#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge

Success Thru Harmonious Teamwork

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

BlueDogRose Tarot - Seven of PentaclesToday’s draw is the Seven of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of slow growth, sustainability, domestic harmony, hard work, and practicing patience while the fruits of your labors develop and take form.

I see teamwork in the imagery the Seven of Pentacles in this deck.  Hard work doesn’t have to be carried alone, and others can help it go by more quickly and easily.

The imagery here is about teamwork… and the harmony that can be accomplished when we work together toward a mutual goal.  It’s about more than collaboration, but finding a true rhythm and the acceptance that the work could take a good deal of time… but the reward will be worth it in the end.

DECK USED:  BLUEDOGROSE TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsMay2022 Challenge Prompt
Questions for May 5th thru 7th

Animal Totem Tarot and The Heartwood OracleWhat secret are you holding onto that needs to be shared?

Eight of Creatures atop Ace of Groves, Death – The secret that I hold close and hide from others is my fear of change, and the worry that new opportunity and rebirth will not sprout from the ashes of the bridges burned in the process of that change. That instead of opportunity, there will only be a life laid to waste, barren, broken, and empty.

What are the pros of sharing your secret?

Seven of Trees, Knight of Swords atop Ace of Wands – These cards indicate that by having this secret out in the open (as it now is, because I chose to expose it), I have a better chance of cutting my fear off at the knees and defeating it instead of allowing it to rule my life or defeat me in turn. Only when one confronts their fears are they able to then overcome them, and exposing these fears to the light of day is a step towards confronting them and overcoming them.

What are the cons of sharing your secret?

Four of Groves and Page of Swords – The cons of sharing this secret, as with so many secrets we hide away from the world, is that someone may find a way to use this information to run away with my joy and stunt my growth. People can often become obstructionists in other’s lives for many reasons, and when one’s vulnerabilities are exposed there is always the risk someone will use that information to hurt, hinder, or otherwise harm you in some way.

DECK USED: THE HEARTWOOD ORACLE AND ANIMAL TOTEM TAROT

The #ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge Prompt by E Roebuck-Jones
Question for May 5th: What am I holding onto from the past?

BlueDogRose TarotReading Summary: New inspiration (Ace of Wands) takes skill, control (King of Pentacles), stability, and single minded focus (Four of Pentacles) to bring forth into reality (the pattern of manifestation shown in the flow of the cards from left to right).

Take Away: This is a positive lesson that I’ve learned in my past, and I carry this knowledge forward with me on my path forward.  I know what it takes to manifest ideas and inspiration into reality.  I have done it again and again throughout my life.

Right now is a good time for this question… and the card’s answers. As when I struggle with motivation, this is often a lesson that I need to return to in order to pick myself up and keep moving on my goals and desires.

DECK USED: BLUEDOGROSE TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I made L help me with packaging orders tonight so that I could cut the packaging time in half.  She was sleeping but I pestered her to get up and help me anyway.

Distraction Techniques

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Today’s meditation was skipped (again).

Gipsy Tarot Tsigane Zigeuner Tarot - Nine of SwordsToday’s draw is the Nine of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of themes surrounding worry, anxiety, nightmares, and insomnia.

Don’t let your worries get the best of you, or distract you from the real threat.  Look at all the little swords, and then see the one in the center that’s long and far larger.  The smaller swords conceal it, making its size and danger less noticeable, just how small worries can actually sometimes conceal larger problems.

Today’s message is a reminder not to let the little worries blind you to the bigger problems at hand.

DECK USED:  ZIGEUNER TAROT (1990 REPRINT)

The #MysticStarChallenge for May Prompt
Questions for May 3rd thru 8th

Tarot of the Secret Forest (trimmed naked)What challenges should I be aware of for the month of May?

Calla Lily, Lily Magnolia, Faery Dance – Make sure that you are standing back and listening closely to get the full picture before jumping into the fray, and it will help in making interactions with others smoother, easier, and far more enjoyable.

What aspects are going to start to emerge for me this month?

Thorny Bramble and Porcupine’s Treasure – Protecting the things and people that are important to you and that you value can be very prickly business. Make sure your thorns are not so sharpened that you draw blood too soon.

How will these emerging aspects bring forward for me?

