#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge

Sourpuss Days Happen

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

Oz Tarot - King of WandsToday’s draw is the King of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of a projective alpha energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s motivation, drive, passions, willpower, and determination.

This straw man in the imagery of this card just does not look particularly thrilled with his lot in life right now.  It reminds me of the times when I’m not particularly thrilled in mine, even though it was my drive and passions that got me here… and keep me here.

Even when you do what you love, there are times when work becomes too much.   Today’s card is a reminder to not let these moments of lack of enthusiasm to spoil life in general and your outlook as a whole.  They’ll pass, and you’ll be back to loving what you do again in no time.

DECK USED:  OZ TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsMar2022 Challenge Prompt
Philosophical Question for March 30th: Is courage an inherent virtue or is it learned behavior?

Real Talk Tarot (trimmed borders)Reading Summary: Courage is learned behavior that is developed through a need to please others (Six of Wands). A need that becomes all encompassing over time (The Devil) until it is only through others admiration that one can find emotional fulfillment (Nine of Cups).

Take Away: I disagree. What the cards are saying here is that courage develops motivated by a need public admiration, and that the more public admiration one is given, the more courageous they will become.

Sure, I think it does work this way for some people, but I also believe that in some people, courage is an inherent trait motivated by nothing more than having a caring heart, a stringent moral compass, or something they value as a motivator. I want (perhaps even need) to believe that this is more often the case than the scenario that the cards have given.

DECK USED: REAL TALK TAROT (TRIMMED)

The #ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge Prompt by E Roebuck-Jones
Questions for March 29th thru 31st

Oz TarotHow can I continue to improve upon receiving and interpreting my intuitive messages?

Page of Swords Rx and The Emperor Rx – Less thinking, less control. Allow your inner knowledge to rise and have a louder voice instead of smothering it with logic.

How have I grown through this intuitive challenge?

Two of Pentacles and Ace of Pentacles – You are discovering and beginning to cement in place a better balance in your life.  You recognize the things that aren’t working and know you have to balance them better with the things that are.  More doing is needed, though.

What have I learned about myself through this challenge?

The Empress and The Chariot – You need to be more proactive in nurturing yourself and providing for your needs. There is no control over your speed and direction without self care.

DECK USED: OZ TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

It was a rough day, but I sank into some time with Gideon and play even though it was late, and it helped untie some of my inner knots.

Larceny in the Soul

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

Inkromancy 2 Apocalypse Tarot - TemperanceToday’s draw is the Temperance card, which is traditionally a representation of moderation, patience, and finding balance between the spiritual, emotional, and earthly planes.

I love her horns. I think more Temperance cards should have angels with horns in them.  I feel like it shows a whole different aspect of balance and moderation that a lot of people don’t get when confronted with the connected cups that are traditionally present.

The horns in the imagery of this card speaks to me of one’s integrity, and the old adage about having an angel on one shoulder and a devil on the other.

Today’s card is a reminder that everyone “has a little larceny in their soul”, so to speak.  That is to say, we all have temptations and faults, we all lie in one way or the other, we all do bad things… or things we shouldn’t.  If we didn’t, we wouldn’t learn.  It is in learning from these things that we become better people, so make sure you are accepting the “bad” in yourself along side the good.

DECK USED:  INKROMANCY 2 APOCALYPSE TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsMar2022 Challenge Prompt
Question for March 29th: What do I need to focus on for self-care for the upcoming new moon?

50 Extraordinary Dragons OracleReading Summary: You are still having problems connecting with your motivations and drive right now (Draconic Shadow). Remember to keep trying to find that focus and inspiration (Ruby Coatl), and it will develop into being (Firewing Egg) as the darkness gradually begins to fade into the distance.

Take Away: Motivation is a difficult thing when the depression is riding you. As the depression eases, it’s much like a rebirth in many ways, and your motivation and inspiration is one of those things.  Don’t be impatient with the darkness, as it will lift at its own pace just as an embryo develops within an egg at its own pace and will hatch when it’s ready.

