Animal Totem Tarot

Success Thru Harmonious Teamwork

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

Today’s meditation was skipped.

BlueDogRose Tarot - Seven of PentaclesToday’s draw is the Seven of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of slow growth, sustainability, domestic harmony, hard work, and practicing patience while the fruits of your labors develop and take form.

I see teamwork in the imagery the Seven of Pentacles in this deck.  Hard work doesn’t have to be carried alone, and others can help it go by more quickly and easily.

The imagery here is about teamwork… and the harmony that can be accomplished when we work together toward a mutual goal.  It’s about more than collaboration, but finding a true rhythm and the acceptance that the work could take a good deal of time… but the reward will be worth it in the end.

DECK USED:  BLUEDOGROSE TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsMay2022 Challenge Prompt
Questions for May 5th thru 7th

Animal Totem Tarot and The Heartwood OracleWhat secret are you holding onto that needs to be shared?

Eight of Creatures atop Ace of Groves, Death – The secret that I hold close and hide from others is my fear of change, and the worry that new opportunity and rebirth will not sprout from the ashes of the bridges burned in the process of that change. That instead of opportunity, there will only be a life laid to waste, barren, broken, and empty.

What are the pros of sharing your secret?

Seven of Trees, Knight of Swords atop Ace of Wands – These cards indicate that by having this secret out in the open (as it now is, because I chose to expose it), I have a better chance of cutting my fear off at the knees and defeating it instead of allowing it to rule my life or defeat me in turn. Only when one confronts their fears are they able to then overcome them, and exposing these fears to the light of day is a step towards confronting them and overcoming them.

What are the cons of sharing your secret?

Four of Groves and Page of Swords – The cons of sharing this secret, as with so many secrets we hide away from the world, is that someone may find a way to use this information to run away with my joy and stunt my growth. People can often become obstructionists in other’s lives for many reasons, and when one’s vulnerabilities are exposed there is always the risk someone will use that information to hurt, hinder, or otherwise harm you in some way.

DECK USED: THE HEARTWOOD ORACLE AND ANIMAL TOTEM TAROT

The #ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge Prompt by E Roebuck-Jones
Question for May 5th: What am I holding onto from the past?

BlueDogRose TarotReading Summary: New inspiration (Ace of Wands) takes skill, control (King of Pentacles), stability, and single minded focus (Four of Pentacles) to bring forth into reality (the pattern of manifestation shown in the flow of the cards from left to right).

Take Away: This is a positive lesson that I’ve learned in my past, and I carry this knowledge forward with me on my path forward.  I know what it takes to manifest ideas and inspiration into reality.  I have done it again and again throughout my life.

Right now is a good time for this question… and the card’s answers. As when I struggle with motivation, this is often a lesson that I need to return to in order to pick myself up and keep moving on my goals and desires.

DECK USED: BLUEDOGROSE TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I made L help me with packaging orders tonight so that I could cut the packaging time in half.  She was sleeping but I pestered her to get up and help me anyway.

What Is Under My Control?

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

IMG_3333Today’s meditation was ten minutes long and focused upon allowing for your flaws and imperfections, because it is only in imperfection that perfection itself can be found. We all have flaws and things about ourselves that we’re not proud off or are embarrassed about.   The topic of today’s meditation was to say that it’s okay.

It’s okay to be flawed.  It’s what makes us human.   Yes, I believe that it’s important to strive towards being better.  But, it’s also important to accept that your flaws are not something to hate about yourself.  You can strive to be better while still accepting that your present self is okay.

So many people spend their lives unwilling to know themselves well and love and accept themselves for who and what they are.  They hide from their flaws, refusing to see them or choosing to not accept them and shaming themselves. This feels like such a waste of time to me. If there is truly something about yourself that you do not like… wouldn’t a better use of that time be to work at improving in some way?  Whether that be through change of whatever that “flaw” might be… or through your perception of yourself possessing it.

Six of Pentacles - Circle of Life TarotToday’s draw is is the Six of Pentacles, which traditionally is a representation of give and take, harmony, and charity in the area of one’s finances, resources, and the physical world.  The card speaks of finding balance between the haves and the have-nots.

