#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge

Try, and Try Again

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Today’s meditation was skipped because it’s an orders day and, honestly? It’s too fucking hot and miserable.

Hexen 2.0 Tarot and Less Anxiety Affirmation CardsToday’s draw is The Magician, which is traditionally a representation of having all the tools and skills needed to achieve your goals.  The card is about resourcefulness to manifest the results that you want and being inspired to carry things through to fruition.

Sometimes when we’re working towards a goal we can feel like we just don’t have everything together (or can’t manage to get it together) and the endeavor is therefore going to fail.

And the thing is?  No matter how prepared we are?  Sometimes that’s going to happen.

The key is to take that failure and remember that we’re still here.  We can still try again, and adjust our approach to give us a better chance of succeeding.

As long as we’re still here?  There’s always room for learning and improvement.  There’s always room to try again for the things you really want, and each failed try will only make the next effort that much better than the one before it.

DECK USED:  HEXEN 2.0 TAROT AND LESS ANXIETY AFFIRMATION CARDS

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question: How can I improve upon my self care?

Wilderness Collide OracleReading Summary: Meditate (Crystal Visions atop Cosmic Journey). You are holding yourself back (Rising) in more ways than one (Expanse) by avoiding your meditation practice.

Take Away:  I often meditate with crystals, which is how “Crystal Visions” comes into play in the meditation aspect.  The thing is?  I don’t know why I keep avoiding my practice, but I’m self aware enough to know that no amount of excuses can conceal the fact that that’s exactly what I’m doing. 

The cards here are right, though.  I need to get back to it.  It’s beneficial on so many levels and avoiding it is holding me back not just in my health and well-being, but also in my growth.

DECK USED:  WILDERNESS COLLIDE ORACLE

#DiscordTarotolicsJun2021 Challenge Prompt
Topic: About differences…
Question: How can I resolve differences between myself and others with less anxiety?

Hexen 2.0 TarotReading Summary: Spend less energy worrying (Nine of Swords Rx) over if things might turn out badly (Three of Swords Rx), more authority and sharing of inspirational perspectives. Be passionate and innovative, and use that energy to inspire others to your way of thinking (King of Wands).

Take Away: So… this reading was about a little anxiety riddled character conversation the other day in the literary roleplay/writing realm that Gideon and I are in.  Sometimes, with some people, I feel like I’m walking on glass as I fulfill my leadership responsibilities.  It just goes that way, you know?  Things that should be a discussion feel like a confrontation and a direct challenge rather than having a chat.

So, yeah.   The advice here is to worry less about the whole “blowing up in your face” aspect of communication with these type of people, and instead turn the tables and draw them in with ideas and enthusiasm.

DECK USED:  HEXEN 2.0 TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I took a nap on orders day.  It was a combination of having a full stomach and the heat.  I just got so tired that I didn’t have a choice in the matter so I let myself lay down for a couple hours.

Owning Self Truths

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Today’s meditation was sort of done and sort of not?  I lounged in a cool bath for a bit early on in the day and did some breathing exercises while I was in there, but I also dozed off.  So… sort of meditation but not really?  Still, it was amazing and very relaxing.

Bonds Across Time: An Inuyasha Tarot and Less Anxiety Affirmation CardsToday’s draw is the Emperor card, which is traditionally a representation of leadership and authority combined with a dominant energy and a “greater good” mentality. It is a card that represents responsibility, and the strength that it takes to shoulder the responsibility and ownership that comes with leading.

Sometimes, what we need to take ownership of isn’t others or leading others, but rather how we treat ourselves.  This is also a part of leadership, for without self awareness and control over ourselves, leading others never goes as smoothly or as well as it otherwise could.

Today’s affirmation card combined with the Emperor speaks of this responsibility toward ourselves. It’s a reminder that it’s not just others that need our kindness and understanding, but that we should treat ourselves with that same kindness.  Stress can make anyone short tempered, but don’t turn that negativity inward.  Instead, straighten your spine, look at what’s truly going on, own it, and then deal with it.

DECK USED:  BONDS ACROSS TIME INUYASHA TAROT AND LESS ANXIETY AFFIRMATION CARDS

The Sacred Grounds Tarot Club Prompt
Question: What inspires/heals me?

Whispers of the Ocean Oracle and Salt + Sea Energy OracleWhat inspires me?
Push to Surface, Pearl, Mermaid

Stagnancy is the cause of inspiration’s death.  To foster your inspiration and awaken it, sometimes you have to take stock of where in your life you are feeling still and stagnant, and look at these things with honest eyes.  Only the can you begin to change what’s holding you back and, in doing so, allow your inspiration to once more rise to the surface.

