Patience
What are you
waiting for
standing still
on the rocks
overlooking
the sea
as if any moment
something
breathtaking
will leap free
and into
your arms
Gideon’s Challenge – Patience
Sharing the Light
Today’s meditation was skipped.
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Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.
Today’s draw is The Hermit card, which is traditionally a representation of solitude, self reflection and introspection, alone time, and inner guidance.
The card has then been combined with the Septarian card from the Lavish Earth Crystal Affirmation deck, which quotes Thich Nhat Hanh to say, “Because of your smile, you make life more beautiful.”
Have you ever noticed that when you sincerely smile at others, they have a tendency to respond in turn? Even if they don’t really want to, often their corner of their lips will twitch a little bit anyway.
A genuine smile and the joy that it holds is contagious. It spreads from one person to the next. Sometimes in the form of a smile that continues on, but other times in the form of your smile creating a softening in the other person that then causes them to be softer to themselves or to someone else later on.
Sometimes, in the Hermit card, I find myself wondering who it is that the Hermit is holding his lantern for. He’s on a solo journey of self-reflection, so what is the lantern (located externally) actually illuminating? In this particular card, his lantern illuminates runes on the rocks. These runes speak of safe travels, insights, and breakthroughs. There are also a couple of lizards among the rocks, indicative of passionate pursuits.
The message in today’s card combination is a reminder that when we step outside of ourselves a bit in order to share those smiles and small samples of joy with others, we are sending out something good into the world. Even when we are so wrapped up in ourselves, we can still do this. It’s a simple as giving someone a hint of a grin or a smile as you pass them on the street, in a store, or on a bus.
DECKS USED: SACRED WITCH TAROT AND LAVISH EARTH CRYSTAL AFFIRMATION DECK
One Card Tarot Journal Activity by @mariasofia_astro
Chapter 6 | Entry 16 – Spiritual Development
Affirmation : “I acknowledge both the light and dark parts of myself.”
Prompt : One of the easiest ways to discover your shadow side (the parts of yourself that you often view as “bad” or shameful) is to consider something that annoys or upset you about another person. Often those feelings are discarded parts of your own personality that you have “disowned.” How can you confront your shadow side, using the wisdom of the tarot card you draw?
What feelings came up when I pulled this card?
One of the things that really bothers me in other people is favoritism and nepotism. I dislike that it creates an atmosphere of uncertainty for everyone else while also creating a sense of false security in those it is given to. It unbalances the scales in my opinion, and it is the immediate reaction that came to me when I saw the card here and it’s altered title from “The Moon” to “The Spousal Hire”.
Realizing this as the theme, I had a little internal war go on inside concerning how stringent I am with myself and those around me that favoritism is not okay. Reasoning this out, though, that little war going on inside me is because sometimes I am tempted… extremely tempted to play favorites, to the point where sometimes I have to step away and create some distance instead of making a decision at the time.
I strongly dislike this side of me that wants to play favorites from time to time and not be fair across the board. Even if I don’t give it free reign, it’s still there in the background now and then whispering in my ear.
What elements of the card’s meaning resonate with me and this prompt?
As mentioned, when you create the imbalance that comes with favoritism and nepotism, whether they are qualified for the job or not, it creates a sense of uncertainty. Lack of stability becomes a part of the equation on anything that this person does, always niggling in the background.
There’s also an imbalance and uncertainty created in this dynamic because you can’t really correct or reprimand an employee that is a spouse or family member or friend in the same way that you would any other employee. At least, not without there being real life repercussions outside of work.
The Moon card is all about uncertainty, and combined with the renaming of this card, shines a light on the imbalance and uncertainty that such hiring practices create.
What in the artwork spoke to me?
Both of the figures in this card look disgusted and unhappy. This is because whenever we mix personal life and work life together, they bleed into each other just like these two figures are working and trying to enjoy a lobster dinner at the same time. The emotions get jumbled up, time management gets jumbled up, as sooner or later it creates a bit of a mess.
I have seen a dynamic where spouses working together actually works out, but only when they are equals. A “spousal hire” indicates that one of these figures ranks below the other, which is sure to eventually create conflict and sire uncertainty in one way or another.
My prompt response and reflections.
Favoritism and nepotism are a natural inclination that everybody experiences from time to time. This card encourages acknowledging the imbalance and the uncertainty that such behaviors create so that you are able to better resist those temptations.
