#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge

Make the Effort

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

Fantasy of Korea Tarot - Page of PentaclesToday’s draw is the Page of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of a receptive omega energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s finances, resources, health, home,and manifestations. This can often translate into themes that have to do with learning new skills for work, new or resurfacing opportunities in one’s finances or resources, learning how to thrive with a handicap or disability, or recovery from illness.

I’m finding that I’m associating that last meaning with the imagery in this particular card and it’s all because of the oddity of the figure’s right foot.  Or rather, specifically?  Her heel.  It just seems malformed to me for some reason, and fits in with the falling of red leaves in the background that is, in this instance, a representation of pain.

Once upon a time, I spent three months living in a pain clinic.  You might imagine that pain clinics are meant to help people with their pain by relieving pain, but that is not what pain clinics are about.  When you are sent to a pain clinic, you are being told that the pain is permanent and will never go away.  They are telling you that you need to learn to live with the pain, so that you are not inconveniencing others with it, and so that it will have less of an impact on living a normal life.

This is what this Page of Pentacles reminds me of.  It is a reminder to lean into these skills that I learned in that long ago place.  The pain is always there, but you can mitigate it’s influence on your life and those around you if you’re willing to work at it.  Today’s card is an encouragement to be willing to work at it.

DECK USED:  FANTASY OF KOREA TAROT

Mr Lionharts’ #TheAprilTarot Animal Guide Challenge Prompt
Questions for The High Priestess- Day 5

Haeohwa OracleIn what area am I guided to follow my intuition?

Oksoseon and Booyong – Take time to look closely beyond first impressions. There is immaturity in all of us. Are you acting rashly off your emotions and other’s outward impressions, or are you taking time to truly get to know them. Intuition can help you cut through both their masks and your assumptions, if you’re willing to let it.

What choices can I make in support of my inner truth?

Gyechu and Gangha – Don’t allow strife to dismantle your happiness. Instead lean into loyalty and love, and allow the rest to sort itself out.

DECK USED: HAEOHWA ORACLE

#DiscordTarotholicsApr2022 Challenge Prompt
Questions for April 4th and 5th

Fantasy of Korea TarotIn what aspect of life do you need a new perspective?

Four of Pentacles and The Hanged Man – Some spring cleaning is in order at home. Open up the windows and let in the fresh air. Wipe away the dust and allow energy to flow through and cleanse your space.

What would this new perspective look like?

The Empress and Five of Wands – A healthier outlook and more energy to lend to those things you are passionate about.

Notation – All golden cards are presenting a warmth throughout the reading (this is not a predominantly golden deck on the whole), promising a sense of renewed brightness and uplifting energy.

DECK USED: FANTASY OF KOREA TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

We didn’t get to spend a lot of time tonight (Gideon and I), but the time we spent was wonderful and amazing and so very needed.

Flexibility Is Key

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

Le Busque Tarot - Eight of SwordsToday’s draw is the Eight of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of willful ignorance, self-imposed restrictions, turning a blind eye (especially when it can be harmful to self), and entertaining a victim mentality.

The imagery in this card is essentially traditional, except that the bound figure is barely visible through the standing of the swords that surround them.  This speaks of not just what we aren’t seeing, but also the fact that what you can’t see might actually be quite detrimental to you.

The message here is a reminder that when you stand to rigidly in one place, there are things that will block your line of sight and make it impossible to see the full picture.  It is a reminder to stay open minded, and to seek understanding of what you aren’t even aware you are not fully grasping as yet. You will continue to be blind to these things you are missing until you’re willing to shift position and look closer.

DECK USED:  LE BUSQUE TAROT

The Self Appreciation #STCTarotChallenge for April Prompt
Questions for April 3rd and 4th

Cat Wisdom CardsToday I will be selfish with…

Hiding – Your time. There’s only so many minutes in a day, and you have a lot to get done today. Bear down and go into hiding as you work, and it will help you to stay focused on what needs to be done.  Otherwise, distractions will start to seep in and pull your attention away.

Because?

Stay Focused – You have a lot to get done.  All of your energy needs to be focused on what needs to get done today. It’s an orders day and you haven’t done any prep in the previous few days to help you ease through today’s responsibilities. If you stay focused, you can get it all done.

Today I will be selfless with…

Take Action – Your altruistic urges. Be kind to others, even if you’re feeling pressed for time.  As has been said before. You never know what struggles and pain others are going through that they keep to themselves, and how very precious small kindnesses can be to those around you as a result.

