#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge

Out of Proportion

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Today’s meditation was done in three parts.  I had a handful of client readings today and had to meditate (and eat) in between them as a sort of “palate cleanser” because they were quite entailed.

Black Lily Tarot and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Queen of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of a receptive alpha energy, personality, or person in the areas of one’s drive, passions, willpower, determination, and motivations.

Although the business is my creation and often the driving force behind my motivation, there are times when order days come around that I just don’t feel like it. That lack of motivation is like the serpent whispering in the Queen’s ear in the imagery of today’s card.

I hear that whisper today. And, like any time we aren’t looking forward to something, it creates the “dragging your feet mentality”. Everything seems bigger than it is, and more effort than it’s worth. This can happen even with the things we are most passionate about at times.

The Thera-Pets card is a reminder that even though we may feel unenthusiastic about it, responsibilities still need to be dealt with and aren’t as big or bad as we feel they are in the moment. And that once you get them done, you can then look back and see just how much our lack of enthusiasm has blown them out of proportion.

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

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2021 Challenge Prompt
Questions for September 2nd thru 4th

Virtues of the Heart Oracle and Soulful TarotWhat still needs harvesting this season?

Amour and Nine of Cups – More time with Gideon. More time enjoying the world around you. More time steeped in gratitude, and mindful of the pleasure and enjoyment you reap from the people you love and the world.

What projects and energies are you taking with you into Autumn?

Projects – Solidarité and Temperance – Over the past few years, you have been working to learn to lean on others more, and delegate instead if taking on everything all on your own. This effort at moderating your energy burn by asking and allowing others to help you will continue to be an important theme through the autumn months.

Energies – Équilibre and Four of Pentacles – You need to focus on keeping your energy balanced and well grounded. With a solid foundation, that balance will be far easier to manage.

These next handful of weeks will be your last chance to spend some regular quality time in nature, and the temperatures are conducive to you getting out there and savoring as much of that time as you can. In doing so, you don’t just ground yourself, but connect with energies beyond yourself, allowing your intuition and inner spirit to flourish.

What is something new you should try?

Honnêteté and Justice – When you don’t want to deal with something, you often just ignore it rather than opening your mouth and dealing with it. Although this method often works fine for you in general, don’t forget that sometimes you need to speak up and say your piece instead of remaining quiet.

DECK USED: VIRTUES OF THE HEART ORACLE AND SOULFUL TAROT

BekahMurphysMagic’s #IntuitiveHealingTarotChallenge Prompt
Question: How can I strengthen my intuition?

Black Lily TarotReading Summary: First, you need to remain steadfast in working through your current onset of depression (Ace of Pentacles and Three of Swords Rx). Then return to your emotional growth, seeking encouragement and guidance from those with more experience in this area (Six of Wands atop Queen of Cups).

Take Away: I feel like I’m getting a handle on the depression that was starting to creep in. I think that the shift of dosage in my meds definitely has helped in heading it off, but I know I still have a bit of work to do here. I also know that the depression muffles my intuition.

The cards here point out that as I grow emotionally, my intuition is along for the ride and growing as well. I need to continue on this journey, leaning on those with more understanding of what I’m learning and seeking their input not just in what I can do better or change, but also in pointing out what I’m doing right.

DECK USED: BLACK LILY TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I had L come home a bit early today to help me out in getting things done.  I also had her make two of the meals for today, which is also a huge help.  I get tired of cooking so much and was spoiled by Z being here for so long.

The Boon In the Bad

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Today’s meditation was not guided, although I did actually meditate for once.  (Shocker, right?)  It was more of a relaxing in silence meditation with breathing exercises.  Just… enjoying the moment, the light through the windows, the quiet.

Tarot de Marseille of the New Incarnation and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Seven of Pentacles (7 de Deniers), which is traditionally a representation of slow growth, patience, and sustainability.

In the imagery of this card I see all of that, but I also see assistance through community effort leading, over time, to greater synergy and strength for the community as a whole.

The Thera-Pets card speaks of defeat, and there is a reminder here that trials and tribulations in life are not there to take you down, or take you out. They are opportunities for growth spurts. And over time, just as a child grows into adulthood, so too do we grow into something more (and better) than we were before with the benefit of these growth spurts. But, this  process takes time, and an openness to learn from our experiences. Instead of just discounting them as “something that happened to me”.

