Claws and Precision Timing

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Cruel Thing Tarot's Ten of Pentacles and Sinister AffirmationsThe @GlitterbyInk #OctoberMagic25 Challenge
Maiden Prompt for October 3rd : Awakening
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Ten of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of satisfaction and stability in the area of one’s finances, resources, home, health, manifestations, and the physical world. This often translates into themes that have to do with hard earned success, accomplishments, abundance created through patience and hard work.

The Ten of Pentacles has then been combined with one of the Sinister Affirmations cards that says “You’re right where you belong. Sharpening your claws in the shadows and ready to strike.”

Success comes to those that have the patience to wait when waiting is needed, and the tools and quick reflexes necessary when opportunity strikes. Awaken your primal instincts.

Don’t put the carriage before the horse. Don’t chomp at the bit. Success is often a game of predator and prey, which means asserting your aggression only with good timing and precision.

The message in today’s cards is to pick your battles, and prioritize those that will foster stability to achieve your greatest successes.

DECK USED:  CRUEL THING TAROT AND SINISTER AFFIRMATIONS

#DiscordTarotholicsOct2025 Challenge
Buried Alive Prompt for October 3rd : What in your past needs dug up and dealt with?

The Sealed Bear Tarot ReadingReading Summary: It’s time to dig up from your past belief that being too optimistic (The Star) about friendships and welcoming others into your close circle (Four of Wands) will bite you in the ass when you realize they’re pulling the wool over your eyes (Eight of Swords).

Take Away: It hurts when you feel you’ve been betrayed by someone you’ve put your trust in. This shit always comes out in the end if it’s present in the relationship, and it’s both emotionally and physically painful when it does. This isn’t like burning your hand in a hot stove burner and learn to not touch it, though. Friendships are important… needed, even. Healing these old wounds (instead of picking at them like scabs) helps you grow into a place where you’re ready to try again.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Silver Maple Key for Bouncing Back to Thrive
Foraged Ponderosa Pine Cone for Resilience and Adaptability
Moonstone for Emotional Stability
Shiva Shell Heart for Wisdom and Discernment

DECK USED: THE SEALED BEAR TAROT

@LightningWildflower October Tarot Challenge
Fire and Air “The Aces” Prompts for October 1st thru 3rd

Tarot Reading with the Cruel Thing Tarot and Necrohamster Game CardsAce of Wands

What is a creative ‘call to action’ that I shouldn’t ignore?

Eight of Cups and Cerberus – You can wear many hats, and now is the time to delve into diversification. You can’t trust that “keeping all your eggs in one basket” isn’t a risk. Move away from the temptation to continue on that path. Instead, work on diversifying wherever you can in your creative business.

What helps me to feel inspired and motivated?

Wheel of Fortune Rx and Spirit Dog – There’s nothing that gets you motivated quicker than when things start to fall apart. Your innate desire for stability makes you surge forward to protect the status quo.

Ace of Swords

Where have I gained mental clarity?

Three of Swords and Skeleton Bat – You’ve been spinning your wheels in emotional turmoil over your creative business throughout the month of September. Now, as October begins, you are able to see things from a better vantage point, and this is allowing clarity to slip in.

What should I do about this?

Justice and Spirit Rabbit – Take your time and make sure that you are working within legal constraints. Seek advice from authorities when needed to make sure you don’t run headlong into any snares or traps along the way.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Rhododendron Leaf for Fostering Confidence
Conch Shell Knot for Concentration and Clarity
Ammonite for a Sense of Stability During Times of Change
Black Tourmaline for Grounding and Protection
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: CRUEL THING TAROT AND NECROHAMSTER GAME CARDS

Daily Self Kindness

This post is a catch-up post, and I can’t remember what my self-kindness might have been for this day.

