affirmation

The Happy Place

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

That guidance says, “You know what you’re doing babes, take it easy on you.”

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The Unofficial Shel Silverstein Tarot and The Az 2 Oracle The @GlitterbyInk #SeptemberSoul25 Challenge
Seeds of Intention Prompt for September 4th : Stillness
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 Cups, which is traditionally a representation of themes that have to do with contentment, accomplishment, and satisfaction in the area of one’s emotions, relationships, creativity, and intuition.

One of the things I find particularly appealing about meditation and mindfulness is that you can take it with you anywhere. You can quite literally do it everywhere.

This means that the potential to find some kind of peace and contentment is possible anywhere and in any situation. This is why combat soldiers are taught box breathing. This is how snipers stay so calm and focused. This is how free divers are able to be so effective with their breath control.

Yes. A cushy mat and some silence is an absolutely delightful way to practice. We practice in the spaces, though, so that we can then bring the skills learned there with us to be utilized in the busy and chaotic world where they can do the most good.

The message for today is that any place has the potential to be our happy place. If we learn how to bring that inner stillness and peace with us, we can bring our happy place with us wherever we go.

DECK USED:  THE UNOFFICIAL SHEL SILVERSTEIN TAROT AND THE AZ 2 ORACLE

@de_tarotjuf Time for Yourself
#detarotjufseptembertarotchallenge
Prompts for September 4th and 5th

The Unofficial Shel Silverstein Tarot and Kitten Oracle ReadingWhat can I do to increase my self-confidence?

The World and The Loaf – Don’t worry so much about the end of things and what you’re losing in moving past it. Instead, remember how far you’ve come, and that what you’ve built gives you a sense of security that will last beyond this ending and onto the next beginning. Relax and enjoy the ride, tuck away your defences, and put away your fears concerning what you can’t see and don’t yet know.

What new habit can help me flourish?

The Sun and The Storm – Take comfort in the fact that your current struggles and fears are temporary, and you will get the chance to start climbing toward your goals and aspirations again once everything has settled down. For now, just snuggle in with those things and people that give you comfort and wait out the storm.

Other elements included in this reading:
Black Spruce Needles to Boost Self-Confidence and Positive Thinking
Dried Purple Heather Flowers for Independence and Luck
Aragonite for Truth and Understanding
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: THE UNOFFICIAL SHEL SILVERSTEIN TAROT AND KITTEN ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I bought myself a box of chocolate muffins while at the store today.

It’s In the Presentation

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

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Tarot of the Old Forest - Nine of PentaclesThe @GlitterbyInk #SeptemberSoul25 Challenge
Seeds of Intention Prompt for September 3rd : Presence
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 Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of solitary satisfaction, a job well done, self-sufficiency, abundance, financial independence, and luxury earned through hard work.

I know a woman who carries herself with elegance and poise. When she walks into a room, people take notice. When she walks into a bar, people stop cursing. At barely 5 foot, she’s not physically imposing. She’s not movie star gorgeous, nor does she dress in a way that would indicate great wealth or power.

What she is? Is a lady, and she is treated with respect wherever she goes. Not because of anything monetary or intimidating, but because she has presence.

It’s in her posture and in her smile, it’s in her eyes and in every step and movement. She’s kind and warm-hearted, approachable and… even “cute” sometimes. Yet no one ever disrespects her.

Today’s message is about our presence, and an encouragement to present yourself as you how you want others to see you; for that is exactly how they are going to see you.

It takes practice and work. It’s about posture and poise, presentation, and determination. Anyone can create the perception of being a lady or a gentleman. Anyone can create the perception of being an easy victim or someone not worth messing with.

What perceptions are you showing the world? How could you possibly change them to your advantage?

DECK USED:  TAROT OF THE OLD FOREST

@de_tarotjuf Time for Yourself
#detarotjufseptembertarotchallenge
Prompt for September 3rd : What limiting beliefs am I still holding onto?

Tarot of the Old Forest's King of Swords and Crow Redux Oracle ReadingReading Summary: You have a tendency to take everything you can upon your own shoulders (Isolation), and that it’s your responsibility to do so so that those around you aren’t inconvenienced (King of Swords). You perceive this as a strength, even though what it actually does is make you weaker (Strength).

Take Away: Being a good leader means letting go of the idea that everything is all on you. A king is not a king without his subjects, a leader is not a leader without others to lead.

