Animism Tarot

Together Is Better

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

Animism TarotToday’s draw is the Three of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of teamwork, collaboration, shared expertise, and better results through the investment of diverse skills, knowledge, and experience.

In the imagery, sugar gliders work together to create a comfy and safe nest. Each of them contribute in their own way, and together these different skills and abilities create a nest that is perfect and comfortable for all.

Today’s card is a reminder that we don’t move through life alone, and our homes (and lives) are a combination of not just our own skills, abilities, and experiences… but rather they are richer and better through the collaboration of others in your life that contribute as well.

DECK USED:  ANIMISM TAROT

@The.Journey.Well ‘s Friendship & Community Challenge Prompt
Questions for November 1st and 2nd

Wild Unknown Animal Spirit Pocket DeckWhere are you optimistic?

Crocodile and Gazelle – You believe that by practicing patience and a watchfulness through your observation of others that you can see a bigger picture and have more clarity. Your times of stillness are watchful in order to gain this more diverse perspective. In these times you do not see stillness as laziness or in a negative light, but rather as an active pursuit in expanding one’s awareness.

Where are you gaining mastery?

Octopus and Camel – Understanding your personal needs and where boundaries are required. Holding up boundaries can sometimes be difficult, especially in the places where you need them most. You are gaining mastery over how to identify those places and keep boundaries more targeted to where they are needed.

Reading Notes: In both questions, a water card came first followed by an earth card. This indicates that both in the things that you are optimistic about as well as those you are gaining mastery over there is a significant influence from your emotions, and a stabilizing influence involved.

DECK USED: WILD UNKNOWN ANIMAL SPIRIT POCKET DECK

#DiscordTarotholicsNov2022 Challenge Prompt
Philosophical Question for November 2nd: Is it possible to truly experience anything objectively?

Animism TarotReading Summary: Although we can see things from multiple perspectives, be introduced to new opinions, and even choose to adopt this new knowledge as our own (Ace of Swords), our view is always influenced by what we believe in (Five of Wands) and our fears (The Tower).

Take Away: The answer in these cards is no.  Although through pursuit of new perspectives and ideas we can expand our awareness and see more, providing a myriad of angles… humans are unable to be experience anything from a 100% objective viewpoint.  There will always be a hint of bias to the experience, as this is how we process our experiences.

DECK USED: ANIMISM TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I paid the $$$ to rent a U Haul to move the new bed home from Ms B’s instead of using a borrowed pickup, et al. It was a bit of an expense, but I think it’s the better and safer choice… esp because I paid for the insurance.

❤️ Self Care Saturday (On a Sunday)

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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?

Animism Tarot, Lunar Oracle, Mystery Secrets Lenormand

Earth – Ace of Pentacles and La Visione – Focus on what is in your head that you want to manifest into the physical… and begin. Now is the time to get started.

There are two projects that fit this description right now, the shelves for my decks, and the website for my business. I don’t expect or even anticipate that either will get done this week, but these cards indicate that it’s time to get going on them both.

Air – The Lovers and La Fenice – As you begin to rise out of the ashes of your depression, focus on making good choices. In order to rise, you need to ensure that you further that by making all the healthy choices that you can.  It’s important, as it is only with these healthy choices that you can truly rise fully from the pit.

Water – Strength and L’Amore – Lean into your relationships with others for added strength this week. This is especially true when it comes to Gideon. His strength fosters your strength, and it is through leaning on others when you need that you are able to bolster your own strength and become better and stronger yourself.

Fire – The Hierophant and Luna Nueva – Lots to learn this week. Make sure you are throwing yourself into this research and learn from those with more experience than you. This is in reference to the need to begin looking into your new website.  As a previous reading you had done indicates, you are at the beginning and there’s much to learn. Delve in, but don’t expect it to just happen overnight.

Waning – Lily and Letter – Leave the old behind where it needs to be. Your past notes aren’t going to be a help in this, and it’s better to not go off of past research, but instead start fresh.

Waxing – Clover and Tower – A quiet week is ahead for you, and it’s time to start working on getting your taxes together.  There’s diligence that needs to be done.  You’ll find things will go nice and easy in this area in the week ahead if you spend the time getting things started.

Take Away – Paperwork and research are both good endeavors to lean into this week, as is spending time with Gideon and letting him help to bolster you up.  Make healthy choices to keep your rise out of the pit nice and steady with no setbacks.

DECKS USED:  ANIMISM TAROT, LUNAR ORACLE, MYSTERY SECRETS LENORMAND

Don’t Look Back

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Today’s meditation was skipped (again).

