#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge

Healthy Alone Time

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IMG_8001Today’s meditation was just under twelve minutes long, and was a guided meditation with interval timer for my stretches.

The topic of today’s guided meditation was about being kind to yourself and others, even when you are struggling yourself, and how sometimes in the middle of our own struggles, we forget that there are others struggling must as much or even more so than we ourselves are.

The guided meditation was an encouragement to look upon others with compassion and understanding, and upon ourselves with the same.

Naked Heart Tarot - The HermitToday’s draw is the Hermit card, which is traditionally a representation of withdrawing from society and having some alone time.  In its upright position it is not about unhealthy alone time, though, but rather about healthy growth through self exploration and diving deep into your personal well-being, thoughts, and beliefs.

What stands out to me the strongest in this card today is (of course) the box turtle at the bottom of the card, but also the key that they owl is carrying.

The feeling I get from this key in relation to the turtle is that sometimes you have to spend time alone in order to really know yourself.  There’s just some parts of your psyche and self that cannot be unlocked when surrounded by others.

From my observation, a lot of the time when people struggle with being alone and having alone time, they are avoiding themselves and the things about themselves that they don’t want to explore, confront, or delve into. The message here today is to remember that alone time is meant to be healthy and for the purpose of unwinding tensions, self exploration, and growth.  If the alone time isn’t healthy… don’t do it.

DECK USED:  NAKED HEART TAROT

#DiscordTarotolicsDec2020 Challenge Prompt
Philosophical Question: Is it worse to fail at something or never attempt it in the first place?

Lumos x Nox Tarot

Reading Summary: By failing (Ten of Swords), you are allowed to then move on (Eight of Cups), grow and evolve (The World).

Take Away: It is worse to have never tried, than to try and fail.  When you never try, you remain stagnant and there is no progress and no growth.   By failing, it means you have tried, and it means you have learned something from the experience.  This new knowledge you have gained can then be taken forward with you into the future.  That then facilitates growth and whether you try again, or move on to something else, that growth and the lessons learned from failure remain with you to help guide you forward on to better things.

DECK USED:  LUMOS X NOX TAROT

The World Spins On, Regardless

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IMG_7984Today’s meditation was just over ten minutes long, and was a guided meditation with interval timer for my piriformis stretching.

The topic of today’s meditation was actually an activity in love and compassion where you first build an energy of love and compassion that you direct toward yourself, and then towards a loved one, and finally towards the world as a whole.

I had an interesting experience in the middle of this meditation.  I was wide awake, so it was not a dream, but it felt as if my consciousness… slipped into something.  A dark place of flickering lights like stars in a midnight sky with a flowing swirl of navy and blue similar to those photos you see of traffic where the shutter has been left open and all of the lights are streaked swirls instead of points of light.  There was a moment when I seemed to move within that swirl of blue streaks like a leaf in a stream.  It was only for a brief moment, and then I was back within my meditation.

I think I might have astral traveled… which would be a first.  But I’m not 100% certain, as that is not something I’ve ever done before.  In fact, it’s something I’ve been told I will be unable to do unless I ease up on my grounding and rooting.  As I haven’t eased up on these things… this brings into doubt that that was what I experienced.

Winter Waite Tarot 2019 Edition - Four of SwordsToday’s draw is the Four of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of rest and restoration.  It’s about taking a break and allowing yourself time to heal and recover.

First of all, I took this card as a demand to do exactly that.  Although my phone has been going off with orders all day, I have made a concerted effort to ignore work for the majority of the day and do a little self care instead.  I even took a nap.   The only thing I’ve kept up on was responding to customers.

Beyond that… what stands out to me the strongest in the imagery of this card today is the little bird.  That bird looking over the resting man feels a lot like the stained glass window with the figures in it that is in the traditional RWS cards.

In both cases, what I see is a loving, caring watchfulness.  A quiet wait and gentle protection that is less about brute strength and more about love and kindness.   Perhaps the bird is in fact the soul of the man, watching over the body while it recovers.

The message in today’s card is that there’s more to kindness to self than just going through the motions. You have to mean it, and you have to trust that when you are taking care of yourself that your responsibilities and the world around you can take care of themselves for a while.

