#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge

You’re Worth Fighting For

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

Today’s meditation was skipped because I had my days messed up.  I thought I had a shrink appointment today and I waited around for her to call only to realize it was tomorrow.  I would have structured my day completely different if I’d realized.

E D Jasbeck's Non-Binary Tarot and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Seven of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of standing up for one’s convictions and principles, protecting your values, and doing feel is right even against opposition to the contrary.

Sometimes being a fighter isn’t about our goals or a physical struggle. Sometimes it isn’t even about conflict at all, other than our own inner conflict. Because there are times when being a fighter is about standing strong with your own idea of what’s right and wrong, holding your principles, values, and mores sacred for your life instead of allowing them to be corrupted, warped, or torn apart by others.

When we come up against people that try to warp our values, it can sometimes create a huge struggle. Not giving in or compromising your values and principles can sometimes feel like a never ending battle, but these values are what guide who you are… and you are worth fighting for.

DECK USED:  E D JASBECK’S NON-BINARY TAROT TAROT AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

The #ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge Prompt for the Sacred Grounds Tarot Club
Questions for September 13th thru 15th

Universal Folklore Oracle and Illuminated Playing CardsWhen do I trust myself?
Expansion, Seven of Clubs atop Eight of Clubs

You trust myself the most when you are in a time of growth, and your focus and passions are set upon exploring that growth and finding how it fits in with your own personal set of values and mores.  This allows you to expand your perspectives and awareness, even when what you’re learning about doesn’t fit in with your own personal path.

What can I do about the fear of being wrong?
Duality, Ace of Hearts atop Two of Hearts

Being wrong isn’t really a fear that you have, as you are self-aware enough to be able to let go of incorrect perceptions and absorb new ones easily. This allows you to see other people and their perceptions far more easily and say “I was wrong” without any real fear.

What is my favorite mantra?
Uncover, Eight of Hearts atop Four of Clubs Rx

When something isn’t working, it’s time to move on and try something else, and you will be guided to tread the path that’s right for you if you openly listen to your intuition.

DECK USED: UNIVERSAL FOLKLORE ORACLE AND ILLUMINATED PLAYING CARDS

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2021 Challenge Prompt
Topic: My struggle to look at the holiday rush in a healthier way.

Forest Fae Cards and E D Jasbeck's Non-Binary TarotThe Problem – The Green Man and Eight of Pentacles – You are looking at it from the angle of the holiday rush being all work and no play. There is no aspect of joy or adventure because you are too focused on the grueling work involved.

The Lesson to Learn – Keep Going and Five of Pentacles – Persistence can overcome perception with time. This lack-of-joy perspective creates a sense of scarcity, but if you keep trying to add joy and enjoyment into the experience, eventually you’ll be able to transform this perspective into something you’ll be more happy with.

Advice to Help You Through – Spiny Sister and Ace of Pentacles – Look at everything you do and everything you make with fresh eyes and an appreciative gaze. Every one of your creations are gorgeous, and you need to work on not losing sight of that fact.

DECK USED: FOREST FAE CARDS AND E D JASBECK’S NON-BINARY TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I made sure that I got back home and online with enough time to have some time with Gid today.  Even after the interruption of the graffiti on the outside of the building, I still feel like we got more time tonight than we have for most of the nights in this last time off.  It was nice and relaxing and… it felt really good.

Think First, Before Acting

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

Today’s meditation was skipped because the housekeeper came early, and after she left I blacked out due to low blood sugar and ended up in the hospital.  Crap ass day, obviously.

Journey of the Bearded Tarot and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Five of Fire (Wands) which is traditionally a representation of conflict, butting heads, and abstinence bred out of a certainty that you are in the right.

I got a real kick out of this card today, as what really stood out to me was the look on the bird’s face. The man below blows a dart and hits the bird, and the bird looks down at him with a very clear “You fucker!!” expression in return.  It cracked me up.

I feel like my perception of this card, combined with the Thera-Pets card has more to do with taking the easy way out instead of taking your time. The hunter kills the bird because it’s the easy meal.  Maybe if he’d had some patience, something better would have come along.  He feels entitled to take the birds life, just as the bird feels entitled to living its life freely.

