#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge

Individuality and Authenticity

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Today’s meditation was just over thirteen minutes and was the last session in the Foundations II series of the Balance app.  It was focused upon following the breath with the rise and fall of the chest and stomach as the focal point for the breath exercises.  I really needed the meditation today, as I woke up with anxiety and the meditation assisted me in getting it a bit more under control.

Tarot of the Master and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Eight of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of being held back due to turning a blind eye, not seeing what is right in front of you, and the ignorance of facts. It can also represent being held back by a victim mentality that blinds you to everything except your own situation and inner narrative.

One of the things that really stands out to me in this particular Eight of Swords is the fact that each of the swords is different. No two are identical.

Combined with the Thera-Pets card for today, the reminder here in today’s message is about authenticity and how each of us is unique and different.  And, just as you often turn a blind eye to other’s imperfections, accepting people with their failings and flaws, so too will they for you.

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

BekahMurphysMagic’s #IntuitiveHealingTarotChallenge Prompt
Questions for September 6th thru 8th

Language of Flowers Oracle and The New Immortal TarotWhat shadow needs healing so I can better connect with my intuition?
White Hibiscus (Respect) and Queen of Cups

You need to accept emotions as a natural part of life instead of something to be “dealt with”. They are a part of you that deserves the same understanding and respect as every other part of you.

Where am I facing blocks in my intuition?
Mexican Marigold (Vitality) and Nine of Cups

You are spending all of your energy chasing pleasure and contentment instead of on your spiritual development. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it is blocking you from any significant intuitive growth spurts for the time being.

How do I address this blockage in my intuition?
Snowdrop (Hope) and Ten of Cups

Keep doing what you are doing and it will all come together in the end. Your focus can’t always be on your spiritual and intuitive development. It’s both natural and healthy to have times when your attention is focused elsewhere.

DECK USED: LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS ORACLE AND THE NEW IMMORTAL TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2021 Challenge Prompt
Philosophical Question: What are the three major strengths of humanity?

Tarot of the MasterIX di Bastoni – Resilience and determination. Persistence.

Regina di Bastone – The ability to support others dreams even while we pursue our own.

I di Coppa – Empathy.

Take Away:  All three of these qualities combine in a way that helps in demonstrating kind and conscientious strength for ourselves and others.  This allows us all to grow both as individuals and a community.

These strengths teach us that we are strong on our own, and even stronger together, supporting each other to reach our goals and dreams.

DECK USED: TAROT OF THE MASTER

Daily Self Kindness

I drank just a little bit of caffeine tonight.  Just enough to give me a bit of a boost so that I could spend some time with Gid after getting home from a stressful and exhausting day visiting my aunt and assembling her new furniture.

Stronger Than You Think

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Today’s meditation was skipped today because I wanted to nap before the housekeeper got here to work.  And then I wanted to nap after she left.  So… essentially I sacrificed meditation for sleep.

Serpent and the Peacock Tarot and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Nine of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of boundaries, resilience, hyper diligence, and protecting what is important to you.

Confession: I struggle with social anxiety. It has been a recurring issue for the past decade; ever since the home invasion. I don’t think it’s about the facial scar anymore, but there are times when just the idea of dealing with even one person is enough to send my insides quivering with nervous energy and make my muscles pull tight.

Today is one of those days… and it’s housekeeper day. Sometimes, I can hide away on these days and just put off social interaction for when I feel more able. Today is going to provide me with that opportunity, though.

I think that everyone probably has days like that. Days where you think that you can’t continue on and deal with what needs to be dealt with for the day. Days where you want to retreat into yourself and just not deal with anything or anyone.

Unfortunately, that’s not always possible. The Thera-Pets card for today is a reminder that even though you can’t always retreat, you will still make it through because you’re stronger than you think you are.

DECK USED:  SERPENT AND THE PEACOCK TAROT AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

Mr Lionharts’ #TheSeptemberTarot Rise and Fall Prompt
Questions for September 7th thru 9th

Roots & Wings Oracle and Cerise TarotAre my actions in alignment with what I want for myself?