Animism TarotToday’s draw is the Three of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of actively moving from a planning stage into action, picking a direction, and moving towards one’s goals.

In the imagery of this card, a mountain lion observes the rising sun and plots its course forward into the world.  And with the plotting done? The cat rises and flexes in preparation for the leap forward that would set things in motion for the day.

Today’s card is a reminder not to linger in that sense of “stalling out” and the negative emotions surrounding what happened with your accounts. Move forward.

DECK USED:  ANIMISM TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsMar2022 Challenge Prompt
Questions for March 10th and 11th

Lunar OracleWhat good is ready to come into bloom in my life with the approach of spring?

La Fenice and La Crescita – A “rebirth” within your spiritual practice that will help you to become better and stronger as a result. This will kick off a period of growth for you in this area.

What can I do to encourage this arrival?

La Rinascita and Luna Calante – Begin clearing out the old so that there is room for the new to arrive. Release resistance and bring in fresh air in places were things have become stagnant and still.

DECK USED: LUNAR ORACLE

The #ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge Prompt by E Roebuck-Jones
Question for March 11th: How can I use my intuition more in guiding my life?

Animism TarotReading Summary: Stop fighting so hard and allow the connection to happen (Five of Swords atop Two of Cups). Once you are open to the support (Queen of Cups), your journey of growth can begin (Seven of Pentacles).

Take Away: This is a carry over from the previous reading I did for the Tarotholics prompt.  It is further narrowing down what that reading is in reference to, which is to say, it’s about my exploring mediumship more deeply.   The cards here indicate that I need to loosen up my guard so that I can more easily connect with the guidance my intuition and guides have to offer. That once I do this, I can then truly begin to grow in this area.

DECK USED: ANIMISM TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

Time with Gideon in play helped a bit in lifting my mood and loosened some of my inner knots.

Bend… Don’t Break

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Today’s meditation was just over twelve minutes long, and was the seventh installment of the Foundations II series on the Balance app.  This session went more in depth with the labeling techniques that had been introduced earlier in the series, and gave more autonomy throughout the process to allow for a more in-depth practice of the method.

Alchemia Tarot and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Eight of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of setbacks caused by either willful ignorance or an inability to see “the whole picture”.

Combined with the Thera-Pets card for today, the theme here is about how when we feel like life is against us and we struggle to find our way, these trials are not meant to break you, but to temper your strength and improve your flexibility and adaptability.

These times offer us an opportunity to look closer, open our eyes and seek a deeper understanding, and confront  these issues from a new perspective.

DECK USED:  ALCHEMIA TAROT AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

Mr Lionharts’ #TheAugustTarot #SOLTarot Prompt
Topic: Write down your blessings and draw a card for each.

Animism TarotThe Support of Those Closest To Me

Ten of Wands – There is no need for me to overburden myself because I have those closest to me that are willing to support me. Not just emotionally, but in my work and in my endeavors as well. They are there to help, even when I forget to reach out for them sometimes, or feel guilty for asking for the help I need.

My Relationship With Gideon

Knight of Wands – The relationship we have is something that we have built together and are both deeply invested in. We know what we want from (and for) each other, we know what we want from (and for) ourselves, and we’re willing to make sure we both get what we want and need, and have our desires fulfilled. There is no hesitation here, just boundless passion.

The Stability and Security I’ve Built

Nine of Wands – That stability is not just something I value, but it’s a hill that I will stand on and die on if necessary in order to protect. This stability and security is something I feel that I need, and I’m willing to defend it vigorously in order to keep it.

I Am Still Able-Bodied

The Magician – Keep up the yoga and the physical therapy, the stretching and the exercise, CT scans and check-ups. All of these are tools in your arsenal that are needed in order to keep your body functioning properly, and to keep yourself out of the hospital dealing with replacement parts and reconstructive surgeries.

Freedom of religion and expression

King of Wands – Not only do you express yourself well and show the world your beliefs, values, and practices. But, you also inspire others to follow in your footsteps and do the same. You lead by example, without even realizing it most of the time, because you’re too wrapped up in your own passions and interests to notice that you’re doing it.

My Bond With L

Page of Swords – Somehow there is always new things to discover in this relationship. A lifetime together from womb to the present with very little time apart, and yet she can still take you by surprise and teach you something new damn near every single day.

DECK USED: ANIMISM TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsAug2021 Challenge Prompt
Topic: Do Spread #2
Question: How can I head off this approaching depression and mitigate its effects?

