affirmation

Collaborative Efforts

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Today’s meditation was a ten minute long self-directed session based upon The Latest Kate‘s affirmation that says “The darkness you’re feeling won’t hurt anyone else. Please don’t hide yourself away.”

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ShuShu Tarot's Three of Pentacles and Latest Kate AffirmationsThe @GlitterbyInk #SeptemberSoul25 Challenge
Seeds of Intention Prompt for September 10th : Blueprint
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Three of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of teamwork, collaboration, working together, and themes to do with bringing in help and/or outside expertise in order to get something done.

Working together will produce better results than going at it alone. You know that idiom “if you want something done right, do it yourself”? I think this phrase was made up by some lazy ass who decided to intentionally bungle their chores so that someone else would have to do them. It’s a marketing ploy for those that don’t want to do anything. A clever one, too. Because then those of us that actually care about the results picked it up as truth.

Thing is though? It’s not truth.

Yes, if you “do it yourself” it’ll get done to whatever standard you want… but by doing it alone instead of inviting other invested parties in, you miss out on ideas and inspiration that you may not have thought of yourself. You miss out on the expertise others may bring with them. And, you miss out on the opportunity to share your own knowledge with others.

Today’s message reminds us that when we opt to “do it yourself”, we are opting out of growth, new ideas, and the bonding experience of including others… not to mention the discovery of whatever surprise skills others may bring with them to the table.

DECK USED:  SHUSHU TAROT AND A “THE LATEST KATE” AFFIRMATION

@de_tarotjuf Time for Yourself
#detarotjufseptembertarotchallenge
Prompts for September 9th and 10th

Tarot Reading, Augur Charm Reading, ShuShu Tarot's Ten of Cups and King of WandsHow can I feel more in tune with myself?

Ten of Cups, Mjölnir, Acorn Sprig – You know that time among the trees is your happy place, and that time there connects you to the roots of who you are. If you want to feel more in tune with yourself, it’s time to return to your “happy place” and connect with nature, which will in turn connect you more strongly to your nature.

What does my gut tell me about my next step?

King of Wands and Backpack – Be ready to go at the drop of a hat. Things will move fast in returning to your desired “normal” once movement begins. Make sure all your little ducks are in a row and ready to go so that you can get moving as soon as this holding patter breaks. That means getting those things that you can in order now that you can, so that they’re out of the way and not an obstacle for you later.

Other elements included in this reading:
Carnelian Agate for Inner Drive and Focusing On One’s Aspirations
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: SHUSHU TAROT AND AUGUR CHARM COLLECTION

Daily Self Kindness

I started a new palate cleanser series of books. It seems to work well if I read a heavier or harsher book or series, then take a break with something light and fun before going back to read something heavier or harsher again.

Where’s the Breaking Point?

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Today’s meditation was a self-directed ten minute session, focused upon the “Closet Wizards” card from The Az 2 Oracle (shown) by @Sunni_Chapman and the guidance that came with that card.

That guidance says, “Oh honey, I know you learned at some point in your life, that you needed to hide your wizardry. Because when they saw you in your power, it made them quite uncomfortable, so instead of feeling the discomfort, you promptly shut it down. That’s okay, it’s perfect even, you didn’t yet have the tools to do otherwise. But now you do. 😉 It’s time to let your true wizardry SHINE.”

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Victorian Steampunk Tarot's Six of Swords (Bees) and The Az 2 OracleThe @GlitterbyInk #SeptemberSoul25 Challenge
Seeds of Intention Prompt for September 9th : Activation
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Six of Swords (Bees), which is traditionally a representation of leaving the past in the past, moving on, letting go in order to welcome in something better, and transitions towards something better.

When do you decide that it’s time to make a change? What is it finally activates you into moving on instead of sticking it out where you are?

I think this is different for everyone, but I also think that it’s pretty universal that we all wait just a little too long before we get there.

Although an extreme example, it’s like someone in an abusive relationship. They shut down more and more of themselves and who they are. They are hurt in a myriad of ways; some subtle and others blatant. For many in this situation, they stay way too long. However, eventually something is said or something happens and, like flipping a switch, all that repressed self comes roaring back; and they leave.

That activation of self that says “this is not working. It’s time to move on” is with us in all sorts of situations; not just abusive ones.

Today’s message asks us where in our lives are we holding back from walking away from something that’s no longer good for us… and encourages us to dig into why we are hesitating, and just what it will take to spur us into moving on in our own best interests.

DECKS USED:  VICTORIAN STEAMPUNK TAROT AND THE AZ 2 ORACLE

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2025 Challenge
Prompts for September 8th and 9th

Tarot Reading with the Kumacchi Tarot and Arcana Folia OracleWhere do you need to ease up and not push yourself so hard right now?

