The Key
Little bud
dark and dusky
waits
for sunlight’s kiss
to relax
that tight grip
and let
vibrant colors
shine bright
like the balm
of love’s kiss
upon the soul
Morning Bonus Read – Checking In With Self
How I’m Feeling Right Now
Knight of Cups (Bellflower) – You feel lik there’s a lot that you need to get done and want to get done, and not enough time to get it all done in. This is a common problem for you and one that comes over you again and again because you have too much responsibility, too much inspiration, too much enthusiasm… and you try to fit too much into each day instead of pacing yourself.
What Can Soothe My Soul
Eight of Wands (Pine) – Move your ass. Although trying to go after everything you want every moment of every day isn’t healthy, that doesn’t mean there’s not plenty you can do and get done of you focus on one thing at a time and push through each thing til the end. Your focus is the key to making this happen, though. When your focus is split in too many different directions, the arrow can’t fly true.
How I Can Honor Myself Today
King of Pentacles (Honeysuckle) atop Queen of Pentacles (Guelder Rose) – Practicality over the gentle approach. It’s an orders day and if you really want to honor yourself you need to honor your responsibilities and obligations… without going too far with it. That means do what needs done, and balance it with a bit of self care. One project at a time is the ladder to success.
Something I’m Ignoring
The Moon (Lily of the Valley) – Your fears aren’t always unfounded… just unresolved. Instead of letting them hold you back or drag you down, suck on your energy and keep you dragging your feet… maybe you need to start looking at them and dealing with them. It wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world to do a bit of exploration in this area.
Something I’m Procrastinating
Ten of Wands (Oak) – Changing your mindset to one where you’re not over whelming yourself all the time. This is where this entire reading’s theme seems to lie. To take better care of yourself, you need to deal with these habits. Hiding from them isn’t the answer, because they’ll just resurface again and again. You need to find what is creating this constant urge to push yourself to burn out and start dealing with it so that you can move on to something healthier without the shadow of the old habit continuing to lurk in the wings.
Something To Be Grateful For
Ten of Cups (Crocus) – You’re not alone in your emotional journey. There are others there that are along for the ride, willing to help in lifting you up and supporting you not just in your endeavors but also in your emotions. Don’t forget to practice gratitude, and show your gratitude to those around you.
DECK USED: VINTAGE FLOWER FAERIES TAROT
Sometimes You Learn
Today’s meditation was skipped because it’s hot as fuck in my apartment right now. Two days of over 80 degF weather and power washing going on outside (which means all windows have to stay closed during the day) means that my apartment is hovering at about 85 degF and, even with the AC on in the evenings, doesn’t really ever drop below 80 degF. It’s just fucking miserable.
Today’s draw is The Chariot, which is traditionally a representation of control, determination, and taking up the reigns to steer things towards their goals. The card is about action and movement, it’s about getting things done and getting where you want to go.
I had actually forgotten how wonderful so much of the artwork in this deck is. This card is one of my favorites in the deck, in fact.
The theme of this card combined with the saying on the Flower Fortunes card, which is “Sometimes you win and sometimes you learn,” speaks to me about the fact that sometimes it doesn’t matter how much control you exert on a situation or endeavor… it’s just not meant to be. Instead, what’s meant to be is the lesson that you learn in -not- succeeding.
The message in today’s cards is that you can’t control everything, no matter how hard you try or how tight a grip you have on the situation. No one can control everything all the time. No one can force something into being that isn’t meant to be. So don’t look at these moments when things don’t go as planned as as failures, but rather as an opportunity to learn from the experience how to do better and be better… which is never a bad thing.
DECK USED: VOX ARCANA TAROT AND FLOWER FORTUNE CARDS
CoffeexTarot’s Self Love For The Summer Prompt
Question: Messages my spirit guides have about loving myself?
White Mouthed Moray Eel – Convey Your Meaning – You need to be more kind and ore respectful when speaking to yourself. Ease up on your self-criticism.
Remember when communicating with others that people are not mind readers, and keep in mind that clarity is important for this reason. If you don’t think you are getting your message across? Ask questions to make sure you are being understood correctly.
Nudibranch – Every Step Counts – You need to work on making it okay to take things slow. Small steps towards your goals are still steps forward. Don’t discount them (or yourself) as less than just because it means you’re moving a bit slower than you think you should be. It’s only your own personal perception that says you’re moving slowly. Ease up on those expectations.