Alchemia TarotReading Summary: Gratitude and leaning on others may not be enough (Ten of Coins), this is going to take experimenting with some new (Ace of Wands) and unorthodox methods (The Hierophant).

Take Away: Ugh. I know what the cards are suggesting. And I know that if I don’t try it? I’ll regret it later. I’ll up my meds. I’m super nervous about it, and I’m going to need multiple people keeping a watchful eye on me, but… I need to try it at least once at the onset of a depression to see if it helps.

DECK USED: ALCHEMIA TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I struggled with insomnia last night and did a variety of self care things in order to try and overcome the issue, including soaking in the tub. I finally managed to get some sleep around mid-day.

Where’s Your Peace

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Today’s meditation was just over twelve minutes long, and was the last installment of the introductory series offered by the Balance app. It was a review of the range of breathing focus and body scan techniques that were taught through the previous sessions and was comfortable and easy to follow.

Animism Tarot and How to Be a Wildflower DeckToday’s draw is the Ten of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of fulfillment, completion, and stability in the area of one’s finances, resources, health, home life, manifestations, and the physical world. This often translates into themes that have to do with having not just found your place of satiation and fulfillment, but then being in a place where you can then share that with others, like family and friends, to help them find stability as well. It is through this, that we can find a sense of completion that this card represents.

I am one of those people who unabashedly, absolutely needs this. I need that time outside. I need the time among the trees and nature with the bare earth under my feet and nature close in around me. Without it, nothing feels right in the world. The more time I get in nature, the better everything seems in life.

How about you?

DECK USED:  ANIMISM TAROT AND HOW TO BE A WILDFLOWER DECK

#DiscordTarotholicsAug2021 Challenge Prompt
Questions for August 5th and 6th

Animaux Guides and Vintage Book Illustrations TarotWhere Are  You Content
Frog and Temperance

I’m very content with taking things slow where my emotions are concerned, and moderating things in this area so that I don’t get overwhelmed and out of balance. I understand that emotions play with my perception of reality and the world around me, and how important it is to go slow in this area.

Where Are You Frustrated
Black Panther and Heirophant

Learning how to let go of those things not working for me that I cling to out of familiarity. Although I’m starting to feel like I’m finding my way on this, I have spent a lot of time lately struggling with it and feeling frustrated.

The cards keep saying “let go, let go” and yet when I ask how, they simply repeat “accept, practice gratitude, and let go”. I accept and I understand the need for letting go of old habits and things that are not working in order to make room for new and better things, I practice gratitude daily, and yet I’m still struggling with letting go. 

The Black Panther here speaks of the fear of the unknown being what is holding me back.

What can I do to work through my frustrations at this time?
Fox and King of Wands

Remember that some of the greatest things that you want in life take time to earn and work towards. Not everything is about instant gratification. Pause and reflect on what you really want, and use that time to strategize the best way to get there. It’s through your logical mind and your inner drive that you will find the path forward through these frustrations.

DECK USED: LES ANIMAUX-GUIDES AND THE VINTAGE BOOK ILLUSTRATIONS TAROT

The #MysticStarChallenge at the Sacred Grounds Tarot Club
Questions for August 5th

Animism TarotWhat message does The Magician have for me?

Eight of Swords atop Two of Pentacles – Too much time focusing on stability in one’s life blinds you do everything else that is going on around you. If you want to be aware of the world, you have to look outward instead of focusing so much on your own life and your own goals.

What obstacles does The Magician want to warn me about?

Justice atop Seven of Cups Rx – Focusing too hard on your addictions is not going to find you the emotional satisfaction and satiation that you are craving. Sometimes we use our interests and addictions as a way to “self medicate” for other issues, especially emotional issues. This doesn’t solve anything, and it won’t get you where you want to go.

What guidance does The Magician have for me to overcome this obstacle?

The Devil and Nine of Cups – Focus on techniques to mitigate overwhelm. This is where your largest challenge lies and is what affects your life and emotional balance the most.

DECK USED: ANIMISM TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I made Jer go to Michael’s for me to pick up something I’d ordered. I’m glad I did too cuz they tried to hand me off the floor model that’s missing parts. He was pissed on my behalf and let them have it, and a new in-box version will be there for pick up tomorrow.

Looking Out the Windows

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Today’s meditation was just over ten minutes long, and was another of the harps strings meditations with interval timer of chimes to help me through the stretching part of the process. It was very relaxing, and as often seems to happen these days when I meditate, I ended up in a bit of a nap afterward. Just saying? But having fruit in the house was a real motivator to get me going as well surprisingly. I was very eager to make myself my berry smoothie, so when I woke up there was no dawdling at all.