What heals me?
Sandcastle and Persistent Drive

Acknowledging that struggle and strive is only temporary and that there is a light at the end of the tunnel allows you to find focus on the way out instead of feeling stuck.  Like with depression, it’s when you accept that the depression is only temporary that you give yourself an exit to focus on and work towards.

DECK USED:  WHISPERS OF THE OCEAN ORACLE AND SALT + SEA ENERGY ORACLE

#DiscordTarotolicsJun2021 Challenge Prompt
Topic: Do Spread #2
Question: I always feel like I’m struggling, even when I’m trying to relax. How can I more easily let go and go with the flow in my self-care and growth?

Bonds Across Time: An Inuyasha TarotReading Summary: Ground and steady your footing (Four of Jewels) instead of running away (Six of Swords Rx), accept and acknowledge that transformation is painful and takes time (Ten of Swords).

Take Away: The message here in these cards indicates that I’m not doing anything wrong other than being impatient about moving forward.  It’s not like running on floats in the water, where you have to keep going or you’ll lose your balance and fall into the water.  Instead, you need to focus on finding a grounded and steady stance.  Allow the changes to move at their own pace and be patient.  Wait. Breathe.  And let the changes flow around you like water flows around a stone in a stream, slowly smoothing out rough edges over time while the stone is always steadily rooted in place.

DECK USED:  BONDS ACROSS TIME INUYASHA TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I mentioned this above, but I spent a good two hours soaking in a nice cool bath today.  Sort of like chillin’ in a kiddy pool… but in the tub.  It was nice.  I had rubber duckies and music, and it was very relaxing.

Mindfulness as a Tool

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Today’s meditation was skipped because I just wanted to lounge instead.  I did take time to relax under the ceiling fan and do my piriformis stretches, though.  I just didn’t do the meditation part of things.

Spiritsong Tarot and Less Anxiety Affirmation CardsToday’s draw is The Magician, which is traditionally a representation of resourcefulness and having all the tools needed to accomplish one’s goals.  He is, in essence, “the man with all the tools” like that neighbor you always go to to borrow tools from because he always has just the right tool for the job.

The Raven, as features in this card, is certainly one of those characters in nature that fits that “all the tools” category. They are extremely intelligent, can learn to mimic human speech and singing, and can recognize and remember the faces of humans.  They are efficient and clever, and uniquely qualified for their own survival.

In combination with the affirmation card for today, what I see in the message of today’s cards is that even when we have all the tools needed to forge ahead?  Sometimes what we need to do is stay in the present and savor what we already have. Life isn’t always about advancement and gain. A part of learning to enjoy life to it’s fullest and having all the tools at our disposal to do so includes knowing how to be in the moment and enjoy the present.

DECK USED:  SPIRITSONG TAROT AND LESS ANXIETY AFFIRMATION CARDS

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Questions for June 26th and 27th

Spiritsong Tarot and Pure Magic OracleWhat is out of my control?
The Traveler and Closing Circle

Your path. Things move at their own pace. A healthy pace to take you where you need to be when you need to be there. Not everything on your path and where it leads is under your control. Sometimes you have to walk forward on blind faith that where you end up will be just where you need to be.

How can I cut through the noise and get to whats important?
Telekinesis and The Hanged Man

Be open but decisive. Listen to all perspectives, take them in one at a time, then cut loose what doesn’t work and see what’s left. You’re missing the cutting part of the equation, and without that part of the process, you just build up more and more to examine and sort through.  Get to the cutting already.

DECK USED:  PURE MAGIC ORACLE AND SPIRITSONG TAROT

#DiscordTarotolicsJun2021 Challenge Prompt
Topic: About coziness…
Question: What can I do to make things more cozy and comfortable during this horrendous heat wave?

Spiritsong TarotPage of Acorns (Monkey) – Stick close to home and explore all the little things that can build up a bit at a time. Each fan you can find to turn on, the closing of the blinds and curtains. Adding the reflective insulation to the west windows.  Each small bit of adjustment made in the home will help a little more.

Ten of Crystals (Alligator) – Spend some time in the bathtub. A cool soak can do wonders and is something you’ve done in the past to cool down.  Yes, the lotion and scar treatments afterwards are a pain in the ass, but it’s still worth it.  Fill the bathtub up like a kiddy pool and just take a bit of a dip now and then. It will help you feel a great deal better just to splash around in there a bit.

The Star (Swan) – Remember that it’s temporary. The heat wave isn’t going to last forever. It’s just a few days and there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Be patient, be safe, and keep your eye on the relief that’s just around the corner.