Earth Mother and Ace of Cups – It’s a work in progress, but yes. As long as you continue to pursue your emotional growth, and ensure that you are both connecting with nature and using that connection to foster kindness towards yourself, you will continue to be in alignment with what you want for yourself moving forward.

Are my expectations aligned with what I can do right now?

Bound, The Magician Rx atop Five of Cups – No. Your expectations are far too ahead of what you are capable of at this time. This isn’t about putting yourself down for not being able to do more… It’s about having reasonable expectations of what this time in the present is for, instead of trying to push yourself into more than you are prepared for right now.

What (else/more) can I do in support of my goals/desires?

Held and Nine of Wands Rx – You need to accept that you are not as resilient as you want yourself to be. Be kind to yourself and understanding of your limitations. They are not weaknesses.

DECK USED: ROOTS & WINGS ORACLE AND CERISE TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2021 Challenge Prompt
Question: What helps you when you’re…

Smoke & Roses Oracle, Roots Oracle, Serpent and the Peacock TarotAngry – Fern (Rumohra adiantiformis) and Justice – Distraction. When you’re angry, you need a distraction to pull your attention away from what is pissing you off. Something to balance the scales back out from the imbalance that the anger creates. When you’re angry, your view is polluted and sent out of balance. You are no longer unbiased and you are unable to see others perspectives clearly… only your own. A distraction allows you time to calm down and regain a more unbiased perspective.

Sad – Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus), Holly (Illex aquifolium), The Moon – Often, your sadness is a byproduct of uncertainty. To deal with this issue in the moment, you are often helped by turning to the skills you have developed over time. By leaning into those things that you enjoy, you are able to sink into “the zone” and close out the world around you. This creative zone is a soothing balm that can help lift your spirits if what you’re working on is something that you really enjoy doing.

Needing to Relax – Ivy (Hedera helix) atop Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), The Star – Spiritual growth and development through your connection with nature. By taking time to connect with your spirituality and your connection to nature, and by allowing yourself to sink into that bond, you allow the earth to help refresh your spirit and create a stronger connection to your spiritual self as well as the world around you.

DECK USED: SMOKE & ROSES ORACLE, ROOTS ORACLE, SERPENT AND THE PEACOCK TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

After the housekeeper left, I allowed myself to have bit of a nap.  I also made sure to have my smoothie today, which will hopefully assist my stomach in behaving itself a bit better.

Realistic Expectations

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Today’s meditation was approximately thirteen minutes long, and was the 9th installment of the Foundations II series on the Balance app. The meditation primarily dealt with going deeper into labeling techniques during meditation (namely with the thinking and feeling labels), as well as focusing on the breath.

Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal Cards and Noisy Museum TarotToday’s draw is the Eight of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of action, speed, movement, and alignment.

In the imagery for today’s tarot card, I don’t see wands in the imagery so much as I see shooting stars… or perhaps more accurately, a meteor shower.

Sometimes when we’re working on something, it can feel like nothing we do is enough.  Negative narrative snowballs like piercing and painful spears, showering down on you like a meteor shower from above.

The Thera-Pets card for today tells us to remember that just because we’re being hard on ourselves during these moments doesn’t mean it will improve our performance… or do anything but tear you down in the moment.

Better to be patient with yourself and just do what you can.  As the card says… the rest will fall into place.  And by not abusing yourself with expectations beyond your comfort zone. You’ll be happier in the end, and it’s far less stressful that way.

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

The #ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge Prompt for the Sacred Grounds Tarot Club
Questions for September 4th and 6th

TERRA Intuitions Oniriques and Cursed Auguries TarotHow can I build my confidence?

La Magicienne and King of Pentacles – Ground yourself in the knowledge of what you’ve done, and what you’re capable of. Acknowledge your manifestation powers, as well as your connection with the earth. 

How can I speak my mind?