Doing stuff alone doesn’t make you stronger, it just wears you down and creates overwhelm. True strength is in finding how to involve others and delegate effectively.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Cedar Bundle for Protection from Negative Influences
Foraged Purple Heather Sprigs for Independence and Luck
Gneiss Stone for Patience in Moments of Discomfort
Cream Quartz Stone for Amplifying Intentions and Mental Clarity
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: TAROT OF THE OLD FOREST AND THE CROW REDUX

Daily Self Kindness

I took a nap in the back of the car today when I had the opportunity.

The Importance of Stewardship

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Today’s meditation was a self-directed ten minute session, focused upon the “Aliens In This World” card from the Alice’s Flowers Oracle (shown) by @Sunni_Chapman and a quote from guidance that came with that card.

That guidance says, “We are aliens in this world, you and I. All of us. Visitors for a time. Exploring this earthly realm. Learning about its ins and outs. Learning about our own. Try not to take it all too seriously. Soon, we’ll all be taking off.”

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Alice's Flowers Oracle and Sigilla Mediaevalia Tarot Reading - The Devil CardThe @GlitterbyInk #SeptemberSoul25 Challenge
Seeds of Intention Prompt for September 2nd : Rooted
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is The Devil card, which is traditionally a representation of temptation, struggles with moderation, harmful excesses, addiction, and self-harm.

The advice that came as the basis of the card I pulled for my meditation today speaks of how we are all aliens only temporarily living in this world.

I… don’t think this is right.

On a spiritual level? Perhaps. We all die after all. In that sense, we all do “move on”, even if not always away from this world. (Ie: reincarnation, ancestral visitors, ghost and spirits, etc.)

Also, if we aren’t of this world, wouldn’t things like grounding in nature and the healing aspects of nature not work on us? I mean, maybe there are some among us that are not of this world, but I’m pretty certain that I am.

Anyway, in the advice for this card, it says that we are visitors for a time, and to not take it all too seriously, because we’ll all be “taking off” soon. I think this is a dangerous line of thinking to buy into. It encourages not taking responsibility in life for… Well, anything.

After all, what does it all matter (the earth, other creatures, our own bodies) if this is just some kind of pit stop? I feel that this mindset encourages treating the world and everything in it like some sort of back road rest stop bathroom. And, if you’ve ever been in one of those, you know just how badly they are treated.

What I see in today’s message is about discernment and critical thinking. It’s a reminder that sometimes ideas and ideology sound good… but on close critical examination, they are foundationally flawed. The message for today is a reminder to always look for these flaws before you buy in to harmful and even possibly dangerous ideologies. Just because it sounds good doesn’t mean it is; and when something is too good to be true? There’s a good chance you’re not looking closely enough.

DECK USED:  SIGILLA MEDIAEVALIA TAROT AND ALICE’S FLOWERS ORACLE

@de_tarotjuf Time for Yourself
#detarotjufseptembertarotchallenge
Prompt for September 2nd : Where lies a strength I can still discover?

Foxfire: A Kitsune Oracle ReadingReading Summary: Your sense of humor and wonder (Delight) is still there deep within you (Beneath the Surface). It is an integral part of who you are, hidden but not destroyed by what you’ve gone (Born with a Gift).

Take Away: A lot of the things you have gone through in life could have easily snuffed out the qualities of humor and wonder in you.  Instead, they remain a hidden part of who you are, waiting to be explored.

Not long ago, you read the book “Awe” by Dacher Keltner, that delved into the importance of wonder and awe in our lives. This book made it easier for you to connect with those emotions, and you now only need to give yourself the permission to actually feel them and enjoy them.

Other elements included in this reading:
Carved Bamboo for Positive Outcomes
Fox Figure for Fostering Adaptability and Cunning
Foraged Silver Maple Key for Bouncing Back to Thrive
Carnelian Agate for Inner Drive and Focusing On One’s Aspirations
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: FOXFIRE : THE KITSUNE ORACLE

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2025 Challenge
Prompts for September 2nd

Almanac of Birds: 100 Divinations for Uncertain Days and The Primero Tarot's Seven of Pentacles, Eight of Swords, and Nine of WandsWhat makes you feel excited?

Common Tern and Seven of Pentacles – Discovering the fruits of your inner growth makes you feel excited. Getting a chance to enjoy and acknowledge the fruits of your labors in general is something to get excited about, but when it comes to your personal inner development, you find discovering those results and accomplishments especially exciting as they things usually go unnoticed and unacknowledged.

