Taking the Path of Grace

Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

The Hanged Man card from The Fox Tarot and a card from the Tao Book and Card Pack

Today’s draw is The Hanged Man, which is traditionally a representation of taking a pause, considering alternate perspectives, relaxing into difficult situations, surrender, or letting go.

The Hanged Man has then been combined with a Chuang Tzu quote card from the Tao Book and Cards Pack, which says, “Wu Wei.”

In my understanding of the concept, Wu Wei is all about interconnectivity and flow. It is the belief that we are simply leaves carried upon the energy of Tao, and that it is through letting go of control and allowing ourselves to be carried that we find true peace and enlightenment.

My first thought when I saw this Hanged Man card was that that has to hurt. Hanging by one’s tail, with one back leg unnaturally askew… it looks like a painful position. This feels like it’s reinforced by the fact that the fox’s eyes are closed and ears are flat rather than upright.

The message I see here in these cards is a reminder that when you are a chronic pain patient, pain does not always mean that something is wrong. Sometimes you just have to breathe through it and let it be until it eventually eases.

The message in today’s Hanged Man card and affirmation card is a reminder that tensing up and struggling under the weight of chronic pain merely puts you in even more discomfort and distress. These cards encourage allowance rather than fighting back against something that you have no control over. Do the kindnesses that you can to be understanding in these moments, but don’t turn it into a battle.

DECKS USED:  THE FOX TAROT AND TAO BOOK AND CARDS PACK

September Prompts by @forgotten.dumpling & @ml.mecham
Prompt for September 28th
: a prayer undressed

Creative Writing with the Art of Nature Moths Playing Cards

energy drinks or baby formula
food on the table or sex
mortgage payment or power tools
go home to your wife or text
(Seven of Hearts)

wants and needs tangle
and reason loses its way
when selfish wants become
what is given sway
(Jack of Clubs)

only when we pray for others
with altruistic care
are prayers bestowed with answers
in riches beyond compare
(King of Diamonds)

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Cedar Bundle for Protection from Negative Influences
Clear Quartz for boosting Mental Clarity
Gray Agate Druzy Slab for Stabilizing Energies and Expectations
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: ART OF NATURE MOTHS PLAYING CARDS

@lightningwildflower‘s September Self-Talk Challenge
Sun trine Uranus Prompt for September 28th
: What changes am I ready to make in my life?

Tarot Reading with The Fox Tarot

Four of Pentacles – You are ready to foster a greater sense of security that more seamlessly marries your “security in stillness” viewpoint with the “developing your sea legs” perspective that reality tells you true security requires to weather changes well.

Ten of Wands – You are seeking to develop a better awareness and understanding of when you are approaching your limits… before you run headlong into them. Your understanding of your limitations is growing and slowly developing into a boundary, but your awareness of when you are approaching that line still needs work.

Five of Cups Rx – You plan to continue to encourage less pessimism in your life, including sussing out when it tries to sneak in hidden behind the guise of practicality.

Other elements included in this reading:
Black Spruce Needles to Boost Self-Confidence and Positive Thinking
Dried Rosebuds for Potential and Beauty Waiting to Unfold
Dried Purple Heather Flowers for Independence and Luck
Clear Quartz for boosting Mental Clarity
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: THE FOX TAROT
Daily Self Kindness

I started back up using the Water Llama app to track my fluid intake after realizing I’ve been dehydrating the last couple of days.

Power Within the Breath

Today’s meditation was skipped.

•    •    •    ◈    •    🌾    •    ◈    •    •    •

Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

The Good Fortune Tarot's Ten of Wands and a card from the Rethink Self Care Anxiety Relief Cards

Today’s draw is the Ten of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of overwhelm, burnout, struggling under too much responsibility, and can indicate a need to do some prioritizing and delegation.

The Ten of Wands has then been combined with the Extended Exhale Meditation card from the Rethink Self Care Anxiety Relief Cards, which says, “Take a deep breath through your nose, counting to three. Exhale slowly through your mouth, counting to six. With each exhale, imagine your body releasing stress and anger. Focus on the longer out-breath, allowing it to slow your heart rate and calm your thoughts. Repeat until you feel grounded.”

Do you know that the natural reaction of most people when faced with a sudden onset of pain is to hold their breath? They hitch in air and clamp closed the airway, holding that air inside their lungs and depriving their body of oxygen as if this will help the situation in some way.

