Understanding vs Comprehension

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Today’s meditation was ten minutes long, and was one of the #DailyTrip sessions from the @Calm app.

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The Earth Whispers Tarot's Hanged Man Card and Crow AffirmationsThe @GlitterbyInk #OctoberMagic25 Challenge
Maiden Prompt for October 1st : Presence
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is The Hanged Man card, which is traditionally a representation of taking a pause, considering alternate perspectives, relaxing into difficult situations, surrender, or letting go.

The Hanged Man has then been combined with the one of @crowtarotmjcullinane‘s Crow Affirmations that says “Fog: I trust information will be revealed in time.”

Sometimes, we have to accept that we just can’t know everything. Our perceptions are skewed by our own personal perspectives and experiences.  Even when we pause to truly and  honestly try to  understand another’s perspective it’s not possible to see everything.

This ‘fog’ keeps us from seeing everything others are experiencing, thinking, or feeling with clarity. We can understand, but usually only on a surface level.

That doesn’t mean we don’t try, though, and that we’re not present for others when they need  us, even if we possibly don’t fully understand what they’re going through.  Sometimes, just -being there- is enough. No need to share our own perspectives. Not necessary to fully understand theirs.  Just there to support them no matter what.

Today’s message is a reminder that sometimes, when others need our support? Your presence is enough to bolster others… nothing else needed.

DECK USED:  THE EARTH WHISPERS TAROT AND CROW AFFIRMATIONS

#DiscordTarotholicsOct2025 Challenge
Prompt for October 1st : Do the Fourth Quarter Spread

Fourth Quarter Tarot Reading with The Earth Whispers Tarot, The Burning Shadow Tarot, Totem Flower Essence Deck, and Crow Affirmations

Year Ahead Theme : Temperance

Moderation is the name of the game this year.  Take care not to move too fast or go overboard in the grand scheme of things. Remember that even things that are healthy and good for you can turn bad if taken in excess.

Theme for October : Two of Wands

Settling on a direction forward and making plans.

Focus / Advice for October : Red Flame Iris

Stepping into your power with clarity, discernment, strength of will, and commitment to excellence and personal development. Realignment to undertake your work with purpose once more, rather than looking at it as a chore.

Ray of Hope for October : Exposed – I lean into vulnerability.

“I embrace vulnerability as strength, allowing myself to authentically connect with others.”

Don’t allow feelings of vulnerability to hold you back from going after what’s important to you.

Theme for November : King of Swords

Root yourself deep in your ability to communicate your ideas and aspirations with others, and draw them into your cause.

Focus / Advice for November : Milk Thistle

Cut those energy cords with others that are causing negativity to bleed in to your outlook. Release negative emotions and energies you’ve been holding onto. Make healthy choices.

Ray of Hope for November : Displacement – I control my reactions.

“I take responsibility for my emotions, recognize when stress or anger may lead me to misdirect my feelings, and commit to constructively, expressing myself, and addressing the source of my discomfort.”

Self-awareness is important. If you are committed to staying connected with yourself and your needs, it can in turn allow other stressors to fall away instead of clinging on.

Theme for December : The Emperor

You are the empowered leader that looks after not just yourself but others as well. Make sure that the decisions you make are for the greater good throughout the month of December.

Focus / Advice for December : Tomorrow Leaf

Focus on recovering from the struggles of the year now passed. Specifically regeneration related to trauma, injury, or exhaustion. Don’t just sink into the work and lose sight of the world. You’re being given the opportunity to really enjoy this time of recovery, and truly see a glimpse of how a healthier balance might develop moving forward.

Ray of Hope for December : Observation – I discover valuable information from watching others.

“I embrace the wisdom gained from watching and learning from others, recognizing it’s a pathway to growth, empathy, and self improvement.”

Stay tapped into what others are doing. Pay attention, and it will empower you to do better. Learning from others mistakes means that you don’t have to experience those for yourself, after all.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Rosebuds for Potential and Beauty Waiting to Unfold
Dried Purple Heather Flowers for Independence and Luck
Black Spruce Needles to Boost Self-Confidence and Positive Thinking
Conch Shell Knot for Concentration and Clarity
Carnelian Agate for Inner Drive and Focusing On Aspirations
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECKS USED: THE EARTH WHISPERS TAROT, THE BURNING SHADOW TAROT, TOTEM FLOWER ESSENCE DECK, CROW AFFIRMATIONS

Daily Self Kindness

I spent the day decorating the outside of Ms B’s house for Halloween, and had a great time with it.