It is absolutely possible to acknowledge these temptations without giving into them. That acknowledgment makes you more self-aware and creates a resistance that fosters greater stability. There’s no need to berate yourself for what you aren’t doing. Instead, congratulate yourself for self-awareness and avoiding the pitfall when this temptation rises to the surface and you’re aware enough to resist it’s lure.
Other elements included in this reading:
Copper D20 Die and Banded Agate D6 Die
DECK USED: THE ACADEMIC TAROT
A Simple Two Card Spread by @thetarotdiagnosis
Yes, – Four of Pentacles
Yes, you can create a greater sense of stability beneath your feet by leaning into restraint and miserly behavior until you are saving nearly every penny you earn,
and… – Four of Cups
… and in doing so you will begin to alienate yourself into solitude. It’s important to remember that although some alone time is all well and good, too much of it can become unhealthy and create a disconnect between you and others that doesn’t need to be there.
Take Away : Your pursuit of stability is like anything else in life. It requires a balance.
Too much spending might in some ways increase your social life and the amount of fun you have with others, but doing this would be overindulging and create a problem. On the other hand, not enough spending has the opposite affect and isolates you away from others, because you are unwilling to pay your share of things and so you bow out instead of participating.
The “Yes, and…” here is an encouragement to bring your attention to making sure you are finding that balance, and not tipping too far in one direction or the other.
Other elements included in this reading:
Beech Pod for Realizations that Foster Personal Growth
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy
DECK USED: SACRED WITCH TAROT
I waited for Jer to get back from town to help me put back up Ms B’s curtains that got washed today, instead of trying to do it by myself.
Gideon’s Challenge – The Surrender
The Surrender
Tufts of white
turn
pink and blue
as evening
dips into
a whisper of
darkness to come
looking like
a celebration
as sunset
dips toward dusk
and the day
is left behind
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Finding the Fit
Today’s meditation was a ten minute long #DailyCalm session from the @Calm app.
• • • ◈ • ❄️ • ◈ • • •
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.
Today’s draw is the Ace of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of the seed of new beginnings in the area of one’s thoughts, intellect, education, logic and reason, ambition, or communication
The Ace of Swords card has then been combined with an affirmation card from The Little Yogi Happy Notes affirmation deck, which says, “ Freedom is… when you just don’t care what others think about you.”
Don’t let what others think about you be a consideration when you are communicating your true self. Nobody has the ability to please everyone or be a good fit for everyone.
With diversity as the spice of life, it’s important for us all to present ourselves authentically to the world around us. In doing so, we open up potential to attract those who accept us as we are rather than expecting us to change to be what they want us to be.
The message in today’s card combo is a reminder to stop worrying so much about what others think of you, and worry instead about presenting yourself authentically so that those who are a good fit for you are drawn to you organically.
DECKS USED: THE WONDERFUL TAROT OF OZ AND THE LITTLE YOGI HAPPY NOTES
One Card Tarot Journal Activity by @mariasofia_astro
Chapter 1 | Entry 1 – Self-Care and Personal Development
Affirmation : “I have many strengths and positive qualities that I admire in myself.”
Prompt : Based on the card you draw, what is a talent or skill you can appreciate about yourself and continue to hone right now?
What feelings came up when I pulled this card?
I had a bit of an “oy” moment in response to this card on first glance. The reason for this is twofold.
First, the red and the alcohol. (More on this below, but suffice to say that they have self destruct connotations).
Second… I have to admit I was hoping for a light and breezy answer. A lot of the activities I’ve done so far with this book have come back with some pretty heavy hitters as far as answers go, and that was repeated here today. It’s not the book’s fault, just that the cards the decks have been throwing seem to tend to take the prompts in that direction more often than not in the past couple weeks.
What elements of the card’s meaning resonate with me and this prompt?
The gist of the life path readings done for me, not once, but all three times and each a decade apart, is a theme of struggle, strife, and woe.
I can’t say that when I first heard this prediction in the cards that I was okay with it, but over time I have come to understand what it means.
It’s not about being a victim, it’s about being a survivor. It’s about being slammed down to the ground and crushed under the boot heel of fate, circumstance, and life… then getting your ass back up and keeping on moving forward.
That is what The Tower card is all about. It’s about destruction, and about where things go from there.