You can’t move right now (Hanged Man) and the uncertainty of that is eating you alive (The Moon). With all your emotions pinging around this way and that, it can be hard to be diligent and pay attention to what’s going on around you.

In these times of stillness, just make sure you’re not allowing your uncertainty and fears to get an upper hand. You don’t have to actually abolish them, bury them, or tuck them away. (Knight of Cups) So stop trying to.

The Problem

Eccentric Person – Look at that… even the cat and the flowers are orange (lil’ bit o’ sarc). Your current problem is that the eccentricity of another is screwing with your own personal goals and your livelihood. Their whims are affecting you in ways that you find disheartening and even frightening.

The Lesson to Learn

Soulmate – You have support around you in those that love you whom you trust. Lean on them not just in small ways, but share with them how you’re feeling and trust them to help ground you and get you through the hard parts. These are the people you can ugly cry in front of and they’ll just hold you tighter.

Advice to Help  You Through

Temptation – Pay close attention to your addictions and temptations right now. Your self-destructive tendencies have a wide open field to play in at the moment. If you don’t want them to get out of hand, you need to make sure that you’re being diligent about watching for them and making healthy choices.

Take Away – Stop trying to distract yourself from your fears and uncertainties by indulging in your addictions and temptations. It will only cause more obstacles for you in the long run, and you don’t need any extra hurdles right now. Instead, take comfort in your loved ones and communicate openly with those that you trust what you’re going through.  You can’t ignore your feelings without there being consequences you don’t want to have to add to your already overwhelmed anxieties.

Other elements included in this reading:
Black Spruce Needles to Boost Self-Confidence and Positive Thinking
Dried Purple Heather Sprigs for Independence and Luck
Rainbow Moonstone for Emotional Balance and Intuition
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECKS USED: KUMACCHI TAROT AND FOLIA ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I decided to spend the night at Ms B’s instead of trying to drive home and risking falling asleep at the wheel.

Setting the Dial

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Today’s meditation was a ten minute long self-directed session based upon the Mirror Work Affirmation card that says “I am creating the life of my dreams.”

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Felt Tarot - The Sun Card, and the Mirror Work Affirmation DeckThe @GlitterbyInk #SeptemberSoul25 Challenge
Seeds of Intention Prompt for September 8th : Frequency
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is The Sun card, which is traditionally a representation of success, optimism, positivity, fun and frivolity. In my path, the Sun is also a symbol of male vitality, virility, and warmth.

It’s all about perspectives.

Have you ever met one of those people that always seemed cheerful? Not the fakers, but the real deal. They always have a smile for you and the world large. They genuinely appear to smile more and laugh more than the average person. They seem to be unaffected by bad days and negative people, and they seem to just enjoy life more fully.

Let me tell you a secret. Two, actually.

1) Their life is not the sunshine and roses that it appears. They are going through the same struggles and tribulations as everyone else. Life still throws them curve balls, and they still trip and fall now and then.

2) The positive perspective they choose every day to take in the face of those troubles and problems, pains and heartaches, helps them bear those experiences with more grace and less anxiety.

How we approach the world matters.

If we wake up each day and allow misery and discontent to take root, it will be with us all day long, dragging on us even in the most positive of moments.

If we instead wake up each day and insist on seeing life as an adventure, or as delightful game, or as a day we are assured of success; then we head out into the world pre-programmed for those things. With this pre-programming in place, even when bad things happen, somehow that positive start helps us weather them better.

Today’s message encourages us to look at what frequency we are tuning ourselves into when we start out our days, and consider adjusting it to a more positive one to ride out the day with.

DECKS USED:  THE FELT TAROT AND MIRROR WORK AFFIRMATION DECK

@LightningWildflower September Tarot Challenge
Prompts for September 1st through 8th

Large Tarot Reading with the Windmill Flag Tarot, Tea Oracle Steeping In Magic, Lóng Tarot, The Oracle of Guan Shi Yin, Apple Tarot, Mysteries of the Forest Oracle, The Felt Tarot, and The True Sight Oracle

Page of Cups

What creative impulse am I being encouraged to pursue?

Ace of Cups and Raven – “The Raven makes the slight shift from being in the world as it is, to loving the world as it is.” – Tea Oracle Guidebook

It’s all about your emotions right now, and finding new ways to look at life and the world around you. Use your imagination not to visualize the worst case scenario (which you are already exceedingly good at), but to imagine the best case scenario instead.

How can I dream more freely without self-judgment?