Herbcrafter's TarotToday’s draw is the Four of Earth (Four of Pentacles) which is traditionally a representation of stability in hearth and home, finances and resources, as well as one’s health and manifestation goals.  This can also easily turn into a negative card if one takes that stability too far and becomes miserly or overly focused.

Although basket weaving is in the forefront and represents home and hearth to me as well as taking care of those you love, what really stood out to me today is the willow in the background. Medically speaking, its properties include use as an astringent and fever reducer, and the salicin in its bark is the active ingredient in aspirin.   Metaphysically, this tree is considered a sheltering protector and is associated with immortality through it’s reproductive abilities.

What I see as the message in today’s card is a combination of what sits in the foreground, and the willow that drew my eye to the background.  The willow is a protective tree.  It shelters many secrets within its shady embrace and protects them from discovery and harm.  So too does the Four of Earth offer protection through the sheltering protection of stability.

Just don’t get so focused upon that shelter that you forget to look beyond it.

DECK USED:  HERBCRAFTER’S TAROT

#TarotForGrowthJuly Challenge Prompt
Topic:  I’m so burnt out all the time.
Question:  What can I do to remind myself that rest is important before I’m in desperate need of it?

Star Seeker Tarot

Reading Summary: Learn to recognize the signs (Page of Swords), and then seize steady and rooted control (King of Pentacles) to keep things balanced by using the tools at your disposal (The Magician).

Take Away: To make sure that I’m staying on top of when I need rest and when it is most important to my health and well being, I need to pay attention to the signs and not ignore them as I usually do.  Instead, I need to take them seriously and use them as a trigger to bring my responsible self forward and do what needs done to solve the problem before it becomes detrimental to me.

DECK USED:  STAR SEEKER TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2020 Challenge Prompt
Question:  Do Spread #2
How can I make sure that I don’t backslide in my emotional growth from this year?

Dixit Cards v4 Origins Expansion PackReading Summary: The combination of colors that coincide with each other in the second and third cards, connect these cards together, whereas the complete difference in colors and shapes through the first card in relation to the other two mark it as an outlier.

In the first two cards we have a crazily swirling sea with lots of unknown monsters in the dark, and yet the child sleeps and the sailor continues to row his boat.  This indicates a need to accept that uncertainty happens.  The world within the spin of a roulette like wheel then continues that theme, saying that that the presence of uncertainty in life is a part how the world works.

The outlier card, stands alone, separate from the other two by form and shape, subject matter and colors. The figures are packed and moving on…. and this indicates that the uncertainty indicated in the other two cards does not mean that you can just pack up and walk away.

Take Away: The cards here indicate that my biggest hurdle to trigger backsliding is emotional turbulence and uncertainty.  My natural response to these things is to close up and turn inward, retreating from others and the world in order to pull up my “walls” and hide behind them.   In order to keep from backsliding in my emotional growth, I need to accept that uncertainty is a part of life and that retreating from it solves nothing.  Don’t run away, stay and see things through instead.

DECK USED:  DIXIT CARD v4 ORIGINS EXPANSION PACK

#OwlandBonesJuly Challenge by Owl and Bones Tarot
Question:  what you project // what you take in // what lies deep within

Animism Tarot

What I Project – The High Priestess – Mystery in the knowledge of secrets. I found this card to be an interesting response to this question, but at the same time, it also makes sense considering my background and knowledge garnered from being a life-long pagan, fortune teller, and witch.  I think it’s more the “secret” part of the answer that gave me pause, as I’m always so willing to be open about my history and my knowledge, should anyone want to ask.

What I Take In – Nine of Wands – Energy.  I take in the energy of others, which is often defensive.  I didn’t realize this until recently when Kev did my Human Design System reading. A good deal of the reading rang true, and that included the part about my struggle to connect with others. When I rub people the wrong way, I feel that deeply as it is reflected back to me.  I’ve considered restructuring my shielding to deflect this, but I find the input helpful.

What Lies Deep Within – Five of Pentacles – Depression and pessimism.  As I mentioned in yesterday’s reading, I’m upfront about the fact that I deal with depression and have done so throughout my life… and yet when a depressive episode comes upon me, I work to hide it both from others as well as myself.  My pessimism is something I also try to hide, although it more often becomes apparent during times when I’m feeling especially grouchy.  These things live deep within me, and although I struggle with them and try to fight against them when they rise up?  I don’t think they can really be abolished so much as… managed.

DECK USED:  ANIMISM TAROT