Christmas Cheer Tarot

Movement Over Stagnancy

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Today’s meditation was an ten minute long #DailyCalm session from the @Calm app.

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Christmas Cheer Tarot - 2 of Wands and Christmas Affirmation CardsDaily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Two of Wands (Candles), which is traditionally a representation of planning, decision making, looking ahead, and themes to do with progress.

The Two of Wands has then been combined with one of my Christmas Affirmation cards,  which says, “Just because you can’t find your happiness today, doesn’t mean that you never will.”

If you’re unwilling, it’s never gonna happen.

Even in the depression, there’s the need to keep a little ray of hope going that will keep you moving forward. For me, that’s the phrase “it’s temporary”.

If something is temporary that means that sooner or later it’s going to end, I’m going to come out the other side, and if I don’t keep up on the things that need to be done during this temporary time of discomfort, I’m going to have to play catch-up once I manage to crawl my way out of it.

During these times, I might not get as much done because I’m not really enjoying what I’m doing. Even then, though, keeping in mind that the slump is temporary keeps a bit of momentum going during the lull so that there’s not as much to catch up on later when I’m ready to start really moving again.

The message in today’s cards is that just because you’re not enjoying the day, the activity, or the experience that you’re currently going through, doesn’t mean giving up. Sure, slow down, but don’t stop. The unpleasant moment is temporary. Treat it as such so that when you come out the other side, you have plans and movement already on your side.

DECK USED:  CHRISTMAS CHEER TAROT TWIST’S CHRISTMAS AFFIRMATIONS

#DiscordTarotholicsDec2025 Challenge
Prompt for December 21st : Do Spread 3

Christmas Tarot Reading with the Christmas Cheer Tarot

Where do you need to practice more tolerance with others?

Six of Candles – Remember that you don’t have to fulfill other’s expectations, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to fight against them either. You can acknowledge them, and validate them with kindness and acceptance, without committing yourself and your energy to their fulfillment.

How can you foster more tolerance within your heart?

Two of Candles Rx – Keep in mind that even the best plans go awry now and then. It takes patience to adapt and keep going, so don’t get yourself so tied up in rigid plans that you can’t pivot when needed.

Where do you need to step up with your self-care over the holidays?

Queen of Candy Canes – Practice what you preach. You give good advice about self-care when speaking with others, but you need to make sure that you’re taking your own advice as well. Listen to that advice you’re giving others this holiday season, and take that advice to heart for yourself as well.

What do you need to focus on to keep your holiday cheer intact?

The Moon – Let others lead during times of uncertainty during this holiday season. Just as Santa lets his reindeer lead the sleigh through clouds and storms, you also need to allow others to lead sometimes when things feel uncertain or unclear.

How can you best respond to those that try to “stir the pot” this holiday?

King of Ornaments – Lead by example, and don’t allow them to upset your footing. Hold yourself above such pettiness and bullshit by grounding into your foundation.

How can you express your emotions with more love and kindness?

The Hanged Man – Consider how others best receive love. Not everyone’s “love language” is the same. Some people need different things than you do in order to feel loved. Make sure that you are paying attention to these differences, so that you can express your emotions in a way that communicates more clearly with them how you feel.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Acorns for Protection during New Beginnings
Foraged Branch covered in Parmeliaceae for a “Breath of Fresh Air”
Foraged Lodgepole Pine for Resilience, Growth, and Renewal
Scotch Pine Cones for Purging Negative Influences
Moss Agate Tree for Attracting Opportunities for Growth
Serpentine Dragon to Bolster Heart and Emotions
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: CHRISTMAS CHEER TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I let myself get pulled into some play today instead of doing the grumpy “stand alone in a corner” thing.

Weathering the Storm

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Christmas Cheer Tarot - The Tower, The StormThe @GlitterbyInk #DecemberDays25 Beyond the Solstice Challenge
The Mystic Prompt for December 4 : Veiled
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Tower (Storm) card, which is traditionally a representation of sudden change, chaotic transformation, destruction, and the tearing down of something within one’s life or beliefs that leaves room for something new to take its place.

“Sometimes it can be hard to see reality when you’re trapped in the snowstorm of chaos.”

When things are swirling and clashing, the chaos of change a storm around you, it can distract you from your stability and balance.  It’s hard to not get wrapped up in the crash and bang of it all, to let the cacophany of the storm deafen you to the sweet silence of calm that lies within you.

This veil of noise and disorganization, destruction and chaos… it can separate you from the calm you need in these moments to see the situation at hand clearly and -think- clearly in order to resolve things.

The message in today’s card and prompt combination is a reminder of that veil that chaos creates. It’s a reminder to take a moment to close your eyes and tune out the crazy and the chaos, to focus instead on the steady ground beneath your feet and that place within you where quiet and calm reside.  In doing so, you will weather the storm with a greater sense of calm and come out the other side ready to move forward instead of reeling in the aftermath.

