Guileless or Conniving?

Today’s meditation was skipped (again).

Stray Cat TarotToday’s draw is the Ace of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of the seed of new beginnings in the area of one’s emotions, relationships, creativity, and intuition.

What stands out to me in the imagery for this card is how into the whole thing the cat is when it comes to the bird delivering the host to the waiting cup. It’s a debate whether this is about the act being performed, or about the fact that it’s a bird and cats like birds.

The reminder here is about not allowing myself to become paranoid.  The bird can easily deliver and escape without having to worry about the cat’s motives, so why should the cat’s motives matter?

Often, when paranoia tries to dig its claws in, I become reclusive and it can create a sense of stagnancy and suspicion that drags down my emotions and mood. This is a seed we don’t want to plant, and today’s card is  a reminder that the potential for this issue is present and needs to be dealt with.

DECK USED:  STRAY CAT TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsFeb2022 Challenge Prompt
Topic
: Do Spread #2
Question: How is March gearing up to treat me this year?

Stray Cat TarotReading Summary: Holy shit, that’s a lot of self-care and rest.

The progression of these cards are shown in the flow of color from left to right, as well as the progression of light and brightness from the left card in through the center and fading in the right. The transition of lightness and brightness indicate personal choice, making choices, and the consequences of not doing so, while the color flows from the yellows into the blues is an indication of the direction in which the cards are moving.

Take Away: The cards here are a progression that speaks of either choosing to have a nurturing approach to yourself and getting the rest and meditation that you need… or ending up forced to do so by the end of the month in order to restore and recover.

DECK USED: STRAY CAT TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

Today was Gideon’s birthday and I spent the day with him and it was wonderful.

Responsibility Day

Today’s meditation was skipped.

Meta-Barons TarotToday’s draw is the Emperor, which is traditionally a representation of father figure type energy, responsibilities, strength, authority, and a “for the greater good” mentality.

For the greater good and “bucking up” to get a few things done is what today’s card is about.  Yesterday I put things off, but today, I need to get a few things done so that tomorrow (which is Gideon’s birthday) can be free to spend time with him.

That means bucking up and doing the stuff that I need to get done like pulling decks for March and starting some of the orders to be shipped out next Friday.

DECK USED:  META-BARONS TAROT

Mr Lionharts’ #TheFebruaryTarot Kindred Spirits Challenge Prompt
Questions for February 25th thru 28th

Meta-Barons TarotIn what way have I grown throughout this February journey?

The Devil – You have advanced and being able to identify when you’re reaching an unhealthy point in your addictions and fascinations, before you actually reach a critical breaking point.

How can I further honor the ancestral divine powers within me?

The Emperor and Knight of Coins – Claim your place within this power and begin taking control for a better future. Just remember to take things slow as you move forward.

What part of me should I leave behind now in support of my power?

Judgement – Don’t be so harsh to judge yourself. Focus more on the now and let your moral compass guide you, instead of casting your gaze forward all the time into the future.

What am I asked to take to heart before giving closure to February?

Eight of Wands and The Tower – Rushing will only rush you headlong into a Tower moment. Don’t push. Take things at your own pace so that you have more time to prepare for those moments instead of having to rush into them headlong.

DECK USED: META-BARONS TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

Today I pulled (most of) the decks that I will be using for March. There’s a few that I will need to pull another day, but I chose to stop when my back demanded I stop instead of continuing to push on. This means that tomorrow is free for Gideon’s birthday instead of me having to work on this tomorrow. I can pull the rest of them on Monday after I’ve given my back a bit of rest.

Fishing For Nothing

Today’s meditation was skipped.

Maat TarotToday’s draw is the Seven of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of themes having to do with having a plethora of options to choose from, all of opportunity’s doors being open upon one’s path, and at times being overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices available in the moment.

I’m actually doing a lot of twisting in the wind today.  I have a number of things I need to get done and I just don’t feel like doing any of them, much like the figure in this card looks down at all the cups below, but doesn’t actually reach into into the depths to grab any of them.   She just sort of… toys on the surface of the water with one hand, not really taking the effort to reach, right?

The thing is?  Maybe I need this time off more than I realized.  Maybe I shouldn’t feel so guilty about all those things placed on the back burner.  Maybe… it’s okay to just relax for today… and -not- reach for any of those cups.

