#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge

Coming Home

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Today’s meditation was ten minutes long, and was the second installment of the Balance app’s introductory sessions. It went as quickly and smoothly as the last, and was an extension on the basic breathing exercises that had been introduced in the first installment.

Fyodor Pavlov Tarot and Less Anxiety Affirmation CardsToday’s draw is the Four of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of one’s passionate love for the security and welcoming energies of home.  This often translates into themes that have to do with homecoming, celebrating home and stability, as well as relaxation in comfortable spaces.

Sometimes?  We get so wrapped up in work and responsibilities that we lose track of the simple pleasures that are offered to us in just having a safe and secure place to live and rest.   We forget just how fortunate we are, and just how much we have to be grateful for and celebrate in our lives.

The cards in today’s draw are all about the need to take a step back from responsibilities and obligations to make sure we are appreciating these things we take for granted.

By protecting your time and giving yourself room to truly get in touch with a practice of gratitude, taking time to appreciate those things that make you feel good and happy, safe and secure, it opens up our lives to instill a “breath of fresh air” into the times when we have to push ourselves a little harder.  So don’t forget, when you walk through your front door, to take a moment to pause.  To connect with the sense of safety and security, comfort and pleasure, that coming home creates.  Connect with… acknowledge… and appreciate just what that moment of easing does for you, and how good it feels.

DECK USED:  THE FYODOR PAVLOV TAROT AND LESS ANXIETY AFFIRMATION CARDS

The Sacred Grounds Tarot Club Prompt
Questions for July 16th thru 18th

The Experiential TarotWhat abundance can I expect throughout the summer?
Ten of Swords and Queen of Pentacles

As the summer continues, so too will continue your gentle and slow exploration of this year’s shadow work. There will be painful moments, and lots of opportunity to show yourself kindness and help yourself heal. Throughout this period of time home life and finances will continue to remain stable.

What abundance can I expect throughout the autumn?
Knight of Cups and The Hierophant

Autumn will bring about the opportunity to dive into old traditions surrounding what makes you happy. Lots more time outside, in the woods and among the liminal places of the forest. The summer having been so hot and dry, autumn I’ll give you the break that you need from these conditions so that you can dive in and once again really enjoy these long-standing methods of instilling joy, peace, and happiness in your life.

What abundance can I look forward to in the winter?
Ten of Pentacles and The Wheel of Fortune

Money. Money. Money. And a wealth of ups and downs that come with a busy season. The holiday rush is always a roller coaster ride of anxiety and overwhelm. But, the benefits of it are in the monetary gain that then stretches out throughout the rest of the year to support in the times when things are not so busy or lucrative.

DECK USED: THE EXPERIENTIAL TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2021 Challenge Prompt
Questions for July 16th and 17th

Fyodor Pavlov TarotWhat unresolved angst is my inner adolescent still holding onto?

Eight of Pentacles Rx and Three of Swords – That “not good enough” dissatisfaction and disappointment in yourself. This topic has been explored a bit in a handful of readings over the past week, including touching on where those feelings come from and where they belong. This is something that needs working on, and worked with, in order to ease up on and eventually release.

What steps can I begin to take to help my inner adolescent in letting go of their unresolved angst?

Nine of Wands Rx and Ten of Cups – Work on easing up on your inner defenses in order to give yourself permission to truly heal, while mixing in a gratitude practice that points out all of the good that you have and that you do for others at this time in your life. This echoes back to yesterday’s cards and the advice about compartmentalizing the past and the present, to make it easier to identify where certain unhealthy inner dialogues are coming from and begin working at finding more satisfaction in the present.

DECK USED: THE FYODOR PAVLOV TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I took a nap.  I didn’t really want to, but I needed it.  And, I feel better after having taken it, even if I still feel a bit scattered.  I think that last part may be a bit of the “dazed and confused” beginnings of a sub drop.

Unnecessary Punishments

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Today’s meditation was ten minutes long and combined with my piriformis stretches, although it was not combined with an interval timer.  I tried out a new meditation app today.  The first ten days are a bit of a trial run where they are supposed to “build a practice” around how you react to the first ten sessions and your goals.  This one went by really quickly, and I’ll be continuing with this process for the next handful of days to see how I feel about this app.