DECK USED:  CHRISTMAS CHEER TAROT

@Lionharts #TheDecemberTarot Fruits of 2025 Challenge
The Hermit Prompts for December 2nd thru 5th

Tarot Reading with the Pink Pain TarotWhat did I see clearly only after slowing down?

The Emperor – You don’t have to be in charge all the time. Others follow your lead naturally, but if you delegate that to someone else, they’ll take the lead instead and do just as good if not better. Delegation takes trust, but not -as much- trust as you thought it would… and those at your side are eager to take on some of the load.

What truth followed me until I finally stopped to hear it?

King of Cigarettes – Not only do you not need to be “in charge” all the time, it’s not healthy for you to be in charge all of the time. The constant weight eats away at your endurance without you even realizing it’s happening.

Where did I grow in ways no one else could see?

Eight of Bottles – You’ve spent a lot of this last year learning how to say no. You may not have picked up as much skill in it as you (or Gideon) would like, but you’re further along at it than you were last year.

What did this year ask me to understand about myself?

Seven of Bottles Rx – You need movement. Because of this, you can and will keep going even when it hurts. The key to force movement even when it feels impossible. Otherwise, you sink and the depression slips in.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Parmeliaceae Lichen for a “Breath of Fresh Air”
Gneiss Wishing Stone for Patience in Moments of Discomfort
Rose Quartz for Gentle Kindness to Self and Others
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: PINK PAIN TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsDec2025 Challenge
and @aplacetodock #Yuletide Oracle Challenge
Prompts for December 4th

Tarot Reading with the Christmas Cheer TarotWhat do you need to focus on for self-care for this month’s full moon?

Seven of Presents (Cups) and Ace of Presents (Cups) – Cut yourself a bit of a break when long journeys don’t work out as expected and you have to start again. Yes, it sucks… but starting over isn’t the worst thing that could happen, so don’t make it out as if it is.

What’s the secret message from Gingerbread Man?

Knight of Ornaments (Pentacles) and Judgement – ALSO, cut yourself a break for not moving as quickly as your unreasonable expectations seem to think you should be able to. Your experiences with the major depressive episode that stole away September from you reminded you what stagnancy does. So, in retrospect, slow movement isn’t so bad after all, is it?

Other elements included in this reading:
Japanese Cherry Leaf as a Reminder of Life’s Fleeting Moments
Foraged Acorns for Protection during New Beginnings
Bird Figurine for Fostering Hope, Positivity, and Renewal
Desert Rose for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: CHRISTMAS CHEER TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

This is a catch up post, and I’m not entirely sure what the self kindness was for this day.

Finding the Positive for December 29 – 31

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Card of the Day Tarot Reading with the Christmas Tales Tarot, Christmas Cheer Tarot, and Yuletide Tarot

December 29 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Today’s card is the Five of Cups combined with the affirmation “You are not failing. Depression lies. Keep going.”

There is a specific reason that these card of the day exercises are always focused on the positive. It’s a part of the mental health exercise that my therapist encouraged me to start a few years ago.

The problem is that when your brain resides constantly in a state of negative inner narratives and pessimistic views, it begins to hold sway your emotions and outlook on life, and can thus negatively influence your mental health. That is where my therapist comes into the picture, because I am absolutely one of those people whose brain lives in that negative space when left to its own devices.

This card of the day exercise is for self-care, and focuses on helping in seeing a more positive, optimistic perspective. When I started a few years ago, I really didn’t think it would help. In fact, I scoffed at the idea and was not at all enthusiastic about it.

Years later, though, there’s no arguing with the results. By pulling a card each day asking for “a positive message to carry with me throughout the day and offer perspective”, and taking the time to write out what that positive message is each day?  I have managed cut down on the number of depressive episodes I experience as well as shorten their duration.

This exercise doesn’t mean that the bad stuff isn’t still there, or that I ignore it. It just provides a positive touch of perspective to my otherwise pessimistic mind. It helps.

With the holiday rush over, it’s time to get back on the wagon. Today’s cards are a welcome back, as well as a reminder about what this exercise is all about.

I hope that in my sharing these daily cards publicly, it helps you too.

DECK USED: CHRISTMAS TALE TAROT AND SELF-MADE CHRISTMAS AFFIRMATION CARDS

December 30 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Today’s card is the Knight of Wands combined with the affirmation “I choose to see the magic and wonder in every moment.”

There is a reminder here about being enthusiastic in the pursuit of the things that you enjoy.  Don’t trudge through life with your enthusiasm flagging, but instead sprint forward eagerly like a kid with a sled in the snow. 

When you bring this enthusiasm into the every day, and apply it to ordinary moments, it allows you to see life through a lens filled with magic and wonder, rather than the sloop shouldered disregard that us adults often cast our gaze upon the world around us.

Don’t let fun, amusement, and moments of gaiety and laughter pass you by.  Dive in to experience and savor them instead.

DECK USED: YULETIDE TAROT AND SELF-MADE CHRISTMAS AFFIRMATION CARDS

December 31 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was skipped

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Today’s card is The Hierophant combined with the affirmation “You make the world merrier with your festive cheer.”

