Defining Perfection

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Today’s meditation was skipped… sort of.  I did a bit of a meditation out in the woods when I was on my hike, but it wasn’t an actual -meditation- but more of a quiet pause.

Korean Tarot and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the White Porcelain Moon Jar 6. This deck is titled as a tarot, but is actually an oracle deck. For this reason, there is no traditional meaning to note here today.

In this imagery, we see the hard work and focus on building expertise that is often associated with the Eight of Pentacles, combined with a hint of the need to please others that are watching on that is typically associated with the Six of Wands.

Combined with the Thera-Pets card for today, what I see as the message in these cards is that nothing is perfect and no one is perfect. When we strive for perfection, it’s important to remember that the definition of perfect is fluid and subjective. It is defined by each of us, and thus to achieve perfection, it’s not working harder and pushing harder that earns us our goal… but adjusting our perspective and acceptance about what “perfection” actually means in the first place.

DECK USED:  KOREAN TAROT AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

BekahMurphysMagic’s #IntuitiveHealingTarotChallenge Prompt
Questions for September 21st thru 23rd

Mystical Creatures Oracle and Aquarian TarotWhat challenges do I face in connecting with my intuition?

Ghoul and Eight of Pentacles – You have spent so much time in your past focusing elsewhere and allowing your intuition to run (and lead) in the background, that it can be difficult to draw it forward into the light and into sharp focus now. Although it is highly honed, it’s an element you don’t have a lot of control over other than to listen and follow.

How can I unblock my Third Eye Chakra in order to receive my intuitive gifts?

Valkyrie and Knight of Rods – This is an impulsive idea, and far more trouble than it’s worth. There is no advice here on how to do it, just a warning not to.

This is actually something I very much agree with. There is far too much focus placed on “opening the third eye” in new age circles these days. There are far less potentially harmful and misguided ways to develop one’s intuition than trying to rip off a filter that protects you from being overwhelmed.

What should I reflect on to better open myself to my intuitive gifts?

Naga and Judgement – Where are you closing yourself off? How is this effecting your path forward and your development into the person that you ultimately want to become?

DECK USED: MYTHICAL CREATURES ORACLE AND AQUARIAN TAROT

Healer Josephine’s #MindfulImperfectionTarot Prompt
Questions for September 15th thru 19th

Korean TarotWhat part of me longs to “color outside the lines”?

The White Porcelain Moon Jar 10 – The part of me that seeks approval from others.

How can I support this part of me?

Palace Nurse Making Medicine – Turn the care, kindness, and empathy that you show to others around and show it to yourself as well.

How can I release resistance to being imperfect?

Yutnori – Focus instead upon taking more pleasure in the small things and the people that you surround yourself with.

DECK USED: KOREAN TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I went for a hike! I couldn’t play a lot of the more fast paced games of the Fae or do any hard and heavy trails due to my ankle, but I did get out in nature and spend some time in those deep, dark liminal spaces that draw me so strongly.

Gideon’s Challenge

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IMG_4535Black Eyed Susan

Open faces
greet the rain
eager for each
cold drip
that patters down
from on high
and sunny petals
bob in the breeze
to greet brightly
and remind us all
that there’s still
time left
before winter’s bite
arrives

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Finding the Fire Within – Part III

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Stretch Lenormand - Finding the Fire Within Reading

How can I incorporate self-discipline to stay true to myself moving forward?

Dog and Birds – Be kind and loyal to yourself. Don’t allow your inner narrative to turn ugly and hurtful, but instead use your self discipline to bolster yourself with positive feedback and kindness.

What should I avoid?

Scythe and Ship – Being cruel to yourself isn’t going to get you anywhere. Self- flagellation only holds you back.

What lessons have I learned from this process?

House and Child – To see my personal “sphere” in a different light that is more open and positive than before.  Opening my eyes required re-framing how I see things, and these readings have assisted me in that, allowing me to take a fresh look at what I’ve built in my life and the shelter it provides.

What inspires me to be true to myself?

Broom and Mountain – This answer might seem a bit odd, but it’s the things that I have struggled to overcome that give me the strength and inspiration to be my  true self.  Some organisms grow best in ash instead of soil.

How does my authentic self align with my purpose?

Letter and Fish – By chronicling your journey as you work to learn to better go with the flow of life’s currents, you don’t just allow yourself to reflect back on your personal journey, but allow others to be inspired in the sharing of it.

A card for self-care.

Cross and Stork – Don’t forget that you require a certain amount of recovery and recuperation after shifts of fate and unexpected changes.  It’s okay to give yourself that time, to allow yourself to sink into it instead of pushing forward.

DECK USED:  STRETCH LENORMAND

No Need To Rush Forward

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Today’s meditation was supposed to be about twelve minutes long, but it got cut short a few minutes when the housekeeper showed up early.  Still, the portion of it that I did was nice, and did seem to help my anxiety a bit as well.

Terato Tarot and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Two of Fire (Wands), which is traditionally a representation of making future plans and plotting a direction forward, including all the decisions and work involved in plotting for progress.

I spend a lot of time focused on self care and self improvement. On becoming a better person, and healing old wounds.  These endeavors often feel like they need some type of planning and plotting of a course of action, regardless of the fact that my cards often remind me that they will happen at their own pace in their own time.