Surprise Visitor and Prideful Prince – Abruptly and abrasively. This is why you need to hold back and take time to get the full picture. Don’t forget that first impressions are not always all there is to see, and that you need to dig beneath the surface.

What should I release to support my emerging aspects to come forth more fully?

The Worm Between Us and Centipede’s Prize – Pride. Pride and hubris make communication more difficult. In order for better aspects of yourself to come forward and shine, pride and hubris must be set aside.

How can I nurture these aspects so that I can gain the most from them?

Scorpio’s Stinger and Bee Battles – Pay attention and be aware. Don’t get so wrapped up in the emotions and the hubris of the moment (yours and others) that you aren’t speaking from a place of calm and looking for the entire picture (including what’s being intentionally hidden).

How can I cultivate more emerging aspects to support my journey throughout the upcoming year?

Quiet Queen – As mentioned previously, make sure that you’re standing back and listening. Paying attention, and being supportive once you have the full picture instead of going on the attack.

Personal Garden – Remember that your own personal responsibilities are more important than anything going on outside of those responsibilities, and that each responsibility has to be prioritized from most to least important.

Meditative Solitude – Make sure that you are taking time for yourself and doing your meditation practice regularly. Get out in nature and connect there with the energies of the earth and trees. Doing these things makes you more grounded, and that allows you to see and deal with things more clearly from a more stable foundation.

DECK USED: TAROT OF THE SECRET FOREST (TRIMMED NAKED)

#DiscordTarotholicsMay2022 Challenge Prompt
Philosophical Question for May 4th: Is mankind going in the right or wrong direction?

Gipsy Tarot Tsigane Zigeuner TarotReading Summary: When we charge ahead without restraint or forethought (Knight of Wands) we do not learn from the lessons of the past (The Hierophant Rx), and we must then pay the price in the end (Judgement).

Take Away: These cards indicate that humanity is on the wrong path. These cards are a warning about enthusiasm and ambition overtaking those things that truly matter, and sacrificing them on the altar of progress.

This is a theme that we see again and again these days in nearly every aspect of life from the environment to the economy and everything in between.

DECK USED: ZIGEUNER TAROT (1990 REPRINT)

Daily Self Kindness

After the talk on the server earlier, instead of jumping immediately into play, I took a little extra time with Gid outside of play to talk things out and sort out my thoughts, feelings, and observations.

A Place of Peace

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

Tarot of Gemstones and CrystalsToday’s draw is Four of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of home coming, celebration, and the comforts of hearth and home.

Blue Tourmaline is the representation for the Four of Wands in this deck. This gemstone is used metaphysically to foster energies of peace, encouraging meditative states, and healing past hurts.

Sometimes the comfort that we feel in home is able to heal our hurts and give us peace s  nothing else can. That safe place is something we often take for granted, and today’s card is a reminder to appreciate hearth and home, and the safety and peace that it provides us each time we walk through the front door.

DECK USED:  THE TAROT OF GEMSTONES AND CRYSTALS

The #ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge Prompt by E Roebuck-Jones
Questions for May 3rd and 4th

The Painted Lady Oracle and Tarot of Gemstones and CrystalsWhy are relationships important to me?

Ace of Cups (Rutile Quartz), Painted Lady 14 & 6 – Relationships are important to you because you want to matter to others, and be accepted unconditionally by them.

It might strike against your feelings of independence, but as you explore emotions that you have always buried previously, you find more and more that on an emotional level you desire that you matter to those closest to you and that they care about you unconditionally.

After all… Isn’t this one of the major narratives that used to run through your head during suicidal thoughts? The belief that it’s okay to “check out” because you are so insignificant in others lives that it wouldn’t matter one way or another?

What are my best qualities that I bring to a relationship?

Three of Cups (Pink Coral), Painted Lady 54 & 29 – Your comradeship comes with clear boundaries, but an openness to be accessible to others. You always welcome people to speak to you, and come to you. At the same time, you communicate those times that you just can’t take on any more. In doing so, you are open and honest, and people always know where they stand with you.

DECK USED: THE PAINTED LADY ORACLE

ReadingWickedly’s #MayDailyDraw Prompt
Questions for May 3rd and 4th

Tarot of Gemstones and CrystalsWhat wisdom do I need to share?

