Gideon’s Challenge

IMG_9283The Kiss

“Open,” he says.
and lips part
on command
to welcome in
the heat and hunger
that makes cheeks
blush
and blood thrum
like thunder
in the veins
as skin flushes
with hues of pink
and quiet sighs
turn into more
as intensity
begins to build

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

❤️ Self Care Saturday (On a Sunday)

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?

Tarot Arte de Luna Rivas, Formosa Tea Oracle, Wildera Wooden Lenormand

Earth – Diez de Espadas and Bilouchun Green Tea (Faith) – Keep Faith in the fact that struggles, trials, and tribulation is only temporary. Financial struggles rectify themselves, discontent with the home resolves itself, when you get sick it will pass. It might feel like the end of the world in that moment, but it’s not. Don’t forget that there will be life beyond that moment that feels like the end of everything.

Air – Seis de Bastos and Honey Scented Black Tea (Passion) – Allow the faith that others have in you to lift you up and assist in feeding fresh air to your inner spark. A little outside oxygen can encourage a small spark into a roaring blaze of passion and pursuit.

Water – Princesa de Bastos and Pine Forest Shanlinxi Oolong (Fortitude) – Don’t shy away from what you want or enjoy. Life is about exploration and experimentation, so try new things and learn from both what does and what doesn’t work. Disappointment is not a part of this process, as all has value during the journey, so don’t let it sneak in and spoil what could be a win no matter what the outcome.

Fire – Princesa de Espadas and Orchid Pouchog Oolong (At Present) – Remember that you are still climbing out of the pit from your depression and need to cut yourself a little slack while finding your footing. Stop trying to focus on where you’re going and just enjoy being in the moment for the time being.

Waning – Rider and House – It’s time to put away the stress of the house hunt and let things settle for now. Soon you’ll be back on it again to help in finding a place to buy, but you successfully helped in finding the “landing pad” rental and there’s nothing more to do in this area of things right now.

Waxing – Dog and Ring – Focus on those that are loyal and committed to you. Lean into them and allow them to help you feel secure in the knowledge that you are not alone.

Take Away – When bad things happen, remember that nothing lasts forever.  That includes the depression and the climb back out of the pit.  You’ll get there eventually.  Lean on others and trust in their loyalty to help see you through. Enjoy your connection with them and let them help in the climb. Savor your experiences, for even the bad ones have value.

DECKS USED: TAROT ARTE DE LUNA RIVAS, FORMOSA TEA ORACLE, WILDERA WOODEN LENORMAND

Accepting Unpredictability

Today’s meditation was skipped.

Tranquil Tarot - Wheel of FortuneToday’s draw is the Wheel of Fortune card, which is traditionally a representation of unpredictability, chance, luck (both good and bad), cyclical patterns in life and nature, and at times… destiny.

In this imagery, what I see is all the “wild cards” that life can throw at you from inclement weather to ball-and-chain feelings, winding paths where you can’t see around the next bend, and surprise accidents that suddenly change your perspective.

Life throws curve balls at us every single day.  Sometimes, we adapt without even realizing we’re doing it, rolling with the punches without so much as a blink. Other times, those curve balls trigger a fight response and we balk, and that’s when things become unpleasant.

How amazing would it be if we could roll with -all- the punches. If we never balked and struggled under change.  How smooth life would become if we didn’t look at the unpredictable shifts in life as problems and obstacles, but simply another joyful part of the ride.  Could you imagine? That’s what today’s card is about.

DECK USED:  TRANQUIL TAROT

Mr Lionharts’ #TheAprilTarot Animal Guide Challenge Prompt
Questions for The World – Day 23

Reminder: The Journey – “Work on finding balance between your practical self and your emotions. Don’t allow logic and your harsher inner narratives to dominate the conversation.“

Seeker Tarot (Oracle) and Tranquil TarotHow can I use my lessons of this Journey to benefit those around me?

Expand Your Universe atop Open Your Mind – By allowing yourself to see outside your negative inner narrative, you are able to see others (and the world at large) more clearly, and in turn then invite them in to be a part of your world.

What am I manifesting for myself by staying true to this Journey?

An Unfair Judgement Rx and Weave Your Reality – It’s true that what you focus on is what manifests in your life.

So, if you continue to judge yourself unfairly, it is that negative energy that permeates your life and it weaves a negative reality for you. By the same turn, if you lean to intuition and self kindness, you can weave a positive reality for yourself instead. Like any other addiction or habit, pessimism and negativity must be dealt with through dedication and diligence.

DECK USED: THE SEEKER ORACLE AND TRANQUIL TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsApr2022 Challenge Prompt
Topic for April 24th
: Do Spread #2
Question: The project of the deck shelves has been stalled lately. How can I get back on track?