Gideon’s Challenge – Day’s End

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Lazy SunsetDay’s End

I am so ready
for today
to be over
and life
to settle into
evening quiet
as the stress
of today
is left behind
except…
it doesn’t seem
to want
to stay back there

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Performance Not Considered

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Today’s meditation was nine minutes long, and was one of the #DailyCalm sessions from the @Calm app.

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Carnival at the End of the World Tarot's Nine of Swords and Halloween AffirmationsThe @GlitterbyInk #OctoberMagic25 Challenge
Maiden Prompt for October 2nd : Curiosity
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Nine of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of nightmares, anxiety, insomnia, and negative thoughts and inner narratives.

The Nine of Swords has then been combined with  one of my personal affirmation cards that says “You don’t have to be perfect to be lovable.”

I’ve discussed before in my posts how “doing your best” is not a particularly helpful affirmation for me as an individual, due to its connotation that if I self sacrifice just a bit more, I can do a bit better, and thus it’s never enough.

Today’s cards touch upon this concept. The Nine of Swords challenging it by telling me that my fears that I am unacceptable as anything but my best is all in my head, and not a reality. The affirmation card then telling me that this is because I am lovable regardless of my performance.

These are concepts that are really difficult for me to internalize. I grasp them in my head, and through logic I can accept them as truth. But. somewhere deep down in my heart, or perhaps in my inner child, it just doesn’t want to sink in.

I’ll keep trying though. Some knots from the past are just harder to untangle than others, and take more time to work through.

The message in today’s cards is a reminder, not just to myself, but all of us that we are not loved based upon our performance. That means we are good enough just as we are. Don’t let anyone make you think differently, not even that negative inner voice whispering in your head.

DECK USED:  THE CARNIVAL AT THE END IF THE WORLD TAROT AND TWIST’S HALLOWEEN AFFIRMATION CARDS

#DiscordTarotholicsOct2025 Challenge
Ghouls Prompt for October 2nd : Who in your life needs a bit more acceptance and understanding?

Tarot Reading with Carnival at the End of the World Tarot's Nine of Cups and Strange Curiosities Playing Cards ReadingReading Summary: This person always has too many things going at once (all the cups in the air) and is just a bit full of herself (the figure’s mask, attire, and posture), which means she often misses when she’s hurting others and sees their reactions and retaliations through the lens of a victim instead of the perpetrator (the snake under foot hidden among the flowers).

You’ve connected with her in the past on collaborations in life (Three of Diamonds is on the left) and were once quite close with her, but you’ve kept your distance recently because you’re still trying to process the emotions that rose up for you when her true colors started to show through (Jack of Hearts is on the right).

Take Away: Perhaps you need to look at what you’re doing and how you’re reacting. Are you not following the same pattern as her own behavior? Some food for thought.

DECK USED: THE CARNIVAL AT THE END IF THE WORLD TAROT AND STRANGE CURIOSITIES PLAYING CARDS

Daily Self Kindness

I spent yet more time (over 4 hours the other day, another 2 hours today) on the phone with the new shipping fulfillment company I’m working with to get more information on how to work in their system and get the results I want.

Gideon’s Challenge – The Happy F*ker

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Crystal Man in the MoonThe Happy F*ker

He said hello
with a smile
in a little shop
hidden
on an alley corner
and his eyes
seemed to
follow me
around the room
until finally
I broke down
and smiled back
and decided
to take him home

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Understanding vs Comprehension

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Today’s meditation was ten minutes long, and was one of the #DailyTrip sessions from the @Calm app.

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The Earth Whispers Tarot's Hanged Man Card and Crow AffirmationsThe @GlitterbyInk #OctoberMagic25 Challenge
Maiden Prompt for October 1st : Presence
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is The Hanged Man card, which is traditionally a representation of taking a pause, considering alternate perspectives, relaxing into difficult situations, surrender, or letting go.

The Hanged Man has then been combined with the one of @crowtarotmjcullinane‘s Crow Affirmations that says “Fog: I trust information will be revealed in time.”