DECK USED:  50 EXTRAORDINARY DRAGONS ORACLE

Mr Lionharts’ #TheMarchTarot Animal Guide Challenge Prompt
Questions for March 29th thru 31st

Inkromancy 2 Apocalypse TarotIn what area have I grown throughout the last few weeks?

Knight of Cups and Emperor – You are starting to get back in touch with your emotions and are regaining control. This month has been steeped in the darkness of the depression’s pit, but over the past couple weeks you have begun to claw your way back toward the light. As you move closer and closer to the light, you will gain more control over yourself and your environment, and be able to experience more joy in the journey.

What am I guided to leave behind of part with moving forward?

Two of Wands and Ten of Pentacles – Continue plotting the course forward away from the mentality of “All is lost”, and into one of abundance. There is a need to leave behind that perspective of loss, and a little planning can help you in getting there.  It requires making the choice of looking at things in a more positive perspective.

Where am I to take my journey moving forward?

Knight of Pentacles, Two of Swords atop Five of Swords – Stand up and start moving. Again, we see that this rests upon choices, and not always easy ones. You have to make the choice to defeat the darkness, or buckle under its weight and let it drag you down again.  The progress might be slow, but you are getting there.  Keep fighting.

DECK USED: INKROMANCY 2 APOCALYPSE TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

L and I went to Olive Garden on a gift card yesterday and I ate so much I was still full and sporting a food baby two hours later.

Onus and Ownership

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

Soul Cats TarotToday’s draw is the Judgement card, which is traditionally a representation of looking back on one’s history and reflecting upon if they are happy with all that they have done and become in life, as well as getting in touch with one’s true calling, and themes to do with forgiveness and absolution.

When I saw the imagery for this card today, what I heard was “Don’t be the one that hides in the hole.”

This is about ownership. It can be hard to accept when you’ve done something wrong, fucked up in some way, or are just wrong about something. No matter how natural it is that we all make mistakes, the problem comes in that when we are  unable to accept our role in things, we are unable to learn from those mistakes.  Not only that, but we look less than stellar to others (as well as to ourselves) when shirking responsibility when things go wrong.

Today’s card is a reminder to stand up and be counted. Own your mistakes and learn from them in order to become a better person. Don’t hide your mistakes, fuck ups, and other screwed up shit you’ve done from yourself and the world, but instead let it be seen, and show how you’ve learned from it… and how you are now a better person for the experience you’ve gained.

DECK USED:  SOUL CATS TAROT

Mr Lionharts’ #TheMarchTarot Animal Guide Challenge Prompt
Questions for March 28th

Dream Interpretation OracleWhat did I learn throughout this month?

Loneliness and Dogs – You have learned throughout this month that you are not alone, even when you feel at your most lonely. There are those trustworthy and loyal to you that will always be there for you to depend on. You just need to speak up sometimes to make sure they know that you’re in need of more of their attentions.

What was my major lesson?

Shouting and Food – Your major lesson is that if you are more open with your feelings and your needs, it can help in sustaining you through the roughest of moments. Bottling things up does nothing but make you sick inside, better to let out how you feel and let people see what you need. Then there is a far better chance of being emotionally (and physically) satiated.

What was my minor lesson?

Moon and Exceptionality – Your major lesson for this month is a reminder to stay true to yourself and seek balance in all things, and that in doing so, you will shine brightly in the world. It can be hard to stay attuned with oneself when struggling with depression and outside chaos doesn’t help.  Reconnecting with yourself can help in guiding you through these moments, though and bring you out the other side with a greater understanding and greater skills than when you started.

DECK USED: DREAM INTERPRETATION ORACLE

The #ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge Prompt by E Roebuck-Jones
(Adjusted) Question for March 28th: How can I trust myself to know when to look at the ‘little white book’?

Soul Cats TarotReading Summary: You have been reading for a long time and have the traditional meanings down pat (The Hierophant), and are able to then apply those meanings wisely to most situations (Strength). But, sometimes your connection with that ethereal “other” (The Star) is taking a rest (Four of Swords).

Take Away: I rarely bother with the “little white book” in the first place. Granted, I’ve been reading cards a really long time. So, I had to rephrase this question a bit to apply to me and my practice.

