#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge

What Do You Value?

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Today’s meditation was I ended up skipping again today.  We’re looking at another day where I didn’t write things down in the moment, though, and the first part of this day is a bit of a blur.

Many Queens Tarot and How to Be a Wildflower DeckToday’s draw is the Nine of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of wealth, success, and satiation in the area of one’s finances, resources, health, home, , manifestations, and the physical world. This card often translates into themes that have to do with the well earned boon of hard work paying off and the gratitude that comes with this good fortune.

Between the imagery of a figure with balding head that is admiring their plethora of crystals, and the encouragement in today’s affirmation card, the message that I see here is not so much about money, but about what we value.

Wealth comes in all shapes and sizes. It’s not about how much you have, but rather how what you have makes you feel. If you feel secure and satiated, then you have enough. It is much like eating. You eat until you’re comfortable, not until you burst at the seams.  In today’s cards there is an encouragement to examine what you truly value and what truly makes you feel comfortable and satiated.

DECK USED:  MANY QUEENS TAROT AND HOW TO BE A WILDFLOWER DECK

#DiscordTarotholicsAug2021 Challenge Prompt
Questions for August 9th and 10th

Lighting the Way Oracle and Tarot de Maria CeliaRetreat – Friendship and Seven of Wands – Let them believe what they want and do what they want. You don’t have to change their mind or convince them of your opinion as long as they’re not encroaching upon what you consider to be your territory.

This is about the vaccine and the fact that I’ve run into quite a few somewhat close acquaintances recently that are just not on board with getting the vaccine. Yet, they want me to go out to meet them for drinks or other get-together activities.

I am absolutely pro-vaccine. I was treated with bleomycin while in chemotherapy and my lungs have been compromised by this chemical that they used. I can only have the very lightest of oxygen given to me. I cannot be put on a heavy oxygen flow, and can absolutely not be put on a ventilator (nor can I scuba dive or do any other activity that requires air pressure being applied to my lungs).

I’m not willing to take the risk of possibly catching virus, because there’s a very good chance that my lungs couldn’t handle it and those life-saving techniques would not be able to be used on me.

These cards are letting me know that there’s no point in trying to convince these people to get the vaccine or the good that it might do for them. I just have to step back and let them do their own thing.

Hold Ground – Six of Coins atop The Tower Rx – Stay in your lane. You can’t help everybody no matter how much you want to, and some people don’t want your help anyway. It’s better to stay in your lane and protect what yours when your generosity is rejected.

Sometimes I run across people who for whatever reason refuse to see the positive in their negative situations. Instead, they want to wallow in their misery even when there is someone there reaching out a hand to help.

When people throw these pity parties and want to wallow in their misery instead of look for a solution or accept help, I need to stay in my lane and stand strong instead of allowing there stubborn insistence on suffering to set me off-balance.

Advance – Crystals and Page of Cups – Your spirituality and your emotional growth are intricately entangled with each other. This is an area of your life where no hesitation is needed and you can move forward whenever you want at your own pace.

How can I best advance on what was revealed in these cards?
Spider, Two of Swords atop Knight of Coins

Focus on what you can control and what you can create in your life and your world. You need to make the conscious choice to go slow and savor, rather than rushing forward too quickly and losing out on the experience and the knowledge you could gain from a slower approach.

Don’t be bothered by that slow pace. There’s no rush. It’s okay.

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

CoffeexTarot’s Who’s Your Spirit Guides? Prompt
Questions for August 9th thru 11th

Cat Gurus Oracle and Many Queens TarotWhat do you want me to know about you?
Beerbohm and King of Pentacles

“I’m not going to steer you to be a people pleaser. I’m going to show you the way to own your world instead.”

Determined and purpose driven. Likes to have a goal in sight to work towards. Self-possessed in the best possible way. Likes it when you heed their guidance instead of looking for confirmation though outside sources.

What are your strengths?
Hamlet and Ten of Cups

Creating happy endings through working together and interpersonal coordination. Making sure things go in a way that everyone is happy with in the end. Excellent at working with your other ancestors and guides when needed.

How do I know when you’re around?
DC and Seven of Swords

When a warning is needed for something to come, they will step in to make sure that you are equipped and ready to best deal with what’s coming.