True North Tarot and Less Anxiety Affirmation CardsToday’s draw is the Three of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of disappointments and heartbreak, although not always of the romantic variety. It’s about the letdowns and the regrets in life, the things that stir within us sorry, grief, and other emotional hurts.

When I see this particular Three of Swords, the emotion that comes through is an ache of betrayal.  We have betrayed the earth with our concrete and asphalt, poison and pollution.  We’ve broken the world.  That is what the imagery of today’s card says to me.

Sometimes when we’re feeling down, we feel like we’ve disappointed, or we’ve been disappointed by others, instead of being kind to ourselves we punish ourselves by wallowing in the painful emotions that arise, as if the situation is our fault instead of something that happened to us. This prolongs our pain, making the disappointment and feelings of life’s betrayal upon us stretch out and disrupt more of our lives.

The thing is?  When you fall down and scrape a knee, it doesn’t mean that it’s now time to sit down and dig into the wound with a dirty stick.

The message in today’s cards is that there is a healthier response to these moments in our lives. Instead of punishing ourselves and wallowing in the negativity bred by these situations, we can be kind to ourselves and help the healing process begin and flourish.

DECK USED:  TRUE NORTH TAROT AND LESS ANXIETY AFFIRMATION CARDS

Mr Lionharts’ #TheJulyTarot #TarotSuitsChallenge Prompt
Questions for July 15th and 16th

Hilda TarotHow or where can I benefit from letting go or going with the flow?
Six of Cups and The Devil

Letting go of some of your past issues from your childhood can help ease you away from crossing the line concerning the things that you enjoy and taking things too far. This in turn helps to reduce some of the more negative consequences that result from indulging in your temptations and addictions.

Something I am asked to reflect / meditate on right now.
The Hierophant and Ace of Cups

Work on identifying ways to take care of yourself outside your norm. By mixing things up, self care can become less of a chore and more of a joy. As much as you appreciate stability and routine, there are just some times that you need to include a bit more diversity to keep things interesting.

DECK USED: HILDA TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2021 Challenge Prompt
Topic: Draw or write something free form inspired by the card(s).

True North TarotSomething short and sweet today…

There was once a young prince  that more than anything wanted (Page of Wands) to be King (Frog in the Page of Wands staring at the King of Cups).

Unfortunately, on his way to the top he forgot that without the strength and support of others joining you on your journey (Three of Cups), any amount of success or power gained will be empty and without satisfaction (Nine of Coins Rx).

DECK USED: TRUE NORTH TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I’m feeling really vulnerable today after the play last night with Gideon.  I made sure to keep my schedule as clear as possible today to make sure I had time with Gideon to help soothe that sense of vulnerability.

Healthy Alone Time

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Today’s meditation was not a guided meditation, or even timed.  I believe it was probably around twenty minutes and took place after my phone appointment with my shrink.  I simply rested in quiet, doing some breathing exercises while performing my piriformis stretches.  It was really nice, but I’m amazed I didn’t fall asleep.

Linestrider Tarot and Less Anxiety Affirmation CardsToday’s draw is The Hermit card, which is traditionally a representation of inner reflection and self analysis, as well alone time, and the introspection that comes when you step away from others and spend time with yourself.

The bear in this card really catches my eye today, as does the skull at the bottom.  In fact, I saw the skull first.  What I see in this image is the healthy form of alone time represented by the bear with his lantern.  The animal hibernates, but it is a healthy part of their cycle, while the lantern speaks of illumination of the self and resulting growth during this alone time.  The skull at the bottom then represents the other side of the coin and the unhealthy alone time that comes when we retreat from society not for healthy reasons, but rather to burrow into slothenly behavior or wallow in negative emotions.

The question then placed by the affirmation card in today’s draw is which do you do?  Which do you choose?  Do you choose healthy alone time?  Or do you instead focus on that wallowing and unhealthy alone time?  This is a choice and it’s about what we choose to focus on.  The message here is to make sure when you’re retreating from the world, it’s in a healthy way with a purpose… not just to wallow and, as a result, end up making things worse.