The message here is about taking the first thing that comes along… or waiting for something more suited.  There are times, like when searching for a job or considering new opportunities, that it can be tempting to snatch up the first thing that comes along.  But that’s not always the best choice, even if it feels like you are getting somewhere faster by taking it.  Instead, these cards remind us to pause and consider if what we’re being offered really connects with what we truly feel is right and good, and with what we want out of life. If the offer does not align with these things, sometimes it is better to pass on an opportunity, even if it means things move a bit slower than you want them to while you find the options that are truly right for you.

DECK USED:  JOURNEY OF THE BEARDED TAROT AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

Mr Lionharts’ #TheSeptemberTarot Rise and Fall Prompt
Questions for September 13th thru 15th

Oracle of Echoes and The Pulp of TarotSomething I have grown in since the beginning of 2021.
Boundaries atop Home, Cinque di Bacchette

Setting clearer boundaries and expectations at home, so that there is less conflict and butting of heads. When boundaries aren’t clearly defined and people don’t know what you want from them, it causes unnecessary conflict that can be easily avoided.

Is there room for (more) personal growth this year in any area?
Gift and King of Wands

Yes. It’s time to turn your attention to your goals and passions. You need to begin working at looking at the busy time to come as a blessing and a gift, instead of a dreaded trial to be suffered through.

Envision where you want to be or what you want to have achieved by the end of 2021 and draw a card.
Let Go and The Devil

[Goal to Achieve: By the end of 2021 I would like to be closer to paying off my line of credit. Potentially a good deal closer than I am now. It is unrealistic it will be paid off, but I want to get things moving in that direction using the added income that the holiday season brings in.]

To achieve this goal, you are going to have to ease up on your addictions, and let go of your obsessions. You can’t both spend money on whatever you want and pay off the line of credit.

DECK USED: ORACLE OF ECHOES AND THE PULP OF TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2021 Challenge Prompt
Question: What makes you feel…

Marcel's Oracle and Journey of the Bearded TarotExcited – Baptism and Two of Fire – New passion pursuits. The beginning of that journey when everything is shiny and new, and there’s lots to experiment with and discover.

Happy – Vivid Dreams and Nine of Air – When my medication is working well and keeping both my depress and anxiety in check.

Note: Vivid Dreams is a direct connection to the extremely vivid dreams that I have that are caused by my medication when I shift from an old bottle to a fresh one.

Calm – Lovers and Queen of Earth – Gideon and the calming energy that he provides for me when I am worked up. He is my comfort and my anchor, a touchstone for my soul and provides me a counterbalance for when I am struggling.

DECK USED: MARCEL’S ORACLE AND JOURNEY OF THE BEARDED TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I refused to stay overnight at the hospital.  They wanted to keep me for observation, but I felt extremely uncomfortable with all the covid shit going on and the fact that I was taking up a bed that someone else could be desperately in need of.  I felt much better coming home and allowing L to help me in keeping things well in hand during the 24 hours following the visit.

Don’t Close Your Eyes

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

Today’s meditation was skipped because I  napped instead… with a little bit of dawdling on my phone on the side.

IMG_4512Today’s draw is the Eight of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of turning a blind eye to important information, ignorance, the closed minded set of having a victim mentality, and allowing negative thoughts and inner narratives to take your power and dictate what you can’t do.

There are times that when we fuck up, it’s because we didn’t get enough information first, or even turned our eyes away from what we needed to know. This lack of knowledge then hinders us and can cause us to stumble or fall as a result.

Instead of being down on ourselves because we missed something, and having missed it we end up cutting ourselves on the swords of life… Remember that these moments and mistakes allow you to come back better and stronger the next time you were confronted with a similar problem.

DECK USED:  RETROSPECTIVE TAROT AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2021 Challenge Prompt
Topic: Do Spread 2

Children of Litha TarotWolf – How can I encourage my strength and bravery for hurdles yet to come?

Seven of Swords – Stand strong in what you stand for and where you’re values lie. Check in with your moral compass often, and pay attention when it speaks up instead of pushing the concerns aside or trying to mitigate them.

Owl – How can I learn to better trust my perception of the world and others?