How?

Proceed With Care – By ensuring that those who need a gentle approach from you get just that. You don’t have to be a bull in a china shop all the damned time.  Sometimes a gentle and cautious approach is better and can help more than coming at things horns first.

DECK USED: CAT WISDOM CARDS

The #ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge Prompt by E Roebuck-Jones
Questions for April 3rd thru 6th

Le Busque TarotWhat makes me feel confident?

Six of Wands – Well no shit. Who doesn’t feel confident when getting praise and admiration from outside sources?

My “tone” in this particular response from the cards is because it bugs the crap out of me that it matters.  I absolutely hate that public opinion matters to me, no matter how natural it is for it to. No matter how ingrained it is into human nature. It niggles at my independent streak like a raw spot that won’t heal.

How would I describe my confidence?

Knight of Pentacles – Slow going, but improving and increasing over time. There’s a lot about myself that I like, but like most people, there’s also a lot that needs some healing and work. I’m on that journey, but this card indicates that progress is slow… but it’s still progress, so that’s good at least.

What takes my confidence away?

Judgement – Too much time spent communing with my negative inner voice, and not enough time focusing on where I want to go instead. You feed the wolf you want to thrive, right? I’ve spent too much time feeding the voice in my head that whittles away at my confidence, instead of doing those things and encouraging those thoughts that work to build myself up.

What builds my confidence?

Ten of Wands – Experience. Lots and lots of experience. The more experience under my belt, the more I learn and the more confident I become.  When things are new and different, there’s a lot of hesitation and caution, a lack of confidence.  But as things are experienced and more and more of life and the world becomes familiar, confidence thrives and grows.

DECK USED: LE BUSQUE TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I made stir fry today, even though I was pressed by time due to orders. I was craving veggies and so I made a chicken stir fry for dinner, which helped with the cravings immensely.

A Reflective Pause

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IMG_E9467Today’s meditation was just over ten minutes long and was another of the #dailycalm sessions from the Calm app.

The topic of today’s meditation was about how we treat those closest to us, and how it’s natural for them to see out worst, but that through gratitude and appreciation we can help mediate showing our worst to them too often.

Bad A** Unicorns Tarot - The Hanged ManToday’s draw is the Hanged Man, which is traditionally a representation of taking a pause, considering alternate perspectives, relaxing into difficult situations, surrender or letting go.

I find that, with this particular deck, the little commentary on each card actually shifts the perspective of the card’s meaning a bit.  With this one, what I see is a bit of peace… but only after a frustrated moment of stagnancy.

A forced pause instead of one that is chosen. Yes, the peace still comes, as it’s there in the hint of a mandala in the background of the imagery… but you have to get out that little curse of frustration first in order to find it.

Today’s card is an encouragement to look beyond your initial reaction to what feels like an untenable situation, and see the boon. Find the peaceful moment in what could be a moment of frustration and chaos.

DECK USED:  BAD A** BABY UNICORNS TAROT

Mr Lionharts’ #TheAprilTarot Animal Guide Challenge Prompt
Questions for The Magician – Day 4

Bad A** Unicorns Tarot and Gentle Wisdom from the Fairie Realms OracleWhat am I invited to create for myself right now?

Kindness and Reward – You know that old adage that says certain behaviors are their own reward? That’s what we see here. “Kindness is its own reward.”

Being kind to others is easy for you, but in these cards you are invited (and encouraged) to turn that kindness inward and be kinder to yourself.

The Magician is a reminder that you have all the tools, abilities, and skills needed to make this happen, you’ve only need to be open to actually moving in that direction.

What can help me grow within this creative endeavor?

Self Esteem and Future – Stay in touch with who you are and who you want to become as you move forward. As cruel as you sometimes are to yourself, on the whole you like who you are. This surety of self allows you to move forward with confidence.

DECK USED: GENTLE WISDOM OF THE FAIRIE REALMS ORACLE AND BAD A** BABY UNICORNS TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsApr2022 Challenge Prompt
Topic for April 3rd: Do Spread #1
Focus on a relationship that’s important to you, whether that relationship be a friendship, a family member, or a loved one.

Bad A** Unicorns TarotWhat does this loved one need less of from you?

King of Wands – Bluster and bravado. Pride. Plowing forward toward one’s goals while ignoring issues and problems that need your attention. You do a lot of that disassociation with issues along the way when you’re in depression, but in this case you might have just trampled on J’s toes in the process.