📆 Transitioning from September to October

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Month End Oracle Reading with the Grimms' Oracle

Here and Now I Exist – Who you are now, in your entirety.

The Spirit in the Glass Bottle – Although you are currently sitting in a challenging situation, you have the quick thinking and mental acuity needed to sort it out and figure out which path forward will be the best for you. This can build into a mutually beneficial situation if it’s handled carefully.

The Slough – What is to be left in the past as you move forward.

The King of the Golden Mountain – Examine your commitments carefully, and don’t let your pride get in the way of discarding those that are no longer suited to you. Just make sure you’re not leaving somebody else in the lurch while doing so, as it’s important to ensure that you are looking beyond yourself and at how your actions affect others.

What Lies Ahead – An ideal state or ideal self you are seeking at this time.

Doctor Know-all – You seek opportunities that will allow you to take advantage of a situation where you know very little, but can still thrive if given the chance. Trust in your ability to adapt and make the most of the situation, even if you have to fake it ’til you make it.

Limitations – Negative influences, opposition, or ill will.

The Peasant and the Devil – Take care that you’re not overthinking things and over-complicating things right now. Remember that there’s a difference between clever and cunning, and keep an eye out for deception of oneself for others. Make sure you’re toeing the right side of the line, or you could end up with extra problems on your hands.

The Boon – Positive influences, higher guidance, or divine intervention.

Roland – You’re loyalty to yourself and what is right for you is one of your greatest strengths. Listen to your moral compass and allow it to guide you in standing your ground when needed. Just be sure to take care to acknowledge when it’s better to be flexible and adapt, and keep in mind that these adjustments don’t have to go against your moral compass if you work to think outside the box.

The Wound – An unpleasant past experience or event that is ripe for some support and healing.

Stories about Toad – This year, and especially September, have been extremely stressful for you. Beneficial relationships that you thought were stable have been cut by circumstances outside your control. Allow yourself to grieve, for if you don’t, it just eats a way at you on the inside.

Nostalgia – A positive past experience or event to acknowledge, reflect upon, and enjoy.

The Three Children of Fortune – Take some time to reflect back on the successes you have gained and how you were able to seize upon opportunities and use them to not just get ahead, but thrive. Even though when you started out you thought you had nothing, you proved yourself and others wrong in what you’ve done with what you have.

A Warning – Something coming that can be prevented or overcome.

Hans in Luck – Be careful not to be too naïve about your current situation, and don’t be careless with your resources. Things are going to be a little slim going forward for a bit, so make sure that you are looking towards the treasures you have that are not just monetary in order to bolster your emotions when feelings of scarcity try to slip in.

Empowerment – A future opportunity to work toward.

The Goose Girl – If you are able to ride through the hardship with dignity and grace, you will come out the other side all the better for it, and those that tried to stand in your way will have to face their consequences. Remember that your true value is in who you are and your integrity, and let that be what shines from within you.

Message from the Spirit World – Value what you have and follow your integrity above everything else. That moral compass within you will never steer you wrong as long as you’re willing to follow it when it tells you what to do (or not to do, as the case may be). It may feel like you’re not getting ahead following this advice, but you would be far worse off if you didn’t.

Message from the Mind’s World – Focus on being clever instead of deceitful. Get ahead through fair practices and cunning.

Message from the Physical World – Play on your strengths. This time of loss makes you feel like you are lost and being punished, but playing on your strengths will allow you to persevere rather than watching your confidence dwindle away.

Take Away – Keep going. You’re doing great and you’re finding the path one small step at a time.  It’s going to take time, but you’re starting to see results.  Just don’t let moments of setback send you into a spiral of emotional reactions.

Avoid emotional self-medicating with bad decisions.  Instead focus on what you have and gratitude for your current abundance.

There’s been some temptation to “cheat” on some of the more difficult aspects of your struggles right now. Don’t give into temptation and keep your behavior above board.

DECK USED: GRIMM’S ORACLE

Gideon’s Challenge – Encouragement 

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Cloud WatchingEncouragement 

A vulture
coming in
for a meal
or a falcon
hunting
on  high
as clouds
speak to me
of opportunities
to seize
and moments
when we set
our aggression
free

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Rekindling Hope

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Mi Tarot's Ace of Cups and Forest MeditationsDaily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Ace of Cups, which is a representation of the seed of new beginnings in the area of one’s emotions, relationships, creativity, and intuition.