Carrying this theme forward into that extra message I see in the 7 de Denier’s imagery today, the stronger you become… the stronger those around you become. By discounting your experiences, you are not just weakening yourself and your potential for growth, but weakening those around you in the process as well.

Thus, when you take the time to sort through your experiences, learn from them, grow from them, and find strength in them… you strengthen not just yourself, but also those around you.

DECK USED:  TAROT DE MARSEILLE OF THE NEW INCARNATION AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

Mr Lionharts’ #TheSeptemberTarot Rise and Fall Prompt
Questions for September 1st thru 3rd

Rustic Oracle and W.S. TarotWhat is a major theme for me this month? (draw a major arcana card)

The Empress – Nurturing, grounding, and making sure that you’re getting what you need this month in the different aspects of your life. Now is the time to shore up on your rest and your strength.

What is a minor theme for me this month? (draw a minor arcana card)

Four of Wands – Finding pleasure and contentment in home. This is not just about the place where you live, but also where your heart resides.

What energies are here to support me throughout this month?

Wheel, Two of Pentacles Rx atop Page of Cups – Don’t think that you can juggle your emotional growth at the same time as your other responsibilities right now. You need to choose, at least for September, to carry on with your growth and not worry too overly much about the rest just yet.

Fire and Death – As the month continues, you will be able to slowly begin to transition into the goals and ambition that you need in order to prepare for the holiday rush. There’s no need to jump in quickly, so don’t get ahead of yourself.

Lantern and Wheel of Fortune – Keep in mind that just because opportunities are there doesn’t mean that you have to jump at them. If they’re meant to be, they’ll come back around again during a time when you’re more ready for them and will have more room on your plate to fit them in.

DECK USED: RUSTIC ORACLE AND W S TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2021 Challenge Prompt
Philosophical Question: What is humanity’s biggest mistake?

Tarot de Marseille of the New IncarnationReading Summary: Forgetting that the world is full of joy (Le Sol Rx), and neglecting yourself and others as punishment (L’Imperatrice Rx) for mistakes and failures (5 de Baton imagery) instead of taking a moment to see what can be learned from the experience (Le Pendu).

Take Away: This answer, interesting enough, is an echo of the message in my COTD practice for today (and yesterday).  It indicates that humanity’s biggest mistake is not learning from our mistakes and failures, but instead shutting down anything positive you could gain from the experiences by focusing too deeply on the negative.

DECK USED: TAROT DE MARSEILLE OF THE NEW INCARNATION

Daily Self Kindness

I’ve been popping Ibuprofen and Imodium all damned day trying to get my headache and bowels under control. I’d say that neither of them are working, but I’m not willing to stop taking them to experience just what life would be like with out them… because if they -are- working and I’m currently experiencing the muffled version, god forbid what the full experience would be like.

The Joy of Floating

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Today’s meditation was skipped because… I didn’t do it.  Honestly?  I don’t know. I just didn’t do it.

Chakra Healing Tarot and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is a the Fool, which is traditionally a representation of new beginnings, enthusiasm, naivety, and innocence.

When I think of the Fool, I often think of someone beginning on an adventure with their head in the clouds.  Dreaming of all the good things that might be ahead for them along the way, and ignorant of all the dangers.

This is where the Thera-Pets card comes in to combine with the Fool’s message today. Like hikers in the woods, sometimes ignorance really is bliss.  There are those that  hike and see only beauty. Dappled sunlight through leaves and the scents of earth and vegetation fills the air. They eagerly see birds and squirrels, raccoons and maybe even deer.  Others enter the woods and see only danger and irritants. Mosquitoes buzz with flies, and they believe there’s a protective mama bear or hungry wolf around every bend in the trail.

Who do you think enjoys the woods more?  Who takes more pleasure in the experience and the journey?

Of course, realistically?  You have to at least be aware that there is a possibility of danger. But that doesn’t mean you have to let it rule your life or steal away your pleasure.  Sometimes it’s okay to float along and enjoy instead of overthinking everything.

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

#DiscordTarotholicsAug2021 Challenge Prompt
Topic:  Grab a spread that you’ve been curious about and give it a go!

Journey Into the Heart Oracle and Impressionists TarotWhat unmet need do I have?
Strength, Four of Wands, Ace of Pentacles

To take greater joy and pleasure in my home. I’m not really happy with the state of disarray and disorganization going on at home right now, and it lessens my comfort and enjoyment of my home as a result. A new method of organization is needed.

