Carrying the Torch

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

The Weaver Tarot - Ruler of Wands - King of WandsToday’s draw is the Ruler of Wands (King of Wands), which is traditionally a representation of a projective alpha energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s passions, drive, determination, principles, values, and willpower. The King of Wands often indicates themes that have to do with leadership figures or authority figures with the ability to rally others to their causes and draw them in to their own values, principles, and passions.

What catches my eye today in the imagery of this card is the ouroboros that encircles the crown. The ouroboros is a symbol of the unity of all things, and the connection of the spiritual to the physical moving together in an always changing but never ending cycle. It represents the concepts of eternity and endless return.

To me, seeing the ouroboros encircling the crown says “long live the king” and in this case?  The king is the authority that instills within others a sense of values and principles.  It is the idol… those that we look up to and choose to follow because they are right and good… and passionate about this cause.

The message in today’s card is to appreciate those that inspire you to be a better person. Who in your life and your past has inspired you to do better and become better, to choose principles and values that matter or shown you how to stand strong in what matters most?  Take time to appreciate what these people have done for you, and what you have built out of the inspiration that they sparked within you… and the inspiration that you may now be giving others in turn.

CrowSister’s #DeckStudyTenTrueWords Prompt
Prompt: Distill your reading of the card to your ten truest words.

Smiles are contagious
and
applied passionately
so too is empowerment

DECK USED:  THE WEAVER TAROT

Lionharts’ #TheJanuaryTarot 2023 Year of Evolution Challenge Prompt
Questions for January 10th

Secrets of Wand Wood OracleWhat will be my 2023 theme of evolution, growth, or change?

Change, Unlock, and Be More Witchy! – Direct your attention to the changes in your life that will help you to focus more on your spiritual path and practices. You have an opportunity to grow and evolve in your practice this year, but you need to set your intentions there and lean into the changes that come your way to make it happen.

What area, or part, of my life does this theme apply to?

Bond, Tradition, and Wonder – Your connection with your ancestors and spirit guides, and your inclination towards mediumship. Over the past couple of years you’ve worked to become more comfortable with these connections and skills, and it’s time to focus on continuing that journey.

DECK USED: SECRETS OF WANDWOOD ORACLE

#DiscordTarotholicsJan2023 Challenge Prompt
Question for January 10th: Peculiar People Day – How can you encourage those that are outcasts to feel more welcome?

The Weaver Tarot - Sovereign of Swords (Queen of Swords, Judgement, Five of CoinsReading Summary: Less judgement (Judgement with Five of Coins), and provide advice in a way that is supportive instead of condescending (Sovereign of Swords).

Take Away: Sometimes? You struggle with what you perceive from others as stupidity.  You need to take a pause, though, and think if it’s really stupidity, or just lack of experience that you’re observing.

You’ve experienced so much, and have a lot of good advice and guidance to give that could help these people, but it needs to be delivered in a way that keeps others receptive and doesn’t shut them down.  Make sure you are not channeling your mother’s attitude or tone during these times. Selflessness combined with honesty will work far better.

DECK USED: THE WEAVER TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I am going to bed super early tonight.  I’m just so very tired.

Gideon’s Challenge

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IMG_9821Not Enough Sleep

Cranky
prickly
and unpleasant
each bump
leaves scratches
against the soul
as lack of sleep
breeds sour looks
and thoughts
clouded by
disorganization
and every touch
upon my skin
is another
irritant
with which
to contend

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Full Moon in Cancer Lenormand Reading

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Full Moon in Cancer Lenormand Reading with the Nocturnal Garden Lenormand

How can I find stillness and more space for reflection?

Sun and Clover – In order to find that space and stillness, you need to let go of the negativity that crowds your mental space with chaos and darkness.  Only when you’re willing to lean into seeking out optimism and positivity, allowing yourself to indulge in hope without censure or rancor, will you find that stillness and space… as well as a clarity of thought you couldn’t touch upon when the darkness was taking all the air from the room.