Your emotions may feel like they’re bleeding, but your opportunity for growth has arrived. Don’t look the gift horse in the mouth.

A lot of things happened today that have provided a bit of perspective and allowed my feelings to flow more easily instead of getting all clogged up and jumbled.  Kind of like the cyst that wont’ allow the wound to close until that rock hard pebble finally comes out.  You couldn’t find any relief from the chaos of your feelings until you were able to let go of the knot in your gut telling you that you’re truly f*cked.

Now, with a light at the end of the tunnel, and Gideon back within reach again, your emotions are starting to flow more freely and allowing you to see the promise of a possible new beginning.

Today’s message is a reminder that even when things can’t go back to where they were before, there is hope to be had.  Sometimes? You just have to wait for the clouds to part to -find- it. That wait can feel like an eternity, just as this past month has felt for me personally.  And yet?  Today I was gifted that little glimpse of hope needed… and everything feels just a little better as a result.

DECKS USED:  MI TAROT AND FOREST MEDITATIONS

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2025 Challenge
Prompt for September 30th : Grab a spread of your choice  you’re curious about… and give it a go!

Tarot Reading with the Mi Tarot and Deep Dreams Oracle

How can I soothe my nerves and not hold my breath while I await results?

Seven of Pentacles and Hope – Patience and hope don’t often walk hand in hand, but the latter has the ability to bolster the former. Hope isn’t always easy to grasp hold of, though. It’s slippery and can diminish over time if not fed with persistence and a bit of positivity now and then.  Don’t let your hope starve when the journey feels like it’s taking far too long.

What blocks do I need to release that are feeding my fears regarding the outcome?

The World and Lost – You are worried that by things taking so very long, you will end up losing your way. Sometimes your path forward feels like a thin tendril of a thread, and that if you don’t hold on tight and hurry along, you’ll lose your grip on that thread and become lost.  This fear makes it hard to take your time and let things unfold at your own pace.  Remember that your true path is aligned with who you are… not what you do or how fast you can do it.

As my patience is tested, how can I focus on my self-care?

Knight of Pentacles and Contemplation – Allow this slow pace to give you time to get to know yourself better. The best thinking is done during times of peace and tranquility, so calm your mind with meditation and mindfulness.

What can I do to hold space for those in my kindred circle who are also feeling stressed?

Queen of Swords and Complex Soul – Set aside judgments. You don’t know what all they are going through, no more than they know everything you’re going through. You see the surface, but there’s great depths within.  Remember that sometimes just sitting in silence with someone is all that’s needed.

Message from the Ancestors

Two of Cups and Comfy – Just exactly how many times this month have people asked you if you’re soaking in the bath?  You can’t count the number of people on one hand, and it’s very likely you can’t count the number of times it’s been brought up with the fingers of both hands.  Maybe it’s time to listen to your loved ones when they speak up and suggest to you activities you find restorative and comforting.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Silver Maple Key for Bouncing Back to Thrive
Northern Red Oak Leaf Impression for Inner Strength
Conch Shell Knot for Concentration and Clarity
Abalone Shell for Soothing Energy and Emotional Balance
Gneiss Stone for Patience in Moments of Discomfort
Citrine for Energy Lift (easing the weight of heavy energies)
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECKS USED: MI TAROT AND DEEP DREAMS ORACLE WITH EXPANSIONS

Daily Self Kindness

I laid out on the grass in the rain for a bit today when my back needed a rest. (note: I’m allergic to grass, which means the only time I’m able to lay down in it without allergy issues is when it’s raining… or winter. Winter also works.)

Gideon’s Challenge – Decorations Day

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Pumpkins and GourdsDecorations Day 

I am ready
for some
feckin’
Halloween
already
so pull out
your skulls
and purchase
your pumpkins
and get
the spooky
decorations
out on display

Photo © ZenStatePhotography

Your Roots Anchor Others

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Today’s meditation was ten minute long meditation based in breath work, using an ASMR recording done by Lee Felix of Stray Kids on loop.  Apparently, he did a breath work meditation recording in 2022 posted on Bubble, and since I like his voice I thought I’d give it a go.

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Embodied EcoSystems Tarot and Crow AffirmationsDaily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the King of Pentacles (Conduit of Stability), which is traditionally a representation of a projective alpha energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s financial security, resources, health, home, labors, manifestations, and other elements of the physical realm. This often translates into leadership that creates a grounded sense of stability for others.