DECK USED:  WINTER WAITE TAROT 2019 EDITION

#DiscordTarotolicsDec2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: Where should I direct my focus this week to foster my relationship with myself?

Fantastic Menagerie Tarot by Baba StudiosReading Summary: Make sure you’re practicing a bit of moderation (Temperance) when planning your direction (Two of Wands) and forward motion into the future (Six of Swords) concerning the things you want to pick up and explore (Page of Wands).

Take Away: These cards are a reminder that I can’t take on every single little thing that strikes my interest or pulls at my attention. There are so many things that I want to do and explore, and it always feels like there’s not enough time to do them all.  So I always try to pile on more and more of them onto my plate so that I can make sure I get to explore them all. 

But the thing is?  When I pile on so much, suddenly none of it is any fun and it all feels like a chore. Moderation is important.  Extremely difficult for me, but important.  Which means prioritizing is important as well. If I can’t get to everything I want to do and try, that means I need to make sure I prioritize the ones that feel the most important ahead of the rest.

DECK USED:  FANTASTIC MENAGERIE TAROT

Skip the Verdigris

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

IMG_7975Today’s meditation was ten minutes long and was another guided meditation with interval timer for my piriformis stretches.

The topic of today’s meditation was about dealing with anxiety during stressful times.  In truth, it was about the calming benefits of taking a breath.  I’ve often helped others find that particular benefit, coaching them in taking a moment to sit tall and seek to put distance between your straight shoulders and your ears before then slowly taking a breath that starts down in the pit of your belly and slowly fills your stomach, then solar plexus, then chest.  The beat of pause, then slow exhale that comes after as you release that air.

One slow, deep breath with your spine straight and your neck not in hyper extended position.  Just one.  And sometimes that one breath is all that is needed to turn the tide on panic, anxiety, frustration, anger, or fear.

Traditional Manga Tarot - The WorldToday’s draw is the World card, which is traditionally a representation of reaching the end of a long journey of growth and development, and stepping through that closure to move on to the next.  In coming to the end of this journey, there is both accomplishment and an anticipation for what new journey lies beyond.  Many consider this card a representation of reincarnation.

What stands out to me the strongest in the imagery of this card today is the embrace that these two figures have upon the earth.  Specifically, though, the figure in the background that appears to curl around the curvature of the earth and rest upon it in a loving embrace.

The message here is that when you come to the end of a journey of growth, it’s not a time to look back and judge harshly what you have done and/or not done along the way.

It’s instead a time to celebrate your accomplishments and look forward with anticipation.  You’ve done good.  You’ve accomplished something.  You’ve found yourself at a place where there has been clear growth and you’re now better in some way than you were before.  Don’t tarnish that or diminish it with negative judgements.

DECK USED:  TRADITIONAL MANGA TAROT

#DiscordTarotolicsNov2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: What do I need to focus on for self care this full moon?

Elemental TarotReading Summary: As I’m working my fingers to the bone to bring in the cash (King of Pentacles atop Justice), don’t forget to enjoy yourself (The Sun) and keep optimism alive (The Star).

Take Away: There have been a lot of these reminders lately, and the truth is? I need them. The thing is, there are consequences to our actions, and the Justice card here is very much all about consequences. When you work hard, the money rolls in. When you work hard, you risk burnout and overwhelm. You forget to look at the bright side.  You forget to smile and have fun. All work, no play is a very unhealthy thing.

And thus the reminder to keep the fun and enjoyment up, and the positivity flowing.  These things are not in my nature and are not easy, but they help keep everything in balance.

DECK USED:  ELEMENTAL TAROT

Love and Kindness

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IMG_7967Today’s meditation was just over ten minutes long and was combined with interval timer for my stretches.  The topic of this guided meditation was about the small choices we make… in other words, the butterfly effect.

It was about how with each small good choice we make for ourselves in our lives, we foster and encourage goodness and positivity and healthy habits to develop and take root.  And how it’s important to encourage this positive growth, as opposed to feeding the bad habits and making bad choices that hold us back.

Tarot of the Little Prince - Ten of SwordsToday’s draw is the Ten of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of painful endings, the dying off of hard times, and the end of cycles of difficulty and trials.  The swords suit is, after all, a story about tragedy and the Ten of Swords is the end of said tragedy before the hero of the story picks themselves back up and brushes themselves off to try again.

