#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge

Move Your Ass

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

Darkness of Light Tarot 4th EditionToday’s draw is the Eight of Blades, which is traditionally a representation of ignoring the obvious, having a victim mentality, feeling trapped, and encountering self-imposed restrictions.

I heard the message these cards convey to me when I pulled this card.  it whispered in my ear.

“Don’t turn a blind eye to your current situation.”

The thing is?  I don’t wanna work today.  I just don’t.  But I have a crapload of orders that have to go out on Friday.  That gives me today and tomorrow to get them done and packaged. So as much as I want to burrow my head into the pillow and hide from the world today?  That’s not what I’m going to do… no mater how much I want to.

DECK USED:  THE DARKNESS OF LIGHT TAROT 4TH EDITION

#DiscordTarotholicsJan2022 Challenge Prompt
Philosophical Question: Is it always better to have more choices?

True Black TarotReading Summary: Not always. Sometimes when there is too much freedom to weigh options and strategize (King of Swords) instead of acting immediately (King of Pentacles positioned in the past), you end up losing out in the end (Five of Coins positioned in the future).

Take Away: Sometimes having more choices doesn’t provide freedom, but creates hesitation.  This is a problem because the opportunities presented in those choices can then pass you by while you’re busy trying to make a decision in the first place.  Then you’re left with nothing.

DECK USED: TRUE BLACK TAROT

GroundedInMagic’s #Lovers2022TarotChallenge Challenge Prompt
Questions for January 5th

Darkness of Light Tarot 4th EditionHow do I receive love?
The Chariot and Five of Wands

You either seize it quickly, or you fight against it. You have a habit of guarding your heart in both cases, forcing others to work to get through your defenses before they can offer you love and you’re willing to receive it.

Is receiving love easy or difficult for me?
Seven of Blades and Three of Cups Rx

For you, receiving love is something that takes thought and effort. It’s not easy and carefree.

DECK USED: THE DARKNESS OF LIGHT TAROT 4TH EDITION

Daily Self Kindness

I am still playing catch up, and I can’t remember what I might have done as a self kindness for today.

Merging Perspectives

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

The Dreamkeeper's TarotToday’s draw is the Three of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of friendships, revelry, celebration, and collaboration between those that are like not just in mind but also in heart.

Just saying… but I need to use this deck more.  Every time I pull it out, it just… sings for me.

The three figures in this image are dressed the same, and are very similar in appearance, carrying the same items in their hands.  And yet, each sees things from a different perspective…. while blending together in their fluttering roots.

The message here is about collaboration, and how even those with the same goals, similar skills, or are even seemingly very much the same can bring into a project different perspectives and contribute more than when one works alone.

DECK USED:  DREAMKEEPERS TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJan2022 Challenge Prompt
Questions for January 3rd and 4th

The Dreamkeeper's TarotWhat could you use more of in your life?
Four of Pentacles and The Hermit

Stability… even during reflection. Alone time is all well and good, but it needs to be of the healthy sort, and you need to stay grounded and stable during that time. When you allow yourself to drift,  you find stagnancy instead of stability.  Make sure you are grounding more often instead of just thinking about it.

What could you use less of in your life?
Four of Cups and Queen of Wands

Despondency blocking your dedication to self care and fostering your inner spark. You need to make sure you’re not allowing emotions block your path.  That “I didn’t do this self care thing because I didn’t feel like it” excuse is not helping you.  Set it aside and do “the thing” anyway.

DECK USED: DREAMKEEPERS TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I am still playing catch up, and I can’t remember what I might have done as a self kindness for today.

From Within

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

Luna Somnia TarotToday’s draw is the High Priestess, which is traditionally a representation of secrets, inner knowledge, intuition, the subconscious, and sacred feminine energies.

Today’s card is a reminder to look within and remember where my true knowledge lies.

I do many things in life, and create many opportunities for myself every day.  But now that the new year is here, I need to remember the magic of where this all comes from.  It doesn’t come from outside of myself… it comes from within.

That inner place of knowing is where the confidence in yourself truly lies, and where guidance forward comes from. It is where the connection to the world is rooted, and where connection to what’s beyond the physical world lives.  It’s time to reconnect with this place within yourself.

DECK USED:  LUNA SOMNIA TAROT

GroundedInMagic’s #Lovers2022TarotChallenge Challenge Prompt
Questions for January 3rd and 4th

Luna Somnia TarotWhere do I feel worthy of love?
Eight of Pentacles and Page of Cups

I am proud of the work I do, and all that I have accomplished, as well as the significant power behind my creativity and imagination.  My ability to take something that I have imagined and bring it to reality is a skill that I excel at, and I feel worthy of praise and love given to me in relation to these things and skills that I have built as well as what I create with them.

This is very probably why one of my strongest love languages when expressing my emotions to others is through gift giving.