Dissimulation Agressive and Justice – Be careful to deliver unpleasant messages with kindness, but don’t hold back and not deliver them at all. Sometimes people need to hear the bad shit, even if it hurts… and sometimes, they need to hear it from you specifically.

What makes me bulletproof?

Le Porteur de Chance and Ten of Pentacles – You are adaptable, and because you keep your eye on the goals that you want to achieve, as things come up that would get in your way you’re able to adapt in a way that moves you towards these goals instead of holding you back. This often looks like luck, but is actually a skill.

DECK USED: TERRA INTUITIONS ONIRIQUES AND CURSED AUGURIES TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2021 Challenge Prompt
Question: What do you need to focus on for self-care for this new moon?

Noisy Museum TarotReading Summary: Keep in mind that most of your bad habits, self-destructive tendencies, and addictions (The Devil) are a way of self-soothing and self-medicating (Queen of Water). They are distractions (Ace of Fire Rx).

Take Away: Maybe it’s time to examine just what I’m avoiding.  What am I self-medicating and self-soothing?  Why do I need these things and what is causing me to need them to the point that they become unhealthy?

This might be something I need to unpack after the holiday season, as it definitely doesn’t sound like an easy fix but more of a lengthy exploration and potential shadow work.   With the holiday rush coming, it would be a bad idea to start these new explorations right now, but it might not be a bad idea to at least start mulling these questions over.

DECK USED: NOISY MUSEUM TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

Time playing Enu with Gid is always a pick me up.  The character is always so cheerful and can have a positive influence on my own mood, as long as I can slip into his skin and play him successfully.

Connecting With the Present

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Today’s meditation was skipped because I ended up doing a crapload of client readings as well as processing orders today that made it through my “oops” of forgetting I was taking time off and getting my notice up in my shops.

Wandering Star Tarot and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Nine of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of taking stock of one’s accomplishments, success, gratitude, and abundance.

The Nine of Pentacles is all about appreciating the abudance and accomplishments that hard work have brought to you in life, and combined with the Thera-Pets card for today, there’s a definite reminder to focus on the present.

The message in today’s cards is that it’s okay to pause and take time to really enjoy what’s good in your life right now, and not be focused on what comes next every single moment of every day.

DECK USED: THE WANDERING STAR TAROT AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2021 Challenge Prompt
Topic: Do Spread 1
Question: How can I best utilize my time during my days off this week?

Ophidia Rosa Botanical TarotReading Summary: Be sure to moderate (Temperance) any kind of impulsivity (Hanged Man Rx) this week. Although there’s a wide variety of things that you could be doing (Seven of Cups), your best option is to lay low (Seven of Wands Rx).

There is a connection between the two reversed cards in the reading, not through the fact that they are reversed, but in the jagged edges of the petals on the flowers in both of these cards. This connects the Seven of Wands Rx and the Hanged Man Rx together, and speaks a warning that any kind of impulsive action taken during this time is going to look rash instead of rational.

There is a color and texture connection in the softer petals of the Hanged Man Rx and the Seven of Cups, speaking of a need to pause before making decisions this week. This is reinforced by the soft texture of the petals in the Temperance card, bringing this card into the equation with the other two as a background echo, as it does not carry over the same color coordination.

Take Away: This week is a vacation week for me, and with taking time off, there’s encouragement here to make sure that I am not jumping into things that will expend energy that I’m trying to recover through rest during my time off.  Don’t be impulsive.  Think things through.  And step away from those things that are going to disrupt the peace and quiet I need during this time.

DECK USED:  OPHIDIA ROSA BOTANICAL TAROT

BekahMurphysMagic’s #IntuitiveHealingTarotChallenge Prompt
Questions for September 2nd thru 5th

The Wandering Star Tarot, Illustrated Beastiary Cards, and Illustrated Herbiary CardsWhat needs healing mentally so I can better connect with my intuition?

Allow others to help you (Two of Cups) in juggling your responsibilities (Two of Pentacles) so that you can allow more time for positivity and gratitude (River Otter).

