditional meaning of self satisfaction and contentment, but also overwhelm.

Combined with the Five of Swords, this indicates that although this opportunity is not suited to you, and you won’t enjoy the journey it takes you on, there is still potential to find comfort and satisfaction at its end. This lies more in your ability to adapt, though, rather than whether or not this opportunity was suited for you in the first place

Other elements included in this reading:
Handcrafted Sigil for Healthy Sustainable Energy
Dried Cedar Bundle for Protection from Negative Influences
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
Clear Quartz for boosting Mental Clarity
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: THE ALLEYMAN TAROT w/ BOOSTERS 1-3
Daily Self Kindness

I took a walk around Ms B’s neighborhood after dinner to get a little distance while she was watching the news.