DECK USED:  LINESTRIDER TAROT AND LESS ANXIETY AFFIRMATION CARDS

Cosmic_Crow_Tarot’s #FreedomTarotChallenge Prompt
Questions for July 13th, 14th and 16th

Healing Flower Color Cards and Linestrider TarotWhat is keeping me from feeling free in my life?
Beech and Three of Cups

Feeling responsible for others safety and happiness instead of leaving that for them to deal with themselves is one of the things that keeps you from feeling free in your life. You feel a responsibility to help shift people’s perspectives when they are in unhealthy patterns, or when you can help lighten their load by doing so. This is not your responsibility.

How can I find more freedom in my life?
Aspen and Three of Swords

Take a closer look at your fears. Dig up their roots and deal with what lies beneath instead of continuing to bury those feelings. There is a lot of ugly in your past. This is a call for shadow work, which you have been doing… but, as you are aware, like most growth it needs to be taken at a glacial pace. Keep going.  Direct your focus towards those moments you continue to try to avoid and bury.

How can I help others find the freedom they deserve?
Rock Water atop Mumulis, Strength

Although you often help people in overcoming their fears through creativity, persuasion, and support. You also have the ability to not just provide different perspectives, but through your creative process and work, spread joy and pleasure to others. Don’t forget what you contribute through your craft. You have a unique gift to give through the work you do and the intentions and methods used to create the vessels that deliver that joy to others.

DECK USED: HEALING FLOWER COLOR CARDS AND LINESTRIDER TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2021 Challenge Prompt
Philosophical Question: Is there an inherent order in nature or is it all chaos and chance?

Linestrider TarotReading Summary: Everything has a purpose (King of Pentacles). Chaos is an accelerant (The Tower Rx atop Knight of Wands) of the natural cycles that repeat again and again (Ace of Swords Rx). There’s nothing new just everything in its time and place (Temperance atop Ace of Swords).

Take Away: The cards here indicate that there is very little chaos and chance in nature. Everything is about cycles that repeat again and again.  Sometimes to the human eye, we are unable to see those cycles and thus it looks like chaos or chance.

The times chaos or chance -does- arise in nature, it us used by nature to accelerate a cycle already in place.

DECK USED: LINESTRIDER TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

So… I got hit by a truck today.  I mean as a pedestrian, I was hit by a truck today.  Instead of demanding to go home (mostly because I wanted to get my damned phone) I allowed myself to be checked out by the paramedics and taken to the hospital for x-rays.   I’m fine, and I made the guy that hit me put everything in his name so he’s responsible for all the bills and shit.

Compartmentalization Can Help

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Today’s meditation was skipped today because I overslept.  Which, isn’t really surprising since I was up playing with Gideon until after 5am.

Tarot of the Trees 10th Anniversary Edition and Less Anxiety Affirmation CardsToday’s draw is the Three of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of collaboration and team work, coming together to achieve a mutual goal or result, and learning new skills from others.

This affirmation card is a hard one for me.  Okay, hell… this tarot card, for that matter, is a hard one for me.  I struggle with sharing the load.  I struggle with delegating.  And I struggle with taking time away from work and letting go.

The message here is about when it’s time to work, it’s time to work, and to do better work you need to let others in and let others help.   With their help things get done not just faster but without the issues that rushing can cause.     And when it’s time to play?  It’s time to put that work away and focus upon yourself and those around you.

Don’t spend this time when you’re supposed to be taking a break stressing about work.  Don’t spend the time when you need to focus on work daydreaming about taking a break, dragging your feet, or squandering the help others want to offer.  You have responsibilities to yourself.  And to your work.  Compartmentalize.  The less they bleed into each other, the easier you will find both of them to be when focusing on them.

DECK USED:  TAROT OF TREES 10th ANNIVERSARY EDITION AND LESS ANXIETY AFFIRMATION CARDS

Mr Lionharts’ #TheJulyTarot #TarotSuitsChallenge Prompt
Questions for July 13th & 14th

Unruly Game Cards and Tarot of the Trees 10th Anniversary EditionWhat is my intuition trying to tell me, or help me with, right now?
Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) and Seven of Pentacles

You are holding on too tightly. You will strangle out your growth before it has enough time to flourish if you don’t ease up. Stop trying to control every little thing and just let things flow at their own pace.

