The Hedgerows
Blue skies
and autumn clouds
and turning leaves
on the ground
come walk with me
among the rows
and enjoy the nip
of chill not yet cold
Soon tree leaves
will begin to fall
the world aflame
enough color for all
but for right now
lets take a walk
just you and I
among the rows
gone to rot
The day after tomorrow is the new moon, and like all new moons and full moons, I did a spread aligned to the moon’s current themes as a part of my recognition of the moon’s cycle and influences upon us. Today’s spread is about unraveling balance, and brought to you by Sharron Basanti of Seeds of Shakti.
1. What aspect of my life is tipping the scales out of balance?
Eight of Wands – Impatience. Your desire for immediate gratification. This is something that we are all guilty of in one way or another, and you are no exception. These cards indicate that when you lean into your impatience, that in turn upsets the scales of balance in your life.
2. How can I correct that imbalance?
Four of Pentacles – Work on being happier with what you already have. Sink into the present and be mindful of where you are instead of allowing yourself to constantly push forward or seek more.
3a. What unhealthy habits do I need to liberate myself from in order to find my equilibrium?
Temperance – Less impatience, more moderation. Focus on the spiritual connection you have with the earth and the world around you instead of allowing yourself to be distracted by a myriad of curiosities and interests.
3b. What unhealthy relationships do I need t liberate myself from in order to find my equilibrium?
Ten of Cups – You need to reevaluate your relationship with pleasure and what makes you feel complete. What are you searching for that you’re self-medicating to ignore or to only “sorta satisfy”, in the same way that a couple might have a baby in order to try and “fix” their relationship?
4. How can I create space for harmony to thrive and flourish in my mind?
Six of Swords – Start making healthy changes. Although baby steps definitely count, sometimes more than baby steps are needed.
5. Message from the Ancestors.
Knight of Pentacles – It’s okay to take things slow, as long as you keep moving.
Today’s meditation was skipped because J showed up just about the time I was lying down and told us we had to go right -then- in order to make the dinner reservations he’d made to use up the expiring gift card his boss gave him. So yeah. I went from lying down to meditate, to rushing into a tie and jacket ensemble so we could go eat fancy for free.
Today’s draw is the Emperor card, which is traditionally a representation of responsibility, leadership, authority, and making decisions for the greater good.
Again (third day in a row?) the cards of encouragement today are all about expectations. Specifically, the expectations that we put upon ourselves. The demanding, perfectionist, even cruel expectations we demand from ourselves.
The thing is? No matter how much responsibility we have, or how much we need to get done? There’s always going to be room for improvement. That doesn’t mean that we’re doing a bad job. It just means that there’s always room for more growth. So don’t look at that space we have yet to expand into and improve upon as a flaw. It’s not a flaw… it’s potential.
Mr Lionharts’ #TheOctoberTarot #SeasonoftheWitchChallenge Prompt
Question for October 3rd
Ever mind the rule of three, what I send out [a card to represent what you need to focus on this month]
Three of Coins – Teamwork. Working together towards a common goal. As the preparations for the holiday rush start to come underway, it’s important to remember to work together instead of trying to take everything onto my own shoulders.
Through teamwork with L and Z, a great deal more can be accomplished and we can all feel involved in the process.
Comes back to me [draw three cards]
More of a sense of adventure in my work (Le Mat), and less overwhelm (Ten of Wands Rx) throughout the ups and downs that the future holds (La Roue de Fortune).
That teamwork allows me more rest, and more freedom to have fun instead of just slog forward. There’s no longer a need to flirt with the edges of burnout on a continual basis, and although my enthusiasm is still recovering from the years of abuse doing just that, these cards indicate that I have an opportunity this year by working with L and Z, to get a little of that joy and adventure back.
#DiscordTarotholicsOct2021 Challenge Prompt
Topic: Do Spread #1
Question: How am I going to feel about where I currently live once the condo across the street is finished?
Reading Summary: You’re going to feel like it’s time to move on (Three of Wands), which may not be a bad thing (The Sun) if you can find something that suits you better (Seven of Cups).
Vertical line symmetry between the first and second card connect the concept of moving on with the struggle of finding something suitable to move on to.
Green, lush and warm and absent from the previous two cards is verdant in the Sun card, indicating that if I can find that perfect fit (the color of the cups in the center card matching the sunflowers in the Sun) that joy will then be the result.
Take Away: NOT the fucking answer I wanted to hear damnit.
Something has changed since I asked this question about six months or so ago. Perhaps the plans for the building were adjusted between then and now or something. Whatever has changed, it has shifted the future outcome that was in the previous reading.
In this reading we see a high likelihood that I’m not going to be happy living here anymore once the building across the way is done, and that there will be a great deal of effort in finding something that will suit my needs to transition into.
I fucking hate moving. I know this place is a bit small for my needs, but I’m not thrilled at the idea of moving. Who knows… maybe there will be further shifts between now and then. I’ll just have to wait and see… and maybe just keep an eye on the kind of real estate coming available in my area. You know, just in case.
