#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge

Seedlings and Sparks

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Today’s meditation was just over ten minutes long, and a guided meditation on gratitude, and expressing that gratitude through not just appreciation but the direction of positive energy toward those things you are grateful for.

That includes directing positive energy and thought toward yourself.  Toward others.  As well as to the world at large.  Each of these aspects of life have things about them to be grateful for, and today’s meditation included the process of first grounding and centering, and then directing that energy to each of those three aspects of life.

Ace of Wands - Hush TarotToday’s draw is the Ace of Wands which is traditionally a representation of potential and new opportunities in the area of one’s ambitions, drive, and passionate interests.

What I see in today’s card is the needle in the bird’s beak, and the tendril of hair threaded through it.  Sometimes new projects and passions take a bit of effort and sacrifice.  The girl offers her hair to the bird so that the bird can build its nest.  The needle sparkles and shins in the sunlight, sparking interest as a worker climbs the girl’s cheek representing work to be done.

This Ace of Wands speaks to me of those tenuous first moments of inspiration, when things are not yet in motion, but there’s that moment of breath… a beat of the heart, where you can -feel- how right it is… how good it will be.   It’s an encouragement to go after those little sparks of interest an allow them to carry you away… the work will be worth it.

DECK USED:  HUSH TAROT

#TarotForGrowthMarch Challenge Prompt
Question: Energy surrounding the impending shift into spring.

Whispering Spirits Tarot

Reading Summary: Take back what’s yours (Seven of Wands) and plow right through (The Chariot) times of uncertainty (The Moon).

Take Away:  The cards indicate something that I also read in my Self-Care Saturday spread this week.  That is, that there is a surfacing coming and a re-claiming of self that will carry forward beyond this week and into the spring, pulling me out of the fog of uncertainty that I’ve been struggling with if I’m willing to be proactive in “riding the wave” to shore.

DECK USED:  WHISPERING SPIRITS TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsMar2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: What good thing is ready to come into bloom in my life with the arrival of spring?

Les Métamorphoses du Jour Tarot

Reading Summary:  If I can give myself the nurturing care that I’m currently in need of (The Empress), and the room necessary to allow for emotional growth to take root (Ace of Cups), I will find that with the spring I will find a new sense of stability and camaraderie among those that I share interests and passions with (Four of Wands).

Take Away:  The spring is going to allow me to pull ahead of this fog I’ve been feeling over the past few months, but only if I allow it to happen. It will be important to not allow my grip to be too tight and controlling, either on on my emotions or by using cruelty to self to prod myself forward.

DECK USED:  LES METAMORPHOSES DU JOUR TAROT

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question: What does intuition mean for me?

Enchanted Tarot Mini Deck

Reading Summary: The addictive (Devil) path forward (Two of Wands) to future interests (Princess of Wands over the Ten of Wands).

Take Away:  My interests always have an element of burden to them, as I have a habit of overwhelming myself with the activities and things that I love.   Intuition represents to me a path to those interests, a path I enjoy bounding down again and again, until said interests become the burden that they always had the potential to be.

To be clear… intuition is the path.  It is not the interests it leads me to but the path that takes me there.  What I do with those interests that turns them into a burden lies upon the “shoulders” of habit and the mind.

DECK USED:  ENCHANTED TAROT MINI DECK

Ruts and Therapists, Oh My!

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Today’s meditation was just over eleven minutes long, and focused on how many something isn’t working for you, whether it be a mindset or a method, sometimes you need to look for a different perspective or a different way of doing things.

We all get stuck in a rut sometimes, and sometimes it’s really hard to think outside the box… But it’s in those times especially that we need to strive for that different outlook or new idea.

Sometimes this means just taking the time to sit down and work out what’s working for you and what isn’t, and other times it means you need to consult others in order to receive fresh perspectives to dwell on and work with. This is, in fact, one of the main tenants are going to therapy, is that you find an outside source that has no vested interest in the situation they can then help find those different perspectives and ways of doing things that you may not of thought of on your own.

Circle Inner Animal Tarot Today’s draw is the Empress card, which is commonly interpreted as the nurturing counterbalance to the Emperor, and a representation of abundance and nature.

The appearance of the Empress in today’s draw is a reminder during my very trying and challenging times today (of which there will be many, as it’s casino day at mom’s house), that it’s okay. Everything is going to be okay.

The card also brings my mind to the hike I did yesterday, and I think keeping my enjoyment of that in the forefront of my mind will help me in moving through today’s trials.

DECK USED: CIRCLE INNER ANIMAL TAROT

#TarotForGrowthJanuary Challenge Prompt
Question: What can I do to continue a cycle of growth throughout the rest of 2020?

