Hush, Now

Today’s meditation was skipped.

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VooDoo Dolly Tarot's Hanged Man and Halloween Affirmation CardsThe @GlitterbyInk #OctoberMagic25 Challenge
Maiden Prompt for October 4th
: Potential
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, which is traditionally a representation of taking a pause, considering alternate perspectives, relaxing into difficult situations, surrender, or letting go.

The Ten of Pentacles has then been combined with one of my personal Halloween Affirmations cards that says “You are strong. You are resilient. You will defeat this.”

Keep your shit together, shut up, and just watch.

When your mouth is running (or your head, for that matter) it makes it hard to see the potential that’s right in front of your face.  When you shut up, though, it means you’re open and ready to seize opportunities as they come within reach.

That means that when you’re struggling or there’s a problem? It’s better to stay calm and watch for your opportunity to change things, rather than bitch and moan about the circumstances.

The message in today’s cards is that sometimes the solutions you seek reside in the silence. Try to quiet  your mouth and your mind, and let that solution come to you.

DECKS USED:  VOODOO DOLLY TAROT AND TWIST’S HALLOWEEN AFFIRMATIONS

@CrowSister #PreparingForTheDark Challenge
The Harvest Prompts

Skele-Tarot Reading with the Still of the Night OracleTend – Ten of Wands and The Haunted House – Take care that you aren’t isolating when you feel overwhelmed. This behavior has a tendency to just makes things worse when you do, so don’t trap yourself in that cage.

Gather – The World and The Match – Extra reserves are not meant to be spent all at once. They’re meant to be gathered and hoarded for when they’re most needed to keep you heading where you want to ultimately go. Instead of spending all your energy in one place, store it up and use it sparingly so that you have a reserve in place when it’s needed.

Prosper – Justice and Still Waters – Toe the line and don’t make waves. (This message is repeating for the past few days.) Don’t step out of line with authority right now. At this time, it’s important to be diligently honest, no clever antics or hedging to the truth, and follow the rules to the letter.  There’s absolutely no wiggle room here at all.

Other elements included in this reading:
Pine Tips Ceramic Impression for Longevity and Sustainability
Red Maple Leaf Ceramic Impression for Adaptability and Connection
Deodar Cedar Ceramic Impression for Clarity and Spiritual Connection
Montana Moss Agate for Connecting Self to the Divine
Black Tourmaline for Grounding and Protection
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECKS USED: SKELE-TAROT AND STILL OF THE NIGHT ORACLE

#DiscordTarotholicsOct2025 Challenge
Creepy Prompt for October 4th
: Is the thinning veil something to be feared?

VooDoo Dolly Tarot ReadingReading Summary: Fear is something that can either empower you or defeat you (turned Five of Swords). You can either make a plan and stick to it (Two of Wands), or let it steal your confidence, and with it, your success (Seven of Swords).

Take Away: Looks like the answer here is yes, the thinning veil is something to be feared, with the caveat that you can be empowered and prepared for it, or not. This determines how the fear will affect you and your life.

Other elements included in this reading:
Pressed Yew Tips for Ancestral Connections
Black Tourmaline for Grounding and Protection
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: VOODOO DOLLY TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

This post is a catch-up post, and I can’t remember what my self-kindness might have been for this day.

Claws and Precision Timing

Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Cruel Thing Tarot's Ten of Pentacles and Sinister AffirmationsThe @GlitterbyInk #OctoberMagic25 Challenge
Maiden Prompt for October 3rd
: Awakening
Daily Mental Health Prompt
: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Ten of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of satisfaction and stability in the area of one’s finances, resources, home, health, manifestations, and the physical world. This often translates into themes that have to do with hard earned success, accomplishments, abundance created through patience and hard work.

The Ten of Pentacles has then been combined with one of the Sinister Affirmations cards that says “You’re right where you belong. Sharpening your claws in the shadows and ready to strike.”

Success comes to those that have the patience to wait when waiting is needed, and the tools and quick reflexes necessary when opportunity strikes. Awaken your primal instincts.

Don’t put the carriage before the horse. Don’t chomp at the bit. Success is often a game of predator and prey, which means asserting your aggression only with good timing and precision.

The message in today’s cards is to pick your battles, and prioritize those that will foster stability to achieve your greatest successes.

DECK USED:  CRUEL THING TAROT AND SINISTER AFFIRMATIONS

#DiscordTarotholicsOct2025 Challenge
Buried Alive Prompt for October 3rd
: What in your past needs dug up and dealt with?

The Sealed Bear Tarot ReadingReading Summary: It’s time to dig up from your past belief that being too optimistic (The Star) about friendships and welcoming others into your close circle (Four of Wands) will bite you in the ass when you realize they’re pulling the wool over your eyes (Eight of Swords).