Like most of the cards I’ve pulled so far for this deck, what I see in the imagery of this card is a bit different than the traditional meaning.   I love this about this particular deck, and about the Hush Tarot as well, actually.

There is a balance here.  A form of charity here in the imagery of this card, but to me the imagery feels more like protection.   Between the circle of rope that feels like a barrier you would make when casting a circle of protection for magic, to the robed figure bent over to two sleeping forms…. it all speaks to me of protection.

The message here is about caring for those that need your help, and protecting what’s truly important.  In the mess of everything going on right now in the world, I think that like many others, I have sometimes become distracted by all the different worries and concerns going on.  I fuss over finances and I focus on all the shit that’s falling apart both in my life and in the economy…. but the message here is to not focus so much on those things out of your control.   Instead, it’s time to focus on what you can control and let the rest go.

DECK USED:  CIRCLE OF LIFE TAROT

#TarotForGrowthMarch Challenge Prompt
Question: How can I embrace those shadows with loving kindness? (Built off yesterday’s cards.)

Wildwood Tarot

Intuitive Interpretation: Try to embrace what you have while you have it. You’ll be back to your regular amounts of alone time soon enough. Take advantage of this added time with those you love, and involve them in your works. Allow them to influence your work (both of the mundane and magical varieties) with their joyous feminine energy.

Take Away:  Instead of chafing against the added contact, I need to keep in mind how fortunate I am to have people to love me and care for me, and allow me to care for them in turn.  Yes, I miss my alone time, but this is also an opportunity to become closer with L and Z, and one way to do that is to invite them to help me in activities such as my home business work as well as in my spellcraft and rituals.

DECK USED:  WILDWOOD TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsMar2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: What are my strengths when dealing with others?

Tarocco degli Animali

Reading Summary:  There is a sense of control and balance (Two of Coins) in how I relate to others while providing them with a feeling of security (Six of Cups) and comfort (Six of Coins).  This ability doesn’t come from a place of brute strength, but from a more subtle but solid sense of inner strength (La Forza).

Take Away:  This is about being reassuring and providing a sense of stable security.

I really hope that is true and is something that I provide for others, but I have very little ability to see myself through other’s eyes, and although I have the ability to examine multiple perspectives on a vast array of topics… I can’t seem to grasp the perspectives of others concerning myself.  Even the times when I’ve asked, I hear their perspectives… the good and the bad… and it’s really wonderful to hear but I can’t seem to see it myself when it’s about… myself.

DECK USED:  TAROCCO DEGLI ANIMALI TAROT

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question: How can I continue to improve my intuitive messages?

Animal Totem Tarot

Reading Summary: Keep plugging away at it and stay focused on what I want while taking care to slip between the fingers of obstacles that try to get in my way.

Take Away:  My current journey for improving my intuition involves learning more about mediumship and how to control the ability that I discovered (unexpectedly) I possess last fall.   That said, in order to get to that point, I have a lot to learn first, including how to develop a stronger and more conscious relationship with my guides.

The cards indicate (much as a different reading on the same subject a couple months ago indicated) that it’s going to be a long road and take a lot of time and determination.  I can and will “get there”, but it’s going to take dedication and I need to watch out for pitfalls and road blocks along the way that could end up distracting me from my goal if I let them.

DECK USED:  ANIMAL TOTEM TAROT

 

What Have You Done?

/ Twist the Leaf / 2 Comments

Today’s meditation was just under ten minutes long, and due to having a rib out of place I had a really hard time staying still and settled for the meditation.

The meditation today focused on a full body scan that started at the top of the head and worked its way down to the toes and then back up again.  I ended up cutting off the meditation a few minutes early, though, so that I could spend some time on  my foam roller and work at trying to get that rib back into some semblance of alignment.

Judgement - Hush TarotToday’s draw is the Judgement card of the major arcana, which is traditionally interpreted as to do with, well…. judgement.  Also with themes that have to do with absolution and rebirth.

