Staying Open to Better Things

Today’s meditation was skipped.

Animals Divine Tarot - Eight of SwordsToday’s draw is the Eight of Swords (The Condor), which is traditionally a representation of self-imposed limitations, closed mindedness, inflexibility, and restrictive thinking.

I read the description of this card today out of curiosity, and it spoke of the condors being stuck in this land of fallen soldiers and dropped swords.  It spoke of being unable to look -beyond- the land they’ve claimed and become familiar with.

The message in today’s card is about paying attention to old habits and making sure that you aren’t getting stuck in patterns that aren’t as efficient or helpful as other methods might be.

There’s a lot to be said for the familiar, but sometimes there’s a better way waiting to be discovered if you’re willing to look beyond what’s right in front of you.

DECK USED:  ANIMALS DIVINE TAROT (trimmed naked)

#DiscordTarotholicsAug2022 Challenge Prompt
Questions for August 29th and 30th

The Language of Flowers & Trees OracleWhere do I need to foster more joy and happiness in life?

Gladiolus atop Pine – You need to be more receptive to finding peace. That means getting out in nature more and hiking among the trees, rather than staying inside all the time or overwhelming yourself with so much to do that you have no time to take care of yourself.

How can I encourage that joy to flourish in my future?

Yarrow and Aspen – Be open and honest with yourself and others about your needs. Only through connecting with your needs and being open to fulfilling them can you not just survive, but actually thrive.

DECK USED: THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS & TREES ORACLE

Mr Lionhart’s #TheAugustTarot Be Here Now Prompt
Questions for August 28th and 29th

Animals Divine TarotWhat has my journey through the wild unknown taught me?

Four of Pentacles atop Ten of Pentacles, Ten of Swords – There’s a lot of hard work in achieving stability, and a lot of pain and sacrifice goes into the process. When you get to a place where you can take a breath, be sure to look back and appreciate these things instead of forgetting them completely.

How can I build upon this journey moving forward?

King of Pentacles, Ace of Pentacles, and Ten of Cups – Remember that sometimes when you reach the end of the road, that means it’s time to start again and perhaps focus a bit more on what will make you happy instead of what you feel is your responsibility or obligation.

DECK USED: ANIMALS DIVINE TAROT (trimmed naked)

Daily Self Kindness

Even though it was and orders day, I dawdled in bed for a bit first.

Celebrating Connections

Today’s meditation was ten minutes long, and was another moment of quiet time with breathing exercises and piriformis stretches.

Animals Divine TarotToday’s draw is the Two of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of union and connection with others on an emotional level. This is often a card that indicates the budding of a new relationship with another, although not always romantic in nature, where both parties connect through emotion or creative pursuits that align.

I’m a big fan of otters.  I love their energy and their flexibility, their speed and the way that they move seems like a celebration rooted in joy. Here we see two river otters that swim and circle around each other, like a watery dance of fluid movements and twining bodies.

The imagery in this card speaks to me of celebration and connection… and celebration of connections.  it’s a reminder that we can’t get on with everyone, and we need to appreciate and, in fact, celebrate those that we find in life that  we connect well with and love.

DECK USED: ANIMALS DIVINE TAROT

Mr Lionharts’ #TheJanuaryTarot Wheel of 22 Challenge Prompt
Question
s for January 21st thru 23rd

Animals Divine TarotWhat are my current strengths? (Draw three cards.)

Ace of Swords – You are always full of new and innovative ideas.

Three of Wands atop Five of Cups – Making the choice to lean into optimism (which is not necessarily a natural/comfortable fit for you) as you move forward, instead of falling back on pessimistic tendencies.

The Lovers – Using good judgement, even when it sometimes means consulting with Gideon or taking a moment to consider what Gid would say/think, and allowing his love to guide you in matters where you waver or feel uncertain (which is especially prevalent when confronted with self destructive tendencies).

How should I use my strengths to manifest my best 2022? (In relation to the strength above.)

