The Mattress
Layers on layers
of feathery softness
create a bed
of green
perfect
for laying out
to stretch and curl
to nap and dream
to daydream
as we pick shapes
out of leaf patterns
and the clouds beyond
Lie with me, my love
Morning Bonus Read – Body In Pain
Check-in on my overall energy.
Tree – Flagging and not particularly the greatest. Although you are no longer flirting with burnout at every turn, neither are you taking care of yourself as well as you could… or should. Slacking on your physiotherapy, eating too much junk, and not getting enough outside time and exercise are all starting to take their toll both physically as well as energetically.
Is there something this pain is trying to tell me?
Snake – You’re doing this to yourself. Your betrayal of your body is all self imposed and the results that come from it are created by you and you alone.
How can I make it easier to hear what this pain has to say?
Fish – Stop fighting against the current and go with the flow. Begin shifting and adapting to get back on track. You don’t have to do it all at once, but you do need to start gravitating in that direction instead of just continuing blindly on this path of self destruction.
How can I release the harsh perception of this pain as my enemy?
Child – See it as a call to start again and refresh what you’re doing. The pain isn’t an enemy but the result of bad choices. By clearing out the old and taking a more youthful, open eyed approach to the situation you will better see your pain as an ally to guide you rather than an enemy to struggle against.
How can I support myself physically while this pain is present?
Mountain – Accept it as the fucking monstrous hurdle that it is. Your pain is permanent, but the levels can be managed. This reading is about how you deal with that hurdle, not eliminating it.
How can I support myself emotionally while this pain is present?
Moon – Understand that as long as your pain is out of control, so too will be your emotions. Just accepting this fact alone can help you in better supporting yourself emotionally, as it gives you a rational view of the constantly shifting emotions going on, as well as the jagged emotional highs and lows the pain creates.
DECK USED: SAWYER’S LENORMAND ORACLE
Do What You Love
Today’s meditation was just over ten minutes long, and was another of the guided meditations from the Calm app combined with an interval timer for my piriformis stretching.
The focus of today’s meditation was… hm… I don’t remember. I’m not sure if I was actually paying attention beyond the rhythmic breathing exercise that was going on. I would surmise, though, that it was about intuition and autonomy in one’s life. About “steering our own boat” in life by listening to our intuition and what feels right for us.
Today’s draw is the Eight of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of hard work and honing one’s skills and abilities. This often leads to themes that have to do with manifestation, perfectionism, and expertise in one’s crafts or vocational field.
The imagery here is quite traditional (other than it being a rabbit instead of a human) and, when combined with the affirmation card for today, the message is clear.
Too much work and not enough play. Too much time spent doing the crap I don’t enjoy, and not enough time spent doing the things that I do.
When you’re taking a break? Take. A. Break. Don’t work on the side, and don’t worry about work. Let it GO and take that break that you need to be healthy and happy, and do the things that make you happy and healthy.
DECK USED: NORTHERN ANIMAL TAROT AND LESS ANXIETY AFFIRMATION CARDS
The Sacred Grounds Tarot Club Prompt
Questions for July 12th and 15th
What barriers will I need to overcome to embrace this growth? (From July 10th)
The Star, Strength atop Six of Coins Rx
Don’t push yourself to give to others right now. You are struggling with finding that positive outlook at the moment, and spreading yourself too thin isn’t going to help. You’re often told that you give too much of yourself, and right now? You need to listen to that advice and focus on yourself for the time being.
What tools would support me in overcoming these barriers?
Nine of Wands and Four of Coins
Good boundaries are essential right now. Make sure they are firmly anchored and grounded, and built for the long haul. Don’t be wishy-washy. Be decisive and keep those boundaries strong. Sink those fence posts deep in the soil so that the fence can withstand what storms may come.
How will this growth support my journey?
Eight of Cups and The Fool
Moving forward on to a healthier path will allow you to feel less weighed down. Lighter and more care free. Invigorated. This sort of energy can not just lift you up and keep you positive, but make each step along your journey that much easier and more enjoyable.
What abundance will this growth bring me?
Five of Wands atop Two of Swords
Less time spent fighting with yourself (and the world at large), which means more time enjoying life and my journey.
DECK USED: SEAWITCH TAROT
#DiscordTarotholicsJul2021 Challenge Prompt
Question: How does my inner adolescent feel right now?