DECK USED:  SPIRITSONG TAROT

CoffeexTarot’s Self Love For The Summer Prompt
Questions for June 26th and 27th

Flora Healing Oracle CardsWhat positive energy do I need to focus on?

Dianthus (Know Your Limits) – It’s important to make sure that you are setting safe and healthy boundaries and limits for yourself. The summer is supposed to be a time to catch your breath and rest.  Don’t allow yourself to get so overwhelmed that you’re not getting the rest that you need.

How can I better express my gratitude?

Sage (Cleanse) – Somehow, even with three of us in this house we just can’t seem to keep up on the cleaning.  I can’t really blame the girls, because I think they hate it just as much as I do. The thing is, though?  When the house is clean it just feels better.  So much better.  Maybe it’s time to start looking for a housekeeper again.  Life just feels so much better when the house is clean and dusted.

DECK USED:  FLORA HEALING ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I selfishly turned the AC to blow directly on me today.  It’s still hot enough that my skin is sticky and it just feels gross in here, but it would be so much worse without the AC.  Z and my sister have been taking turns chilling in the bedroom, which is a good deal cooler than the rest of the house.

Focus On The Present

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Today’s meditation was skipped (again) because today was my driving day, which means that after my shift at the farm I immediately hit the road to drive for about six hours.

Connolly Tarot and Less Anxiety Affirmation TarotToday’s draw is the Chariot card, which is traditionally a representation of willpower and drive set to a purpose, action, and direction.  It’s about seizing control over one’s actions, fate, and destiny.

Today’s cards are calling me out.

The thing is?  I am constantly trying to look ahead, constantly planning, scheming, strategizing, and directing how I want things to go. This control is habitual and some of it has to do with fear of losing control and things going off the rails.  The presence of the Chariot here is a reference to those tendencies.

Combined with the affirmation card for today, the message here is that I need to stop spending so much time trying to control the future, when it’s the present that really matters.

DECK USED:  CONNOLLY TAROT AND LESS ANXIETY AFFIRMATION CARDS

CoffeexTarot’s Self Love For The Summer Prompt
Question: What gives me clarity?

Secrets of the Mystic Grove OracleReading Summary: Being able to step outside my own perspectives and see things through the eyes of others (Seeing Differently), combined with my ability to ground myself through the earth and find comfort and peace in this process (Rhythms), allows me to see my fears and anxieties in a different light and give me a level of clarity and calm concerning things I would otherwise be blind to (Trust).

Take Away:  Sometimes fears make it impossible for us to see anything besides what we fear the most.  Anxiety narrows our focus and forces us into tunnel vision on those things that trigger us.  These cards indicate that during these times, I have the added benefit of being able to connect with the earth for calm and step out of myself to find perspective, and in doing so, I am able to find more clarity than I would be able to otherwise.

DECK USED:  SECRETS OF THE MYSTIC GROVE ORACLE

#DiscordTarotolicsJun2021 Challenge Prompt
Topic: About dreams…
Question: how can I get a more restful sleep with less dreams getting in the way of that?

Connolly TarotReading Summary: If you didn’t worry so much and struggle so much (Five of Pentacles) with the new changes taking place (Ace of Cups), then you wouldn’t have so many dreams that involve imbalance and unresolved endings (Two of Pentacles).

Take Away: It’s the balance being askew and a lack of resolution in my dreams that makes me feel so unrested when I wake up. Issues with scarcity, combined with my worries over staying on this new path of self love and emotional growth, are spurring on the dreams in which I’m never quite able to find balance or resolution.

DECK USED:  CONNOLLY TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I had a really nice evening with Gideon, both sharing my haul from the post office as well as in beginning a bit of a date night in play.

Less Impatience, More Kindness

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Today’s meditation was skipped due to it being orders day.

Dragon Tarot and Less Anxiety Affirmation CardsToday’s draw is The Star card, which is traditionally a representation of hope, optimism, and the connection between ourselves, the world around us, and our spirituality.

When this card is combined with the affirmation card for today, the message that I see here is about patience and self care.

I have been struggling with this a lot lately.  My inner voice seems to feel that my spiritual growth and transition to a more self-care focused balance is not moving fast enough.  It blames me for holding on to what is familiar and comfortable, which hangs up the process of moving forward as I struggle with letting go.

The cards today speak of making sure I am trusting the process.  Trusting that things will work themselves out at their own speed, and to focus on caring for myself and being kind to myself as this process unfolds instead of focusing on the speed or whatever failings or momentary hurdles I can use to beat myself up with along the way.