And that, right there, is the message in today’s cards.

Not everything needs to be planned out to the letter, nor is holding expectations on how long things should take or how far you should be able to go in a set amount of time help in these types of journeys.

It’s okay to savor where you are now and let the future take care of itself.  It’s okay to release expectations and let things develop at their own pace. As much as we want to heal and improve? We don’t have to push this endeavor. These things will work themselves out with only a bit of focus on your part… no detailed plans required.

DECK USED:  TERATO TAROT AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2021 Challenge Prompt
Questions for September 20th and 21st

Lauren Marx Art Card and Black Lilly TarotWhat do you need to focus on for self-care for this full moon?

Connecting with the central image, there is decay in the Wheel of Fortune, renewal in the Seven of Cups, and deception in the Five of Swords.

Make sure you are taking care of to pay close attention to those around you and what their motivations might be. Not everything is as innocent as it might it first appear.

Transitions are happening at a quicker rate now that you are closer to the end of the month. Make the choices that begin to move you forward into the new “world order” of the busy season ahead. Doing this in a healthy way will help balance out the sense of unpredictability that is eating at your confidence, and allow you to retain the growth you’ve accomplished this year as you move forward.

What lessons can Libra season (beginning on the 22nd) teach you this year?

Connecting with the central image, there is a raw unraveling within the Four of Cups Rx. The Ten of Cups and Strength cards are threaded through with potential, while the Six of Wands connects with rampant growth.

Libra season wants to teach you to not be so hard on yourself when it comes to the things you’re unable to accomplish. Instead, you need to keep your focus placed upon where you want to go and what’s going to make you happiest in the long run. Celebrate your accomplishments instead of punishing yourself for your failures.

DECK USED: LAUREN MARX ART CARDS AND BLACK LILLY TAROT

The #ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge Prompt for the Sacred Grounds Tarot Club
Questions for September 19th and 22nd

Terato TarotHow do I choose hope over fear?

Justice – Keep in mind that life is about balance. That means that “leveling out” is the key factor that drives most of life’s experiences. Everything balances out in the end, but you can help it to do so by staying positive instead of letting your pessimistic qualities take hold and become self fulfilling prophecy.

Can I put myself first?

Three of Earth – Not without help from others. This is something you are still learning to do, and others in your sphere are helping with the process.  You’re not at the point yet where you’re able to naturally move in that direction on your own.

Can I accept myself – even my faults?

Page of Air – Your brain works in a very logical manner. Accepting yourself (faults and all) is going to be a mental exercise, not an emotional one. It’s through logic and reason that you will be able to find the acceptance of those faults.  By picking them apart (instead of punishing yourself for them) you can understand that they are a natural part of who you are… and a natural part of being human.

Do I feel I deserve…

Love – Seven of Water – Sometimes. This is constantly in flux depending on what is going on with you at the time.

Compassion – The Empress – Yes. Everyone deserves compassion, even you. This is something that you naturally offer to others, and expect without question in return from others.

Empathy – Nine of Swords – No. in fact you expect to be judged harshly.

DECK USED: TERATO TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

Today was an orders day, but I managed to lie down for an hour or so after the housekeeper left and take a little nap. It was very much needed.

Gideon’s Challenge

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IMG_4567Autumn’s Breath

Seasons shift
with a vibrant sigh
as yellow and orange
bleed bright
into verdant green
as droplets fall
to bathe the world
in the cleansing
wash of rain
and in a breath
autumn
greets the senses
in a celebration
of scents

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Full Moon in Pisces – September 2021

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Today is the full 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 the ebb and flow, and brought to you by Sharron Basanti of Seeds of Shakti.

Full Moon In Pisces Tarot Reading - Journey of the Bearded Tarot

1. What emotional wounds need to be cleansed by the healing waters of the Pisces Full Moon?

Five of Air – Your sense of defeat. It can be hard to keep going when you feel beaten down and are just waiting for the next shoe to drop. Take a breath and let these feelings ease, and release that tight grip you have on the anticipation of more to come.

2. What do I need to surrender to the ebb and flow of the Universal ocean?

Four of Earth – Let go of the expectation of yourself that everything you do has to be perfect. Sometimes “good enough” really is good enough.

3. What emotions is the Full Moon magnifying that need to be explored?

Page of Fire – You need to look more deeply into why you feel the need to push so hard. What is it that has you so determined to drown yourself in work before the holiday rush has even begun?

4. How can I allow my intuition to flow with more ease?

Hierophant Rx – Be less rigid with yourself and others about how things are “supposed to be”. Individuality, as  you know, holds a massive amount of value.  Everyone’s path is different, including your own, so don’t be so exacting with yourself. Adaptability and flexibility are extremely important.

5. What messages is the Universe sending to me as I sleep?

Knight of Water – This card is an echo of a message provided in my Self Care Saturday reading for this week. Watch closely for those looking to manipulate you through emotional means. Pay attention to the tugging of heartstrings that feel like marionette strings on your will and decisions.

6. Message from the Ancestors.

Five of Earth – You’re not going to get where you want to go this week. Don’t get discouraged, just adapt and keep going.

DECK USED: JOURNEY OF THE BEARDED TAROT