What stops me from doing something about this need?
Bravery and Nine of Pentacles

Complacency and the discomfort that in order to get things organized, a great deal more chaos must be created during the transition process. That extra chaos has felt overwhelming to me, and thus I’ve struggled to get up the courage to even start the process.

What happens if I do deal with this need?
True Voice and Seven of Wands

As a result of dealing with this need for new organization and getting the adjustments and reorganizing done, my home’s energy will feel more aligned with me and my needs, as well as in tune with my true nature.

I know the boon of getting this done, but I also know it’s going to take a lot of time and energy… and that means that it will have to wait until at least the beginning of next year, or it will clash with the holiday rush.

DECK USED: JOURNEY TO THE HEART ORACLE AND IMPRESSIONISTS TAROT

CoffeexTarot’s Who’s Your Spirit Guides? Prompt
Questions for August 30th and 31st

Chakra Healing TarotWhat has influenced my spiritual path?

The past and present combined. You seek out the new that may resonate with you (Ace of Swords)… while the past continues to ground (Six of Chalices) you in the foundations of your faith.

I was raised Wiccan and the foundation of my practice still holds to many of the practices, methods, and techniques of that faith even though I moved on into a more eclectic pagan path. The cards here indicate (and are correct) that what resonates with me will outweigh the past, but that the foundation I was raised on remains as well.

A healing message you want me to receive.

Don’t allow yourself to become overwhelmed (Ten of Wands) with how far you still have to go in your emotional growth (Ace of Chalices).

You are still at the beginning and that’s okay. Take your time and focus on what is right before you instead of the next steps.

DECK USED: CHAKRA HEALING TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I had L help me in getting out all the decks for September instead of doing it all by myself.

Self-Worth

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Today’s meditation was skipped because I fell asleep, and woke up mere minutes before the housekeeper was supposed to arrive.

Tarot de St Croix Borderless Edition and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Five of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of disagreements, conflict, and a “winning at all costs” mentality.

The imagery in this card, much like when the Five of Swords appeared in the COTD the other day, is about that “winning at all costs” mentality.  Here, we see the dynamic of a dysfunctional family and how the conflict in this type of dynamic affects everyone involved.

Having been raised by a vicious… malicious man who had a whole lot to say, and very rarely was any of it pleasant, I can relate to this dysfunctional dynamic and the damage it can cause.

Combined with the Thera-Pets card for today, the message here is that regardless of the ugly things that come out of other peoples mouths, you need to remember that you hold worth all on your own, despite their opinions and using their words as weapons against you. Self-worth comes from within, it comes from the self… not from others.

DECK USED:  TAROT DE ST CROIX BORDERLESS EDITION AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

#DiscordTarotholicsAug2021 Challenge Prompt
Questions for August 30th

Tarot de St Croix Borderless EditionThis Month’s Lesson – The Hanged Man and The Empress – Pause and reflect on self-care, and redefine what it means to you. Self-care isn’t a chore, and shouldn’t be viewed as something to check off on a checklist.

Next Month’s Theme – Three of Pentacles and Seven of Pentacles – Preparation time for the business and upcoming holiday rush has begun, but you need to pick and choose the things that you begin to prepare, instead of trying to do it all at once. Also, make sure that you are delegating, instead of trying to take it all on your own shoulders.

DECK USED: TAROT DE ST CROIX BORDERLESS EDITION

Daily Self Kindness

I took a couple of breaks today even though it was an orders day.  It seemed to work out okay, even if I’m a bit late getting finished with everything.

Forethought Helps

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Today’s meditation was skipped… again.  I did some nice breathing exercises in the shower, but I didn’t actually get a full meditation in.

Tarot Illusori and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Two of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of making future plans, plotting your course towards progress and possibility, and making the decisions that support this type of planning and the endeavors planning in this manner can support.

Sometimes, this card can also indicate when you are at a crossroads and need to choose a direction, and with the faces pointed in opposite directions combined with the pointing hands at the bottom of the card, this is the meaning that I see most strongly in the imagery for this deck.

Combined with the Thera-Pets card for today, what I see here is a reminder that we can’t do everything.  We can’t even try everything.  So it’s important, when looking at the things we choose to do and the directions we decide to go in, that we take a moment to think things through first.  Planning and common sense, strategy and tuning in with our interests and enthusiasms… all these things can help ups in choosing the path that’s right for us and that we have the best chance at success in following.