Ace of Pentacles – A new perspective on comfort and stability is needed this year, and your ability to come up with new and innovated ways of seeing things is definitely something that can help you in this area.

Queen of Wands atop Five of Swords – This ability and willingness to choose optimism over pessimism will allow you to stay motivated, even during times when you come up against tests and trials along your path.

Eight of Pentacles – If the answer is to let something go or walk away from something, try to listen instead of balking. You are doing a lot of restructuring this year, and there are some things you have to let go of to make room for what you want to accomplish.

How can my strengths add value to the lives of others? (In relation to the strength above.)

King of Wands – When you share these new ideas with others, you then inspire them others to follow your lead. This means that over time you end up with an entire army of supporters there to march in your footsteps and support your inspirations.

The Star – It inspires hope and positivity in others. You might think at times that the “lean into optimism” thing is feeling a bit over the top, but it’s not as extreme as you think it is… and it inspires others that witness you making the effort and understand you are making a conscious choice to change how you see and deal with things.

King of Cups – It makes Gideon feel good to know he is a part of tour life in so many ways. His influence is good for you, and yours is good for him as well.

DECK USED: ANIMALS DIVINE TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I took it easy today.  I really didn’t want to, but… I thought today was a good day for it so… that’s what I did.  The only “work” type of stuff I did today was filling up a cart full of stuff I’d been trying to sell on eBay to be taken somewhere to be donated.  I also emailed a local senior center and an abused women shelter’s business contact to see if either of them would like some of the donations before I take the rest to the Salvation Army.

❤️ Self Care Saturday (On a Sunday)

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?

Animals Divine Tarot, Tailors Storytelling Game Cards, Mythical Folklore Lenormand

EarthQueen of Pentacles and Discover the Treasure – This week is a time to look for the boon.  You’ve done well with getting finances in order and you’re strategizing your way to a more organized home.  But there’s more to be found and more to be had.  Take time to explore and discover what these boons you’ve not yet found might be, and use your practical nature to put them to use for your benefit.

AirThree of Cups, Soldier atop Find True Home – Make sure you are reflecting on what makes home… home.  Reflect on the truth in the fact that it’s about those you surround yourself in. Home is not a place… it’s a feeling.  It’s a feeling that you only get in the company of certain people.  Now is a good time to connect with who those people are and appreciate that comfort and camaraderie that they provide.

WaterEight of Cups and Choose the Path – If it’s not working?  Let it go. Just do it.  It’s okay to decide that what once held sentimental meaning has faded over time and that something is now just a dust collector instead of something of emotional value.   As you go through the things you are donating over the week ahead, keep this in mind.

Fire – Six of Swords atop The Tower, Tyrant – Again we see an encouragement to choose a direction and move away from what isn’t working, although in this case it is very clear what isn’t working is people treating you like shit.  Don’t let anyone tear your confidence or compass down.  It’s not okay.  You can turn and walk away from that shit at any time, so do it sooner rather than later.  No reason to stick around and listen.

WaningLetter and Whip – These cards echo upon the Fire position above, and they are about walking away from crappy news that turns into self flagellation. Do not allow how others deliver their opinions to drag you down and make you harder on yourself.

WaxingShip and Mountains – Delays and more delays.  You’re going to struggle with the path forward to getting to where you want to go this week.  Instead of allowing the hurdles and delays to feel like obstacles, use them to direct your attention to other things that you can do in the meanwhile.

Take Away – Purging the bad and letting go, combined with seeking out the comfort and familiarity of those that you love and are familiar with are the theme of this week.  Whether it’s things that aren’t doing it for you anymore or people’s words that could be hurtful, leave them behind instead of letting them stick around and be in the way.  Instead, turn your focus towards family and friends, support and comfort.

DECKS USED: DIVINE ANIMALS TAROT, TAILORS STORYTELLING GAME CARDS, MYTHICAL FOLKLORE LENORMAND