When you need to take care of yourself better and focus inward on your own needs, instead of on the world around you  and its demands. When the world demands become too much they can steal away more than you’re willing to give, and this guide will step in to point that out and make sure you are taking care of yourself.

DECKS USED: CAT GURUS ORACLE AND MANY QUEENS TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

Our quiet time with Alexandros and Yurei was… so amazing.  So much of what I needed and I feel so good.  It’s surprising, because although aftercare usually makes me feel a bit better, I don’t usually get this wealth of goodness with it that I did tonight.

Taking Time to Look Deeper

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Today’s meditation was skipped.  No excuses, I just didn’t do it.  I can’t even remember why.  It just didn’t happen.

Impressionists Tarot and How to Be a Wildflower DeckToday’s draw is the Four of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of taking a step back for a moment of thought and meditation, being obvious to the world around you, and in some cases, refusing help from others when it is offered.

Have you ever lain down in the grass, your face so close that you can see between the blades of green to the rich soil below?  Have you ever settled and taken a deep breath, and just watched in this space where the world is so different than our own with grass tips rustling lightly in a breeze and little bugs scourging among earthy soil?

Sometimes, taking a moment doesn’t mean soul searching or focusing on a break and recovery.  Sometimes it means allowing yourself to look beyond the big picture, to all the small and peaceful little pictures that make up the big picture.  All the little ignored worlds that are a part of a whole that we take for granted.

The message in today’s cards is to take time and look at those small worlds, spend time with the little things, and let them nourish your soul and replenish what stress and the distractions of the big picture sap away from you.

lDECK USED:  IMPRESSIONISTS TAROT AND HOW TO BE A WILDFLOWER DECK

The #MysticStarChallenge at the Sacred Grounds Tarot Club
Questions for August 8th

Ouisi Game Cards and Wild Spirit TarotWhat message does The Emperor have for me?
Library Stacks and Six of Wands

Research will give you stronger chance of success and accomplishing what you set out to do. Don’t skip that time spent digging out information and exploring things in depth. Rabbit holes can be wonderful tools.

What obstacles does The Emperor want to warn me about?
Ace of Swords atop Eight of Swords, Key and Pins

Take your time learning new things and keep an open mind. Sometimes things don’t look as they seem, and the book work alone may help, but won’t get you there. You’ll then have to fit the pieces together by feel.

What Guidance does The Emperor have for me to overcome this obstacle?
Pyrex Bowls, Toasted Marshmallow Creme, Corroded Hooks
Ten of Wands Rx atop Nine of Wands

Things aren’t always as they seem. Make sure that you’re not overwhelming yourself by creating healthy boundaries. Sometimes the simplest things end up complicated, so make sure when you are considering taking on something new that you’ve looked beyond the surface to what it may actually fully entail.

DECK USED: OUISI GAME CARDS AND WILD SPIRIT TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsAug2021 Challenge Prompt
Topic: Do Spread #2
Question: When will be the best time for me to start working on home and deck reorganization?

Impressionists TarotReading Summary: Note the yellow bow in color connection to the sunflower.

You’ve been taking things slow which is a good idea, even if it means you don’t get to everything you want to right this minute. Now is not the time. Starting now will just lead to disappointment and frustration with the entire process.

The sky in the Nine of Cups is a match with that of the Knight of Pentacles, connecting the past to the present. Slow progress connecting with summertime satisfaction in the future.

Wait until next summer when you are feeling comfortable and emotionally stable, satiated and at a place where you are able to handle the stress and setbacks that may come with the process.

Take Away: This message is a reinforcement of what was said to me in my self care Saturday reading this weekend.  Now is not the time. Wait until later.  Wait until next year.  YES, things might get a bit disorganized and crowded between now and then, but starting it now isn’t a good idea.  Just wait.

DECK USED: IMPRESSIONISTS TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I’m having a hard time remembering what went on this day. I had a bit of a mood slump and I think that I might have lost a little time during it.   I just… can’t remember.

Change and Opportunities

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Today’s meditation was skipped today, as I just didn’t feel like it and then shit hit the fan concerning the whole Michael’s debacle and time got away with me as I was getting that dealt with.