Honestly? Whenever my mind wanders to the traditional interpretations of this card?  I get that line in that old Janet Jackson song filtering through my mind. “What have you done for me lately?”   I feel that the judgement card is about your soul and moral compass, and that it is them saying that line, yeah?   It’s about either “being on track” with what you value and feel is right… or having been lead astray and needing to re-evaluate and come back on track again.

What I see in this card has a bit to do with that, but also with the visit to the bank for today.   It’s about the clubs in the pillars on either side, indicating passion and drive.  And it’s about the flowers that have grown up over the arch while the supports beneath rot away.

The message for me in today’s card is a reminder to make sure that while I am taking care of the present and planning for the future, that I am also protecting that foundation that I care so deeply about.

DECK USED:  HUSH TAROT

#TarotForGrowthMarch Challenge Prompt
Question: What spark is ready for me to ignite with this new moon?

Animal Totem Tarot

Intuitive Interpretation: It’s time to find a new way of feeling about things.

Take Away:  This feels like a continuation of the theme of most of yesterday’s readings, in that it speaks of looking at things in a new perspective and finding a new and better way to see things, especially concerning my emotions and my emotional investments.

Things can’t always be perfectly stable, no matter how much I want them to be.  Sometimes you have to let go and start anew, and that’s okay.

DECK USED:  ANIMAL TOTEM TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsMar2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: What do I need to focus on for self-care this new moon?

Eight Coins Tattoo Tarot

Reading Summary:  These cards match along the same line as a lot of my readings have over the past few days.  They speak of finding the stability I seek by taking a new direction and entertaining new “outside of the box” perspectives and perceptions (Hanged Man).

Take Away:  Sometimes in my strive to develop stability and a solid foundation, I forget that life is about the journey and a big part of that journey is adaptability when confronted with change.   That is a big challenge right now, and I need to stop digging in my heels (and my roots) so stubbornly and allow the changes that need to take place to happen.   Allow them to happen, and focus on adaptation rather than fighting so hard to keep things the same.

DECK USED:  EIGHT COINS TATTOO TAROT

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question: How can I move through my intuitive blocks?

Tarocco delle Vetrate by Luigi Scapini

Reading Summary:  Taking time for introspection (The Hermit) in times when things feel up in the air (Wheel of Fortune) will allow me to avoid becoming defensive (Seven of Wands), which pulls up walls that muffle my intuition.

Take Away:  One of my largest and most difficult intuitive blocks is the muffling effect my inner walls cause when they are erected as a part of my defense mechanisms when I am feeling uncertain and vulnerable.   The cards indicate if I want to move through that block, it requires introspection and honest reflection, rather than my normal habit of boxing things up and ignoring them as I shove them behind those walls.

DECK USED:  TAROCCO DELLE VETRATE BY LUIGI SCAPINI

Untying Inner Knots

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

IMG_3218Today’s meditation was just over sixteen minutes long and focused upon the Adrian Corday post that is included here in this blog post.   I found that quote on Instagram, and it really struck home.

I felt that it was important to take some time to count my blessings and really focus in on what I have that is good in my life right now.   What’s good in my life includes that my sister and I are safe and that Z is here and safe as well.   No, none of us can know if we’re infected or not since it can take up to 14 days to show symptoms after infection… but we’re safe and we’re good and after a tip given to me by a friend on YouTube in the morning today?  We even have food.

That last one takes a lot of weight off my shoulders.  I’m not good at inactivity, but that’s okay too.  I have plenty to keep me busy.

All of that was my focus in my meditation today.  Well, that and a full body scan, of course… just because I like those.

Nine of Pentacles - Hush TarotToday’s draw is the Nine of Pentacles which is often traditionally interpreted as independence, abundance, and the “lap of luxury”.

I actually do see independence here.  It’s sort of interesting, because I haven’t had a lot of cards come up in either this deck or the other one I’m using this month for daily pulls that has had an intuitive interpretation that aligns with traditional meanings.

That said?  That is where the similarity ends.  As although I see independence in this card, I also see… need.  She’s gaunt and her cheeks are hollow, her expression appearing to me today as holding the ache of longing.   What I see here is that her independence has caused this predicament… and thus the message that I see in today’s card is that independence is only as good as what it gives you when you have it.