Reading Summary: No chaos (The Tower Rx). No scarcity (Five of Pentacles Rx). Just potential (The World).
Take Away: Okay, so essentially, what these cards are saying is that during my adolescence I lived in a constant state of chaos and scarcity. I have spent the majority of my adult life rectifying that, and my inner adolescent now feels secure and able to look beyond those fears to the potential that the future holds.
The enjoyment I find in spending money on decks, crystals, and brand name foods and other “consumer treats” is my inner adolescent celebrating his release from those fears.
So… spoiled rotten and full of potential.
DECK USED: NORTHERN ANIMAL TAROT
Lots of time with Gideon. I also managed to do my meditation today, even though I wasn’t feeling particularly enthused about it.
Gideon’s Challenge
Your Smile
Fiery and bright
ruby veins
spread
leaves wide
to greet
the sun’s warmth
Just as I
eagerly greet
each smile
you cast my way
my day turned vibrant
like sunlight
through leaves
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Don’t Push So Hard
Today’s meditation was just under twelve minutes long, and was a guided meditation with the Calm app, combined with a interval timer for my piriformis stretching.
The focus of today’s meditation was (again) about focusing on the present instead of getting distracted by thoughts of the past and the future. My favorite part of today’s meditation, though, was in the shift from focusing on the breath to focusing on the hands and dissecting the experience of each fingertip, finger, palm, backs of the hands, etc. I find this type of meditation very soothing.
Today’s draw is the King of Coins, which is traditionally a representation of a projective Alpha energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s finances, resources, home, health, manifestations, and the physical realm. This often translates in to themes that have to do with responsibility, stability, and financial acumen, as well as solid, grounded authority figures.
Looking at the affirmation card, it brings up the whole “pushing and striving” thing, and this is something that I do a lot. Like… a lot. When it comes to my own work and goals, I am a relentless son of a bitch. A slave driver. I know this, and I’ve been working to ease up on myself lately.
The combination of these two cards today is a reminder that it’s possible to both be responsible and successful, even while not pushing yourself until you’re grinding yourself down to a nub. It’s okay to not push so hard. You’ll still get where you’re going, it might just take a little longer to get there. But that extra time? It won’t be wasted, because you’ll enjoy the journey a great deal more.
DECK USED: JOIE DE VIRVE TAROT AND LESS ANXIETY AFFIRMATION CARDS
Mr Lionharts’ #TheJulyTarot #TarotSuitsChallenge Prompt
Questions for July 11th and 12th
Something that can help me make the most out of how I feel this week.
Page of Swords and Seven of Batons
Take into consideration what others want from you. This doesn’t mean you have to do it (whatever “it” may be)… but it means that you at least have an idea of what expectations are out there. Then you can choose your own path while being better informed.
In what way am I asked to honor my current feelings?
The sun and Knight of Coins
Fostering feelings of freedom and fun are important. Take some time to have some fun, and don’t worry so much about if your responsibilities and obligations are moving slowly. They’re still moving.
DECK USED: ANECDOTES TAROT
#DiscordTarotholicsJul2021 Challenge Prompt
Topic: Do Spread #2
Question: On the topic of my feelings concerning the progressive glasses that I just got.
Reading Summary: Instead of going in to rectify any issues with the glasses (Eight of Cups), you will be tempted (The Devil) to just sit on the issue (Four of Cups).
The Four of Cups connects to the Eight of Cups through the blue hues, reinforcing the desire to just walk away from the issue and be apathetic about it rather than confronting things.
The Knight of Coins then connects to the Devil through the yellow, indicating that I need to make sure that I’m being responsible and not letting my temptation get the better of me.
Take Away: Don’t play into that “oh fuck it” mentality when you’ve put so much money on the line for these glasses. Do the hour a day test run with them, and then report in if the issue with the short distance vision is still there at the end of things. They have an obligation to get them right, and if that means they have to be sent in to adjust the lenses? Then that’s what needs to happen.
DECK USED: JOIE DE VIRVE TAROT
I have now meditated over a week now, and I’d like to take a moment to actually show what the meditation does for me. A measurable, visible thing it actually does for me and proof that it is helping, and does work, even when I feel like it’s sometimes a waste of time.
Gideon’s Challenge
Summer Fun
Vibrant stars
burst
in sunlight’s cast
thriving in heat
And as we
swelter
more buds
stretch toward sky
and seek to open
and shine
Shine with me