DECK USED:  MAAT TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsFeb2022 Challenge Prompt
Questions for February 24th thru 26th

Maat TarotWho in my life needs extra attention at this time?

Political focused to the point they’ve lost sight (Eight of Swords) of themselves and who they were (Prince of Cups), and have begun moving away from their support system in life (Three of Cups) in their too tight focus on that political side of things.

I know who this is in my life, but I just can’t openly say it. It’s someone I care about deeply who has been pulled into the whole QAnon mentality to the point where they started seeing conspiracy theories everywhere and have been unable to untangle themselves from that mindset ever since.

How can you provide this attention in a way that is still healthy for you?

Remind them of the long history we share (Six of Cups) and support them emotionally (Queen of Cups) without allowing the negativity to break you down (Ten of Swords).

Some of the things they say are very easy to take personally, but keep in mind that it’s not about you, and they are essentially an echo of what they have been listening to. No thought there, just an echo.

Where in your life are healthier boundaries needed?

The Emperor – Don’t allow responsibilities to take over your life.  You’ve done really well at finding a healthier balance.  It’s okay to set down the mantle and do things a bit slower, and a bit less precise.  There’s only so much room on your plate.

How can you begin?

Eight of Coins and King of Swords – Be mindful of what you have built and where your talents lie. Own what you’ve done, own where you have chosen to build your life, and let what isn’t in alignment with these things slough off as immaterial.

DECK USED: MAAT TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I decided not to work today. I didn’t pull March’s decks.  I didn’t work on jewelry.  I didn’t work on writing.  I did pretty much not much of anything.

A Bit of Salt Makes It Sweeter

Today’s meditation was skipped.

The Fool's TarotToday’s draw is the Nine of Water (Cups), which is traditionally a representation of emotional satisfaction, contentment, inner happiness, and satiation on an emotional level. It can also be an indication of gluttony, in the right circumstances.

Although I don’t really feel that the imagery in this card really demonstrates the meaning of the card, what I see as the reference for this card is a reminder to enjoy my time off and not allow things like having to go to my aunt’s house to sour my enjoyment or my mood.

You have to put a pinch of salt in the cookie dough to make the sweet taste that much sweeter.

DECK USED:  THE FOOL’S TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsFeb2022 Challenge Prompt
Philosophical Question for February 23rd
: What is love?

Elementary LenormandHouse – Child – Bouquet

Finding happiness and freedom within the embrace of family and a sense of “home”.  When you allow yourself to connect with those around you and find security and a sense of carefree abandon, there is a connection that develops in this nurturing environment.  Love.

These cards indicate that one of the ways in which we find love is through the connection and security of feeling safe and at home with others, nurtured by them as we nurture them in turn.

DECK USED: ELEMENTARY LENORMAND

The #ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge Prompt by E Roebuck-Jones
Questions for February 1st, 12th, and 22nd

The Fool's TarotWhat does love mean to me?

Eight of Water and Initiate of Fire – Someone that sticks with me even when I am falling apart and departing from the world.  As a suicide risk for a good portion of my life, I’ve found that there are two types of people in the world.  Those that think suicide is a joke and they push you away when you have those urges, and those that love you enough to stick around and try to figure out how to make sure you truly understand that you are loved and that they want you to stay… even need you to stay.

How can I welcome more love into my life?

Seven of Water and Temperance – Don’t put too much on your plate.  You don’t need more, you just need to appreciate what you already have.  Allow it to flourish and enjoy it.

How can I be open to love, but emotionally safe?

Ace of Water and Nine of Water – Love takes time.  It starts as a seed hidden in the soil and needs time to grow and flourish.  Don’t expect it to happen quickly, as it’s a long term investment… not a sprint.

DECK USED: THE FOOL’S TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

You won’t believe this, but I actually managed to take a nap at my Aunt’s again today, and nobody interrupted me even though they knew where I went.  I’m shocked.

The Bear Suit

Today’s meditation was skipped again.

White Lotus Elemental TarotToday’s draw is the Ace of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of a seed of new beginnings in the area of one’s emotions, relationships, creativity, and intuition. This often translates into new emotions, new relationships, new creativity based ideas, and the spark of new intuitive skills and abilities.

I have no fucking idea.  I’ve struggled with this all day long and I’m still looking at the card and struggling to find a connection between the imagery and the Ace of Cups and my life.