Where do I tell myself I am unworthy of love (even though I am worthy of love in this area)?
Two of Wands and Nine of Cups

The intangible… without manifestation.  I struggle with emotions and I struggle with the intangible.  I expect others to be the same and thus I expect that plans I make and my personal emotions, without a tangible expression of them present, are to be rejected as being not just intangible, but insubstantial… inadequate.

DECK USED: LUNA SOMNIA TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I am still playing catch up, and I can’t remember what I might have done as a self kindness for today.

Roller-Coasters

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

Mystical Cats TarotToday’s draw is the Wheel card, which is traditionally a representation of the unpredictability of life, the ups and downs of luck, as well as cycles and turning points in one’s trajectory.

Here in this image, we see a cat having a grand time playing with the Wheel as it spins around and round. There is a message here about making sure that even when there’s ups and downs, you’re having fun.

Roller-coasters are supposed to be fun, remember?  People ride them for entertainment. This card asks us… when did roller-coasters end up becoming a bad thing?

DECK USED: MYSTICAL CATS TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJan2022 Challenge Prompt
Topic: Do Spread #1

Mystical Cats TarotSomeone important in your life who has had a lot of influence on you.

Nine of Earth – From the outside, it really does look like she has everything she needs. What people don’t see is how hard she has worked to build a comfortable life for herself.

Their negative influence on you and your life.

Queen of Fire – She is so enthusiastic about everything that you do that it’s hard to depend on her opinion on whether the things you’ve done or created are good or not. This means she may cause a false confidence that can easily be crushed in real-world application.

Their positive influence on you and your life.

Ace of Sea – She has provided a new new perspective for you on emotions and family. You’ve discovered what unconditional love (of the motherly variety) really looks like… and feels like.

Your positive influence on them in their life.

Ten of Earth – Your presence in her life gives her a feeling of grounded safety, and allows her to feel like she is provided for and cared for in a steady and dependable sort of way. Everything feels a bit more in balance with you as a part of her life.

Your negative influence on them and their life.

Three of Sea – She’s able to block out reality for a while when you’re there. This is fine in moderation, but can be unhealthy if indulged in too often.

DECK USED: MYSTICAL CATS TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

Hmmm.  I am playing catch up still, and I can’t remember what I might have done as a self kindness for today.

The Time and Place

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Today’s meditation was skipped because it felt really good in bed in the “afterglow” of the pain med I took before going to sleep.  Usually when I wake up I’m in so much pain that it’s a relief to get out of the bed.  It was nice to feel so comfortable that I could snuggle in and enjoy it for a little longer.

Abstract Art TarotToday’s draw is the Temperance card, which is traditionally a representation of moderation, balance, and the qualities of patience and moderation.  It can often contain within it elements of the divine, and in the connection we hold with the divine and with the world around us.

The imagery in this card speaks to me of moderation… having a place and time.  It’s like anything else, and there is a time and place for it’s use… and a time and place where it’s use is not going to get you what you want.  I see that in the single paintball shot to the heart.  The angel wears kevlar and there’s no way a shot to the heart would succeed.  A double tap.  A triple?  That wouldn’t work either.  At least not when aiming at the heart.

Like that shot, moderation is only effective if used properly.  Otherwise? It’s just the birth of stagnation.

DECK USED:  ABSTRACT ART TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJan2022 Challenge Prompt
Question: What do you need to focus on for self-care during this new moon?

Bonefire TarotThe World atop The Devil – Make sure that you’re looking at the big picture and where you want to go when confronted with the temptations of your addiction. What’s the point in giving into those temptations if it’s not furthering you in the direction you want to go in and getting you closer to the end goal?

Knight of Wands atop King of Cups – Dive into time with Gideon and let it sweep you away. Tangle yourself up in in the things that you enjoy together.

Nine of Cups – Don’t allow restlessness and discontent to sneak in and poison the waters right now.  Look at all you have and have accomplished.  You’re allowed to feel happy about these things.

DECK USED: BONEFIRE TAROT

GroundedInMagic’s #Lovers2022TarotChallenge Challenge Prompt
Question: What does love mean to me?

Abstract Art TarotReading Summary: Happiness at home (4 of Brushes) is where long-standing trust is built over time (7 of Stencils), then of course there’s always the connection between you and the one that you love (2 of Buckets) and the support and dominance that he offers (Papa of Buckets).

Take Away: This is different depending on where it comes from, but in both the scenarios mentioned above, the prevailing theme is trust.  Trust that my emotions are accepted and cherished.  Trust that they won’t be used against me, but will be used instead to build something strong and secure between me and those I love.

DECK USED: ABSTRACT ART TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

Today, for my readings, I used the decks that Gideon surprised me with for Christmas.  It made me feel happy to have him with me in this part of my life, just as he is integrated in so much of the rest of my life as well.

What Matters… and What Doesn’t

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Today’s meditation was about fifteen minutes long and was just some quiet time with breathing exercises combined with piriformis stretching and forearm stretches.