Seven of Pentacles and Panda Merchant – You are called “The Deck Dragon” for a reason. You have collected decks your entire life, building something truly magical over time. As much joy as you take in your collection, though, it wasn’t until you found a community to share it with that you found true joy in what you’ve collected. Don’t be shy about sharing with others. They inspire you in a way that wallowing in your collection alone never could.

Page of Swords

What do I need to observe carefully before jumping to conclusions?

The Fool and Hard Training – You have a tendency to push yourself too hard, even when there’s nothing to push for in the moment or you’re struggling with overwhelm. Instead of just jumping on that to-do list you’ve always got going in the back of your head, maybe take a minute to consider if what’s on there is really necessary, or just busy work.

In what way am I being asked to speak up, even though I might not feel ready to do so?

Page of Cups and Better To Specialize Than To Be Versatile – Lean into your strengths right now. Teach a class. Mentor or advise on the things that you are well versed in. You will find your “voice” and confidence much easier to claim when you return to your foundations.

Page of Pentacles

What would slow, intentional growth look like for me?

Five of Cups and Wood Mouse – Like a clusterfuck. Slow, intentional growth feels like you aren’t getting anywhere because those small successes are easy for you to miss. Even though you’re nibbling away at the growth that needs to take place, you feel like you’re getting nowhere. For better or worse, this is what it looks like for you.

How can I stay grounded while exploring the unknown?

Two of Cups and Hedgehog – Lean on others to provide comfort and help you to keep your feet on the ground. They are eager to listen when you need an ear, lend support or a helping hand when you need it, and help you stay positive when your inner pessimist is getting out of hand.

Page of Wands

What new passion am I being called to explore?

Eight of Swords and Intimidation – Look into those things that you have been avoiding because you feel like you’re not good enough to accomplish them or undeserving of being able to explore them. These feelings of intimidation are unwarranted and holding you back.

How can I nurture the desire to try something new without burning out?

Three of Wands and Difficult Terrain – Just go for it, but take it slow so you’re not tripping over yourself and making things more difficult than they have to be by rushing.

Other elements included in this reading:
Black Spruce Needles to Boost Self-Confidence and Positive Thinking
Dried Purple Heather Sprigs for Independence and Luck
Orange Aventurine Leaf for Pause and Reflection
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECKS USED: WINDMILL FLAG TAROT, TEA ORACLE STEEPING IN MAGIC, LÓNG TAROT, THE ORACLE OF GUAN SHI YIN, APPLE TAROT, MYSTERIES OF THE FOREST ORACLE, THE FELT TAROT, AND THE TRUE SIGHT ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I managed to fit a nap into my day. I didn’t really have much time for it, but it was needed.

Pulling at the Strings

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Today’s meditation was a self-directed ten minute session, focused upon the “Give It a Minute” card from the Nowbits Oracle (shown) by @Sunni_Chapman and the guidance that came with that card.

That guidance says, “When you share your tender heart and you meet silence… do not turn away from that void.
The silence is only a reflection.
A reflection of your silence towards that part of yourself.
And if you meet it with love, again and again, until it knows you’re really there for it, and not just faking, it will begin to trust you, and thus to trust life, and to let itself share EVEN MORE.
In this you are mining the gems of yourself, unearthing them from the shadows and bringing them into the light.
And as you allow them to sparkle in that silence, and to speak love into that silence more and more, that void will turn into the physical manifestation of every sweet thing that you ever wanted to hear.”

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Колесо года Мистическое Таро - Queen of Cups and the Nowbits OracleThe @GlitterbyInk #SeptemberSoul25 Challenge
Seeds of Intention Prompt for September 7th : Calling
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Queen of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of a receptive alpha energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s emotions, relationships, creativity, and intuition. Among other things, this often translates into themes to do with emotional support and advice from a trusted party that is easy to talk to.

When I first saw today’s card, my first impression wasn’t that she was lifting a cup to her lips for a drink, but eating an anatomically correct heart held in  her hand.

I think it’s important to remember that even those who love you, care about you, and only want what is best for you aren’t above manipulating you to their own ends.  And, while sometimes those ends might be in your favor? Sometimes they’re not.  This does not necessarily mean that they’re out to get you, but what it does mean is that they are willing to use your emotions to manipulate your actions and reactions.

So the question becomes.  Do you mind?  Do you care?  Is it more comfortable for you to go along with these machinations that, to be fair, probably aren’t harmful to you in the long run? Or are boundaries needed to ensure that this type of thing isn’t happening?

The message in today’s cards asks us to consider if we are allowing others to pull our strings, and if that’s truly what we want. If it is, that’s okay!  Sometimes that string pulling gives us the direction we need. If it isn’t what you want, though… then today’s card is a wake up call that it’s time to take a closer look at your boundaries and do a bit of adjusting.