There is so much meaning in this card that I am missing because I’m not familiar enough with the culture that the card represents to really…. Oh geez.

*Cracking up.*   Okay so thank you Gideon.  I showed him the imagery and he says “The first thing I thought of was you wearing your bear suit.”

BearSuitI did, in fact, wear my bear suit today.  I was freezing earlier, and I discovered just how cozy and warm and perfect the hoodie is for when I’m freezing and need a little snug of comfort.  Usually, I just pull it on if I’m chilly and about to take a nap, but today it felt different. Like an embrace.  Warm and close and perfect.

That is what this card is about today.  It’s not about unknown cultures I don’t know anything about and the guidebook doesn’t provide information on… it’s about finding that comfort in a new and positive way.

DECK USED:  WHITE LOTUS ELEMENTAL TAROT

Mr Lionharts’ #TheFebruaryTarot Kindred Spirits Challenge Prompt
Questions for February 22nd thru 24th

White Lotus Elemental TarotHow can use my power or voice to support and elevate my kin?

Four of Coins – Pay attention to the foundation and roots of where you come from, and follow the path of those roots while learning how to instill them into your life in healthy ways.

What positive impact can this have in the long run?

Two of Coins atop Death – It will allow for more calm and better balance during changes that might otherwise “upset the boat” or cause imbalance. After the events of this past month, you can use a bit more of that stability.

Something I should initiate this week that will help me.

Strength – Shore up your strength. You know the things that will help you to get yourself back to rights and internally balanced and fortified.  Do them.

How can I channel the strength of my kin in support of this?

King of Coins atop The Fool Rx – Don’t be naïve about the world and how it works, or the motivations that drive people to do bad things. You need to approach things with a shrewd eye and a practical perspective.

What can I do to celebrate, appreciate or honor my roots today?

Queen of Swords – Call your mother.

DECK USED: WHITE LOTUS ELEMENTAL TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I did laundry today.  I was not really wanting to and I think I’ve just about made it the entire month without washing anything but work clothes and underwear.  It was time.

It Could Always Be Worse

Today’s meditation was skipped (again).

IMG_E8474Today’s draw is the Ten of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of the end of a painful journey and other painful endings, the pain of betrayal, and moments of loss or defeat.

Here in today’s card and it’s imagery, there is a message encouraging you to acknowledge the issue you were faced with went far better than planned, and that you have come out on the other side of it wiser than when it began. The fact that there is one sword that is not piercing the moon, but instead lies resting above it all, is a reminder that things could’ve been much worse.

My most recent Etsy adventure with their customer support went far better than previous experiences.  They seemed to actually read my issue and understand it, and instead of brushing my concerns under the rug as usually feels to be the case, they appear to have taken them forward to the tech department, and resolved the financial implication that was involved as well.

I wish all customer service contact with Etsy could be more like this one, for… for once I actually feel heard.  It might have felt like a huge stab in the back at the time, but it was resolved far easier and better than expected and things could have gone far worse.

DECK USED:  GOLDEN NIGHT TAROT SILVER EDITION

#DiscordTarotholicsFeb2022 Challenge Prompt
Questions for February 21st and 22nd

Golden Night Tarot Silver EditionWhat skill in your tarot practice needs improvement?

Page of Swords and Knight of Cups – It’s time to learn a new skill… and stop hesitating.

This is about my explorations into mediumship. I am curious and I have a lot to learn in this area. I’ve been hesitating and putting it off instead of diving in to explore. This is a venue that I really didn’t have much interest in and tried hard to avoid in my practice for a very long time, but over the last few years my affinity for it has grown and my curiosity has been piqued. It’s time to dive in and explore the possibilities more fully.

How can you best work at improving this skill?

Ten of Pentacles and Two of Wands – Set a goal, and then make plans to work towards it. A lesson plan of some type, even loosely made, will help you in getting on track in studying and exploring this aspect of tarot more thoroughly.

A little structure can go a long way, and a goal combined with that structure will provide direction. I’m not always a big fan of structure, yet I’m aware that I thrive under its influence.

DECK USED: GOLDEN NIGHT TAROT SILVER EDITION

Daily Self Kindness

I had a wonderful nap today.  Usually my naps are kind of so-so.  A recharge, but not really good.  This one was real good.