What does this loved one need more of from you?

Ace of Cups – An open and honest expression of feelings, both good and bad. It’s important to make sure he knows how you feel, and that you’re willing to let him get out his own feelings as well with a sense of safety in doing so.  Help him feel comfortable expressing what’s going on so that you both are on the same page.

What in this relationship is being entirely neglected?

Judgement atop Five of Wands – There was a conflict in principles that needs to be addressed and dealt with. Friends don’t always agree on everything, and butt heads occasionally regardless of how well they might agree usually.  In this case, both are making judgements and assumptions instead of opening up and sorting out the issue.

Take Away: It looks like J and I need to sit down and hash out some differences in an honest and heartfelt discussion.

DECK USED: BAD A** BABY UNICORNS TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

Gideon time.  God yeah… ’nuff said.

Instilling Fun

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#dailycalm on the Calm appToday’s meditation was just over ten minutes long, and was another of the guided #dailycalm meditations from the Calm app. The topic of today’s meditation was patience. Specifically, patience with oneself when meditating.

It can be hard to stay focused during meditation. The brain likes to wander. In today’s meditation, we are encouraged to understand that meditation is a practice… as in you are practicing. As in “practice makes perfect”, which means perfect isn’t in the now but something we reach for. In meditation, perfection is not expected or required.

The Little Buddha Tarot - The SunToday’s draw is the Sun card, which is traditionally a representation of success, optimism, positivity, fun and frivolity. In my path, the Sun is also a symbol of male vitality, virility, and warmth.

This card’s imagery is all about fun, and the message today is a simple one. Have fun. It’s your day off.

I’m planning on doing just that. In fact, I have plans to go flower and herb shopping later today to pick up the first round of annuals to add to my balcony garden.

I used to grow my annuals and herbs from seed, but now that I’m running the home business and there’s so much to do, it’s just easier to go to the nursery and pick up what I want.  I’m suspecting I should be able to pick up a good bit of what I need this round, and then the rest of it perhaps by the end of the month depending on the weather.

DECK USED:  THE LITTLE BUDDHA TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsApr2022 Challenge Prompt
Questions for April 1st and 2nd

Winged Spirit Tarot, Oracle of the Hidden World, Conscious Spirit OracleWhat is the most valuable thing you can do for yourself this month?

The Emperor and Earth Elemental – Use grounding and gratitude to help you take back control of your life. The depression has held you in its grip long enough. Seize upon the opportunity to use your connection with the earth and nature to help pull you back out and onto solid footing.

What is the most valuable thing you can do for others this month?

Hierophant and Insight – Lend your knowledge, experience, and expertise to their goals and endeavors. You have a lot to offer and people appreciate and enjoy when you share far more than you realize.

What is the most valuable thing you can be open to others doing for you this month?

Eight of Wands and The Gift – Motivation. Others have the ability to draw you in and lift you up. It might niggle at you independent streak to let them do so, but it is a valuable gift you shouldn’t take for granted.

DECK USED: WINGED SPIRIT TAROT, ORACLE OF THE HIDDEN WORLD, CONSCIOUS SPIRIT ORACLE

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

The Little Buddha TarotWhen feeling foolish, how can I find my confidence?

Ten of Pentacles and King of Swords – Foolishness is the first step to accomplishment. Look at all you have accomplished with a cool and logical mind, and take time to appreciate all that you have already done as well as how you got there. The strategy of success (especially in areas of innovation) requires that if you want to succeed, you must first look foolish.

What do I know about myself for sure?

Nine of Wands and Ace of Pentacles – You like to keep new ideas close to the vest until you’ve had time to implement them. Too many times you’ve been screwed over by people stealing your ideas. It comes off as secretive to some, but in truth you are just protecting what is has the potential to be important to you.

DECK USED: THE LITTLE BUDDHA TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I expressed what I need to Gideon.  That’s often not the easiest thing for me when we’re in the middle of intimacy and I’m feeling small.

Cooperation and Kissing Ass

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

Joyseeker Tarot - Six of WandsToday’s draw is the Six of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of public accolades, publicly admired successes and achievements, and in some cases, the urge to people-please.

Today is a “long ass drive” day filled with hours and hours behind the wheel, two visits into a customs office, and just all around a very long day.

There are sure to be hurdles and obstructionists in my way today, and today’s card is a reminder that you attract more bees with honey than with vinegar. Be cooperative. Be helpful. Be pleasant… even when they aren’t.