What emotions do I need to process?

Tree and Scythe – Stop pushing away the emotions connected to how you feel about getting older and not being able to do the things that you used to do. It happens to everyone, and yes… it’s happening to you perhaps a bit early, but allowing this to stagnate and fester will just have it turning from mild inconvenience into damaging resentment. Do what you can to help your body navigate these challenges, instead of allowing the challenges to send you into physical decline.

What thoughts do I need to examine?

Lily and Dog – As we grow and change over time, it’s important we don’t allow our values and principles to become “outdated” to who we are becoming. Take some time to examine more closely those principles and values you stick by so loyally, and make sure they are still on track with who you are, and who you want to become.

How can I nurture myself during this Full Moon?

Heart and Letter – Communicate with yourself in a more empathetic and understanding tone. Don’t allow that negative inner narrative to pick on you, as it will only cause problems down the road.  To nurture yourself during the Full Moon, reconnect with that kinder voice that is there to help, uplift, and nurture you instead of pick you apart and drag you down.

DECK USED: NOCTURNAL GARDEN LENORMAND

The Pervasiveness of Darkness

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

Darkana Tarot - Five of CupsToday’s draw is the Five of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of pessimism, negativity, and closed mindedness.

The figure in this card mourns the broken glasses sitting on the steps rather than being grateful for the two still sitting at their feet containing wine. The chaos above the figure reflects their mindset, splatters and scratches leaving no room for clear thinking.

The imagery in this card speaks of when things are not going our way, how having a pessimistic and negative mindset makes things that much harder.  That negativity clouds the mind, tinging everything in it’s dark and gritty perspective and not allowing us to see what is salvageable from the situation.

Today’s card is a reminder that even crap-ass days have a silver lining.  It might be thin and remote, but it -is- there.  You just have to look for it.  Don’t let pessimism and negative inner narratives steal from you whatever can be salvaged from the experience.

CrowSister’s #DeckStudyTenTrueWords Prompt
Prompt: Distill your reading of the card to your ten truest words.

Darkness descends
and pollutes the air
sucking dry
our hope

DECK USED:  DARKANA TAROT

Lionharts’ #TheJanuaryTarot 2023 Year of Evolution Challenge Prompt
Question for January 9th: What can I do to create and maintain stability in my life right now?

Invisible Sun Sooth DeckCreate – I frutti proibiti sono i più dolci (Forbidden Game). Everyone wants a taste of the “forbidden fruit”. Not because it’s good, but specifically because it’s forbidden (Crowded Tomb). Don’t follow the crowd when there are things out there that will suit you far better (Unknowable Truth).

No one knows what’s best for you better than you. In order to create stability in your life, make sure that you are continuing to walk your own path and be your own drummer, don’t allow others to make choices for you, or try to convince astray with peer pressures.

Maintain – Be both cutthroat (Assassin) and discerning to the point of picky (Cat) in choosing who you spend your time with.

A carry over from the “Create” position, these cards tell us to step away from those that are not good for us rather than allowing them to continue to try and influence our lives.  To maintain stability, we have to be surrounded by those that are truly supportive of us and our true selves, not sticking around just to try and swerve you off path and onto whatever objectives they have for you.

DECK USED: INVISIBLE SUN SOOTH DECK

#DiscordTarotholicsJan2023 Challenge Prompt
Question for January 9th: Play God Day – What is something that you can do to improve the lives of others?

Darkana Tarot - Knight of Cups, The Sun, Page of WandsReading Summary: Gideon (King of Cups) needs your time and attention. Allow him to help show you (Page of Wands) how to truly sink in and enjoy your time together (The Sun).

Take Away: It can be hard to get back into the groove of those things you enjoy when you’ve stepped away from a long period of time.  Activities that used to feel as natural as breathing can end up feeling a bit awkward and clumsy.

That doesn’t mean you don’t still enjoy them, only that you need a little guidance back to finding that pleasure and enjoyment that you were so in tune with before.