Ace of Wands (Fire Opal) and Seven of Cups (Sapphire) – Your dreams and creativity spark passion in others, and those that watch as you explore this passion receive something similar to brainstorming, but on a emotional and creative level.

When something in that process then engages their interest, and they allow themselves to pursue what has caught their eye, it can flourish into a passion project that is uniquely theirs.

What knowledge is better kept secret?

Six of Coins Rx (Heliotrope) and The Fool (Silex) – Be careful about naïvely sharing everything. It’s okay to spark ideas an interest in others, but to give away your own unique way of doing things (trade secrets, in other words), instead of fostering them to try their own methods, would be folly.

DECK USED: THE TAROT OF GEMSTONES AND CRYSTALS

Daily Self Kindness

Gid and I were able to fit in some play, and it really helped the tightness in my soul relax a bit.

Supporting the Supporters

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

Mystic Dreamer TarotToday’s draw is the King of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of a projective alpha energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s emotions, relationships, emotional intelligence, creativity, or intuition. This often translates into authority figures that are emotionally supportive and understanding, possessing both compassion and strong leadership qualities.

Here in the imagery for this deck, the King sips from his cup and looks ponderous as he sits upon his throat. There appears to be a lot on his mind.

Even kings need support sometime. It’s an orders day and that means maybe today isn’t the day to lend your war, but you need to make sure you -do- keep in mind that those that support you also sometimes need help and support in turn.

DECK USED:  MYSTIC DREAMER TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsMay2022 Challenge Prompt
Questions for May 2nd and 3rd

Merlin TarotIn what area are you not practicing enough self-care?

Ace of Air Rx, Ace of Fire atop Transition – It’s time to move your negative internal narrative into a more positive and motivating place. Change the tone, and change the message. Right now you are running the risk of becoming stagnant in this area.

How can you improve upon your self-care at this time?

The Emperor and Judgement – Take control and ensure you are making the right choices, and are accepting the right responsibilities, that suit the path you have chosen to tread and the man you want to become.

DECK USED: MERLIN TAROT

ReadingWickedly’s #MayDailyDraw Prompt
Questions for May 1st and 2nd

Mystic Dreamer TarotWhat new venture should I leap into this month?

Ace of Cups and The Chariot – Your emotions are important and they need your attention and acknowledgment right now. There may be a variety of projects you want to do, but make sure that throughout at all you’re staying in touch with your emotions instead of pushing them aside. Old habits in this area have started to rise up and you need to keep them in hand.

Where can I find the energy to sustain myself?

King of Wands Rx, Death atop Ten of Wands – Burnout transforms your entire world and everything in it, and takes a long time to recover from. Stop allowing your enthusiasm to convince you that you can handle diving into more than you can juggle at once.

DECK USED: MYSTIC DREAMER TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I let myself have a nap this morning after the chiropractor appointment instead of trying to tough it out. It set me back a bit in orders, but helped in me feeling a bit better.

Beltane Goodness and Birthday Fun

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

Avisomnia Tarot - The SunToday’s draw is the Sun card, which is traditionally a representation of success, positivity, optimism, and fun.

Today is my birthday, and although I’m still a little tender and sensitive from the stomach flu I went through, today’s card is a clear encouragement to make sure I have some fun today and don’t just hide away or allow that negative inner narrative I’ve been battling to have free reign.

It is also Beltane, and L and I did a ritual last night that we finished up this morning that included (for me) the intention of working more positivity and optimism into my day to day life.

I see today’s card both as an encouragement to have fun, but also a reminder of the intentions I put forth in our Beltane ritual.

DECK USED:  AVISOMNIA TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsMay2022 Challenge Prompt
Topic for May 1: Do the Beltane Spread

Seasons of the Witch Beltane OracleDandelion: How can I use my inner strength to help me in healing old wounds?

Primal – Lean into what’s true for you. It’s through your inner truth and that moral compass that guides you that you will find help and healing for those old wounds that still linger. Keep in mind that sometimes you just have to accept that other people don’t have the same moral compass you do, and stay true to your own.

Bees: Where could I put in more effort to help my community?

Fertilizing – Your time is far more important than things or money. Don’t forget that contributions of the physical variety aren’t necessarily what others need, and you can accomplish just as much or more through spreading little seeds of goodness rather than focusing on larger acts.