Postcards From the Liminal Space Tarot

Reading Summary: Identify issuers rather than burying them and ignoring them (First Card). Reach out for help in dealing with those issues (Second Card). Remember that it’s ok to indulge in something nice once in a while without beating yourself up about it (Third Card).

Take Away: I’m essentially being called out here in reference to the things I do that are not helpful to my own growth and well being. The cards are 100% right of course, but the underlying message here is snout changing up how I do things as a whole. It’s about accepting the negative way I do things as not just not self care, but self destructive behaviors to add to my “watch list”.

DECK USED: POSTCARDS FROM THE LIMINAL SPACE ORACLE

#DiscordTarotholicsJan2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: What am I clinging to that can be let go of without repercussion?

WWII Posters Tarot

Reading Summary: I worry too much over my financial acumen (Page of Pentacles) and if I’m doing things “right” (Six of Wands) and on the right course(Seven of Wands). I’ve plotted a good course (Two of Wands) that will carry me forward and allows me the freedom to explore my creativity (Page of Cups).

Take Away: I stress over my finances on a nearly constant basis. Although this doesn’t keep me from the things I enjoy, as I factor them in, it does cause me a decent amount of stress. Today’s cards indicate that I don’t need to worry so much, as I’m on a good path where Mt finances are concerned.

DECK USED: WWII POSTERS TAROT

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge Prompt
Question: How can I better check in with myself?

The Inversion Tarot in a Tin

Reading Summary: Say no to apathy (Five of Cups and The Sun) and ignorance (The Fool). Depend on others to help (Three of Pentacles).

Take Away: The cards are really drilling down on the “ask for help” aspect lately. I can’t deny it though. It’s something that I’m not entirely comfortable doing. A lot of times I struggle with even how to approach things at all or identifying that I need help in the first place. Still, the cards have made it pretty clear lately that I do.

DECK USED: THE INVERSION TAROT IN A TIN

Go On… Get Going

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PNW Rainforest Today’s meditation was done in the middle of the rainforest, and I didn’t really keep track of how long I was meditating for. I went for a hike earlier today, and while out among the trees and the ferns, I found a place to settle in for a bit and relaxed.

The meditation was obviously not guided, but a combination of breathing exercises and immersion into the senses and surroundings.

The Chariot - Textured TarotToday’s draw is The Chariot card, and was the inspiration for today’s hike. I was trying to decide between taking a nap or going outside to find some fresh air just before doing my cards today, and the chariot cane up.

I took it as a sign that I needed to get outside and take some control over my own self care, so I went for a drive and was drawn to an old stomping ground from my youth. I spent some time hiking down to the beach front park, and then back up again to where I’d left my car.

DECK USED: THE TEXTURED TAROT

#TarotForGrowthJanuary Challenge Prompt
Question: How is the universe inviting me to celebrate that? (Built off of yesterday’s reading)

Circle - Inner Animal Tarot

Reading Summary: Even though you can’t always see it (The High Priestess), you are protected and watched over when you are feeling vulnerable (the owl’s extended wing), so jump on in and explore your emotional depths (Knight of Cups). You’re safe and protected while doing so (The Emperor).

Take Away:  There is definitely a bit of hesitation. And one of those “I dunno what to do” feelings you get when trying something new and unfamiliar. Thank you for being there to watch over me and make sure that my fumbling in the dark to find my way doesn’t result in my breaking my nose in a rake handle. I love you, my stick.

DECK USED:  CIRCLE – INNER ANIMAL TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJan2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: What is your greatest vice you’re not consciously aware of?

Dixit Cards - Daydreams Expansion Pack

Reading Summary: My desire for acceptance is stronger than I realize (First Card), and on an emotional level I subconsciously seek out praise and or accolades (Second Card) to sate that desire (Third Card).

Take Away:  Ouch! Geez… ok yeah, that’s probably true. I’m pretty sure that’s a somewhat common human trait as a whole but it definitely stung a bit hearing it.

DECK USED:  DIXIT CARDS – DAYDREAMS EXPANSION PACK

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge Prompt
Question: What is a good way for me to stay motivated?

The Textured Tarot

Reading Summary: These cards are about my making the list. It’s about feeling mentally overburdened (Ten of Swords) and finding a new way (Ace of Swords) and you holding me accountable and keeping me on track emotionally (King of Cups).

Take Away:  I think the tasks list is a really good idea, but I think I might need a reminder now and then that when I write things down on it I need to break some of them down into smaller tasks.

DECK USED:  THE TEXTURED TAROT

Don’t Look Back

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Today’s meditation was… non-existent again. It has just been a very messed up day as a whole. I do plan to meditate, but it won’t be until I lie down for bed later tonight.

The World - Spacious TarotToday’s draw is The World card, which is the last card in the Major Arcana before one either slips into the Minor Arcana or returns to The Fool for another cycle. The traditional meanings of this card include completion, accomplishment, and closure on a “grand scheme” level rather than dealing with any one aspect of the human experience.