In doing so, you can turn an unpleasant situation around into a pleasant one, just by catering to the needs of those that require your cooperation.

DECK USED:  THE JOYSEEKER TAROT

Mr Lionharts’ #TheAprilTarot Animal Guide Challenge Prompt
Questions for My Fool’s Journey – Day 1 to 3

Crystal Visions Tarot, Primrose and Prose OracleWhat Journey am I asked to undertake this month?

Queen of Swords and Pisces – Work on finding balance between your practical self and your emotions. Don’t allow logic and your harsher inner narratives to dominate the conversation.

Where do I find myself at the beginning of this Journey?

The Fool and Taurus – At the beginning of this Journey, you are in need of a more lighthearted view while working to shore up your foundation. Grounding is important right now, but so is taking the time to enjoy life and worry less. Again, we see a need for balance. Bring greater awareness to your sense of gratitude for all that you have, and foster its presence in your life and thoughts.

What transformation can I undergo by embarking on this Journey?

King of Cups and Libra – Finding a routine that works for you can help you to restore equilibrium, and will provide you with less upheaval and more balance in your emotions, as well as in your relationship with Gideon.

Take Away – There is a prevailing theme of balance in these cards that speaks of this month’s Journey being about finding balance and equilibrium on a variety of different levels, but especially between your emotions and the more practical side of life.

DECK USED: THE PRIMROSE AND PROSE ORACLE

The Self Appreciation #STCTarotChallenge for April Prompt
Question for April 1st

Joyseeker TarotThis Month you will find magic in…

…finding your stride. The darkness is lifting, and this month will give you the ambition (King of Swords) and direction (Three of Wands) you need to climb free and keep moving.

Because…

…the time has come time to get organized and make choices (Seven of Cups) that will move you away from (Death) hibernation and stagnancy (Four of Wands Rx).

Take Away – The depression is lifting and this month is all about setting your feet back on the path you want to tread as you move forward, and setting your trajectory in the direction you want to go in. If you aren’t willing to climb out of the pit and put in the energy and effort  to get the ball rolling, you won’t move.  The magic of this month is in that energy and movement.

DECK USED: THE JOYSEEKER TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I made sure to stop and take a break when I needed today, even though there was a lot to do and a great deal of distance to cover.

New Perspectives In Self Kindness

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

Animism Tarot - The Hanged ManToday’s draw is the Hanged Man, which is traditionally a representation of taking a pause, considering alternate perspectives, relaxing into difficult situations, surrender or letting go.

The Hanged Man is one of my favorite cards in the tarot… perhaps my absolute favorite card in the tarot.  And honestly?  This is probably the cutest of all Hanged Man cards I’ve seen.

As with so many Hanged Man cards, what I see here is a question.  What do you see?  What if the world was inverted… what if -you- were inverted?  How would the world look differently?  If you paused and looked at the world with this new perspective, how would your own perspective on the world change?

The card showing up today is a reminder that I need to take breaks while I work.  By taking these breaks, life is brighter, my tasks are less difficult, and my obligations lighter.

DECK USED:  ANIMISM TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsMar2022 Challenge Prompt
Topic for March 31st: Grab a spread of your choice that you’ve been curious about… and give it a go!

Animism Tarot - What's Holding My Booty Back? Tarot Spread

What do I most need to release that’s holding me back?

The Devil Rx – It’s time to ease up on the addictions that are starting to get out of hand again. Things like brand-name foods, deck purchases, games on your phone, and dawdling instead of getting things done are all things that are getting just a bit out of hand at the moment. Moderation is not particularly easy for you, but in these areas it’s time to start applying more moderation than you are currently.

Why did this issue develop in the first place?

Two of Swords – When the darkness crept in (aka your depression), you shirked away from it and made the choice to reach for comfort. Those things you refer to as your “addictions” create within you a sense of safety, security, and comfort. You chose to reach for them, and that’s understandable under the circumstances.

How can I best honor it’s memory/grieve it’s loss?

Ten of Cups – Get in touch with your gratitude for the things you already have, and all that you have that makes you happy, instead of focusing on what you don’t have and wallowing in short-lived comforts.

Where should I direct energy that will serve my needs better?

The Emperor – Redirect this energy into reestablishing control over yourself and your life, and ensuring your obligations and responsibilities are being tended to.

DECK USED: ANIMISM TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I took a number of mini-breaks today to help me to not feel weighed down or resentful of the work that I needed to get done.