What in the artwork spoke to me?
Back to the red and the alcohol. Red, in this case, is an inflammatory color. Which corresponds well for me in reference to the bottle on the card.
I have been dry and sober for a long ass time. Alcohol has never been fun or entertaining for me. Instead, alcohol represents a descent into unhealthy behavior, and essentially “breaking” or “buckling” under whatever has created the self-destructive urge in me to reach for a bottle in the first place.
The urge to drink lies at the very bottom of a very deep well of painful experiences and hopelessness, under the mud in the muck at the bottom of that well. You don’t find it until you’ve reached bottom, and then been forced even deeper.
My prompt response and reflections.
One of my greatest talents and/or skills is the fact that no matter how many times I am knocked down and ground into the mud, I still get back up and keep going.
I am persistent. I am resilient. I’m a survivor.
I will turn that bullshit of pain and obstacles and failure that life hands me as it tears down what I’ve built into fertilizer, and use it to grow something new. Again and again.
Other elements included in this reading:
Amber Resin D25 Die
Banded agate D6 Die
DECK USED: THE HOUSEHOLDER’S TAROT
#DiscordTarotholicsJan2026 Challenge
Prompt for January 19th and 20th
What could you use more of in your life?
Seven of Swords and Ace of Cups – More selfishness without the negative emotional repercussions.
You spend an inordinate amount of time worrying about how your actions and words affect others. This is great when it’s about your partner or your loved ones, but you need to stop worrying about every little thing you do and say and how others are going to take it.
More spontaneity is needed, without beating yourself up over it during (and often after, as well).
What could you use less of in your life?
Judgement atop Seven of Wands – Less friction on the journey to becoming the person who you want to be.
You might want to consider the company you keep and how those around you create friction in moving in the direction you’ve chosen to take your life path and personal development. Who is fighting back against your goals and aspirations in this area, and why can’t you identify them easily?
Other elements included in this reading:
Hand Carved Buffalo Horn Raven for Protection and Guidance during Transitions
Japanese Cherry Leaf as a Reminder of Life’s Fleeting Moments
Deodar Cedar Cones for Fostering Clarity and Spiritual Connection
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy
DECK USED: THE WONDERFUL TAROT OF OZ
I skipped going to the grocery store today in order to avoid a potential hassle in the making. (Trouble spied in the parking lot prompted a change of plans.)
Gideon’s Challenge – Disheartened
Disheartened
Sitting still
I watch as
the world moves
moves one step
at a time
toward
something
breathlessly
reckless
and I wonder
where
the quiet went
and if
it will come back
ever again
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Home Is Where the Heart Is
Today’s meditation was skipped.
• • • ◈ • ❄️ • ◈ • • •
The @GlitterbyInk #JanJourney26 Embark to Renewal Challenge
The Arrival Prompt for January 18th : Renewal
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.
Today’s draw is the Four of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of one’s passionate love for the security and welcoming energies of home. This often translates into themes that have to do with homecoming, celebrating home and stability, as well as relaxation in comfortable spaces.
In an echo of a reading done yesterday, this card appears to be indicating that it might be a good idea to stay home and relax today and enjoy your time at home, rather than going out into the world.
It is tempting, with the sun shining, to ignore this advice… as well as the far more blatant advice of the cards pulled yesterday on the topic. That said, home isn’t such a bad idea. There’s lots I can do to enjoy life here at home and ground myself without taking an excursion to fuck around elsewhere.
The message in today’s “Renewal” prompt and Four of Wands card is a reminder that “home is where the heart is”. That means that when you come home, and when you are at home, it should be a place of renewal and restoration. If it’s not, it’s time to look at what is preventing that from happening and consider some solutions that might help.
DECK USED: LIZ DEAN’S GOLDEN TAROT (trimmed naked)
One Card Tarot Journal Activity by @mariasofia_astro
Chapter 1 | Entry 15 – Self-Care and Personal Development
Affirmation : “While I value my opinions, they do not define me. I allow myself to grow, evolve, and change.”
Prompt : Think of a topic that prompts strong feelings or reactions in you. What does the card you draw? Say about those feelings/reactions (where they come from, why they are so strong)? Consider what advice it is sharing about how you can constructively communicate your thoughts on that topic without alienating others.
What feelings came up when I pulled this card?