These cards indicate that sometimes traditional meanings just don’t cut it. Usually, this is where intuition and spiritual connections comes into play, but there are times when I lack the energy and resources in that area. At those times, looking at the LWB can give some needed extra perspective and a little boost to a far too quiet intuitive voice.

DECK USED: SOUL CATS TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I took a few breaks throughout my work day today to make sure that I wasn’t pushing myself too hard.

Origins of Motivation

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

La Republica Tarocco IndovinoToday’s draw is the Cavallo di Bastoni (Knight of Clubs) with the keyword “Partenza/Departure” attached to it. Traditionally, the Knight of Clubs is a representation of an active (projective) beta energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s passions and drive, inspiration, and principles.

Here in this card, what we see is the Knight of Clubs in departure, speaking of the fact that perhaps it is time to step back instead of charging forward.

As he waves goodbye, what is on his mind? What adventures is he looking forward to?  This speaks of exploring something new, but it also speaks of leaving behind what is not working for you.  The message in today’s card is about mores and principles, about the things that drive you… and the things that don’t.  It’s time to examine what motivates you.  Are you trying to pull motivation from places that are not interesting you anymore? Now is a time to look for some new inspiration to help propel you forward, or reconnect with ideals that you have slacked on of late.

DECK USED:  TAROCCO INDOVINO

#DiscordTarotholicsMar2022 Challenge Prompt
Topic for March 27th: Do Spread #3

La Republica Tarocco Indovino

What to leave behind along with the winter’s chill?

La Temperanza – Don’t let the dregs of your depression pull you down or hold you back, but instead unleash your energy into the things that need to be done. Let the feeling of getting things done bolster you and lift you up.  You’re very fond of that feeling and it can be addictive at times, but right now? It’s needed.

What to take with you into the spring?

Sette di Picche (Biasimo) atop Il Papa – Themes to carry with you into spring include responsibility and ownership of your obligations and actions.  Just make sure to not carry the blame for others mistakes and adopt that onus as your own. You are very good at owning up to your own mistakes, but there’s no need to take on the blame for others as well. By showing how it’s done yourself, you are helping others to do the same.

What needs exposed to the light and the world the spring?

La Torre – It’s important to show the world just how well you recover and rebuild after crippling chaos. Allow people to see your struggles, and to see all of the things that you’ve gone through this winter. Take them on the journey with you as you recover and rebuild. As mentioned above in Il Papa… show them how it’s done.

What needs kept close for further contemplation and meditation?

Cinque di Bastoni (Malafede) – Consider what it is you need to be comfortable and feel secure. Are you heading in the right direction? Or are you letting your past whisper in your ear about old values that no longer apply? You can’t have both. You must choose to focus forward, or get trapped in the past and end up overwhelmed and held back by what you don’t really even want or need anymore.

DECK USED: TAROCCO INDOVINO

Daily Self Kindness

I made sure to take some breaks from work today as I worked on catching up on orders.  I also allowed myself to take a short nap.

Talent For All

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IMG_9171Today’s meditation was just over ten minutes long, and was another of the guided #dailycalm sessions from the Calm app.  The focus of today’s meditation was about self-kindness, and about knowing what we want for ourselves.

It spoke of treating ourselves as we would treat others, and thus showing that we see ourselves as worthy of love and kindness as we do those around us.  Thus, in turn, others learn to treat you well… and treat themselves well also.

Spirit Keepers Tarot Revelation EditionToday’s draw is the Magus (Magician), which is traditionally a representation of resourcefulness, skill, and acting on one’s inspiration. The Magician is the one that has all the tools, all the skills, and all that is needed at their fingertips in order to manifest what they desire.

In this card, there is also an element of performance involved in the imagery, as the figure in the image wears a theater mask upon their face.  I do not see this mask as one that hides the figure, but rather a mask that says “look at me… look what I can do”.

The message in today’s card is to own your skills and abilities.  It is a reminder that we are all unique, and it is our responsibility as individuals to explore and discover in order to find the skills and abilities that are unique to us alone.  No one is useless or without natural skills and abilities, but it is only through exploration of the world around us that we are able to discover what those are and how to use them to our best advantage.

