Today’s meditation was a self directed ten minute session that focused on the affirmation on the back of the Witch Magick card drawn for today.

The affirmation: “The word ‘will’ is redefined in modern witchcraft as ‘willing’ — to be of service.”

I disagree with this affirmation on so many levels. The greatest of which is the fact that in witchcraft the word “will” is about setting intention and applying willpower. It has nothing to do with service or being willing to do something, which is completely different than putting your willpower forward into an endeavor.

Then there is, of course, the concept that in modern times witchcraft is supposed to be all about “being of service” to others. Solitary witches are often only of service to themselves, and not everyone’s practice resolves around society and community.

I feel like this affirmation is a push to make something happen, force an individual’s values on others, and set a “standard” that is not realistic for everyone. Witches are human too, and not everyone wants to be “of service” to others. The branching out of witchcraft and spirituality in modern times has only made practitioners and their craft that much more diverse. This affirmation feels like an affront to that diversity.

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The @GlitterbyInk #SeptemberSoul25 Challenge
Seeds of Intention Prompt for September 19th : Realization
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Knight of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of an active, projective beta energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s finances, resources, health, home, labors, and manifestations. This often translates into a slow moving but determinedly forward moving energy, personality, or person that has their eye on the prize regardless of the slow and steady speed they may be moving at.

Okay, the cat in this card does not look like a cat. It looks like a pig. Just sayin’.

Then again, I really can’t see any cat trying to ride a frog. A pig, on the other hand, seems  unpredictable enough to handle the ride somehow. The thing is, when we’re fixed on our goals, even if we’re moving slowly towards them instead of at speed, there’s always going to be a chance for something to come and surprise us along the way. I mean that frog’s little front legs don’t look like it could go very fast, but then you look at its’ haunches, and it could really take a flying leap without any warning, right?

The pig’s eyes (yes, pig) are wide open and ready, and he is even making sure to hold onto those reins. He may be more comfortable at a slower pace, or a slower pace may be forced upon him, but he’s ready for those surprises regardless.

The message in today’s card is that sometime life slows us down not because we need to go slower in order to get where we’re going, but because a pivot is coming and you might break your neck if you’re not going slow and holding on tight when it shows up.

DECK USED:  MAGICKAL CATS TAROT AND WITCH MAGICK CARDS

@LightningWildflower September Tarot Challenge
Prompts for September 16th thru 22nd

Queen of Cups

How can I protect my energy while remaining compassionate?

Queen of Swords and Recharge Your Batteries – Encourage others to take care of themselves, while keeping your boundaries in place. It’s not your responsibility to care for everyone else. Care for yourself first, and advise others to do the same.

This isn’t selfish behavior. Instead, it’s ensuring that you have the energy you need when you need it, and that you are taking responsibility for your own needs.

What emotional wisdom have I gained, and how can I put it to the best use?

King of Pentacles and Take Inventory – Take stock of what you have, and what repairs need tended to in your foundation. Maintenance is important. You can’t always be pushing for more… Sometimes you have to pause and take care of what you already have.

Queen of Swords

How can I balance  honesty and empathy as I interact with others?

Nine of Cups and Assuredness – Pay attention to what makes you happy and make sure that you’re standing up for it; even when dealing with other people you need to keep your own happiness as a priority. This doesn’t mean you can’t feel for others, but it means that you don’t allow them to manipulate you into forsaking your happiness for theirs.

What boundaries do I need to address in my relationships?

Ace of Swords and Confidence – You are not a doormat, so don’t let people walk all over you. It’s okay to listen to others in their opinions, it’s just not okay to let them manipulate you through those opinions or by plucking your emotions. Speak your mind instead of staying quiet, as sometimes silence is seen as agreement or consent.

Queen of Pentacles

Where could I create a greater sense of comfort and ease in my life?

Ten of Pentacles and The Face of Light – Lean into practicality as you look toward the future. You feel more at ease when you can see something attainable on the horizon, and have an idea on how to reach it. Comfort and ease, for you, requires a little bit of certainty.

How can I nurture my physical and emotional well-being with more intention?

Four of Pentacles and The River’s Blessing – Lean into gratitude practices right now. It’s too easy, during this time of chaos and uncertainty in your lie, to fall into a spiral of scarcity worries. Instead, counter that pull with adding a gratitude practice to your meditation or bedtime routine.

Queen of Wands

In what way do I inspire others?

Seven of Cups and California Condor – You are a survivor, and through all that you’ve been through and all the things you’ve endured, you’ve continued to make choices that allow you to not just keep going but thrive.

Where others with similar trials have turned harsh and hard, you continue to allow a softness that creates greater potential for the future, without allowing it to weaken you resolve and survival instincts.

What will help me most when I have trouble expressing myself?

Nine of Swords and Downy Woodpecker – Don’t worry so much what others think, or if you are bothering them. Leave their bullshit at the door and do your own thing. Sometimes? People are just too self absorbed to make sense of what you say and do, no matter how clear or obvious you are trying to be. That’s their problem, not yours.

Other elements included in this reading:
Black Spruce Needles to Boost Self-Confidence and Positive Thinking
Dried Purple Heather Flowers for Independence and Luck
Dried Rosebuds for Potential and Beauty Waiting to Unfold
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: JUICY TAROT, CARE BEARZ SELF-CARE ORACLE, TAROT DE MARSEILLE GASSMANN ANIMA ANTIQUA, ABORIGINAL DREAMING TOTEMS, THE COSMIC COVEN TAROT, ROOK AND ROSE PATTERN DECK, MAGICKAL CATS TAROT, CALIFORNIA WILDLIFE CONVERSATION DECK

I had a little more protein today than usual. For some reason I was craving it.