If independence causes a sense of seclusion and loneliness?  Then perhaps it’s time to ease up a bit and allow others in.    For me, this translates into a reminder to enjoy this time together with L and Z.   I’m not used to such constant contact with others and it can be a bit straining for me, but at the same time?  It’s an opportunity to appreciate just how much they mean to me… and just how much they love me.

DECK USED:  HUSH TAROT

#TarotForGrowthMarch Challenge Prompt
Question: How can I better express gratitude for my current opportunities?

Green Witch Tarot

Reading Summary:  By taking advantage of this time of opportunity and closeness with those around me and enjoying them to the fullest.

Take Away:  The forced seclusion with L and Z is providing me with an opportunity to delve into a deeper relationship with both of them (Ace of Cups) and I need to sit back and allow their love in and share mine in turn with them (King of Cups).  By taking this time to enjoy their presence rather than chafing under it (Three of Cups) I will find myself developing a deeper abundance and wealth that goes far beyond that of coin (Ten of Pentacles).

DECK USED:  GREEN WITCH TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsMar2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: Do Spread #3

Celtic Dragon TarotWhat do I need to let go of to…

Ease My Mind:  It’s okay to slack off a bit… especially during this time.  Try not to allow yourself to get so wrapped up in the process of “getting things done” that you lose the joy of being able to relax for a bit.  You have enough to worry about and enough going on. You don’t need to add burnout into the mix.

Lighten My Heart:  My incessant need to always be moving forward.  There are things I can do to prepare for later, but there’s no real moving forward right now.  I need to find a way to ease that need and let it relax.  I can’t be in control of everything right now, no matter how much I want to be or how much my inner self demands it.

Free My Creative Spark:  It’s time to let go of the intensive juggling I do between all the different aspects of my life.  All those balls I usually keep aloft have crashed to the ground.  Stop straining and pushing at myself so hard to juggle responsibilities that don’t even exist at the moment.  This has to do not so much with the fact I’m still juggling them, but that there is an inner straining push within me to do the juggling regardless of the fact there’s no balls there to juggle right now.

DECK USED:  CELTIC DRAGON TAROT

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question: What do I need to know about my intuitive abilities?

Animal Totem Tarot

Reading Summary:  I have a habit of disconnecting and stepping back (High Priestess) from my innate abilities (Page of Wands) when  I become tense (Nine of Pentacles) and/or overwhelmed (Ten of Swords).

Take Away:  So when I become overwhelmed or tense, I have a habit of setting up barriers that cause me to lose sight of where I want to go and step back into a retreat.  This causes a muffling wall between myself and the messages of my intuition, making it harder for me to pick up those messages I would otherwise easily hear and obey without question.  Because of this I can often end up stunting growth and ending up having to “start over”, losing a portion of the progress I’ve made in the process.

DECK USED:  ANIMAL TOTEM TAROT

 

Self Care Saturday (On a Sunday)

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

These Saturday readings are (not usually) bearing in on any one thing or event in my life, as the question used is asking for a more general outlook. This is a self care exercise, and is not meant as a predictive reading… although that, too, happens on occasion.

The question is… What do I need to focus for self-care through the week ahead?

Self Care Saturday

Earth – Five of Cups and Wren – You possess all the resources and skills needed to achieve my goals.  Now is a time to set aside apathy and move away from those things that are causing distress.  Instead, pay attention to what needs to be done and what needs to take place including in what areas you need to step back from, and use your innate skills and adaptability to take the steps needed to get there. Judicious self restraint is advised.

Air – Emperor and White Swan – A return to strength can be healing.  It’s more than possible to maintain control and steady footing while allowing light in to heal wounds created within the darkness. That self possession and control can often look like it is in contrast to the light of healing energy, but they aren’t.  Both reside within you and can work together as one.

Water – Hanged Man and Dove –  Releasing the past and opening up to the present is the theme of this week when it comes to my emotions.  It’s time to seek out a new perspective, moving forward into that new view is essential to adaptation and growth.  Take time  to examine closely the “outside the box” options that may be available to you or help you in finding balance on your path forward.