Queen of Swords – You carry with you the lessons you’ve learned in the past, and in those lessons you possess knowledge that has been tried and tested. Don’t forsake that knowledge just because you want it to be wrong.

Stag – Where in my life can greater dignity create a stronger sense of integrity?

Ace of Swords – New ambitions can turn us all into fools at heart. When you approach new ideas and ambitions with dignity, you allow a measure of of balance and added integrity to that fool that resides within your heart.

Eagle – Why does good and successful leadership also require a modicum of grace?

Knight of Pentacles – Because anything worth doing is worth doing right, and takes time and attention to accomplish anything of great worth and do well at it. Grace gives you that added time and space to ensure those you lead are cared for along the way.

Salmon – In what direction have I been moving by instinct without realizing it?

Nine of Swords – Anxiety is high right now and a big part of that is habitual. In the past, you have used the adrenaline that your anxiety produces to light a fire under your ass for the approaching busy season.

Wild Goose – How have my past relationships and friendships taught me to be a better person?

Strength – They have taught me to see, better understand, and respect my personal strengths and how they can be used to connect with and help others.

DECK USED: CHILDREN OF LITHA TAROT

BekahMurphysMagic’s #IntuitiveHealingTarotChallenge Prompt
Questions for September 9th thru 14th

Retrospective TarotWhere am I facing blocks in my healing?

Knight of Cups – What we want doesn’t always align with what we need. Keep in mind that you just can’t always have everything you want, and that wouldn’t be healthy for you even if you could.

How do I address this blockage in my healing?

Three of Cups – Celebrate what you have and who you have it with. Put people first on your priority list, with joy as a close second.

Where am I facing blocks in abundance?

Five of Coins – You have no blocks in your abundance, but you do have scarcity issues. This is a perception of always never having enough and needing more. Keep in mind that self-fulfilling prophecies are a thing.

How do I address this blockage in abundance?

Four of Cups – Do what needs done to set it aside. This perception of scarcity is not helping you and can cause a great deal of harm. Better to set it aside than to let it disrupt all that you’ve built.

What is the current area in which my family needs healing?

King of Swords – We are all adrift due to the fact no one has taken the helm and set down the “law of the land” where family is concerned.

How do I heal my family in this area?

Four of Coins – Provide that stable base needed for everyone to balance upon. Be the raft in the ocean of uncertainty.

DECK USED: RETROSPECTIVE TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I’ve started making sure that I have my probiotic smoothie every day again, even on days like today where I’m unenthusiastic about it.  It’s weird how even the stuff I enjoy and brings me pleasure can at times be things that I feel so “meh” about. But only those things that are -good- for me, not all things.

Don’t Give Up

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

Today’s meditation was just over sixteen minutes long, and was the first installment of the Foundations III series on the Balance app.  The meditation today was focused upon body scanning, and although I usually enjoy body scan meditations, I was having a really hard time staying on task today for some reason.

Alice in Tarotland and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Tower card, which is traditionally a representation of chaotic restructuring, sudden catastrophic changes, and tearing down the old to make room for something new and different.

Remember all those moments in your life where you were certain that it was the end of the world, and that the world as you know it would never be the same again? Those are “Tower” moments, and they happen to everyone. It is a part of how we grow.

We become stronger by making it through these moments.  By surviving them and adapting to them, moving through them, and then beyond them. The  message in today’s cards is that when these moments happen, we need to remember that we’ve gotten through hard times before, and will again… and you will this time, too.

DECK USED:  ALICE IN TAROTLAND TAROT AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

The #ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge Prompt for the Sacred Grounds Tarot Club
Questions for September 9th thru 12th

Dream Symbol Oracle and Osho Zen TarotHow can I make life choices more consciously?

Teeth and Innocence – Don’t worry so much about what other people are thinking. Better to ask outright than guess, for when you guess (even in those times you are sure you know your right) your thoughts are not unbiased and will pollute the truth. Communicate openly and honestly, and make it clear you expect the same in return.

How can I take action for myself at this time?

Mushroom and Guidance – Lean into the advice and guidance of your spirit guides. They are there to help keep you healthy and happy, to ease you through difficulties and encourage your growth. To do this, you need to stay open to their messages.

