The Biting Cold
Out the window
the world
appears warm
and welcoming
if a bit barren
from the passing
of fall…
right until
the door is opened
and you realize
it is fifteen below
bundle up
winter weather
has arrived
Weekly Creativity Prompt – Manna From Above
Prompt: “Pull (at least) three cards and use them to tell us a story that ends in the phrase “manna from above“.
It was a long and arduous battle, and I raged through the night to come out the other side with my blade and clothes coated in crimson. (Ten of Swords)
As I traveled home, weary to the bone, I worried that that I might not have slayed them all. Had one of the beasts gotten past me? Would I arrive to my home only to find all that mattered to me had been burned to the ground in a pile of smoldering ashes? (Nine of Swords and Ten of Pentacles)
And, when I climbed the last rise that lead to my home, I prayed to the heavens that my home would still be there, and that the smoke in the air would be a cook fire and not my family burning. So fearful was I that when I crested the hill and I heard my wife’s shrill, nagging voice carry over the distance to send my ears a-ringing, it was the sweetest sound I’d ever heard, and to my soul it felt like manna from above. (Page of Swords)
DECK USED: TAROT OF THE HIDDEN REALM
New Horizons
Today’s meditation was skipped.
Today’s draw is the Ace of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of the seed of new beginnings in the area of one’s emotions, relationships, creativity, and intuition.
Today was decorate the Christmas tree day, which is actually something I don’t remember doing an awful lot of in the past. It was amazing, though, unwrapping delicate glass icicles and hand painted ornaments, exploring the history of a family through the bits and baubles that are then hung from the branches of a tree filled with lights.
The Ace of Cups is about new beginnings, whether that be creatively, emotionally, or within the relationships in our lives. Today’s tree decorating filled all three of those themes for me, and warmed my heart from the bottom up, just like the golden glow warms the cup of liquid from the bottom up in the imagery of today’s card. The fostering, nurturing energy I experienced today, and the connection with others combined with the creative influences and stirring of my curiosity as each unique memento was revealed? It fits all of these themes and lightens my heart in the same way the dove’s wings lift the bird to hover at new heights.
DECK USED: TRUE BLACK TAROT 5TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION
I’m going to pay for it tomorrow and Thursday, but I lingered longer than I had planned before coming home today. It was a nice break and a needed one.
Gideon’s Challenge
Christmas Baubles
Fascinated
I stare as
trinkets emerge
and the world
is transformed
from the every day
into something
more
as lights twinkle
and glitter shines
with each box
we open
and memories
are unearthed
to remind us all
of familial worth
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gratitude Lenormand Reading
How can I express gratitude for the blessings in my life?
Ship and Whip – Stop abusing yourself and others, whether through your communication and actions, or within your thoughts. Leaning into positivity will serve you far better than the negative mindset and bickering thoughts that often try to take over your thoughts.
What do I often overlook when I am counting my blessings?
Snake and Book – When counting your blessings, you often overlook that good sense within you that helps you see through deception. It’s never wrong, which you know through backing it up with research again and again. Be grateful for this sense… and trust it more.
What challenges am I grateful for overcoming?
Heart and Dog – You are becoming better at connecting with people instead of holding yourself apart. Past friendships have made it hard for you to trust that those showing they are true to you are sincere, but you are getting better at it.
What changes in my life am I grateful for experiencing?
Bear and Sun – You are becoming more determined in protecting that part of you that seeks out joy and positivity, instead of bashing that part of yourself down again and again whenever it lifts its head.
DECK USED: THE FRIAR’S DELIGHT LENORMAND
Prolonging Happiness
Today’s meditation was skipped.
Today’s draw is the Nine of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of themes that have to do with contentment, accomplishment, and satisfaction in the area of one’s emotions, relationships, creativity, and intuition.
Look at that big ass cup that the dragon drinks from in this card. Is it no wonder that the dragon is content and satiated? And yet, still more await the dragon in the background… a promise of still more goodness to come, and assurance that the satisfaction they feel is not a fluke.
This Nine of Cups is a reminder that not all happiness is fleeting. Sometimes, when you find that perfect fit, it can be prolonged and build upon into something even better, if you’re willing to make yourself at home with the idea that happiness is allowed… and doesn’t have to be something you chase after or a temporary state.
DECK USED: RAVYNESS DRAKON TAROT
I treated myself to the next three books in the series I’m listening to on audiobook at the moment. The story in my ear helps me to focus on the work in my hands, and I’d just finished the last set of nine, so it was time for more.