Okay, so… to be fair?  I’m not really the cheery type. This isn’t really a surprise to those that know me. I do, however, really love the holidays.  I love seeing everyone’s enthusiasm for decorating and making things look beautiful and festive.  I like seeing the traditions that take place, and how they differ from person to person and from family to family.  I find a great deal of joy in these things.

In the week following Christmas? I’ve actually been able to enjoy some of them too.  I’ve taken drives to look at the decorations that people still have out on display, and visited stores where I’ve taken pleasure in seeing the holiday frosted cupcakes, the decorations on last-minute sale, and enjoyed the more relaxed atmosphere of everyone -not- rushing around like spastic chickens with their heads cut off.

In doing these things, I’ve seen those around me also finding enjoyment in them… in getting to share them with me.

Today’s cards are a reminder that when traditions are shared? They take on meaning. Importance.  And an atmosphere of joy and enjoyment that touches everyone involved.  Traditions are important. They’re special, and they’re meant to be savored and enjoyed.

Happy New Year everyone!

DECK USED: CHRISTMAS CHEER TAROT AND SELF-MADE CHRISTMAS AFFIRMATION CARDS

Weekly Creativity Prompt – King of Pentacles

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Prompt: “Pull the King of Pentacles card from your deck(s). Compare the imagery between the card provided below and the card(s) from your own deck(s). How would you read them differently and why?“

King of Pentacles - Tarot of the Hidden RealmTarot of the Hidden Realm – The man in this card reminds me of Santa, which isn’t really at all out of character for the King of Pentacles. The imagery says to me that it’s okay to take comfort in those that make you feel safe and stable. Security is important, and spending time with those that help you in feeling secure is a valuable thing. It’s something to savor and cherish and enjoy while you can.

King of Pentacles in the Storybook Christmas Tarot, Christmas Cheer Tarot, and Xmas Elf Tarot

Storybook Christmas Tarot – You know that saying “Come to the Dark Side, we have Cookies”?  That’s where this card takes me, although it isn’t so much the “dark side” as it is a recommendation to follow in the footsteps of those that have shown they have the skill and acumen to build a stable foundation and surround themselves in wealth.

Christmas Cheer Tarot – You know what is of value, how to obtain it and how to enjoy it. You know it’s worth, and will neither squander it, nor hoard it to yourself. Instead, share it with others, allow them to see the fruits of your labors, and use this to inspire them to follow your lead.

Xmas Elf Tarot – This elf seems just a bit cranky with his tight fist grip and upturned nose. The card appears to me to be a reminder that there’s a difference between stability and hoarding, and that can sometimes be a very fine line.  This card reminds us to turn over a new leaf in how we see wealth (the snow drops in the foreground), and asks us to examine more closely what we perceive as stability and security.

DECKS USED:  TAROT OF THE HIDDEN REALM, STORYBOOK CHRISTMAS TAROT, CHRISTMAS CHEER TAROT, XMAS ELF TAROT

Finding the Positive for December 19 – 21

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These Card of the Day readings are a mental health exercise (suggested by my shrink) used to help counterbalance my natural tendency toward pessimism, negative inner narratives, and depression. The request posed to the cards is, “A positive message to carry with me throughout my day and foster perspective.”

Christmas Cheer Tarot, Snowland Tarot, Vintage Christmas Tarot, and Christmas Affirmations Tarot

December 19

Today’s meditation was skipped.

Nine of Swords – “A bad day doesn’t mean a bad life. Tomorrow will be different.” Anxiety is high today, and not just for you. There was a lot of sniping and bickering today, of tense moments and irritations, sharp words and sharper glances. The stress is getting the best of you… and others as well.  It’s made everyone a bit on edge.

Remember that this is not an every day thing. It’s a “today” thing.  It doesn’t have to carry over beyond today, and everyone will be in a place better suited to smoothing ruffled feathers and settling back into the status quo tomorrow.

DECK USED: CHRISTMAS CHEER TAROT AND CHRISTMAS AFFIRMATION CARDS

December 20

Today’s meditation was skipped.

Nine of Swords – “You’re still making progress, even on your worst days.”  Don’t let the worries and fears of failure cause you to throw away your progress or disregard your accomplishments. Even when those fears might be valid, they haven’t come to fruition. They’re in your head, and are a product of your pessimistic mindset.   Set those negative worries aside and instead work to encourage yourself through acknowledging each of your successes, no matter how small.

DECK USED: SNOWLAND TAROT AND CHRISTMAS AFFIRMATION CARDS

December 21

Today’s meditation was skipped.

Knight of Swords – “Close your eyes and slowly take a deep breath.” It’s the last moment before the holiday rush comes to a close.  It’s time to start slowing down, even though you still feel amped up and like there are a million things to do.  Take that deep breath… and then do it again.  Let these small moments of pause to breathe help ease your energy down from the “go go go” and active strategizing you’ve been doing for the past six weeks.

DECK USED:  VINTAGE CHRISTMAS TAROT AND CHRISTMAS AFFIRMATION CARDS