I had the most amazing dinner. Baked garlic and cheese shrimp, a mixed greens salad, medium rare steak tenderloin, twice baked potato, roasted vegetables, and a delicious ice cream cake dessert. Even the bread was spectacular. The food was SO good. The bill was just a bit over $200, but we ended up paying about $15 each cuz of J’s gift card. I’m so glad I went.
The Cycles
Gone are little
floral bits
as berries swell
with raindrop’s kiss
a little sun
and then the grow
to tempting fruit
making
branches bow
Soon enough
leaves will change
and life will fade
til spring comes
again
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?
Earth – The Emperor and Imagination – Use your imagination this week to stay on top of things that are your responsibility. A bit of predictive projection about what is to come is not a bad idea right now.
Air – Queen of Wands and Illumination – Be sure that you are staying aware of your inner narratives this week and bringing to light what’s going on inside your head. Make it a focus… even your main focus wouldn’t be a bad idea this week. You need this awareness right now for things to go smoothly later.
Water – Wheel of Fortune and The Shadow – Be aware that with Gid going away soon, you’re going to have a lot of doubts and worries that’ll be running rampant this week. Lots of ups and downs as concerns that are usually not an issue now arise to screw with you emotionally. Keep in mind that this is a reaction to that upcoming vacation and not based in reality.
Fire – Eight of Pentacles and Disquiet – Don’t let restlessness push you into working yourself to death this week. This is very likely your last few days off until the end of December.
Waning – Hearth atop Lady de los Muertos – Be sure that you don’t let the changes going on right now as the transition towards the holiday rush slides into full swing draw you from your sense of comfort and security this week.
Waxing – Jack-O’-Lantern – Shore up on your protections and check your wards. Make sure everything is in place and ready for the “time of inattention” that the holiday rush can cause.
Take Away – I need to take this week to get as much recuperation as I can while I have the chance, and not allow my restlessness for the holiday rush cause me to take for granted this time. There is also a reminder here about staying positive, and staying aware of what’s going on in my head so that I can course correct any negative inner narrative going on instead of allowing it to get out of hand and drag me down.
Today’s meditation was just over ten minutes long and was the fifth installment of the Foundations III series on the Balance app. It was a continuation of the Yoga Nidra technique, which I’ve mentioned before is a favorite of mine. I’m not noticing a lot of difference between the different installments in this particular technique, but I don’t really mind since I enjoy the body scans.
Today’s draw is the Four of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of dejection, refusal of assistance, contemplative moments, meditation, and feelings of apathy.
Sometimes feelings of apathy come from anxiety. You stress and worry and over time you feel this sense of disconnect because you just feel like it’s too much. This is how it happens with me sometimes. It gets to be too much and I shut down as a defense mechanism.
The problem is, in this “shut down” space? It’s so easy to fall into negativity and pessimistic habits. It’s so easy to say “this shit just isn’t going to work” and decide to give up and not even try. This can be especially the case when you feel like the world is trying to beat you down or is picking on you.
Today’s cards are a reminder to not let those feelings win. To remember that this is temporary, whatever “this” actually may be. The feelings, the situation, the problem, the trials… it’s temporary. And you -will- get through it.
PatriciaWestonWitch’s #wwpwHalloweenLenormand Prompt
Questions for October 1st and 2nd
What do I need to sweep out of my life?
Curiosity and Temperance
Now is a time to let your curiosity and eagerness for life to flourish. Sweep away the hesitation and moderation in this area of your life, and let in all the wonder around you to dazzle and spark interest and energy in your life.
What message have my spirit guides for me today?
Temptation atop Message, The Lovers atop The Hierophant
An opportunity to learn something new is coming, and you’ll be very tempted to take them up on the offer when it arrives.
Make sure that you remember not to fill your plate too full and make yourself unhealthy as a result. As tempting as the offer is, consider if it is worth a decline in health and happiness to take that opportunity offered, or if it wouldn’t be better to set it aside and see if it comes back around for you again at a better time in your life.
The #EmbraceYourAlterEgo2021 Challenge for Sacred Grounds Tarot Club
Questions for October 1st thru 4th
Who am I?
Four of Coins atop Five of Cups – A pessimist with a fixation on stability and security.
Who is My Alter Ego?
King of Wands atop Six of Wands – Someone constantly driven forward by their passions and willing to lead the way to new and innovative ideas, but requires feedback from others to feel complete.
How do I see myself?
The Hermit atop Queen of Coins atop Seven of Wands – A champion of my own principles and values, with a heavy focus that is based on earthly delights and getting out alone in nature for restoration and replenishment.
How does my Alter Ego see themselves?
Page of Wands – Innovative and imaginative, with tons of great ideas to explore and new things to learn.
I let myself skip catching up on blog posts and played with Gideon and a friend in interactive storytelling RP instead.