What makes you feel happy?

Large Ground Finch and Eight of Swords – The interactive writing you do with your partner gives you the gift of a temporary distraction from reality. It allows you to temporarily close your eyes to the world around you and your troubles. This time spent with him  lifts your spirits even when you are feeling at your worst, so that you can go back out to tackle the world with your eyes open once ore.

What makes you feel calm?

Common Pine Finch and Nine of Wands – One of the things that creates calm for you is the knowledge that your struggles and hardships have a purpose. The lessons you learn from these struggles and hardships allow you to better care for and protect what’s important to you. This, in turn, provides a sense of security that fosters calm within you.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Rhododendron Leaf for Fostering Confidence
Deodar Cedar Impression for Clarity and Spiritual Connection
Foraged Ponderosa Pine Cone for Resilience and Adaptability
Rainforest Rhyolite for Facilitating Calm Transitions
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: THE PRIMERO TAROT AND AN ALMANAC OF BIRDS: 100 DIVINATIONS FOR UNCERTAIN DAYS

Daily Self Kindness

I reached out to Gideon to let him know I’d be late tonight.

Forgiveness vs Forgetting

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

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Earthbound Tarot's Three of SwordsThe @GlitterbyInk #SeptemberSoul25 Challenge
Seeds of Intention Prompt for September 1st : Remember
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 Swords, which is traditionally a representation of depression, grief, and disappointments. This theme often seems strange to people, being that it is seated in the Swords suit (which is often all about intellect and the mind), but it is important to remember that how we react emotionally is often rooted in how we think and what expectations we create for ourselves before everything falls apart.

Just because you refuse to forget, doesn’t mean you can’t forgive.

Some things in life stay with you. They leave permanent scars, or at least those scars seem pretty permanent when you carry them with you for decades after the fact.

The thing is though, sometimes in order for healing to begin we have to forgive. That doesn’t mean we forget what happened; nor does it mean that we start the offending party over from square one and decide that they’ve changed… because it’s very possible (and more than likely that) they haven’t.

It simply means that we no longer allow them and their past actions to make us angry and upset anymore. I’m not talking about burying your feelings either, nor pretending that you’re not angry when you really are. These feelings are valid and understandable. I’m just saying that in order to heal the wounds, sometimes we have to eventually let the hurt and anger go.

I am personally guilty of not letting things go. Hell, my main abuser in my life growing up has passed away, which means there’s really no one left to be mad at, and yet it still took me a long time after his passing to finally let go of that anger.

Today’s message tells us that as long as you allow those that hurt you to occupy your mind and control your emotions, you will not be able to heal the wounds that they have created within you. Take as long as you need to rant and rage, but eventually start looking towards letting go instead.

DECK USED:  EARTHBOUND TAROT

@de_tarotjuf Time for Yourself
#detarotjufseptembertarotchallenge
Prompt for September 1st : What would I like to evoke in my life this month?

Earthbound Tarot's Two of Cups and The Fermentation Oracle ReadingReading Summary: There needs to be some changes (Transformation) in your relationships with others (Two of Cups) in order to make them feel more stable (Grounding).

Take Away: You have fallen into the old habit of taking everything on your own shoulders, and as a result you are carrying too much of the load where responsibilities are concerned in your relationships with others.

Instead of keeping these feelings to yourself and letting the overwhelm eat you up, you need to sort things out with them so that the responsibilities, workload, and stress involved is more evenly distributed.

Remember that your friends and loved ones -want- to help you and are eager to contribute. The unpleasant feelings you are picking up concerning this aren’t coming from them, bur rather from your own reluctance to both inconvenience them as well release that tight grip on everything a little bit.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Cedar Bundle for Protection from Negative Influences
Aragonite for Truth and Understanding
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: EARTHBOUND TAROT AND THE FERMENTATION ORACLE

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2025 Challenge
Prompt for September 1st : What is something new you should try this month?

Earthbound Tarot's Strength card and The Flower Oracle ReadingReading Summary: Work on convincing yourself (Strength) to hold out hope and believe that a solution is forthcoming (Snowdrop). Consider your next steps with care instead of jumping the gun (Dahlia).

Take Away: This has to do with your business and the worries going on right now in that corner.