The appearance of The World card in today’s draw it’s a reassurance that things do come to an end. I’m still feeling the effects of that fear and uncertainty. Sometimes recognition and acknowledgement isn’t enough and it takes some time to find your footing again. That’s okay. As long as I keep looking forward, I’ll get there.

I’m also thinking that the appearance of the world card may be a reference to something changing in my relationship with my mother during this trip. That is not part of the “positive message of the day” though, and more of an intuitive hit off the card.

DECK USED:  SPACIOUS TAROT

#TarotForGrowthJanuary Challenge Prompt
Question: What challenge have I already overcome this year?

Jeremy Miranda Oracle Deck

Interpretation: I managed to circumvent falling into that deep dark hole of depression. It was a close call, but we were able to pull me out of the descent with that talk last Saturday, and I see here that that lifeline has helped in turning my trajectory away from that dark hole I was slipping toward.

DECK USED:  JEREMY MIRANDA ORACLE CARDS

#DiscordTarotholicsJan2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: Last week I accidentally did Spread #5 instead of the fourth, so this week I am doing Spread #4 so that I get a chance to do both.

What are my deepest desires concerning…

Maregician Tarot

My Home – The Magician and Nine of Hearts – Independence and self-reliance.

My Job – Queen of Clubs and Judgement – Confidence that what I what I do makes a difference.

My Friends – The Emperor – To be strong for them.

My Family – Eight of Clubs – Alacrity within change.

Myself – Page of Spades and The Fool – Lighten up and find the fun.

DECK USED:  THE MAREGICIAN TAROT

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge Prompt
Question: How will I ensure I find time for self-care?

Fey Tarot

Reading Summary:  Remember that I need balance (Temperance) and don’t be so focused upon my ambitions (Knave of Swords) while I’m in the middle of finding my footing in this new emotional landscape (Knave of Chalices).

Take Away:  Meditation really stands out to me in the response from these cards. Specifically that I need to look at meditation as a path to temperance.

The message here in relation to the question, though, is that I need to stay mindful that I don’t get so wrapped up in what I think is important that I lose sight of my own needs.

DECK USED:  FEY TAROT

Generosity

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IMG_1991Today’s meditation was just over twelve minutes long, and was a meditation on fostering loving kindness for both yourself and others, including those that you don’t particularly like.

It spoke about how the practice isn’t so much used as a benefit for those that you dislike for whatever reasons, but helps us in our own feelings and in letting go of negativity through projecting of positivity upon ourselves and others.

I really enjoyed the practice, and it seemed to actually release a couple of tightly wound knots within my chest.  It’s definitely one I will revisit again.

Four of Coins - Efflorescent Tarot (Color Edition)Today’s draw is the Six of Coins, which is a often a representation of harmony in the area of finances, resources, the physical world, and manifestation.   This can often translate into themes of generosity, charity and acceptance of charity when needed, and the balancing of scales in the areas of wealth and fortune through sharing.

I think that the message of today’s card goes really well with today’s guided meditation. Although one is more of an emotional and spiritual theme, and the other based more on the earthly plane, they both speak of generosity.  Together they are a reminder that generosity is not just something that benefits others, but also that benefits the self.  It is healing to the inner self to give to others, and healing as well to be on the other side as the recipient of such gifts.

DECK USED: THE EFFLORESCENT TAROT (COLOR EDITION)

#TarotForGrowthJanuary Challenge Prompt
Question: How is the universe inviting me to express gratitude for that? (Built off of yesterday’s reading.)

Golden Art Nouveau Tarot

Reading Summary: The King of Swords is bracketed on either side by resistance to change.

Take Away:  Don’t be such a stick in the mud.   Yesterday’s read on this topic was about going with the flow of my emotions rather than trying to close them out and allowing the more negative aspects of my addictions to take a step forward as a result.   The cards in today’s reading make it clear that expressing gratitude for the realization of how to go about this path isn’t in thinking about it or saying anything about it, but rather walking the walk and doing the hard parts like a boss while embracing this change.

DECK USED:  GOLDEN ART NOUVEAU TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJan2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: How can you take advantage of it? (Built off of yesterday’s reading.)

Wheel of Fortune Tarot by Ivy Feng

Reading Summary:  I shouldn’t worry so much about my creative spark having been stolen away and going dormant as it was forced into submission by the fears and worries I was battling (Ten of Swords atop Seven of Swords).  It’ll come back stronger than ever (King of Wands) and with a vengeance (Eight of Wands) once I find my footing and my confidence starts to bolster once more (Nine of Pentacles).   Oh… look.  I read the cards backwards (realizes it after he’s typed it out).