The pursuit of joy and enjoyment should be an essential part of your life. But, without help from others to keep everything in balance, you end up without enough time for this pursuit. That then has negative effects on your mental health.

What needs healing emotionally so I can better connect with my intuition?

You constantly give into the drive to look forward at what is to come (Pileated Woodpecker), instead of spending more time in the present enjoying what you currently have (Nine of Pentacles).

This is bred from the damage done to your inner child, and the resulting need to be ahead of everything and on top of everything all the time. It is an anxiety spawned by fear. Fear that you will lose out, or lose what you have because you are taken by surprise.

What needs healing physically so I can better connect with my intuition?

Stop being cruel to your body as a form of punishment (Queen of Swords Rx), and instead help your body to be content and in good balance (Oats).

The Oats card specifically indicates that this is a digestion issue. And it is on the money, as I have not been doing the things necessary to help my IBS stay under control recently. I’m sure all the time spent in the bathroom is not helping my intuition, nor is the distraction of a crampy stomach.

What needs healing spiritually so I can better connect with my intuition?

Stop making plans (Two of Wands) to conquer the world (Five of Swords), and instead focus on yourself and what’s going on with you in you head and heart (Sweet Violet atop Mugwort).

Progress is not the only thing that’s important in life, and right now you need to focus on yourself, your healing, and your needs.

DECK USED: THE WANDERING STAR TAROT, ILLUSTRATED BESTIARY CARDS, AND ILLUSTRATED HERBIARY CARDS

Daily Self Kindness

I didn’t do orders today… so like yesterday, I think that this counts as a kindness.  I’m not especially looking forward to having to do them tomorrow.

Needing a Break Isn’t a Weakness

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Today’s meditation was skipped. I actually intended to meditate today, but that shit just didn’t happen.

Aquarian Tarot and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is The Chariot card, which is traditionally a representation of purpose, determination, strength of will, and active forward progress.

The things we need to do, the places we need to go. Sometimes we don’t feel strong enough to be able to push forward or plow through. Sometimes the world feels overwhelming and he fell into inside and unable to pull up they will power and determination to keep moving forward.

The message here today between the Thera-Pets card and The Chariot is that even during these times when we are feeling weak, strength still resides within us. Sometimes we must pause in order to get in touch with it, but it’s there. Even a marathon runner has to stop and rest eventually, and that doesn’t make you weak.

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

Mr Lionharts’ #TheSeptemberTarot Rise and Fall Prompt
Questions for September 4th thru 6th

An Unfoldment of Consciousness Oracle and Tarot of the Thousand and One NightsWhat story has been unfolding for me this year so far?
Svaha!, The Emperor atop Ten of Swords

Letting go of the need to control every little aspect and facet of your journey, and finally beginning to embrace the new way of life you set out to begin transitioning into a couple years ago. Finally accepting the abandoning of old ways for something new and healthier not just physically and mentally, but spiritually as well.

What has 2021 been trying to teach me the past few months?
The Third Choice and The Empress

The year 2021 has been working on teaching you to open up your perspective to a wider and unbiased view of your growth and your needs. It can be difficult to see beyond habits and the “old way” of doing things. Even when a new idea is in sight, sometimes plotting the course to get there and not falling back on old habits can be a struggle.  This year has been helping you in seeing this new way and finding the path forward in a healthy and self-nurturing way.

How can I use this knowledge/awareness moving forward?
Loving Eye and Queen of Cups

Use this knowledge to help remember to treat yourself kinder, with a more nurturing and encouraging energy and narrative, than the abuse that you have used to motivate (and punish yourself for what had been perceived as weaknesses) in the past.

DECK USED: AN UNFOLDMENT OF CONSCIOUSNESS ORACLE AND TAROT OF THE THOUSAND AND ONE NIGHTS

Healer.Josephine’s #MindfulImperfectionTarot Prompt
Questions for September 5th thru 9th

Japanese Youkai Oracle and Aquarian TarotWhat has my perfectionism helped me avoid?