Lobster – Shedding the Old – As a number of readings have mentioned lately, it’s time to let go of the things that are no longer working for you. Let go and make room for new, healthier practices to take their place. Sometimes letting go of what’s familiar can make you feel vulnerable. It’s normal to feel this way, but that doesn’t mean you should hold on tighter to that security. Let it go and try leaning into your faith to keep you feeling secure during these vulnerable times.
DECK USED: WHISPERS OF THE OCEAN ORACLE
#DiscordTarotolicsJun2021 Challenge Prompt
Philosophical Question: Why do people feel the need to distract themselves from reality?
Reading Summary: Sometimes reality is too harsh (Queen of Swords Rx) and our falls from grace too painful (The Tower). Distraction during these times can create in life a sense of positivity and joy that would otherwise be lacking (The Sun).
Take Away: Escapism is important for our mental health, especially when things are hard and we need a way to lift our spirits and bring something positive and enjoyable into our lives when things aren’t really the brightest.
Yes, escapism can be an unhealthy problem if it goes too far, but in small doses it can help us become healthier and happier when we find something that really allows us to “disconnect” for a bit. It gives us an opportunity to decompress and exhale.
DECK USED: VOX ARCANA TAROT
TheSphinxRevolution’s Gothic Seance Divination Prompt
Today’s Muse: Mary Shelley
(Note: I’m using the writers in this challenge as a muse instead of as a mediumship/seance practice. So the questions are about me instead of about them.)
Who do you epitomize? What kind of a figure is it? How do they influence you?
Land of Oz atop The Gathering – This is about Z. It’s about how she has taught you how to face challenges, and shown you through example how to face your fears. She is not just your mentor, but also one of your closest friends and shows you every day how moving forward and leaning on others can help make you braver and stronger than you are when you stay silent and alone.
What lies inside you that wants to be unleashed? Your inner power or inner demon.
Second Star – Let your inner wild child free to dance among the liminal spaces and explore the dark hollows of the forest and trees. You need to get out into the forest. Stop putting it off, stop procrastinating and avoiding it just because it can’t be done in just the way you want it to be done. Instead, dive in and explore, find a new method and let your curiosity free.
Incidentally… your new FitBit offers GPS. Perhaps you should look into a way to set that up for L to track you so that you can all go on a picnic and you can go off into the woods on your own for a bit. They can track you from afar and ensure you are okay. Close for help… but not too close for comfort. Regardless… you need this time in nature. Your soul needs to commune and wallow in nature.
How do the otherworlds and the unseen influence you?
Alight – They encourage you to be your unique self, to speak your unique story, and use your unique ‘voice’ to communicate with others. They guide your moral compass and provide you with that spark within that allows your true self to shine brightly for all to see. This encouragement is a support for your soul, and reinforcement that you are on the right path.
Guidance that Mary Shelley might have given you on your spiritual journey?
The Roots – Take a moment to step back and observe from an unbiased vantage point more often. Seek out the motivations that drive your actions, and pay close attention to the unspoken motivations that drive others. Don’t judge, just observe and absorb. Seek to understand the ‘why’ behind it all. This knowledge will be extremely valuable to you moving forward.
DECK USED: WILDERNESS COLLIDE TAROT
So, I tried a new allergy med yesterday, and I decided that I’m going to switch over today. If over exposed to allergens, I still have a problem. But it makes me not as sensitive as the old one that’s been slowly losing its effectiveness with me. I also did the dentist today. This latter event is something I hate with a passion. My synesthesia makes the sound of the ultrasonic scaler makes all the hair on my body stand up and my skin go cold and prickle. It’s really unpleasant and I’m glad it’s done and over with. I know it’s necessary, even if I don’t like it.
Gideon’s Challenge
Keeping Score
A battle
between
dark and light
spreads
across the sky
A reflection of
each and every soul
Temptation
and integrity
intertwined
throughout eternity
piece and parcel
of us all
You can lose the battle
and still win the war
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Weekly Creativity Prompt – The Playlist
This is a fun repeat exercise that I’ve now used a few times and resurrect every few months!
Have you ever listened to a song and suddenly realized “This song is such a Tower/Emperor/Hanged Man song!”? This activity is based off of a love for music and how we associate music with the world around us.
Activity: Randomly draw five cards from your deck. For each card pick (or find) a song that you feel fits that card perfectly.