The Pacific Northwest TarotToday’s draw is the Nine of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of (both founded and unfounded) anxiety, nightmares, insomnia, stress, and worry.

When you come upon a rattlesnake, that is the time to worry about the rattlesnake.  Stressing out about the possibility of rattlesnakes does nothing but stress you out.  There is nothing you can do about it until there’s actually something there in reality to deal with.

Don’t worry about those things that just don’t matter. You have enough on your plate without them cluttering things up.

DECK USED:  THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsDec2021 Challenge Prompt
Question: Find a spread that you’ve been curious about… and give it a go!

The Pacific Northwest Tarot

2022 Theme – Page of Swords (Horned Lark) atop The Fool (Sea Otter) – Be clever… be adventurous.  Don’t let doubts hold you back, but instead be brave and curious.  Allow yourself to jump into the projects that you want to accomplish.  This year is not a time for hesitation, stagnancy, and recalcitrance.

January / Visualize – Seven of Pentacles (Black-Tailed Bumble Bee) – Moving into January you are getting the opportunity to see what the hard work you’ve put in through the holiday rush has allowed you to reap.  The benefits are great and need to be respected and cherished, planned properly to stretch forward into the future to keep things afloat during the times ahead when things slow down.

February / Plant – Three of Cups (Pale Swallowtail, Lorquin’s Admiral, Boisduval’s Blue) – Take time this month to reestablish relationships.  Everyone was so tired and worn out after the holiday rush and all needed a bit of a break from each other.  Now is the time to reconnect, smooth out any frayed edges, and strengthen those bonds of friendship once more.

March / Initiate – Nine of Wands (North American Porcupine) – Examine your boundaries. A time of testing boundaries is approaching for you and you need to make sure you have all your ducks in a row before this time arrives. Take the time to reconnect with what’s important to you and what sort of protection might be needed to keep these things (and people) safe and well.

April / Create – Nine of Cups (Pacific Oyster) – Enjoy this time when things feel like they are going so well, but don’t go overboard on the celebration.  There’s trouble coming and you’ll want to enjoy this time while you can… but be prepared for what’s to come.

May / Nurture – The Tower (Douglas Fir) – The trouble has arrived.  Make sure that you aren’t overreacting. Don’t blow things out of proportion.  Stay focused on what you want to change, and let the chaos happen. You can’t build something better without tearing down what’s there first.

June / Grow – Nine of Swords (North Pacific Rattlesnake) – Okay so maybe the rebuilding isn’t going -quite- as well as you’d like it to.  Don’t worry, just keep at it.  It’s natural to have a bit of anxiety when there’s setbacks, especially when those setbacks include chaos that’s not yet resolved itself fully.  Don’t worry, it really isn’t the end of the world… even if it might feel like it is in the moment.

July / Master – Six of Cups (Giant Pacific Octopus) – You have an opportunity this month to get a handle on the past and how much control it has over your life.  Don’t judge yourself harshly during this time, but instead seek positive ways to grow.

August / Enjoy – Ace of Wands (Canna) – Inspiration strikes!  You know how you get when you get inspired.  Sink in and enjoy.  Let yourself have some fun with it.

September / Harvest – Temperance (Western Painted Turtle) – Slow down. The holiday rush is not upon you yet, and it’s not even time to start prepping yet.  Take this time to take stock of all you’ve done this summer and enjoy a sense of accomplishment. Don’t push.

October / Channel – Ten of Swords (Bighorn Sheep) – Watch out for the opening of the veil this year.  You are becoming far more sensitive to the mediumship side of your abilities over the past year or two, and you need to be cautious during this time of year that you don’t end up knocked on your ass on the ground with stars circling your head like a cartoon character.

November / Let Go – Seven of Cups (Pacific Forktail Damselfly) – There is too much to do, and not enough time.  The holiday rush is upon you and it’s time to let go of everything else and dive into the chaos.  This isn’t about making choices, but rather trying to find a way to balance it all and make it work.  It can feel overwhelming, but it won’t drown you… just keep going and find a way to enjoy the ride.

December / Learn – Ace of Swords (Common Starlily) – It takes a bit to move from the chaos of November into finding your “groove” in the holiday rush.  But you do manage to find it!  With that “groove”, clarity follows and you are able to breathe not because there is space to breathe, but because you have managed to connect to the rhythm of the chaos around you and pace your breaths accordingly.

Take Away – This follows a very familiar pattern that I repeat from one year to the next, especially in the early months of the year and the autumn months.   That said, I note that in the May through July months there is a chaotic bit of time going on that coincides with my interest in getting some changes done in the house this summer and reorganization done in the storage unit (because if I’m doing changes in the house?  I’m going to need room in the storage unit).  These cards through those months make it clear this project is going to be stressful and not at all easy.

DECK USED: THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I’m playing catch up and this is one in a series of posts that I don’t have a clue what was done for a self kindness.