The holiday rush has pulled you away from a lot of these activities, but your time with Gideon can help you in reconnecting with them, and with him, on a deeper level once again..

DECK USED: DARKANA TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I set myself up to eat on a timer today, as it was an extremely busy day playing catch-up from my extended time off.

Gideon’s Challenge

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IMG_0139Too Much

Little things
pile together
bit by bit
until finely defined
details
become blurred
in the tangle
of all that
draws the eye
and pulls
on the attention
and fine details
fade away
under the onslaught
of chaos

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Don’t Drop the Shield

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Today’s meditation was skipped (again).

Unseen World Tarot - Knight of WandsToday’s draw is the Knight of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of an active projective beta energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s drive, determination, passions, motivations, values and principles, and/or inner spark.

In this card, what draws my eye is the shield and the torch. The knight holds the torch high as he charges forward, his passion and intensity to the fore, and yet, he has not left his shield behind in his single minded purpose.

The imagery in this card is a reminder that no matter how wrapped up you get in your goals, your passions, or your values and priorities… don’t leave behind your boundaries.  To be healthy in your pursuits, you need to continue to uphold your boundaries along the way, not set them aside because they are inconvenient or you think you won’t need them.

And… I don’t know who needs to hear this, but don’t forget to wear a condom people. No matter how hot and heavy things might get.

CrowSister’s #DeckStudyTenTrueWords Prompt
Prompt: Distill your reading of the card to your ten truest words.

Fiery intensity
drives us forward
torch ready
condom in hand

DECK USED:  UNSEEN WORLD TAROT

Lionharts’ #TheJanuaryTarot 2023 Year of Evolution Challenge Prompt
Question for January 8th: What {3 things} can help me establish a good foundation for 2023?

Shadowspeak OracleProtection – Make sure that you are clear on your boundaries, both with yourself and with others. By ensuring you know where the line is drawn, there’s less chance of people crossing over it (or you crossing over it into unhealthy behavior).

Mystery – Do not fear the uncertainty that resides within the unknown, but rather see it as an adventure, and a chance to set your curiosity free.

Repetition – Practice makes perfect.  Many of the things you focused on and goals set in the past are worth repeating again this year.  Look over past efforts and see what you could repeat again, and improve upon in doing so.

DECK USED: SHADOWSPEAK ORACLE

#DiscordTarotholicsJan2023 Challenge Prompt
Topic for January 8th: Do Spread 2
Question: how can I better keep my energy up when I feel like dawdling in stagnancy?

Unseen World TarotReading Summary: There is a difference between rest (Four of Swords) that you need need in order to stay healthy such as healthy sleep and meditation (how the figure is sitting in the Four of Pentacles), or laying about just because it feels good (The Devil).

In the anchor card, the tangle of tentacles doing a variety of tasks at ones corresponds to the messiness in the imagery of the Devil card, speaking of the habit you have of taking on too much at once being foolhardy and feeding into your desires to seek “feel good” respite as well as over indulge in it.

The hat on the octopus in the anchor card, on the other hand, is not tangled and stands out strongly, connecting with the figures in both the Four of Swords and Four of Pentacles (as does the lighter colors in the background connect to the anchor card). This speaks of a need to condense and focus on single things, rather than copious responsibilities.  Refine your attention to one thing at a time, and make sure that you are adding rest into the mix where needed.  Both rest for the mind (Swords)… and rest for the body (Pentacles).

Take Away: Rest and meditate as needed, but don’t sink into the trap of laying about just because it feels good.  That habit will draw you in again and again if you let it.   Make sure that you are not overextending yourself by taking on too much, as it draws you into seeking out those useless “feel good” moments that have no value.

DECK USED: UNSEEN WORLD TAROT AND GRATITUDE POSTCARD SET

Daily Self Kindness

I tried to get as much of the orders that have to go out on Tuesday done today so that tomorrow wouldn’t be as stressful.