Amano Tarot: Finding Happiness and How to Be a Wildflower DeckToday’s draw is the Death card, which is traditionally a representation of change.  It is not (or at least extremely rarely) a representation of actual death.  Instead, it is about the type of organically developing change that builds over time.

The imagery in this card strikes me to how we feel when change comes upon us.  Even slow moving, organically building changes and transformations can sometimes sneak up on us.  We simply just don’t notice until it gets to a tipping point and then “OH!” then we notice, but when we look back on it we can then see it had been coming for some time.

The background on this Death card and its jagged teeth like edges very much represent to me that surprised “OH!” moment of when that change that has been happening comes into focus.

The affirmation card for today then reminds us that change is not always bad.  Sometimes?  It opens us up to new things, allowing us the freedom to choose a new path, a new interest, a new way of doing things.  It opens up our life to freedom, if we’re willing to let go of the shock and resistance the change can cause and grab hold of the opportunity it’s offering.

DECK USED: AMANO TAROT FINDING HAPPINESS AND HOW TO BE A WILDFLOWER DECK

#DiscordTarotholicsAug2021 Challenge Prompt
Question: What do I need to focus on for self care this New Moon?

Amano Tarot: Finding HappinessReading Summary: Dive in to (Eight of Wands) both being silly and foolish and fun (The Fool) as well as nurturing yourself and others and making sure you’re getting the care and tending that you need (Queen of Pentacles).

Take Away: So… I hurt my Achilles tendon. It wasn’t out on the trails or even wandering on the waterfront.  No.  It was on the stairs in my building of all places.  I tripped and strained the tendon and it hurts like a bitch. 

The cards here are reminding me that there’s fun and enjoyable things that I can do right now during my time off… even with an injured ankle.

DECK USED:  AMANO TAROT FINDING HAPPINESS

Daily Self Kindness

I wrote a nastygram to Michael’s Crafts (both to their customer service department as well as emailing their corporate office) concerning the absolute bullshit experience I’ve been dealing with concerning their in store pick-up service. Getting it vented out felt good and I’m glad I reported that mess to someone, even if I doubt I’ll be hearing back from them about any of it.

Light On the Horizon

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Today’s meditation was skipped because my time just ran away with me.  I had to do the run up north today and the time to get going came and went and I still wasn’t caught up. It was just not “in the cards” for me today apparently.

The Strawberry Tarot and How to Be a Wildflower DeckToday’s draw is the Moon card, which is the eighteenth card of the Major Arcana, and deals with topics in in the areas of uncertainty and fear, anxieties and the unknown, the subconscious, and confusion.

At first when I saw the imagery in the Moon card for this deck, I didn’t really think it fit.  And then I started really considering it, and considering the theme of the Moon card as a whole.  And perhaps it fits far more than I’d first thought.  At least, the naked woman does (I’m still not sure about the seal).

There’s an inherent level of vulnerability that comes with being confused or uncertain, which is represented in the nude woman in the image.  In the affirmation card, we then find reassurance  in relation to this sense of vulnerability that the themes that the Moon creates.  It speaks of a promise that the sun will rise and light will dawn once again.  Nothing is forever, and that includes our fears and uncertainties. When we’re working through these things, it’s important to remember that there’s light at the end of the tunnel and a new chance ahead for us to find comfort, peace, and an opportunity in which we can strive to do better.

DECK USED:  THE STRAWBERRY TAROT AND HOW TO BE A WILDFLOWER DECK

CoffeexTarot’s Who’s Your Spirit Guides? Prompt
Questions for August 6th thru 8th

My Quality Time Self-Care Activity Cards and Broke B TarotMy current vibration.

Date atop Candles, Eight of Cups – The need to step away from the world, relax and retreat. This is fitting since today is my last day before I take a week off. I’ve been needing the time off, and it shows in these cards that I’m looking forward to it.

How do I respect your presence?

Sensuality and Justice – “Listen for me on advice about matters concerning the cause-and-effect of your actions and the world around you. I will speak to you through the sensations of your body. The tingles and tightness, tugs and touches.”

How can I effectively connect with you?