DECK USED:  DRAGON TAROT AND LESS ANXIETY AFFIRMATION CARDS

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Questions for June 23rd and 24th

She Whispers Her Truth Oracle and Dragon TarotWhat brings me joy?

Foi, Force Puissance and Two of Cups

Something that helps in fostering my joy is in finding balance in my life that allows me to move forward with confidence and sure footing. I like it when things are steady beneath my feet, allowing me to feel strong and well grounded as a result. It gives me a sense of freedom that I don’t feel when things feeling unsteady.

How can I live in abundance?

Nous sommes toujours là and The Lovers

Remember that your guides are there to help you in making good decisions. Don’t ignore their advice or disregard what they have to say, for it’s with their help on your side that you will live a fuller and happier life filled with good things.

DECK USED:  MEET THE SELF ORACLE AND DRAGON TAROT

#DiscordTarotolicsJun2021 Challenge Prompt
Topic: Self-care for the Full Moon…

Dragon TarotReading Summary: Take some time to examine your path and make sure it is aligned (Judgment) with where you really want to go (Three of Wands) and what your intuition has to say on the matter (The High Priestess).

Take Away: Sometimes our actions do not align with what we want, either through stubbornness, subconscious influences, or old habits. This full moon is a good time to take a moment to examine your actions and make sure that they are aligned with your purpose and the direction you want your feet to head on life’s path.

DECK USED:  DRAGON TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I tried to pace myself a bit with the orders today.  I’m not sure how good I did at it, but I did use the balcony and plants there to help a bit.

Self Care Within the Fray

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Today’s meditation was skipped.  No excuse, I just didn’t get to it.  Tomorrow is an orders day, so I will pick back up on Friday morning.

Botanica Tarot and Less Anxiety Affirmation CardsToday’s draw is the King of Wands (Pomegranate), which is traditionally a representation of a projective alpha energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s drive, willpower, passion projects, enthusiasm, and interests. This often translated into themes of leadership that involve connecting to their followers through zeal and enthusiasm, successful entrepreneurship, and weighing impulsivity with responsibility.

When you are driven and inspired, it can sometimes feel like whatever you do is never enough. I run into this often with my business.  There’s always so much more to do, and you’re so focused on the enthusiasm and pushing to make things work and thrive that you forget…. you need to also take care of yourself.

The King of Wands combined with today’s affirmation card is a reminder that you can’t finish everything before taking that break. Instead, take the break, and then go back and do more.  Taking care of yourself, even when pushing and striving for something to succeed, is extremely important and should be a part of the process.  Not set aside for a more convenient time.

DECK USED:  BOTANICA TAROT AND LESS ANXIETY AFFIRMATION CARDS

CoffeexTarot’s Self Love For The Summer Prompt
Questions for June 23rd & 24th

Botanica Tarot and Inner Compass Kids CardsHow can I better balance my positive and negative emotions?

Lion and Five of Pentacles (Hellebore) – When the going gets tough, it’s time to shine. Tap in to your skills and those things you enjoy doing and that you’re really good at, and use them to balance out those times when you’re feeling especially negative.

How can I build more confidence in myself?

Sea and Knight of Wands (Passiflora) – You don’t always have to lead, in order to allow your passions to shine. Someone else can take a turn at the wheel now and then. When you let this happen, you will be able to see that even when you’re not steering the ship, you’re still along for the ride and the boat still gets where you want it to go.

DECK USED:  INNER COMPASS KIDS CARDS AND BOTANICA TAROT

#DiscordTarotolicsJun2021 Challenge Prompt
Philosophical Question: Do people need other people for true happiness?

Botanica TarotTwo of Pentacles (Blue Waterlily) – Balance. Too much of anything is always not a good thing; same for too little. Contact with other people as necessary, but only in good measure. Too much, or too little, leads to an imbalance and siphons away happiness.

King of Wands (Pomegranate) – Sometimes it is only with the encouragement of others that we find our true calling and our passions. And sometimes we need their help and their support to go after our calling. Even those at the very top need others. The crown is of no use if there’s no one to lead, after all.

Justice (Gladiolus) – Through color association, this card ties in to the balance card on the left (Two of Pentacles). It is about finding balance, and the cause-and-effect of either being in balance… or out of balance. This is the repercussions that come from the choices you make.

Take Away: The answer is yes. People need other than people in order to be truly happy. But, the amount of time and connection needed between people is different from person to person. Some people need more, some people need less. The key is to find the balance that works for you.

DECK USED:  BOTANICA TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

After my eye appointment, I stopped by the park and took a peaceful two mile walk. It was an easy walk, since it was all level ground and mostly paved, but it was a nice bit of time in nature all the same, and I wore my new hiking boots to break them in a little bit.