Garnet: What do I need in order to foster a greater sense of self-empowerment?

Green Man – To foster a greater sense of self-empowerment, you need more faith in your own innate ability to draw towards you what you need in life. You don’t have to struggle and strive for every little thing, for sometimes what you need is meant to come to you all on its own.

Swallow: Where do I need to more openly display my love and loyalty to others?

Self Worship – Show others that you value yourself as much as they value you. You trust their judgment in so much, so why would you not trust their judgment when it comes to why they choose to be a part of your life? By treating yourself well, you affirm for them that you see the value that they see.

Malachite: How can I better use intention to bolster the abundance in my life moving forward?

Goddess – Again we see an encouragement towards self-kindness. Take time to recognize all that you are and all that you have. Lean into a more positive viewpoint of not just the world around you, but also yourself, so that you can use this perspective to create a better reality for yourself.

Goat: How can I best overcome obstacles before me at this time?

Earth Worship – Work on connecting more deeply with your faith and spirituality. Spend more time in nature, return to your devotional practice, and take the time to reconnect often with the earth.

Primrose: How can I add more of the exuberance of young love into my life?

Oracle – As you connect more deeply with your spirituality and faith, make sure that you are staying open to the spirit guides and ancestors that are seeking to share with you. Eagerly reach for their messages instead of disregarding them, or allowing doubt or discomfort to turn you away.

DECK USED: SEASONS OF THE WITCH BELTANE ORACLE

The #ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge Prompt by E Roebuck-Jones
Questions for May 1st and 2nd

Avisomnia TarotWhat does love mean to me?

Five of Cups and Two of Pentacles – Love means support through the times when I can’t see the good. This support is not just to help me in seeing the good instead of only focusing on the bad, but also in providing that support, it helps me to create more balance in my life as a whole during those times when I am feeling down and out.

This kind of emotional support something I need out of those that love me, and is one of the key pieces in how I see love and receive love, as well as how I give it to others.

When do I feel most loved?

King of Swords and Three of Wands – I often feel most loved when others are willing to help me in staying on track with my ambitions, even when that may sometimes be delivered with hard truths. Honesty is truly one of the ways I find loved ones support me most. While others might try to pander or soften the truth, those who truly love me will open up and tell me honest truth without filters or guile, ensuring I have a full and undiluted picture to work with and process.

DECK USED: AVISOMNIA TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I went through my KS backings and unbacked ten of them (that would be 1/3rd of the projects I was currently backing).

The Comforts of Home

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IMG_E0044Today’s meditation was ten minutes long, and was one of the guided meditations from the Calm app.

I don’t really remember the topic of the meditation for today, but it was relaxing regardless of the fact that I wasn’t really paying attention to what she was saying.  That said?  I very much like the Robert Louis Stevenson quote that was included in the graphic offered at the end of the meditation (which you can see to the right in this post).

Lovely Day Tarot - Four of WandsToday’s draw is Four of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of home coming, celebration, and the comforts of hearth and home.

Here in this imagery, we see both celebration and home combined, with the Christmas holiday theme that’s depicted in the card. It gives this card a very “hearth and home” feeling for me, and a touch of longing for the type of relaxing holidays that I don’t really get a chance to experience anymore.

The message in today’s card is that you’ve been sick. Just enjoy being home today. It’s a wonderful thing.

DECK USED:  LOVELY DAY TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsApr2022 Challenge Prompt
Topic for April 30th: Grab a spread of your choice that you’ve been curious about… and give it a go!

I used my Month End spread for this prompt. It can be found in a separate post here.

DECKS USED: ANIMA MUNDI TAROT AND THE ENERGY ARCHAEOLOGY ORACLE

The Self Appreciation #STCTarotChallenge for April Prompt
Questions for April 30th

Lovely Day TarotI will not quit…

Five of Cups and Seven of Swords – … fighting against my pessimistic inner narrative and its ability to steal away the nourishment, care, and joy that I need in my life.

Because…

Judgement and Three of Wands – …there are brighter roads ahead and better things coming, but they will only become a part of my life if I am open to letting them in. Pessimism and negative inner narratives close me off to those things.

DECK USED: LOVELY DAY TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

It’s my birthday and I spent as much of it as I could with Gideon.