This is a message that’s currently repeating in your readings because it’s the main focus right now in your life, and so the advice keeps coming to remind you over and again… to wait.  To be patient.  To not lose hope.  To not give up.

Don’t allow your impatience to get the best of you, or your anxiety to create doomsday scenarios in  your head.  Letting that negativity in right now will just scatter you all over the place, and be a detriment to your later recovery from this time of uncertainty and struggle.

Other elements included in this reading:
Black Spruce Needles to Boost Self-Confidence and Positive Thinking
Dried Purple Heather Flowers for Independence and Luck
Foraged Driftwood for Weathering the Storm
Rose Quartz for Gentle Kindness to Self and Others
Gneiss Stone for Patience in Moments of Discomfort
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: EARTHBOUND TAROT AND THE FLOWER ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

As was brought up in the card of the day reading above today, I spent some time in communion with the memories of my abuser today, and touching upon my own efforts toward sustained forgiveness.

Side Quests and the Long Game

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Today’s meditation was a ten minute EFT tapping session using The Tapping Solution Daily Guidance card pictured with my tarot card of the day, and the tapping guidance/affirmations provided on the back of the card.

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The Ultimate RPG Tarot's Knight of Pentacles and The Tapping Solution's Daily Guidance Cards@FatMumSlim August #FMSPAD Challenge
Prompt for August 31st : A Good Habit | #FMS_GOODHABIT25

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.

Although side quests happen, you always return to the primary path, acknowledging it as the true goal worth focusing on.

We all get distracted from time to time; that’s a part of why the “big goals” in life take so long to achieve. Life throws things in our path, and sometimes detours are necessary. Other times? Detours are what make the journey more interesting.

Remember, there are 60-year-olds travelling the world. There are 70-year-olds going to college. There are 80-year-olds earning their diplomas. A goal that really matters to you doesn’t have to be a sprint, but instead can become a lifelong journey, side quests and all.

Today’s message is a reminder that just because it’s taking time to reach your goals doesn’t mean that you’re failing at them. It just means that you’re collecting extra knowledge and experience points along the way. As long as you remember where the goal post are, you’re going to get there eventually. Just keep going.

DECK USED:  THE ULTIMATE RPG TAROT AND THE TAPPING SOLUTION’S DAILY GUIDANCE CARDS

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2025 Challenge
Prompt for July 31 : Grab a spread of your choice you’re curious about… and give it a go!
@Lionharts #TheAugustTarot Leo Season Challenge
Bonus Spread for August : The Sun Tarot Spread

The Sun Tarot Reading with The Eldritch Quest Tarot and The Witchcraft Therapy Oracle

What light {within me} is ready to rise and brighten my path today?

Eight of Cups and Balance – You can’t always say “fuck it” and walk away, but sometimes it’s necessary. If something in your life is creating a lot of imbalance, now is the time to take a look at that and decide if it’s really worth all that you’re putting into it.

In what area of my life am I guided to embrace curiosity or an open mind?

The Fool and Check In – Are you having any fun? If not, why not? Don’t forget that having some fun as an important part of life, and if you’re not having enough of it, it can make it life feel as if it’s dragging you down and trying to crush your spirit. Make sure you’re checking in on your level of fun in life. If it feels like you’re not having enough? Then you’re not having enough.

Where can I welcome a moment of wonder to uplift or inspire me?

The Empress and Intimacy – Your time with Gideon is important. Hugs and touches are important. Kisses and quiet intimate moments are important. Don’t disregard their importance just because you aren’t healed enough to feel their benefits every single time. They are good for you even then.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Rhododendron Leaf for Fostering Confidence
Gneiss Stone for Patience in Moments of Discomfort
Green Aventurine for Harmony and Balance of the Heart
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECKS USED: THE ELDRITCH QUEST TAROT AND THE WITCHCRAFT THERAPY ORACLE

@empressofthenightslight Roll the Tarot August Challenge
Roll :  17  Prompt : How can I best celebrate my journey today?

The Red Threads Tarot ReadingReading Summary: Release your fears (Nine of Blades and Goddess of Disks). You need to let them go and step away from them (Eight of Cups), as their influence and weight is not beneficial to you and your stability at this time.

The Goddess of Disks (aka King of Pentacles) in this deck is about a pair of Minoan Snake Goddess figures, and incorporates themes that have to do with fertility, birth, death, transformation, healing, and sexuality. The myth speaks with great importance of snakes shedding their skin, which correlates with the Eight of Cups’ theme of letting go.