The King of Pentacles has then been combined with the one of @crowtarotmjcullinane‘s Crow Affirmations that says “Alliance: I am open to collaboration.”

“No one is the center of the universe, but you are the curator of your own existence. Your perspective is essential, your actions rooted in reflection.” – Deck Guidebook

Even in your moments of instability when you yourself feel unsteady, you are the stability that others’ roots tangle with and depend on. This is not through anything you personally are doing other than being yourself and living your life. It’s simply an integral part of your design and, as such, people are drawn to you and that stability that you radiate.

Today’s message is a reminder that others look up to you, and depend on you for cues on what to do and where to go and, at times, how to act. You are not alone, and when you need a bit of shoring up from others, they will be there for you as well.

DECK USED:  THE EMBODIED ECOSYSTEMS TAROT AND CROW AFFIRMATIONS

@LightningWildflower September Tarot Challenge
Prompts for September 23rd through 30th

Multiple Deck Tarot Reading with Dalí Tarot Universal, Emotional Wisdom Deck, Charming Deities of Chinese Mythology Tarot, Seven Seas Deck, Shadow Play Tarot, The Citadel Deck, Embodied Ecosystems Taroracle, and The Comfy Cozy Witch Oracle

King of Cups

Where do I need to take a more diplomatic approach?

The Tower and Anger – “Bitterness is like cancer. It eats upon the host. But anger is like fire. It burns at all clean.” – Maya Angelou

Leave your emotions out of what’s going on right now with your business. You are feeling picked on, bullied, punished, treated unfairly, and powerless. These are all emotions you are feeling, not fact. Don’t let the narratives your emotions are selling make things even worse for you.

How can I respond to challenges in a calm and measured way?

Page of Cups and Fear – “I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminished his fear; knowing what must be done, does away with fear.” – Rosa Parks

Treat challenges as the learning experience is that they are. Understand that when changes come, it’s natural for fears to rise. This is a part of being human and having emotions. Just don’t let that fear rule you. Instead , take a deep breath and pause to sort out a plan before acting. This pause allows for emotions to calm a bit before acting, which allows you to avoid doing anything rash.

King of Swords

What decision requires clear thinking right now?

Page of Pentacles and North Pacific – Looking into new financial/business solutions is not going to provide you with any quick fixes. Instead, you need to cool down and take things slow with a level head head. Don’t get impatient. Move slowly, like the icebergs and glaciers.

How can I use my voice to advocate for justice?

Six of Cups and North Atlantic – Reminisce openly. “Whatever happened to…” or “I miss when…”

These phrases draw people out of their cool, emotionless shell of indifference and encourage community sharing. Sharing then brings to light current issues, and slips a whisper into people’s minds that perhaps they could be part of the change toward something better.

King of Pentacles

What legacy am I building, and how does it reflect my values?

Death and The Waker – You inspire others through example as you look inward and learn about the self, digging deep into self discovery and self healing rather than allowing yourself to use the world around you as a distraction.

What does success look like for me?

The Star and The Aspirant – Success looks like not actually arriving at the end of anything, but rather always having something to strive for, and the hope and optimism and needed to continue looking for answers even when things are difficult.

King of Wands

What vision for my future am I ready to commit to?

The Devil and Spring Equinox – You are ready to begin tackling some of your bad habits, and look at finding ways to refresh how you deal with stressors in healthier ways that renew rather than harm.

How can I channel my passion into a long-term impact?

The Moon and Meditation – Use your meditation practice to help guide your way through moments of uncertainty. You need that mindfulness and meditation in order to keep overreactions to a minimum and avoid letting the instability of uncertainty get to you.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Purple Heather Sprigs for Independence and Luck
Foraged Silver Maple Key for Bouncing Back to Thrive
Ceramic Red Maple Leaf Impression for Adaptability and Connection
Carnelian Agate for Inner Drive and Focusing On Aspirations
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: DALÍ TAROT UNIVERSAL, EMOTIONAL WISDOM DECK, CHARMING DEITIES OF CHINESE MYTHOLOGY TAROT, SEVEN SEAS DECK, SHADOW PLAY TAROT, THE CITADEL DECK 1st EDITION, EMBODIED ECO-SYSTEMS TARORACLE, THE COMFY COZY WITCH ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I talked to Gideon, M, and E today instead of holding myself apart and hiding away.