Sometimes, we have to accept that we just can’t know everything. Our perceptions are skewed by our own personal perspectives and experiences.  Even when we pause to truly and  honestly try to  understand another’s perspective it’s not possible to see everything.

This ‘fog’ keeps us from seeing everything others are experiencing, thinking, or feeling with clarity. We can understand, but usually only on a surface level.

That doesn’t mean we don’t try, though, and that we’re not present for others when they need  us, even if we possibly don’t fully understand what they’re going through.  Sometimes, just -being there- is enough. No need to share our own perspectives. Not necessary to fully understand theirs.  Just there to support them no matter what.

Today’s message is a reminder that sometimes, when others need our support? Your presence is enough to bolster others… nothing else needed.

DECK USED:  THE EARTH WHISPERS TAROT AND CROW AFFIRMATIONS

#DiscordTarotholicsOct2025 Challenge
Prompt for October 1st : Do the Fourth Quarter Spread

Fourth Quarter Tarot Reading with The Earth Whispers Tarot, The Burning Shadow Tarot, Totem Flower Essence Deck, and Crow Affirmations

Year Ahead Theme : Temperance

Moderation is the name of the game this year.  Take care not to move too fast or go overboard in the grand scheme of things. Remember that even things that are healthy and good for you can turn bad if taken in excess.

Theme for October : Two of Wands

Settling on a direction forward and making plans.

Focus / Advice for October : Red Flame Iris

Stepping into your power with clarity, discernment, strength of will, and commitment to excellence and personal development. Realignment to undertake your work with purpose once more, rather than looking at it as a chore.

Ray of Hope for October : Exposed – I lean into vulnerability.

“I embrace vulnerability as strength, allowing myself to authentically connect with others.”

Don’t allow feelings of vulnerability to hold you back from going after what’s important to you.

Theme for November : King of Swords

Root yourself deep in your ability to communicate your ideas and aspirations with others, and draw them into your cause.

Focus / Advice for November : Milk Thistle

Cut those energy cords with others that are causing negativity to bleed in to your outlook. Release negative emotions and energies you’ve been holding onto. Make healthy choices.

Ray of Hope for November : Displacement – I control my reactions.

“I take responsibility for my emotions, recognize when stress or anger may lead me to misdirect my feelings, and commit to constructively, expressing myself, and addressing the source of my discomfort.”

Self-awareness is important. If you are committed to staying connected with yourself and your needs, it can in turn allow other stressors to fall away instead of clinging on.

Theme for December : The Emperor

You are the empowered leader that looks after not just yourself but others as well. Make sure that the decisions you make are for the greater good throughout the month of December.

Focus / Advice for December : Tomorrow Leaf

Focus on recovering from the struggles of the year now passed. Specifically regeneration related to trauma, injury, or exhaustion. Don’t just sink into the work and lose sight of the world. You’re being given the opportunity to really enjoy this time of recovery, and truly see a glimpse of how a healthier balance might develop moving forward.

Ray of Hope for December : Observation – I discover valuable information from watching others.

“I embrace the wisdom gained from watching and learning from others, recognizing it’s a pathway to growth, empathy, and self improvement.”

Stay tapped into what others are doing. Pay attention, and it will empower you to do better. Learning from others mistakes means that you don’t have to experience those for yourself, after all.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Rosebuds for Potential and Beauty Waiting to Unfold
Dried Purple Heather Flowers for Independence and Luck
Black Spruce Needles to Boost Self-Confidence and Positive Thinking
Conch Shell Knot for Concentration and Clarity
Carnelian Agate for Inner Drive and Focusing On Aspirations
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECKS USED: THE EARTH WHISPERS TAROT, THE BURNING SHADOW TAROT, TOTEM FLOWER ESSENCE DECK, CROW AFFIRMATIONS

Daily Self Kindness

I spent the day decorating the outside of Ms B’s house for Halloween, and had a great time with it.