I find the imagery in this card to be extremely disorienting today.  I’m not sure if it has always made me feel this way, but today? When I look at this card it feels as if the entire world has been turned upside down.  And in this chaotic, confusing world the boy curls close the fox that is his companion to protect the fox from being hurt or lost.

The message here is about making sure that you are caring for your heart… your soft squishy insides.  When the world falls into chaos, make sure you’re taking care of what’s important to you… including yourself.  Kindness and love is needed.  It might not conquer all… but it makes everything just a little bit better.

DECK USED:  TAROT OF THE LITTLE PRINCE

#DiscordTarotolicsNov2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: Do Spread #4

Tarots Egyptiens Anima AntiquaWhat have I been taking for granted?

Nine of Coins – I spend so much time focusing on where I’m going and what I need to do that I’ve forgotten to take time to enjoy the present and what I have in the now.  Gideon reminded me earlier today of this. I was sad about having lost my “easy”… that easy going nature I’d had when I was younger siphoned away over time as I started my own businesses and responsibilities piled on my shoulders.

He reminded me that yes, that “easy” was nice, but it was also a time in my life where I was struggling just to feed myself.  In the same way as looking back on what I miss, I often train my focus forward on where I want to go… but in truth?  I need to spend more of my focus on the now, and just how good I have it these days.

What’s been holding me back from seeing my blessings clearly?

Six of Swords Rx – My determination to move forward and claim more of what I want out of life, to achieve more and succeed.  To stake my claim on the future. This determination has made it difficult to ease up and enjoy the present to its fullest.

How can I better express my gratitude in the future?

Knight of Cups – Instead of focusing so hard on responsibilities and goals, seek out the things that bring me joy and satisfaction and go after them instead.  Seek the things that foster a bit of pleasure in the present instead of constantly striving for more out of the future.

What do I need to acknowledge gratitude for in my relationships?

Four of Swords – I am so grateful that those in my life understand my need for alone time and encourage that.  It’s something that I don’t express a lot of gratitude for, but having had some experience in the past few years with some truly extroverted people that need a good deal of social contact?  I have come to realize that the friends and loved ones I have are very unique in that they are supportive of my need for alone time.  I didn’t realize how rare this was until… well, just now when thinking about it.

What do I need to acknowledge gratitude for in my finances?

Five of Cups – This is an echo of the response in my first question of this spread.  It’s about realizing how good I have it now, and feeling gratitude for the present and all that I have in this present moment. I need to stop telling myself that I’m not doing enough… that it’s not enough… that I’m not enough.

What do I need to acknowledge gratitude for in my work life?

King of Cups – I am able to do what truly nourishes my soul.  Sometimes I might feel worn down and tired, and I might not enjoy it as much as I could… or should.  But, the fact remains, I’m doing what I love. I’m doing what I enjoy. And, through my work, I share my pleasure and enjoyment, my emotions and my hopes and the energy of my positive emotions with others with every single piece that I ship out.

DECK USED:  TAROTS EGYPTIENS ANIMA ANTIQUA

Foundations for Joy

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unnamedToday’s meditation was just over ten minutes long and was a guided meditation with interval timer for my piriformis stretches.

The topic of the guided meditation today was consideration for self.  That is to say, it spoke on caring for yourself and making sure that you give yourself kindness and patience.

The guide spoke about how when you speak to your friends and loved ones, you use compassion and patience as a part of the dialogue, and reminded the listener that this is the same way we should be speaking to ourselves.  With that same compassion and patience.  One should not treat themselves as less than one treats others, after all.  There’s no reason for it.

Traditional Manga Tarot - Four of PentaclesToday’s draw is is the Four of Pentacles, which is traditionally interpreted as a solidly grounded message of stability and security.  This can often also lead to interpretations of too much stability or too much security as seen in one that is miserly or greedy.

What stands out to me the strongest in the imagery of this card today is the look on the man’s face.  He just doesn’t look all that happy.  In fact, he looks downright miserable. You would think that as hard as he’s holding onto that coin in his arms, that it would make him happy, and yet… it doesn’t.