Art of Pixar Postcard Set and Tranquil TarotReading Summary: You get what you give, so focus on your work and creating the outcome you want to happen, and keep in mind how much lighter you will feel once it’s done.

The postcard at the top speaks of overwhelm, and there is a color correlation between Buzz Lightyear’s suit at the bottom of the postcard, and the greens in the Eight of Pentacles. The speaks of looking at the project as if it is a big huge project, which you are finding overwhelming.

There’s blue throughout all four of the cards on the table, speaking of how everything connects together here, an indication of looking at the big picture. You can look at the big picture, or you can choose to connect to one small thing at a time, as is indicated by the pinks and purple hues hinted at throughout the postcard and on Buzz Lightyear’s helmet that are then reflected in the Justice card.

The yellow in the Fool is then even more sparingly flecked throughout the image above in the postcard. This speaks of picking and choosing smaller tidbits of the larger project, rather than looking at it as a whole, and how much easier and lighter it can feel if you approach the project in this manner.

Take Away: You have forgotten that you need to take things in small bites. Seeing in your mind the goal completed can keep you on track, but don’t then look at that project as a whole needing to be done. Take small steps, one at a time, and soon you’ll get there without realizing how far you’ve come. Use that relief of a goal finished as a carrot on a stick to keep you motivated.

DECK USED: TRANQUIL TAROT AND THE ART OF PIXAR POSTCARD SET

Daily Self Kindness

I took someone with me when I went to check on the parking garage after getting reports of car alarms going off down there.  Whoever broke in was apparently already gone (or at least we didn’t find anyone and neither did the cops when we called them in) but a handful of cars had been broken into.

Gideon’s Challenge

IMG_9507The Bleeding Heart

Your words
slip in
to touch my soul
and the ache
of tight knots
unfurls
bringing tears
to my eyes
that wash clean
the lingering cling
of pain
and help
my bleeding heart
begin to heal

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

You Get What You Give

Today’s meditation was skipped.

Blissful Dolphin TarotToday’s draw is the Justice card, which is traditionally a representation of cause and effect, balance, the justice system, as well as truth and fairness.

You get what you give.

If you’re not willing to put any energy or time into something, then you’re not going to get anything out of it in return.

This is true whether it’s about your meditation practice, about the work you need to do to get the shelves up, or anything else in life.

Taking some time to rest is one thing, but in order to get anything done, you actually have to put some effort into it.  Just remember, you can’t rest or dawdle forever.

DECK USED:  BLISSFUL DOLPHIN TAROT

Mr Lionharts’ #TheAprilTarot Animal Guide Challenge Prompt
Questions for Judgement- Day 22

Gentle Wisdom from the Faerie Realms Oracle and Blissful Dolphin TarotIn what area should I trust and follow my own judgement?

Integrity and Goals – Continue making decisions concerning your goals based on your moral compass and values. These qualities are more important than reaching an end goal quickly or achieving some thing you’ve had your eye on.

What bias am I guided to revisit?

Guardian and Power – There is no need to push for a connection with your spirit guides, as they are already there and eager to work with you. The obstacle you are feeling is not with them, but within yourself, and is something that will resolve itself over time without the need to plow through it in a rush.

DECK USED: GENTLE WISDOM OF THE FAERIE REALMS ORACLE AND BLISSFUL DOLPHIN TAROT

The Self Appreciation #STCTarotChallenge for April Prompt
Questions for April 20th thru 22nd

Blissful Dolphin TarotI will discontinue…

Three of Pentacles Rx – …insisting on doing everything alone. The cards have been reminding me for a while now that that I don’t need to do everything alone. Clearly it’s not sinking in very well, but I am trying.

So I may…

The Tower atop The Star – …take tower more moments in my life with more positivity, grace, and hope due to the contribution of others in my life. Their help has the ability to make everything just a bit better.

I will make more time for…

Knight of Cups – …the creative pursuits that make me happy. I spend far too much time doing the crap that doesn’t make me happy out of obligation or responsibility.

Because?

Ten of Pentacles – Doing so will introduce a greater sense of accomplishment and abundance into my life.

I can now…

Four of Wands – …more greatly appreciate my home. After having been away for the last few days, coming home has given me a greater appreciation for hearth and home as a whole.

And this helps?

Judgement – The increased sense of appreciation helps me in easing up on harsh judgments about what I haven’t gotten done around here lately.

DECK USED: BLISSFUL DOLPHIN TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

Not only did I get a nap today, I also got in some play time with Gideon.

Gideon’s Challenge

IMG_7433Home Coming

A welcome home
comes
in the chirrup
and meow
of a little voice
as tiny feet
stomp
on carpeted floors
to exclaim
displeasure
even as the rub
of sleek fur
against ankles
speaks the words
“I missed you so much”
over and over

Photo © ZenStatePhotography