📆 Transitioning from September to October

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Month End Oracle Reading with the Grimms' Oracle

Here and Now I Exist – Who you are now, in your entirety.

The Spirit in the Glass Bottle – Although you are currently sitting in a challenging situation, you have the quick thinking and mental acuity needed to sort it out and figure out which path forward will be the best for you. This can build into a mutually beneficial situation if it’s handled carefully.

The Slough – What is to be left in the past as you move forward.

The King of the Golden Mountain – Examine your commitments carefully, and don’t let your pride get in the way of discarding those that are no longer suited to you. Just make sure you’re not leaving somebody else in the lurch while doing so, as it’s important to ensure that you are looking beyond yourself and at how your actions affect others.

What Lies Ahead – An ideal state or ideal self you are seeking at this time.

Doctor Know-all – You seek opportunities that will allow you to take advantage of a situation where you know very little, but can still thrive if given the chance. Trust in your ability to adapt and make the most of the situation, even if you have to fake it ’til you make it.

Limitations – Negative influences, opposition, or ill will.

The Peasant and the Devil – Take care that you’re not overthinking things and over-complicating things right now. Remember that there’s a difference between clever and cunning, and keep an eye out for deception of oneself for others. Make sure you’re toeing the right side of the line, or you could end up with extra problems on your hands.

The Boon – Positive influences, higher guidance, or divine intervention.

Roland – You’re loyalty to yourself and what is right for you is one of your greatest strengths. Listen to your moral compass and allow it to guide you in standing your ground when needed. Just be sure to take care to acknowledge when it’s better to be flexible and adapt, and keep in mind that these adjustments don’t have to go against your moral compass if you work to think outside the box.

The Wound – An unpleasant past experience or event that is ripe for some support and healing.

Stories about Toad – This year, and especially September, have been extremely stressful for you. Beneficial relationships that you thought were stable have been cut by circumstances outside your control. Allow yourself to grieve, for if you don’t, it just eats a way at you on the inside.

Nostalgia – A positive past experience or event to acknowledge, reflect upon, and enjoy.

The Three Children of Fortune – Take some time to reflect back on the successes you have gained and how you were able to seize upon opportunities and use them to not just get ahead, but thrive. Even though when you started out you thought you had nothing, you proved yourself and others wrong in what you’ve done with what you have.

A Warning – Something coming that can be prevented or overcome.

Hans in Luck – Be careful not to be too naïve about your current situation, and don’t be careless with your resources. Things are going to be a little slim going forward for a bit, so make sure that you are looking towards the treasures you have that are not just monetary in order to bolster your emotions when feelings of scarcity try to slip in.

Empowerment – A future opportunity to work toward.

The Goose Girl – If you are able to ride through the hardship with dignity and grace, you will come out the other side all the better for it, and those that tried to stand in your way will have to face their consequences. Remember that your true value is in who you are and your integrity, and let that be what shines from within you.

Message from the Spirit World – Value what you have and follow your integrity above everything else. That moral compass within you will never steer you wrong as long as you’re willing to follow it when it tells you what to do (or not to do, as the case may be). It may feel like you’re not getting ahead following this advice, but you would be far worse off if you didn’t.

Message from the Mind’s World – Focus on being clever instead of deceitful. Get ahead through fair practices and cunning.

Message from the Physical World – Play on your strengths. This time of loss makes you feel like you are lost and being punished, but playing on your strengths will allow you to persevere rather than watching your confidence dwindle away.

Take Away – Keep going. You’re doing great and you’re finding the path one small step at a time.  It’s going to take time, but you’re starting to see results.  Just don’t let moments of setback send you into a spiral of emotional reactions.

Avoid emotional self-medicating with bad decisions.  Instead focus on what you have and gratitude for your current abundance.

There’s been some temptation to “cheat” on some of the more difficult aspects of your struggles right now. Don’t give into temptation and keep your behavior above board.

DECK USED: GRIMM’S ORACLE