DECK USED:  КОЛЕСО ГОДА МИСТИЧЕСКОЕ ТАРО (Buy Ukrainian!) AND NOWBITS ORACLE

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2025 Challenge
Prompt for September 7th : Do Spread 1

Tarot Reading with the Wild Arcana

Wolf – How can I bolster my strength and bravery for hurdles yet to come?

Ten of Swords – Acknowledge that this is the ending of something. You may not know the extent of what’s going to be released yet, but it’s an ending all the same. Endings make room for something new to take their place, and you need to be open to that something new that’s coming. Mourn and let go now, so that you can be ready.

Owl – How can I learn to better trust my perception of the world and other people?

Two of Swords – Sometimes you just have to make a decision and take a leap. Only through these leaps of faith can you learn to trust more easily… not just the world and other people, but also that it’s not going to be the end of the world if you’re wrong.

Stag – Where in my life can greater dignity create a stronger sense of integrity?

The Star – Again we see an answer that is about having faith. That means believing that when you treat people with dignity and believe in their integrity, it in turn inspires them to have integrity when dealing with you.

Eagle – Why does good and successful leadership also require a modicum of grace?

Nine of Pentacles – When you lead with grace it inspires those that you are leading to feel as if they are valued, and as a result they then feel that they have something of great value in you and your leadership.

Salmon – In what direction have I been moving by instinct without realizing it?

Ten of Pentacles – You feel that you’re failing in your endeavors, but you are not. You’re still moving in a positive direction towards success and stability, even if it doesn’t feel like it at the moment.

Wild Goose – How have my past relationships and friendships taught me to be a better person?

Seven of Wands – Your past relationships and friendships have taught you how to stand strong when it’s necessary, and soften when it’s needed. They’ve also taught you how to appreciate differences of opinion and even listen to them, while still standing your ground in your own beliefs and values.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Cedar Bundle for Protection from Negative Influences

DECK USED: WILD ARCANA

Daily Self Kindness

I did some long overdue tinkering with my website today in order to avoid doing the bookkeeping that I really didn’t want to do in the first place.

Explorations In Hope

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

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Supernova Tarot - The StarThe @GlitterbyInk #SeptemberSoul25 Challenge
Seeds of Intention Prompt for September 6th : Origin
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is The Star card, which is traditionally a representation of hope, faith, and the connecting of spirituality to the various aspects of our lives.

Where does hope come from? Is it just a part of being human? Is it hereditary? Is it taught and learned?

Hope comes from within. That I know. External forces may spark it to life or dampen its flame, but it’s something within us all. But… how did it get there in the first place? After all, even the most severe of pessimists, who squash their own feelings of hope at every turn, have to have hope in order to squash it.

Maybe where it comes from isn’t important, and what truly is important is learning how to fan its flames within us. Still, the question stands; possibly unanswerable, but there all the same.

The message in today’s card is that hope it is universal, but what we do with it varies from person to person. Today’s message encourages us to look at what you’re doing with yours, and if you don’t like how it’s going? Maybe consider why it’s there in the first place and do a little exploring with it.

DECK USED:  SUPERNOVA TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2025 Challenge
Prompt for September 6th : What do you need to focus on for self-care for this month’s full moon?

Quiet Rebel OracleReading Summary: Those that betrayed you when you thought them your friends (Tribe of Rebels) are long gone. It’s time to address these wounds (Embrace the Scars) and begin moving away from the defence mechanisms that this experience created within you (The Quiet Rebellion Starts With You).

Take Away: The wounds created by these people were struck upon your insides over a decade ago.  It’s time to confront those wounds and begin to break down the scar tissue left behind.

That experience was extremely painful, and it tore away a huge swath of your naivety, but it’s in the past.  Allowing it to still hurt you for so very long means you are punishing yourself far more than the lesson learned warranted.

Other elements included in this reading:
Carved Bamboo for Positive Outcomes
Rose Quartz for Gentle Kindness to Self and Others

DECK USED: QUIET REBEL ORACLE

@de_tarotjuf Time for Yourself
#detarotjufseptembertarotchallenge
Prompt for September 6th thru 8th

Tarot Reading with the Supernova Tarot and Valmor Roaring 20s Fortune Telling CardsWhat can I take a fresh look at?

Six of Wands and The Cross – Whose regard are you holding above your own? It’s time to take a look at the negative influences that others opinions are having on you, and why you are allowing their words and opinions to hold such weight and importance.

What’s holding me back from truly starting with good intentions today?