How can I better grow from my mistakes?

Bee and Success – This message has been coming up quite a bit lately. Remember that mistakes are learning experiences that help you grow and do better moving forward. Take those lessons and carry them forward to improve upon future endeavors.

When i feel hesitant about refusing, how can I build the courage to say no?

Altar and Sharing – Take a moment to connect with why you are saying no, and explain your side of things. Open communication and allowing people to see things from where you stand is important in making uncomfortable refusals easier to deliver.

DECK USED: DREAM SYMBOL ORACLE AND OSHO ZEN TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2021 Challenge Prompt
Questions for September 11th

Zombie Diaries Oracle and Alice in TarotlandHow will your courage be tested this autumn season?

Hibiscus and Queen of Pentacles – It may be a struggle to tame your anxiety issues this Autumn. Make sure that you are making healthy choices concerning what you are eating and in the ways that you ground yourself. Anything less will only make things worse right now. Hiding behind unhealthy habits is not going to make things better.

How will your strength be tested this autumn season?

Petrified Tree and The Emperor – Impatience is not your friend. Make sure to keep in mind that things move at their own pace for a reason. With your life currently in transition between the relative quiet of the spring and summer months and the chaos of the late fall and the winter season, you need to ensure that you aren’t holding the reigns too tightly. The strength here is in patience and easing of your grip, instead of becoming too much the controlling dictator.

How will your faith be tested this autumn season?

Canal and The Tower – Shit happens. It’s a part of life. Do not allow the chaos and sharp sting of betrayal that sudden change can cause to make you lose faith in either yourself or your path. Stay afloat and ride out the shifting of the earth beneath your feet as bedrock moves and your world trembles. Keep faith that you can make it through, adapt, and turn whatever comes to your advantage.

DECK USED: ZOMBIE DIARIES ORACLE AND ALICE IN TAROTLAND TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

More naps. No cooking today either.  Just a day full of leftovers.  So pretty much a lazy day all the way around.

“What IF” is Not Truth

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

Today’s meditation was skipped for another dawdling relaxation on the bed.  Although I know I really need to get back into a regular meditation practice, I have to admit, it was nice just to do nothing for a bit.

Terato Tarot and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Two of Air (Swords), which is traditionally a representation of weighing one’s options and struggling with difficult decisions. Sometimes, it is also an indication that until we open our eyes to become unbiased, we will be unable to make the wisest choice.

Combined with the Thera-Pets card for today, what I see here is a reminder that our outlook is a choice.  Just as the harpy in the Two of Air card chooses which way his wings take him, we are just as able to choose how we see the world around us and react to it.

That includes if we choose to give our fears and worries weight, or accept them as fact when they are only “what if” projections of our mind.

Today’s cards are a reminder that anxiety tells of lies.  “What ifs” are not truths. Our fear lies to us, whispers insidiously in our ears and our minds, trying to convince us of horrible things to come. In order to defeat these lies, we have to make a conscious choice to see them as lies.  Only then will the lies step aside and allow us move forward without fear.

DECK USED:  TERATO TAROT AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

Mr Lionharts’ #TheSeptemberTarot Rise and Fall Prompt
Questions for September 10th thru 12th

Gods and Goddesses of Japan Oracle and Tarot by CaroAre my personal beliefs helping or hindering me?
Ame-no-Tokotachi-no-Kami and The Empress

Your beliefs, and most especially your individuality and creative spark, nurture your inner self. This nurturing then fosters your individuality and creative spark. The cycle is healthy and encourages growth and grounding as they work to continually balance each other out.

What am I asked to have faith in or keep confidence in?
Omoikane-no- Kami atop Tori-no-Iwakusufune-no-Kami, Strength

Yourself, and your ability to see beyond your own perspectives and help others to do the same. This is an inner strength you don’t even realize you are doing most of the time.

An encouraging message from the cards for me.
Minato-no-Kami and Seven of Cups

Instead of worrying and dithering over choices and opportunities, take a breath and clear your mind. Allow inner knowledge, and the natural flow of energy and life, to make these choices for you. You don’t have to control every little thing.