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

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge Prompt by E Roebuck-Jones
Question: How can I focus on the future while being in the present?

Cat-Rot TarotReading Summary: Build your strength (Strength) by focusing more on having fun (The Fool) and getting the rest you need (Four of Swords).

Take Away:  These cards are a reminder that whether it’s in the now, or in the future, I need to make sure I’m making time for lighthearted pursuits and restorative rest.

I can use that time of rest to plot and plan, but don’t skip it or consider either the need for play or the need for rest as unnecessary. Only with these factors in my life will I be able to continue on and be strong for whatever trials the future might bring my way.

DECK USED: CAT-ROT TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsAug2021 Challenge Prompt
Topic: Do Spread #4

Illusori TarotSeeds Sown – What seeds for my spiritual growth planted in the spring have flourished and grown strong?
Eight of Wands atop Six of Swords atop Seven of Wands

Reconnecting with your purpose and path, and where you want both directed. In the spring you were lost in a fog of stagnation and frustration. Over the summer you have quickly been able to bring yourself back on track.

The Chaff – What seeds have not flourished and I need to let go of to encourage healthy growth in other areas?
Ace of Wands

Exploring a crapload of new creative ideas you want to dive into, learn, and enjoy. There has been no room for that this summer, while the list of things to try and explore continues to grow, but none of it has received any attention. It’s time to let this go with a shrug and a “maybe next summer” mentality.

The Harvest – How can I best prepare how to reap the benefits of a positive and healthy harvest in the Fall?
Temperance atop Five of Wands

Make sure you are keeping a careful, moderating hold on your frustrations and reigning in those old habits of pushing too hard. The holiday season is coming, but it’s not here yet. Don’t get a head start by jumping ahead into mistreatment of yourself earlier than necessary.

DECK USED: ILLUSORI TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I made L get my phone for me while I was stuck on the kitchen floor instead of forcing myself to get up before I was ready to go get it myself.

Pause to Reflect… Then Keep Going

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Today’s meditation was skipped, again in deference for sleep.  Blissful, wonderful sleep.

Tarot de Maria Celia and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Four of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of apathy and disconnecting from those trying to help, and can also indicate meditation, or a need to step back emotionally and reevaluate.

This card has stability to it, and retreat here is often centered around trying to find balance or shore up one’s emotional foundation.

Combined with the Thera-Pets card for today, what we see here is that it’s okay to take those moments now and then when they’re needed. Just don’t let what’s meant to be a pause to recoup turn into giving up and quitting.

DECK USED:  TAROT DE MARIA CELIA AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

Mr Lionharts’ #TheAugustTarot #SOLTarot Prompt
Questions for August 28th and 29th

Ouisi Game Cards and The Tarot of LokaWhat loving lesson can I take from August?
Queen of Air and Top Left cards

It’s okay to allow your emotions to intermingle with the logic. It assists you in communicating them more clearly instead of bottling them up until they eventually overflow in an unintelligible mess.

A blessing from the cards for September.
Four of Flame atop Two of Flame, Bottom Right Cards

Take September to untangle the knots and find calm and stability. You don’t have to start moving forward yet but you do need to start making plans. Enjoy the peace and stability you have at home for just a little while longer, and use it to work out any kinks and calm any frayed edges.

DECK USED: OUISI GAME CARDS AND THE TAROT OF LOKA

CoffeexTarot’s Who’s Your Spirit Guides? Prompt
Questions for August 28th and 29th

Lighting the Way Oracle and Tarot de Maria CeliaWhat lesson am I meant to learn in this lifetime?
Crystal Ball atop Direction, Four of Swords

Taking your time to rest and reflect on your experiences will not get in the way of moving in the direction you need to go in. Just use your intuition to guide you, stay open to messages from your guides, and the rest will take care of itself.

What fear do you want me to release?
The Crow atop Cupid, Ace of Cups

There’s nothing in this world or the next that can take away the love of Gideon feels for you. Your soul is connected to his through one lifetime to the next, and I love you share remains perpetually fresh and endless.

DECK USED: LIGHTING THE WAY ORACLE AND TAROT DE MARIA CELIA

Daily Self Kindness

I spent the evening with Gideon.  And I refused a request someone had for me to write a testimonial to their reading skills. I was worried my refusal wouldn’t go over well, but… I just didn’t feel comfortable doing it. It’s still to be seen if it ends up being an issue.