Take Away:  That letter I received in the fall caused an internal mess that I didn’t even know was festering and growing under the surface all this time.  Over the past few weeks, it had gotten to the point that my creative spark suffered as a result and my creativity in my business became a bit of a chore rather than a joy.   These cards indicate that in having realized this process, to heal from this I need to recognize that things are stable and going to be okay.  I need to reestablish that sense of security, and by doing so my creative spark will find roots with which grow and flourish again.

DECK USED:  WHEEL OF FORTUNE TAROT BY IVY FENG

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge Prompt
Question: How can I treat myself with compassion?

Prediction Tarot

Reading Summary: Take the time to celebrate (Four of Wands) my accomplishments (Seven of Pentacles) with others (Two of Cups) now rather than putting it off until later (The Chariot).

Take Away:  Yesterday, while I was working my ass off on the overflow of unexpected orders, you reminded me to take pride in my work.  Although I didn’t realize it until you  said something, it was something I really needed to hear.   It’s something I need to hear more, because although I have a very hard time accepting anything I do is “good enough”?  Hearing it from someone I love and care about helps.  A lot.

DECK USED:  PREDICTION TAROT

The Sweet Spot

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Today’s meditation was… Hell.  I know I did it.  I just can’t remember it?  This is the folly of doing a post a day late.   Not that it’s happened before, but I knew it was about to happen eventually.

Temperance - Spacious TarotToday’s draw is the Temperance card from the major arcana, and I just have to say?  I really love this depiction.  I think it really expresses for me what temperance is all about.  It’s that middle road between two extremes.

This feels like a reminder about the whole “slow and steady” plan, which has been something that’s difficult to keep in mind.  Especially today when I’ve been working hard to get my ass through a sudden rush of orders.

I think that it’s a good idea that I’m leaving work at home on this trip, and for once I’m not really feeling all that bad about it.   I think that might have to do more than burnout than with having found some sort of balance, but either way…. I’ll take it.

DECK USED:  SPACIOUS TAROT

#TarotForGrowthJanuary Challenge Prompt
Question: What good thing have I already manifested this year?

Ember + Aura Tarot

Reading Summary:  Taking charge (The Emperor).  New emotions (Ace of Cups) directed by a centered balance of energy (Diviner of Wands).  Temptations (The Devil) and new emotional growth (Daughter of Cups).

Take Away:  This is something I’ve mentioned in a previous reading earlier this week, but it refers to finding a certain amount of balance and control of my addictions and their more destructive influences through examination of what these effects are and how to mitigate them.  What else is showing in this reading, though, is how my emotions, and especially that new depth of emotion I’ve begun to grow into over the past six months, also factors in and influences my temptations and behaviors.

In other words, the good thing that has manifested this year is the fact that I can see these connections clearly, and I am not just aware of them but taking steps to control them rather than allowing them to control me.

I also see a clear correlation between the safe in the Emperor card, the Ace of Cups card, and the Devil card.  This speaks to me about the danger of closing myself off to these new emotions and the negative results that can manifest.

The combination and color coordination between the Diviner of Wands and the Daughter of Cups also brings up the fact that with this new “leveling up” and new development of emotions, I need to allow myself to stay open wide to sharing this experience, even as I focus on staying balanced.

DECK USED:  EMBER + AURA TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJan2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: What is a very positive thing in your life you are overlooking?

Forest Creatures Tarot

Reading Summary:  Look at all those coins.   My work (Three of Coins) has provided me with security (Queen of Coins) and a safe and steady outlet for my passions (King of Wands) while providing me with what I need to have a stable home (Four of Coins).

Take Away:  This is something that, in my emotional upheaval over the past couple of months, I’ve lost sight of for a bit.  I’ve lost a good deal of my passion and “spark” for creation through the fear and stress that has been overwhelming me.   It’s caused me to over look the parts about running my own business that I love the most.   That is, the fact that I have  the ability to control my own destiny and create my own sense of stability within my life while allowing my creative spark free reign.

DECK USED:  FOREST CREATURES TAROT

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge Prompt
Question: How can I hold myself accountable In relation to asking for help?

Bohemian Animal Tarot

Reading Summary:  The first two cards here are the same cards used on Saturday to represent that foggy-mind situation that I have been stuck in lately. The Rook and The Warrior indicate that I need to remember what I have to lose and depend upon my strength to push forward toward resources for healing rather than the weakness of burying it.

Take Away:  The thing about that box and burying negative emotions and worries?  It feels like strength.  It really does feel like by doing so I am bolstering my strength and the walls are sold.  But that is a lie.   It’s a lie because when you try to build -anything- on that foundation, over time the foundation begins to fester and rot… and then everything is at risk of collapsing and landing you worse off than you were before, all because you didn’t deal with it properly the first time around.

DECK USED:  BOHEMIAN ANIMAL TAROT