“The power of life causes the snake to shed his skin, just as the moon sheds its shadow.” – Joseph Campbell

Take Away: Right now, your anxiety is high and you’re on edge due to the amount of worry and stress going on in your life concerning your livelihood and business.  You need to step away from these fears rather than letting them overtake you, for it’s in letting them go that you can keep them from dragging you down into a detrimental head space.

Take control of your inner narratives and shed from that mental space what isn’t serving you instead of letting it get you worked up and compounding your anxiety.

Other elements included in this reading:
Copper Die for Energy Flow and Optimism in the Roll
Dried Rhododendron Leaves for Fostering Confidence
Banded Carnelian for Inner Drive and Focus On Aspirations
Labradorite for a Focus on Mental and Emotional Healing
Rainbow Moonstone for Emotional Balance and Intuition
Kyanite for Clear Communication and Self-Expression
Clear Quartz Man in the Moon for Amplification of Lunar Energies
Desert Rose for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: THE RED THREADS TAROT – ARIADNE & DIONYSUS –

Daily Self Kindness

I worked really hard at not allowing my negative inner narratives to have a voice louder than a whisper today.

Try, Try Again

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Today’s meditation was a ten minute self-directed session based upon the affirmation “Fail Abundantly.”

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Meryl Tarot's Knight of Wands and Love Who You Are Oracle card@FatMumSlim August #FMSPAD Challenge
Prompt for August 30th : Favourite Thing Today | #FMS_FAVETHING25

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 Wands, which is traditionally a representation of a projective beta energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s drive, passions, willpower, principles, inspiration, or enthusiasm. This often translates into themes that have to do with rash behavior and a go-get’em attitude toward the things that matter to that person.

And here we are.  On a stressful and chaotic day, with the cards saying… “Try, Try Again”.
[ref: William Edward Hickson 1803-1870]

It’s a lesson you should heed,
Try, try again.

If at first you don’t succeed,
Try, try again.

William Edward Hickson - Try Try AgainThen your courage should appear,
For if you will persevere,
You will conquer, never fear,
Try, try again.

Once or twice, though you should fail,
Try, try again.

If you would at last prevail,
Try, try again.

If we strive, ’tis no disgrace,
Though we do not win the race;
What should you do in that case?
Try, try again.

If you find your task is hard,
Try, try again.

Time will bring you your reward,
Try, try again.

All that other folk can do,
Why, with patience, should not you?
Only keep this rule in view,
Try, try again.

Today’s message is that failing doesn’t matter. It’s about getting back up and trying again. It will -always- be about trying and the learning that you gain through your experiences along the way. We sometimes wish life could be easier, but the fact of the matter is? It isn’t, and maybe? It shouldn’t be. If life was easier, we wouldn’t learn anything, we’d just float along… stupid and empty.  It’s our tests and trials that give us depth.  So… try, try again.

DECK USED:  MERYL TAROT AND LOVE WHO YOU ARE ORACLE

@Lionharts #TheAugustTarot Leo Season Challenge
King of Wands – Leadership Bonus Prompts for August

Creative Consciousness Healing Oracle ReadingWhat vision am I ready to lead into reality?

Receiving – You don’t need to push and force everything that you want in life. Sometimes, the things that are meant to be will come to you on their own, if you just let them do so at their own pace. Wouldn’t life be just that much better and less tense if you didn’t have to fight for every step and every little thing along the way?

Maybe it could be, but in order to get there you have to stop pushing and open yourself to receiving instead. Believe that you truly are worthy of not having to struggle so hard for everything you have.

How can I take charge of my path with self-trust?

Grounding – Chaos is not your friend and it’s through grounding yourself that you find your center, understand your needs and strengths better, and connect in trust with yourself. The more rooted in your power you are, the better you connect with that trust.

Where am I being asked to rise as a leader?

Ice Boundary – You are very good at keeping your head on straight when things go awry.  When chaos reigns, others look to you for that level head and grounded energy that they are used to receiving from you.  In these moments, you are asked to rise and lead.  Just make sure that it’s an instance where your leadership is truly needed before you step forward to take up the mantel.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Lavender Bundle for Calming and Comfort
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: CREATIVE CONSCIOUSNESS HEALING ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I didn’t allow the emotional (and expected financial) upheaval of today’s chaos drag me into an ugly mental spiral.