Bake and King of Coins – “The better you treat yourself, the easier it is for me to come through. When you rush, overload yourself, and push yourself too hard, my voice becomes faint and I am harder to hear. Better to take things slow and savor what you do, and then I can come through more clearly.”

DECKS USED: MY QUALITY TIME SELF-CARE ACTIVITY CARDS AND BROKE B TAROT

The #MysticStarChallenge at the Sacred Grounds Tarot Club
Questions for August 6th

The Strawberry TarotWhat message does The High Priestess have for me?
Nine of Pentacles atop Five of Wands atop Nine of Swords

In order to get to a place of abundance and gratitude, you have to go through some trials and fight your way out, keeping your values and principles in tact did you go. Evolution is A necessary part of growth, and sometimes it hurts.

What obstacles does The High Priestess want to warn me about?
Four of Wands atop Two of Cups atop Nine of Wands

Good boundaries are important, necessary in fact, to foster a good relationship between you and those within your sphere and create harmony and balance at home. Sometimes when you’re not feeling so downtrodden and tired, the boundaries set in place can feel unnecessary, but you need to remember that they’re there for a reason.

What guidance does The High Priestess have for me to overcome this obstacle?

Page of Wands – Remember that life is an adventure, and so are the things that you decide to pursue along your path. There’s always room for improvement. This doesn’t mean that you are brutal to yourself but rather that you take your time to explore more thoroughly.

DECK USED: THE STRAWBERRY TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I bought myself gum so that I wouldn’t clench my teeth while fighting with traffic on the way home.  I don’t usually chew gum (because I hate how people look when they’re chewing gum), but it definitely helped with the jaw clenching thing.

Where’s Your Peace

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Today’s meditation was just over twelve minutes long, and was the last installment of the introductory series offered by the Balance app. It was a review of the range of breathing focus and body scan techniques that were taught through the previous sessions and was comfortable and easy to follow.

Animism Tarot and How to Be a Wildflower DeckToday’s draw is the Ten of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of fulfillment, completion, and stability in the area of one’s finances, resources, health, home life, manifestations, and the physical world. This often translates into themes that have to do with having not just found your place of satiation and fulfillment, but then being in a place where you can then share that with others, like family and friends, to help them find stability as well. It is through this, that we can find a sense of completion that this card represents.

I am one of those people who unabashedly, absolutely needs this. I need that time outside. I need the time among the trees and nature with the bare earth under my feet and nature close in around me. Without it, nothing feels right in the world. The more time I get in nature, the better everything seems in life.

How about you?

DECK USED:  ANIMISM TAROT AND HOW TO BE A WILDFLOWER DECK

#DiscordTarotholicsAug2021 Challenge Prompt
Questions for August 5th and 6th

Animaux Guides and Vintage Book Illustrations TarotWhere Are  You Content
Frog and Temperance

I’m very content with taking things slow where my emotions are concerned, and moderating things in this area so that I don’t get overwhelmed and out of balance. I understand that emotions play with my perception of reality and the world around me, and how important it is to go slow in this area.

Where Are You Frustrated
Black Panther and Heirophant

Learning how to let go of those things not working for me that I cling to out of familiarity. Although I’m starting to feel like I’m finding my way on this, I have spent a lot of time lately struggling with it and feeling frustrated.

The cards keep saying “let go, let go” and yet when I ask how, they simply repeat “accept, practice gratitude, and let go”. I accept and I understand the need for letting go of old habits and things that are not working in order to make room for new and better things, I practice gratitude daily, and yet I’m still struggling with letting go. 

The Black Panther here speaks of the fear of the unknown being what is holding me back.

What can I do to work through my frustrations at this time?
Fox and King of Wands

Remember that some of the greatest things that you want in life take time to earn and work towards. Not everything is about instant gratification. Pause and reflect on what you really want, and use that time to strategize the best way to get there. It’s through your logical mind and your inner drive that you will find the path forward through these frustrations.

DECK USED: LES ANIMAUX-GUIDES AND THE VINTAGE BOOK ILLUSTRATIONS TAROT

The #MysticStarChallenge at the Sacred Grounds Tarot Club
Questions for August 5th

Animism TarotWhat message does The Magician have for me?