Take Away: It hurts when you feel you’ve been betrayed by someone you’ve put your trust in. This shit always comes out in the end if it’s present in the relationship, and it’s both emotionally and physically painful when it does. This isn’t like burning your hand in a hot stove burner and learn to not touch it, though. Friendships are important… needed, even. Healing these old wounds (instead of picking at them like scabs) helps you grow into a place where you’re ready to try again.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Silver Maple Key for Bouncing Back to Thrive
Foraged Ponderosa Pine Cone for Resilience and Adaptability
Moonstone for Emotional Stability
Shiva Shell Heart for Wisdom and Discernment

DECK USED: THE SEALED BEAR TAROT

@LightningWildflower October Tarot Challenge
Fire and Air “The Aces” Prompts for October 1st thru 3rd

Tarot Reading with the Cruel Thing Tarot and Necrohamster Game CardsAce of Wands

What is a creative ‘call to action’ that I shouldn’t ignore?

Eight of Cups and Cerberus – You can wear many hats, and now is the time to delve into diversification. You can’t trust that “keeping all your eggs in one basket” isn’t a risk. Move away from the temptation to continue on that path. Instead, work on diversifying wherever you can in your creative business.

What helps me to feel inspired and motivated?

Wheel of Fortune Rx and Spirit Dog – There’s nothing that gets you motivated quicker than when things start to fall apart. Your innate desire for stability makes you surge forward to protect the status quo.

Ace of Swords

Where have I gained mental clarity?

Three of Swords and Skeleton Bat – You’ve been spinning your wheels in emotional turmoil over your creative business throughout the month of September. Now, as October begins, you are able to see things from a better vantage point, and this is allowing clarity to slip in.

What should I do about this?

Justice and Spirit Rabbit – Take your time and make sure that you are working within legal constraints. Seek advice from authorities when needed to make sure you don’t run headlong into any snares or traps along the way.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Rhododendron Leaf for Fostering Confidence
Conch Shell Knot for Concentration and Clarity
Ammonite for a Sense of Stability During Times of Change
Black Tourmaline for Grounding and Protection
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: CRUEL THING TAROT AND NECROHAMSTER GAME CARDS

Daily Self Kindness

This post is a catch-up post, and I can’t remember what my self-kindness might have been for this day.

Performance Not Considered

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

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Carnival at the End of the World Tarot's Nine of Swords and Halloween AffirmationsThe @GlitterbyInk #OctoberMagic25 Challenge
Maiden Prompt for October 2nd
: Curiosity
Daily Mental Health Prompt
: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Nine of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of nightmares, anxiety, insomnia, and negative thoughts and inner narratives.

The Nine of Swords has then been combined with  one of my personal affirmation cards that says “You don’t have to be perfect to be lovable.”

I’ve discussed before in my posts how “doing your best” is not a particularly helpful affirmation for me as an individual, due to its connotation that if I self sacrifice just a bit more, I can do a bit better, and thus it’s never enough.

Today’s cards touch upon this concept. The Nine of Swords challenging it by telling me that my fears that I am unacceptable as anything but my best is all in my head, and not a reality. The affirmation card then telling me that this is because I am lovable regardless of my performance.

These are concepts that are really difficult for me to internalize. I grasp them in my head, and through logic I can accept them as truth. But. somewhere deep down in my heart, or perhaps in my inner child, it just doesn’t want to sink in.

I’ll keep trying though. Some knots from the past are just harder to untangle than others, and take more time to work through.

The message in today’s cards is a reminder, not just to myself, but all of us that we are not loved based upon our performance. That means we are good enough just as we are. Don’t let anyone make you think differently, not even that negative inner voice whispering in your head.

DECK USED:  THE CARNIVAL AT THE END IF THE WORLD TAROT AND TWIST’S HALLOWEEN AFFIRMATION CARDS

#DiscordTarotholicsOct2025 Challenge
Ghouls Prompt for October 2nd
: Who in your life needs a bit more acceptance and understanding?

Tarot Reading with Carnival at the End of the World Tarot's Nine of Cups and Strange Curiosities Playing Cards ReadingReading Summary: This person always has too many things going at once (all the cups in the air) and is just a bit full of herself (the figure’s mask, attire, and posture), which means she often misses when she’s hurting others and sees their reactions and retaliations through the lens of a victim instead of the perpetrator (the snake under foot hidden among the flowers).

You’ve connected with her in the past on collaborations in life (Three of Diamonds is on the left) and were once quite close with her, but you’ve kept your distance recently because you’re still trying to process the emotions that rose up for you when her true colors started to show through (Jack of Hearts is on the right).

Take Away: Perhaps you need to look at what you’re doing and how you’re reacting. Are you not following the same pattern as her own behavior? Some food for thought.

DECK USED: THE CARNIVAL AT THE END IF THE WORLD TAROT AND STRANGE CURIOSITIES PLAYING CARDS

Daily Self Kindness

I spent yet more time (over 4 hours the other day, another 2 hours today) on the phone with the new shipping fulfillment company I’m working with to get more information on how to work in their system and get the results I want.

Understanding vs Comprehension

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.

Rekindling Hope

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.)

Your Roots Anchor Others

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.