What should I face, or embrace more, in support of my best self?
Purple Deadnettle (Lamium purpureum) and Knight of Pentacles

Slow progress is still progress. You’re pushing and impatience will turn your view of your progress rancid if you don’t clean it out and purge these negative perspectives. Don’t let impatience turn what should be a positive into a negative.

DECK USED: UNRULY GAME CARDS AND TAROT OF TREES 10th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2021 Challenge Prompt
Question: What can I do to help my inner adolescent feel less neglected?

Tarot of the Trees 10th Anniversary EditionReading Summary: Teach your inner adolescent (The Hierophant) to see things from a new perspective (Inverted Tree) that removes the fear of all that he has being stolen away from him at any moment (Seven of Swords Rx).

Take Away:  This answer makes me wonder just how much of my little um… “collecting” tendency actually might land directly in my inner adolescent’s lap.

How much of that too tight grip lives in this inner adolescent’s fear of losing everything and sliding back into the poverty and misery I’ve managed to claw myself out of? 

This might be something worth exploring more in depth at some point.

DECK USED: TAROT OF TREES 10th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

Daily Self Kindness

I got my second vaccination shot today, at the hospital, under supervision.  And stayed for the entire 90 minutes requested afterwards to make sure I tolerated it okay. Everything went fine.  I was about crampy in the stomach, but that had nothing to do with the shot since it’d been going on all day.  No anaphylaxis.  No issues.

Do What You Love

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IMG_3256Today’s meditation was just over ten minutes long, and was another of the guided meditations from the Calm app combined with an interval timer for my piriformis stretching.

The focus of today’s meditation was… hm… I don’t remember.  I’m not sure if I was actually paying attention beyond the rhythmic breathing exercise that was going on.  I would surmise, though, that it was about intuition and autonomy in one’s life.  About “steering our own boat” in life by listening to our intuition and what feels right for us.

Northern Animal Tarot and Less Anxiety Affirmation CardsToday’s draw is the Eight of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of hard work and honing one’s skills and abilities.  This often leads to themes that have to do with manifestation, perfectionism, and expertise in one’s crafts or vocational field.

The imagery here is quite traditional (other than it being a rabbit instead of a human) and, when combined with the affirmation card for today, the message is clear.

Too much work and not enough play.  Too much time spent doing the crap I don’t enjoy, and not enough time spent doing the things that I do.

When you’re taking a break?  Take. A. Break.   Don’t work on the side, and don’t worry about work.  Let it GO and take that break that you need to be healthy and happy, and do the things that make you happy and healthy.

DECK USED:  NORTHERN ANIMAL TAROT AND LESS ANXIETY AFFIRMATION CARDS

The Sacred Grounds Tarot Club Prompt
Questions for July 12th and 15th

Sea Witch TarotWhat barriers will I need to overcome to embrace this growth? (From July 10th)
The Star, Strength atop Six of Coins Rx

Don’t push yourself to give to others right now. You are struggling with finding that positive outlook at the moment, and spreading yourself too thin isn’t going to help.  You’re often told that you give too much of yourself, and right now?  You need to listen to that advice and focus on yourself for the time being.

What tools would support me in overcoming these barriers?
Nine of Wands and Four of Coins

Good boundaries are essential right now. Make sure they are firmly anchored and grounded, and built for the long haul. Don’t be wishy-washy. Be decisive and keep those boundaries strong. Sink those fence posts deep in the soil so that the fence can withstand what storms may come.

How will this growth support my journey?
Eight of Cups and The Fool

Moving forward on to a healthier path will allow you to feel less weighed down. Lighter and more care free. Invigorated. This sort of energy can not just lift you up and keep you positive, but make each step along your journey that much easier and more enjoyable.

What abundance will this growth bring me?
Five of Wands atop Two of Swords

Less time spent fighting with yourself (and the world at large),  which means more time enjoying life and my journey.

DECK USED: SEAWITCH TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2021 Challenge Prompt
Question: How does my inner adolescent feel right now?