DECK USED:  SPIRIT KEEPERS TAROT REVELATION EDITION

#DiscordTarotholicsMar2022 Challenge Prompt
Questions for March 26th and 28th

Spirit Keepers Tarot Revelation EditionHow am I doing spiritually at this time?

Two of Scepters and Five of Scepters – There are challenges ahead, and at this time you are in the planning stages.

As recovery is your focus elsewhere in you life right now, it has meant needing to put spiritual matters as a lower priority, but as you recover from these issues elsewhere in your life, your spiritual practices and plans are coming back into focus. Just be prepared for some hurdles when you do start moving forward again.

How can I improve on where I am spiritually in the week ahead?

The Tower and Two of Swords – As you recover and rebuild from the chaos, take a moment to still and pause. Find your balance and your center, and get in touch with the decisions that need to be made. Look at them with a calm, cool head instead of a mind still influenced by the inner cacophony of the past and the chaos it wrought.

DECK USED: SPIRIT KEEPERS TAROT REVELATION EDITION

Daily Self Kindness

I started working on orders today for Tuesday’s shipping date.  I’m hoping that the work I got done today will help me in staying on top of things and not becoming overwhelmed as Tuesday gets closer.

The Offer… Motives MIA

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

50 Extraordinary Dragons OracleToday’s draw is an oracle card, which does not hold a traditional meaning as tarot would. The card drawn is the Poison Dart Dragons card, which says “Dangerous beauty! A pretty or charming surface may hide something toxic.”

This is about the offer that my mother made recently, and how uncomfortable I have been feeling about it. Generous or not, it just… doesn’t feel right. It’s presented as kindness and concern for her son, and this is something I have always craved from her.

But the fact is, I need to remember who she really is and that this offer is not going to be without a huge amount of strings attached.  Today’s card is a reminder of this, and to make sure that I follow my intuition and instincts in this matter.

DECK USED:  50 EXTRAORDINARY DRAGONS ORACLE

Mr Lionharts’ #TheMarchTarot Animal Guide Challenge Prompt
Questions for March 25th thru 27th

Wild Unknown Animal Spirit Deck - RaccoonMarch Animal Guide – Raccoon – Teamwork and finding healthy balance between independence and community, goal-oriented, ingenuity, industriousness, cleanliness, curiosity, adaptability, and equality.

In the Wild Unknown Animal Spirit Deck, the Raccoon is represented by the element of earth, and its qualities include creativity with a focus on talent, tenacity, and skillfulness with one’s preferred creative tools. There is also a concern that when one feels the need to wear one’s public “masks” that it can stunt the creativity one possesses and cause issues with self-image and obtaining success in their endeavors.

50 Extraordinary Dragons OracleWhat was your experience of this journey with me?

Salt Water Wyvern and Hulk Drake – It was difficult for you to keep your focused on the theme of the Raccoon Spirit, but it was possible to guide you into seeing things from a different perspective even with these hurdles in the way.

What is your impression of me now?

Young Forest Guardian – You are full of hidden potential, and far more cuddly than anticipated. It takes you a bit of effort to open up and explore when you’ve been struggling with depression as you have, and yet you still find ways to communicate your creativity and stay open to the world around you.

Has it changed in any way?

Porcupine Puffer Drake – At first, you seemed unwilling to connect and wanted to hold everything and everyone at a distance. Depression is a really difficult thing to struggle with and it’s understandable that, in the midst of that, you would not come off as particularly approachable.

What would you pass on to me before we part ways {for now}?

Two-Headed Ink Gremlin and Atlantic Wolffish Hydra – Remember as you move forward with the projects and endeavors you’ve set yourself to this spring and summer that to get organized, chaos comes before order. You have to make a mess in order to truly organize anything properly. Have a bit of fun with the mess of it all and don’t be afraid of the chaos, for what comes after is worth it.

DECK USED: 50 EXTRAORDINARY DRAGONS ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I pulled half of April’s decks today.  I wasn’t going to do it until Wednesday, but I decided to break it up into smaller bite sized pieces instead.