Eight of Swords atop Two of Pentacles – Too much time focusing on stability in one’s life blinds you do everything else that is going on around you. If you want to be aware of the world, you have to look outward instead of focusing so much on your own life and your own goals.

What obstacles does The Magician want to warn me about?

Justice atop Seven of Cups Rx – Focusing too hard on your addictions is not going to find you the emotional satisfaction and satiation that you are craving. Sometimes we use our interests and addictions as a way to “self medicate” for other issues, especially emotional issues. This doesn’t solve anything, and it won’t get you where you want to go.

What guidance does The Magician have for me to overcome this obstacle?

The Devil and Nine of Cups – Focus on techniques to mitigate overwhelm. This is where your largest challenge lies and is what affects your life and emotional balance the most.

DECK USED: ANIMISM TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I made Jer go to Michael’s for me to pick up something I’d ordered. I’m glad I did too cuz they tried to hand me off the floor model that’s missing parts. He was pissed on my behalf and let them have it, and a new in-box version will be there for pick up tomorrow.

Finding Light In the Darkness

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Today’s meditation was skipped cuz I overslept this morning and it was one of those “go go go” days from the time I finally managed to get up.

The Feline Marseilles Tarot and How to Be a Wildflower DeckToday’s draw is the Five of Coins, which is traditionally a representation of hardships, tests, trials, and scarcity in the areas of one’s finances, resources, health, home life, and the physical world and manifestations.

There is a certain type of person that I really admire.  They are extremely rare, but you find them now and then.  Those people that are able to be filled with hope and cheer, no matter their circumstances. When I was in chemotherapy, there was a patient I saw now and then when I went in for my treatments that was like this.  She was battling breast cancer, and she always looked frail and fragile, and horribly ill.  And yet, even knowing that she had to be in so much pain and feeling miserably physically?  She always was cheerful and kind. Positive.  Sweet to the nurses and full of hope.

She was… amazing.  Breathtaking.  And the lesson that this woman taught me about leaning into the good and cherishing what you have is something that I think these cards are encouraging today.  The Five of Coins speaks of disparity, and yet even there are things to cherish during these times.  Things to enjoy.  Things to be grateful for.  When you’re feeling downtrodden and like life is at your worst, these cards are a reminder to seek out those things and cherish them.  Allow them to be a light in the darkness.

DECK USED:  THE FELINE MARSEIILES TAROT AND HOW TO BE A WILDFLOWER DECK

Mr Lionharts’ #TheAugustTarot #SOLTarot Prompt
Questions for August 4th thru 6th

Richie Rich TarotWhat loving energy is here to support me this month?

Two of Pentacles – You have the support you need in order to help you find balance and keep it in check. Allow them to help you avoid diving into anything that will take away your attention from this time when you’re supposed to be resting and enjoying yourself.

What can I do to manifest a good month?

The Hermit – Make sure you’re going out and doing those alone time things that you love so much. Get out in nature and enjoy it. You need this time in order to stay happy and balanced.

What can keep in mind to manifest a good month?

Page of Pentacles – Remember that now is a time of discovery, and you’re learning new things. Sometimes these things take time, and it’s okay to go slow instead of just plowing in headlong.

Something I should try to enjoy or appreciate today.

Ten of Pentacles – Set aside worries and stressors when you go out to dinner with Z and L tonight. Instead, savor the togetherness and enjoy that you’re able to do this with each other.

DECK USED: RICHIE RICH TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsAug2021 Challenge Prompt
Philosophical Question: Are you more of a dreamer or a believer?

The Feline Marseilles TarotReading Summary: There is a dreamer in the fish that is present in the Six of Cups, a solid believer in the groundedness of the Ten of Pentacles, whereas the Four of Swords speaks of rest and a balance between both.

Take Away: There is no choice to be made here, and no imbalance… I am both. Evenly and easily both. 

DECK USED: THE FELINE MARSEIILES TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

L and I took Z out to dinner at the Olive Garden today.  I ate SO MUCH food.  It was so good.  Hands down the best meal I’ve ever had at Olive Garden. I had the Asiago Stuffed Tortellini Alfredo with Grilled Chicken.  It was… so good.