Death – One Headlight by The Wallflowers
https://youtu.be/Zzyfcys1aLM
Three of Wands – Time to Pretend by MGMT
https://youtu.be/B9dSYgd5Elk
Seven of Wands – Drive by Incubus
https://youtu.be/fgT9zGkiLig
Three of Swords – Perfect Situation by Weezer
https://youtu.be/jwv-iRvyDZg
Page of Swords – Losing My Religion by R.E.M.
https://youtu.be/xwtdhWltSIg
DECK USED: BIANCO NERO TAROT
Opportunity Isn’t a Lap Cat
Today’s meditation was skipped because I fell asleep in the middle of it. So I guess you could say that I did it… but didn’t do it at the same time.
Today’s draw is the Seven of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of sly and/or strategic actions or planning, betrayal of the thieving sort, deception, or getting away with having done something wrong.
Combined with the Flower Fortune card for today, which states “a pleasant experience is ahead, don’t let it slide by”, what I see here is a double meaning in today’s cards.
The first message is that sometimes opportunities for good stuff sneak by us unnoticed because we’re distracted by other things. This isn’t always about deception or sneaky shit, but it is about that whole “the one that got away” theme that comes into play when you look back later and go “damnit, I missed that opportunity” or don’t notice but sit and wonder why we’re not being given opportunities… when in fact we’re just not paying close enough attention to see them being offered.
The second message that I see in these cards is that sometimes the crappy shit that happens is setting you up for something better. Someone steals your car and you meet your husband at the car dealership. Someone steals your wallet and in securing your accounts, your bank sets you up with a better and more lucrative account or finds a way to lower your interest rates. These types of experiences slip in and create a boon out of misfortune. So don’t focus so hard on the bad that you miss the boon altogether.
DECK USED: DRAGON TAROT AND FLOWER FORTUNE CARDS
TheSphinxRevolution’s Gothic Seance Divination Prompt
Today’s Muse: Edgar Allan Poe
(Note: I’m using the writers in this challenge as a muse instead of as a mediumship/seance practice. So the questions are about me instead of about them.)
How is your relationship with your guardians?
Florida Waters – It’s time to make a choice on whether you want to backslide into detachment, or move forward and remain connected, aware, and receptive to what your guardians have to offer you. At this time in your life, your guardians are your guiding spirits.
It was revealed in a reading yesterday that they are feeling left out and ignored. Take some time to reconnect and don’t allow busy demands and feeling overwhelmed to get in the way of that connection. Instead, cleanse your energy, purge yourself of that negativity that’s been trying to take root, and return to being open once more.
What kind of an artist’s story do you want to build in your life? What kind of artist theme do you identify with?
Hecate’s Path – Spiritual paths and breaking free of stagnancy is important at this time. The theme that you want to build and that you identify with most strongly is the theme of constant change. Doing the same thing too long starts to feel like the death of your inspiration and enthusiasm sneaking up on you. Keep things fresh, try new things. It’s always okay to do a bit of exploring, especially when you can find ways to tie your spiritual path into your creative endeavors.
What is your definition of success? How does the idea of success play out in your life?
Songbirds – Breaking free of negative influences and finding ways to approach life in a more positive and uplifting way. This falls into both your definition of success as well as in how you seek to have success play out in your life. You seek to leave behind what is harmful and negative, and to find a better and healthier way forward.
Guidance on your spiritual journey.
Salamander – Keep going. Stagnancy is not your friend. Stay on the path and keep working at keeping going. You are stronger than you think, and have more to offer to your path forward than you think. You are a survivor, and you need to remember that even the smallest of steps is still progress as long as you continue to move in the right direction.
DECK USED: PURE MAGIC ORACLE
#DiscordTarotolicsJun2021 Challenge Prompt
Topic: About feelings…
#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question: How do I feel right now?
Reading Summary: Rushed (The Chariot Rx) and overwhelmed (Seven of Cups), and imbalanced as a result (Two of Coins Rx).
Take Away: The Chariot indicates that this pressure is self inflicted, and thus the reason you feel rushed and overwhelmed is only due to your own personal expectations.
Let go and be a bit kinder, give yourself time to adjust to the changes you’ve made and the new balance found before you start tinkering again. There’s no rush and you need the time to acclimate and adjust.
The reason you can’t figure out where to go next is because you’re not supposed to be going anywhere right now. Sometimes giving yourself time to adjust is all the progress you’re meant to make for the time being.
DECK USED: DRAGON TAROT
I turned the AC to point to where I’m sitting this evening instead of just letting it blow in the direction it usually does. It might be a little selfish but I’ve been roasting alive all damned day and I feel like I need a little relief.