Side Note: There is a prevalent theme here of individuality, new ways of thinking and seeing the world, and moving forward on life’s journey with confidence.

DECK USED: GODS AND GODDESSES OF JAPAN ORACLE AND TAROT BY CARO

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2021 Challenge Prompt
Question: What future growth should you be directing energy toward at this time?

Terato TarotReading Summary: Nurture yourself (The Empress), your curiosity (Page of Earth), and your connection with the earth (The Empress combined with Page of Earth). Allow these things to have a place in future plans (Two of Fire).

Take Away:  I need to make sure that as I creep closer to the holiday rush that I’m not forsaking my needs.  This includes the need to get outside and spend time in nature, as well as taking time for self-care and making sure that I’m being kind to myself moving forward.

Once the holiday rush gets here, all bets are off and I will be overwhelmed and drowning in far too much to get done in far too short of time. Until then, I need to give  myself all the care and kindness that I can in order to shore up my strength and resiliency for the knee buckling struggles and trials that wait for me within the last seven weeks of the year.

DECK USED: TERATO TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I took a nap even though I really didn’t want to. I wanted to spend more time with Gideon, but I wasn’t sure I could manage the whole evening without a bit of a rest.

The Instability of Fear

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

Today’s meditation was skipped… unintentionally.  I sort of laid down to do the meditation and ended up dawdling on my phone and then dozing off.  So… I never actually made it to the meditation part, but it was relaxing regardless.

Cult of Weimar Tarot and TheraPets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Temperance card, which is traditionally a representation of moderation, taking things slow, and a  connection between the physical, emotional, and spiritual realms.

Although the woman in the imagery for today’s card has wings, she appears to have taken a pause to think and reflect rather than leaping first.  Sometimes, it can be important to pause and consider before reacting, and this can be especially important in times of anger, stress, or fear.

What I see in the message for today’s cards is that in times of fear, it’s important to not act rashly. Far better to take one’s time and get a good sense of the situation and surrounding influences, take a breath, and step outside of the fear and into a more rational space prior to committing to a course of action.

This can often be difficult, but the first step is recognizing you are in a mindset of fear in the first place.

DECK USED:  CULT OF WEIMAR TAROT AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2021 Challenge Prompt
Questions for September 9th

Sacred Nature Oracle and Tyldwick Tarot 2nd EditionYour Personal Pain

Lupine (Lupinus albus) and The Chariot atop Temperance – Anxiety caused by old habits and habitual thinking that going faster and more productivity is always better. The “PUSH” of unreasonable demands you’ve used to punish yourself, and force yourself to do more and more in the past, trying to slip in and reestablish itself in the present.

A Healing Action To Take

Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) atop Marigold (Calendula officinalis), Queen of Cups – Pay attention to what you truly need and allow that to carry you forward like a leaf riding the breeze. Being kind to yourself is a learning journey for you, and it’s okay to seek out others to help you stay on track.

Possible Positive Outcome

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) and Knight of Cups – The ability to more easily express your emotions and desires, both to yourself and others. This in turn can create within you a lighter and more open energy, free from fear and consternation.

DECK USED: SACRED NATURE ORACLE AND TYLDWICK TAROT 2ND EDITION

Healer Josephine’s #MindfulImperfectionTarot Prompt
Questions for September 11th thru 13th

Sibyls Oraculum and Cult of Weimar TarotHow can I feel safe being imperfect?
Strategy, High Priestess atop Three of Cups

See your differences not as imperfections, but as unique qualities to be celebrated and used to your advantage.

These qualities are something that can give you an edge, for although they are commonplace to you, they are often a mystery to others, providing you with an element of surprise that you would not otherwise have.

How can I be more open to making mistakes?
Synthesis and Hanged Man

Mistakes are learning tools, not failures. With each mistake that we make, we learn how to do better and be better… as long as we are open to these lessons.

Make sure to look for the lessons to be learned in these experiences, and absorb what you’ve learned that will improve upon both yourself as well as your goals.

DECK USED: SIBYLS ORACULUM AND CULT OF WEIMAR TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I dawdled in bed this morning after I got home from the farm.  Just relaxing and screwing around, watching YouTube videos, scrolling through Instagram, and playing my little Township farming game on my phone.