The message  here is not to get so wrapped up in monetary pursuits and the need for stability that you lose sight of what brings you joy. Security and stability allow for there to be room in your life for joy and happiness, but they are not joy and happiness in and of themselves.

DECK USED:  TRADITIONAL MANGA TAROT

#DiscordTarotolicsNov2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: Grab a spread of your choice that you’ve been curious about… and give it a go!

Scorpio Sea Tarot - Breath of Fresh Air SpreadWhat To Let Go Of – Four of Cups – Apathy and withdrawal.  These things are not your friends right now, no matter how safe they might feel in the moment.  You need those around you, and you need the connections. You need to allow your emotions space to flow even as you work… don’t shut yourself away and cut everyone else off. Remember that it’s not about “either/or” but rather about finding balance with both.

New Energy In Your Life – The Lovers -The new and better choices you have been making for yourself over the past year are trying to take root.  The soil is not as fertile during this time of the year, and it’s important to give this growth a chance by continuing to focus on making healthy choices for yourself.  Don’t ignore your needs just because things are busy and you’re caught up in the rush.

What Is To Come – Ten of Cups – Soon you will be able to delve back into the exploration of your emotions once more.  You’ll be given the opportunity for growth in this area once again, and those that love and care about you will be there to help you and support you as you return to expanding upon your emotional growth and emotional intelligence once more.

The Way Forward – King of Coins – Take ownership of your actions and responsibilities not just to the business but also to yourself and your well-being. As much energy as you put into the business, this doesn’t make it your most important responsibility no matter how much you focus on it.  Your most important responsibility is to your health and well-being.

DECK USED:  SCORPIO SEA TAROT

Listen More Closely

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

IMG_7933Today’s meditation was right at about ten minutes long today, and was a guided meditation with interval timer for my piriformis stretches.

The topic of today’s guided meditation was growth, and the discomfort that we go through as we grow.  It was about how that discomfort is natural and, although uncomfortable, is a good thing.  It’s through these growing pains that we develop into someone better, and become more than we currently are.

If, instead of accepting these growing pains and discomfort as a part of life, we instead turn around and hide from those uncomfortable feelings then we also hide from the experiences that provide us with growth and betterment.

Tarot of the Little Prince - Five of WandsToday’s draw is the Five of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of tests, trials, and conflict in the area of one’s drive, inspiration, willpower, and determination.  This often translates into either struggles that cause you to be held back and you fight against that barrier, or impassioned conflict concerning what one believes in.

What stands out to me in this card’s image today is the fact that the snake is actually fighting using a wand.  I mean… that’s remarkable right?  Okay so when I saw this today, I thought…. “Hm, watch out for unexpected trouble.”

Although to be honest?  I really didn’t expect “unexpected trouble” to come in the guise of a crazy ass 220 pound white guy with a rage issue screaming at me to go back to my “homeland” and take the “China flu back there with you” as he handed me my ass in a parking lot.

Thank you for the warning…. I’m sorry I didn’t listen more closely this morning.

DECK USED:  TAROT OF THE LITTLE PRINCE

#DiscordTarotolicsNov2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: Think of a problem that needs solving and pull cards in relation to… Where To Begin / What Half Way Looks Like / How to End Things / Long Term Ramifications
Problem: Keeping up with the holiday rush

Bosch TarotWhere To Begin – Strength – Remember that you’ve got this. You are capable and strong, you have the inner stamina and strength to make it through, no matter how bad it gets.  You run this gauntlet every year, and you always make it through just fine, if feeling a little ragged by the end.

What Half Way Looks Like – The Lovers – Half way there is a good time to remember that you need to include self care.  It can be really hard to fit in those things that help you feeling refreshed when in the middle of keeping the chaos in line. But you need it.  So don’t skimp on it.

How to End Things – King of Pentacles – Flush from the holiday rush, you will have your finances in a better place than they’ve been in some time.  Make sure you invest that money wisely, save it wisely, and put it towards that stability and security you constantly crave.

Long Term Ramifications – Six of Swords – Somewhere better than where you’re at now.  Positive advancement towards improvement and being “in a better place” financially.  That is what you run this gamut for each year, after all.

DECK USED:  BOSCH TAROT