Northern Animal TarotReading Summary:  No chaos (The Tower Rx). No scarcity (Five of Pentacles Rx). Just potential (The World).

Take Away: Okay, so essentially, what these cards are saying is that during my adolescence I lived in a constant state of chaos and scarcity. I have spent the majority of my adult life rectifying that, and my inner adolescent now feels secure and able to look beyond those fears to the potential that the future holds.

The enjoyment I find in spending money on decks, crystals, and brand name foods and other “consumer treats” is my inner adolescent celebrating his release from those fears.

So… spoiled rotten and full of potential.

DECK USED: NORTHERN ANIMAL TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

Lots of time with Gideon.  I also managed to do my meditation today, even though I wasn’t feeling particularly enthused about it.

Don’t Push So Hard

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Today’s meditation was just under twelve minutes long, and was a guided meditation with the Calm app, combined with a interval timer for my piriformis stretching.

The focus of today’s meditation was (again) about focusing on the present instead of getting distracted by thoughts of the past and the future.  My favorite part of today’s meditation, though, was in the shift from focusing on the breath to focusing on the hands and dissecting the experience of each fingertip, finger, palm, backs of the hands, etc. I find this type of meditation very soothing.

Joie de Verve Tarot and Less Anxiety Affirmation CardsToday’s draw is the King of Coins, which is traditionally a representation of a projective Alpha energy, personality, or person  in the area of one’s finances, resources, home, health, manifestations, and the physical realm.  This often translates in to themes that have to do with responsibility, stability, and financial acumen, as well as solid, grounded authority figures.

Looking at the affirmation card, it brings up the whole “pushing and striving” thing, and this is something that I do a lot.   Like… a lot.  When it comes to my own work and goals, I am a relentless son of a bitch.  A slave driver.  I know this, and I’ve been working to ease up on myself lately.

The combination of these two cards today is a reminder that it’s possible to both be responsible and successful, even while not pushing yourself until you’re grinding yourself down to a nub.  It’s okay to not push so hard.  You’ll still get where you’re going, it might just take a little longer to get there.  But that extra time?  It won’t be wasted, because you’ll enjoy the journey a great deal more.

DECK USED:  JOIE DE VIRVE TAROT AND LESS ANXIETY AFFIRMATION CARDS

Mr Lionharts’ #TheJulyTarot #TarotSuitsChallenge Prompt
Questions for July 11th and 12th

Anecdotes TarotSomething that can help me make the most out of how I feel this week.
Page of Swords and Seven of Batons

Take into consideration what others want from you. This doesn’t mean you have to do it (whatever “it” may be)… but it means that you at least have an idea of what expectations are out there. Then you can choose your own path while being better informed.

In what way am I asked to honor my current feelings?
The sun and Knight of Coins

Fostering feelings of freedom and fun are important. Take some time to have some fun, and don’t worry so much about if your responsibilities and obligations are moving slowly. They’re still moving.

DECK USED: ANECDOTES TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2021 Challenge Prompt
Topic: Do Spread #2
Question: On the topic of my feelings concerning the progressive glasses that I just got.

Joie de Virve TarotReading Summary: Instead of going in to rectify any issues with the glasses (Eight of Cups), you will be tempted (The Devil) to just sit on the issue (Four of Cups).

The Four of Cups connects to the Eight of Cups through the blue hues, reinforcing the desire to just walk away from the issue and be apathetic about it rather than confronting things.

The Knight of Coins then connects to the Devil through the yellow,  indicating that I need to make sure that I’m being responsible and not letting my temptation get the better of me.

Take Away: Don’t play into that “oh fuck it” mentality when you’ve put so much money on the line for these glasses. Do the hour a day test run with them, and then report in if the issue with the short distance vision is still there at the end of things.  They have an obligation to get them right, and if that means they have to be sent in to adjust the lenses?  Then that’s what needs to happen.

DECK USED: JOIE DE VIRVE TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I have now meditated over a week now, and I’d like to take a moment to actually show what the meditation does for me.  A measurable, visible thing it actually does for me and proof that it is helping, and does work, even when I feel like it’s sometimes a waste of time.

Heartrate