I winced. At first I thought that the upper horizontal line of the F in this card was piercing through the hip of the mermaid, and that the mermaid’s brains were falling out.
What elements of the card’s meaning resonate with me and this prompt?
My chosen topic that prompts strong feelings and reactions for me is willful ignorance. (Cuz I got a good dose of it last night from a loved one.)
The meaning of The Fool is often about new beginnings, but it’s also about lack of caution and an abundance of enthusiasm. I feel like the meaning of this card is telling me that there is no way to actually broach the topic of one’s willful ignorance without alienating the person in question.
No matter what approach you take in getting to a place where you can point out that they’re being ignorant, once you get to that place that butts up against their choice to be ignorant, you butt up against the line where alienation lies.
You can strategize, or you can blunder in blindly, but either way there’s going to be unintended consequences involved.
What in the artwork spoke to me?
As mentioned above, my first observation was the (mistaken) observation that the F appeared to be piercing through the mermaid’s hips. She’s still smiling, and she’s still going, but that shit had to hurt. This speaks to me of consequences for one’s actions.
Next to catch my notice were the bared breasts, which brought up the whisper in my head, that “oh, somebody’s gonna be offended”. It’s that whole “you can’t make everyone happy all the time” kind of thing. Nudity is always going to offend somebody, no matter how artistically meant or done.
Then there’s the snake and her reaching, these two arrived in my awareness together and are aligned by their angles. This seemed to speak to me to say that, no matter how good one’s intentions are, there’s always potential for negative outcomes.
My prompt response and reflections.
I’m a little disappointed in the answer that there is no way in which to approach the subject of willful ignorance without it turning into alienation and/or a clusterfuck. That hopeful little shit that lives inside my heart really wants to be able to discuss this with the people in my life that I have noticed blatantly practice this tactic. I really want to help them see a bigger picture.
And yet, in all of the different approaches I have tried and ways I have strategize to try and have a discussion over this issue in the past, it never turns out well. So, perhaps the cards are right, and there really is no way to successfully (without tension and alienation) have this conversation with them.
Other elements included in this reading:
Petrified Wood D6 and D20 Dice
DECK USED: INTERIM TAROT LETTERS EXPANSION
#DiscordTarotholicsJan2026 Challenge
Prompt for January 18th : Do Spread 3
Separate your deck into the four individual suits and major arcana, then shuffle each of those piles separately. Draw a card for each position.
Major Arcana Card – Something important in your life.
The Tower – Your business. In the Fall of last year, you went through a serious “Tower Moment” with your business. You are still recovering from this experience, and your business is still recovering from the changes and restructuring that was needed to adapt and keep going instead of getting stuck in the mire.
Wands Card – How the essence of the Wands suit influences this important thing in your life.
Seven of Wands – The fight that you are entrenched in with getting your business back on track is not just about what you want in life, but also about what you feel is right. The subjugation that you experienced has lit a fire under you to fight that will continue to burn for as long as you’re willing to keep stoking those flames.
Cups Card – How the essence of the Cups suit influences this important thing in your life.
Knight of Cups – You have within your focus what it is you want, and are motivated to reach for it. This “Tower Moment” caused you to reevaluate not just the needs that your business provides for, but also the wants and desires that support you in being happy in what you do.
Swords Card – How the essence of the Swords suit influences this important thing in your life.
Ten of Swords – You know no firsthand what it feels like (and how much it hurts) to crash and burn where your business is concerned. This experience wasn’t the end of you, and you were able to pick yourself up from the ashes to begin again. It’s proven to you once again that as much as something hurts, that doesn’t mean it has to end you in the process. You just come back stronger.
Pentacles Card – How the essence of the Pentacles suit influences this important thing in your life.
Nine of Pentacles – This experience has encouraged you to seek more satisfaction in the journey rather than just focusing on some goal at the end of the road. You’ve come to realize that the end of the journey is not your goal after all.
Other elements included in this reading:
Goat Charm as Sympathetic Representation of Amalthea
Foraged Purple Heather Sprigs for Independence and Luck
Carnelian Agate for Inner Drive and Focusing On Aspirations
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy
DECK USED: LIZ DEAN’S GOLDEN TAROT (trimmed naked)
I stopped by the butcher on the way home to pick up the farmer’s sausage that I’ve been craving.
Twisting the Leaf 