Mayoiga and Knight of Cups – You have a habit of becoming so focused on what you want to achieve that you lose track of what is truly important in life. Perfectionism forces a slower and more reflectful approach. With that reduced speed, there is then less stress put on the values of greed and excess.

How has my perfectionism limited me?

Kayori, Kijimuna, The Star atop Page of Rods – Perfectionism has made you so very conscious of every little action and thing you do that you sometimes forget others even exist around you, let along that they have their own motivations and feelings. This narrowed focus then limits your ability to connect with others in meaningful ways.

What part of me feels scared about not being perfect?

Yurei Kodate and The Sun – The part of me that still to this day seeks parental support, nurturing, and approval. Your inner child.

DECK USED: JAPANESE YOUKAI ORACLE AND AQUARIAN TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I can’t remember what I did for myself today. I guess we can count not getting the orders done that I need to ship out on Tuesday even though I don’t really have to do them so early.  I was tempted tho.

Living Without a Goal

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IMG_4361Today’s meditation was skipped, or at least I think that it was. I am playing catch-up and I’m pretty sure I didn’t meditate on the 3rd.  In fact, almost positive.

Transient Light Tarot and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is The Nurturer (Empress) card, which is traditionally a culmination of all the Queens of the tarot into a nurturing, earth based energy representing the sacred feminine, creative spark, and mother earth.

The clam with its pearl is the representation of the Empress in this instance, and I really connect with this representation.  The clam cradles a grain of sand, and over time under the pressure and protection of the clam, a pearl is formed from the calcium given to that piece of sand and built upon it in a form of shell.

The nurturing energy in the Empress is the focus of today’s message, and when combined with the Thera-Pets card, what we see here is encouragement. Encouragement that it’s okay to not know what the hell you’re doing every step of your journey through life. It’s okay to just be going through the motions, waiting for inspiration or purpose that doesn’t come.   Sometimes?  Just living in the moment is more than enough, and you don’t have to be on top of things 100% of the time.

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

The #ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge Prompt for the Sacred Grounds Tarot Club
Questions for September 1st thru 5th

Interim Tarot Beyond BordersWhat helps me stay positive?

Eight of Swords atop Queen of Cups – Turning a blind eye to negative crap when able. Sometimes in doing this, you can turn a negative into a boon, as being distant from the issue allows for a less biased view and a more more perspective.

How can I appreciate all my talents?

Strength – You can better appreciate all of your talents by staying in touch with what works for you, and by working on  better understanding the influence you have on others.

What do I need in order to create success?

Three of Wands – Motivation. Sometimes enthusiasm lags, and that’s normal, but you’ll need to rekindle your enthusiasm and motivation to create success.

How can I shine in the world?

Four of Discs – Lean into your strengths allows you to shine more brightly in the world. Instead of stressing on all of the things you aren’t good at, focus on where you excel. You have a grounded and steady strength to share.

How do I inspire others?

Knight of Swords – You show others what it looks like to focus on your goals and go after them. To some, this makes you appear impulsive, but to others, they see success through determination and action.

DECK USED: INTERIM TAROT BEYOND BORDERS

Healer Josephine’s #MindfulImperfectionTarot Prompt
Questions for September 1st thru 3rd

Forest Fae Messages Oracle and Transient Light TarotHow did I first develop perfectionist tendencies?
Walk On the Wind and Five of Wands Rx

I first developed perfectionist tendencies through the inability to do anything right in the eyes of others, and constant influx between aggression and neglect that came as a repercussion of those failures.

How has my perfectionism kept me safe?
Green Witch and The Wheel

There is a sense of grounding and solidity that comes with things being done just right and just so. It creates a sense of stability in the uncertainty of an ever changing world.

DECK USED: FOREST FAE CARDS AND TRANSIENT LIGHT TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

Today was a driving day and I made sure to use a timer on my phone to make sure I ate every three hours instead of trying to push it to longer so I could save time and get more miles in.