Fire – Eight of Wands and Eagle –  The symbol of the eagle is one of awakening power, knowledge, vision, and spiritual growth.  Combined with the Eight of Wands, there is an indication here that these cards are about advancing in those areas at high speed over the next week.  Sometimes when we are growing and developing, different aspects of ourselves develop at different rates.  These cards indicate that there will be a significant growth spurt in this area, and that I need to keep my eyes open so that I don’t miss anything.

Waning – Snake – Rigid adherence to a chosen path and analytical thinking. As the cards above have touched on, this week will be about moving away from these themes and embracing a mentality of adaptability while allowing the heart to have sway in the decisions taking place.

Waxing – Monkey – Unrestrained dexterity and adaptability. Don’t get so sucked in to that rigid way of thinking that you miss the bus on the growth taking place this week.  You’ve made the choice to move forward… now is not the time to look back.

Take Away – More forward movement towards healing and finding balance.  More growth.  Full speed ahead, this week is going to be filled with bits and pieces of growth… golden nuggets that will in develop into essential puzzle pieces in the new reality I am forming with each step I take.

DECKS USED:  ANIMAL TOTEM TAROT, DIVINE FEATHER MESSENGER ORACLE, PAOLO BARBIERI CHINESE ORACLE

No Ignoring Self-Care

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

Today’s meditation was once again not particularly useful.  I did make an effort this morning, but that effort was thwarted by a multitude of interruptions and…. it just didn’t end up happening.  So…  I will give it a go tonight before bed again.   That said?  I really need to do a better job of fitting it into my mornings, as I get a far better effect from a morning meditation than  I do an evening one.

Knight of Pentacles - Hush TarotToday’s draw is the Knight of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of a beta energy, personality, or person in the area of resources, finances, and the physical world.  This often translates into themes of productivity and hard work carrying someone forward toward rewards.

What I see in the imagery of this card is the support represented by the hands that the bird perches upon, as well as ingenuity in the string the bird holds, and industry in the ant crawling upon the fingers.    I see the key speaking of how these things are a solution… a way forward.

The message in today’s card is about working toward my goals and finding the best way to do things rather than doing them as they’ve “always been done”.   To move forward, sometimes you have to look for paths and methods that take you “outside the box”.

DECK USED:  HUSH TAROT

#TarotForGrowthMarch Challenge Prompt
Question: What about myself have I been underrating?

Law of Attraction Tarot

Reading Summary:  This reading split into a trio of answers.  The big pic including all of the cards is about balance between fun/positivity and passions/drive. There is also a clear definition between the two left cards, which speaks of balancing responsibilities and fun/optimism…. And the right side which is also about the balance between responsibilities and fun/pleasure.  In each case, the cards reinforce the meaning of the whole.

Take Away:  These cards indicate that what I have been underestimating about myself is the ability to balance fun and pleasure into my business.  This is something I’ve been trying to tap back into after the fog I’d been experiencing through the winter, but I admit to have been struggling with it.

DECK USED:  LAW OF ATTRACTION TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsMar2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: What do I need to focus on for self care for this full moon?

Animal Totem Tarot

Reading Summary:  The imagery of all four of these cards is extremely grounded… and ground-centric.   This speaks of a need to stay well grounded even as I take possession of my interests and passions, and move forward toward my goals.  Make sure that I am not leaving my care behind in favor of these other interests.

Take Away:  I have a habit of getting wrapped up in interests and passions, and allowing other things to fall away into the background.  Although the winter sort of distracted me from this habit, I’m well aware that as I start to feel better, it will return   The cards indicate I need to make sure I’m paying attention to this tendency and not allow myself to get carried away.   Instead, continue to focus on the slow-and-steady progress I’ve been making and don’t push my self-care practices off to the side… they are important.

DECK USED:  ANIMAL TOTEM TAROT

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question: Share a pic of your favorite tarot or oracle deck.

Okay…. so I couldn’t choose just one.  Or two.  Or three.  So here’s four.

Favorite Decks - Tarot and Oracle

DECK USED:  TAROT OF THE HIDDEN REALM, HUSH TAROT, STOLEN CHILD TAROT, THE FAERIES’ ORACLE BY BRIAN FROUD