The Tower Rx and The Gentleman – Your fear is holding you back. Current transitions taking place in your life and the chaos involved are stirring up fears. These fears have the ability to force you into stagnancy if you let them. You need to work at stepping past them so that you stay active in other ways during this time.

Which dream do I want to take seriously?

The World and The Lady – You wish to emerge from this time of struggle and uncertainty into a time of grace and abundance. You want a “soft landing” after the trials and tribulations. Instead of daydreaming about it, and telling yourself it’s not going to happen, hold faith that you have the inner strength to bring this dream into fruition.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Rhododendron Leaf for Fostering Confidence
Aragonite for Truth and Understanding
Black Tourmaline for Grounding and Protection
Carnelian Agate for Inner Drive and Focusing On One’s Aspirations
Desert Rose for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: SUPERNOVA TAROT AND VALMOR ROARING ’20s FORTUNE TELLING CARDS

Daily Self Kindness

It took me three tries to actually manage to get through my meditation today, but I didn’t give up on it.

The Virtue of Patience

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Today’s meditation was a self-directed ten minute session, focused upon the “Give It a Minute” card from The Az Oracle (shown) by @Sunni_Chapman and the guidance that came with that card.

That guidance says, “That thing you’re worrying about, or think has gone wrong, or that you have done wrong… give it a minute. Sometimes more can be solved by just going out to play or doing something else than could be with all of your tinkering. Relax child. All will be well. You’ll see.”

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Camena Tarot's The Sun Card and The Az Oracle ReadingThe @GlitterbyInk #SeptemberSoul25 Challenge
Seeds of Intention Prompt for September 5th : Whisper
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is The Sun card, which is traditionally a representation of success, optimism, positivity, fun and frivolity. In my path, the Sun is also a symbol of male vitality, virility, and warmth.

Sometimes, “all things (really do) come to those that wait”. I’m not saying that this is a rule to live by for every occasion, but there are definitely times when it aptly applies.

Patience is considered a virtue for a reason, though. We are so inundated with instant gratification that it has become the new norm… and patience, a quality that has always been a struggle for humanity to begin with, has now become an enigma.

But sometimes? Patience is what’s needed most.

I’m currently in a situation where I’m stuck in a holding pattern, and I find myself struggling with the lack of action and agency. What hangs in the balance is, quite literally, my livelihood.

The message in the Sun card for today is a reminder that maybe we should work more at turning these times of waiting into times of enjoyment by doing things to take our mind off of it. Have a little fun and let the impatience and worry sit on the back burner for a while. Then, when we come back to it, we’ll be able to do so with a lighter heart and clearer mind; those nasty little impatient whispers in our head not quite as loud as before.

DECK USED:  CAMENA TAROT AND THE AZ ORACLE

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2025 Challenge
Prompts for September 4th and 5th

Tarot Reading with the Camena Tarot, New Orleans Tarot Cats, and Grain CardsWhat are you ignoring that needs rooted out and dealt with?

Wheel of Fortune – You are not handling uncertainty and the concept of idle time well. That uncertainty spread out before you, and the lack of predictability involved, makes it feel like you’re spiralling out of control and that there’s no safe place to land.

Your Personal Pain

Australian White Cedar and Queen of Cups – Now that you are so much more open to your emotions, they are trying to have more say, and even step in to lead the way. This is causing a conflict to arise at times between you emotional self and your moral compass. (ie: There are things you could do to make your situation better and create more stability during this time of uncertainty, but they are illegal, unacceptable to your moral compass, or both.)

A Healing Action to Take

Walnut and Nine of Cups – Place your focus into staying positive. Things are in flux right now, and sometimes that makes an optimistic viewpoint hard to hold onto. Don’t let the negative creep in, but instead stay on top of developing that positive outlook and optimism you’ve been working towards. This continues to combat your pessimism and the influences of your negative inner narratives.

Possible Positive Outcome

Elm and The Hierophant – By being patient and learning how to do things the “proper way” by the book instead of taking shortcuts, you are then able to help others learn and guide them through it, too. This is a comfortable position for you that helps you feel more stable and secure, even during times of transition.

Take Away – Stop twisting in the wind. Use your work with positivity to help keep yourself calm and your hope alive. You can’t learn the right way to do things if you’re too busy with your focus on getting away with doing the wrong things. Not to mention, going against your moral compass has never worked well for you and the chances of it doing so this time are low.

Other elements included in this reading:
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECKS USED: CAMENA TAROT, NEW ORLEANS TAROT CATS, AND GRAIN CARDS

Daily Self Kindness

I didn’t cancel my shrink appointment, even though I really didn’t want to do it and had a feeling it was going to throw off my equilibrium (which, in fact, it did).