In truth, when we are overcome by pain, the most helpful thing we can do for ourselves is to breathe deeply. To take the time to slow down our breath and deepen it so that our body is given more oxygen instead of less. This feeds oxygen into our muscles and allows them to relax, which in turn can have a positive influence on our pain levels and reactions.

This is true, as well, for stress and overwhelm. Taking a moment to focus on the breath and consciously slow and deepen our breathing provides relief, allowing muscles to relax a bit and tensions to ease.

The message in today’s Ten of Wands and grounding exercise is a reminder that we all get overwhelmed from time to time. By pain, by tension and stress, by responsibilities, etc. We all find ourselves overburdened and overwhelmed now and then. During these times, by pausing and taking a moment to breathe, focusing on slowing and deepening our breath, we can help ourselves be more resilient in these moments.

DECKS USED:  GOOD FORTUNE TAROT AND RETHINK SELF CARE ANXIETY RELIEF CARDS

One Card Tarot Journal Activity by @mariasofia_astro
Chapter 6 | Entry 10 – Title
Affirmation : “My dreams are a way for me to commune with the Divine and my own subconscious.”
Prompt : Answer this property before a nap, mindful meditation, or bedtime: “As I fall asleep, what symbols from the card I draw might work its way into my dream realm, either literally or symbolically?” Journal about your experience when you wake up.

Tarot Activity from The One Card a Day Journal by Maria Sofia Marmanides - Roll to Roll Tarot - The Devil

What feelings came up when I pulled this card?

I had a bit of an uh-oh reaction to this one, anticipating that perhaps my dreams would be filled with conflicting decision-making and/or selfish themes.

What elements of the card’s meaning resonate with me and this prompt?

The Devil card is often about addictions and temptations, especially those that start off as either intriguing or interesting and end up being self-destructive over time.

I have an extremely addictive personality, and anything that provides me a bit of dopamine is a risk at becoming an addiction. Even healthy things can become unhealthy when you get too much of a good thing.

What in the artwork spoke to me?

The upsidedown pentagram in the background really draws my eye. Like with the Christian cross, it has been picked up by contrary belief systems by taking it and turning it upside down. Essentially, creating something negative out of something that would otherwise be a positive symbol… much like my comment above about even healthy things becoming unhealthy through excess.

My prompt response and reflections.

This activity was sort of a dud for me. I got a lot out of the card and my reflections on the card, especially because my readings of late have been rife with warnings about temptations and addictions, and keeping them in hand.

The thing is, though, that I didn’t dream. Or rather, I don’t remember my dreams. Sometimes I do… but last night was not one of those nights, which happens more often than not.

Other elements included in this reading:
Unakite D20 and D6 Dice

DECK USED:  ROLL TO ROLL TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2026 Challenge
Prompt for September 27th
: Do Spread 3

Tarot Reading with The Good Fortune Tarot and Oh My Heart Oracle

What gifts from Summer are ready to be harvested?

The High Priestess atop The Lovers; Hungry Heart

You are getting better at listening to your intuition and inner knowing when it comes to what is right and healthy for you, and prioritizing these things over the punishment of neglect and self-destructive tendencies you often find yourself drawn to.

You are dealing with a good number of temptations right now that could easily become self-destructive. Gather up these successes in the Summer to help carry you through these moments of temptation.

Where is your attention most needed between now and the upcoming last harvest of the year?

Three of Cups and Free Spirit

This time of year is your last hurrah before the busy season arrives. This is still true, even if the business has been a bit slower this year than in the past. Have some fun. These cards encourage you to enjoy this time. Be silly. Do the things you enjoy and savor the freedom of having the time to do them.

What seeds need to be planted now to be ready in Spring?

Three of Pentacles and Fortress

True stability is created through working together with others. Build the happy and healthy home life you want through the connections and relationships you nurture and grow. It’s only through the help of others you can find that security that you so deeply crave.

Other elements included in this reading:
Staghorn Sumac for Connecting with Nature and the Wild Within
Japanese Cherry Leaf as a Reminder of Life’s Fleeting Moments
Foraged Oak Branch with Moss and Lichen for Perseverance
Carnelian Agate Mushroom for Focusing On Aspirations
Moss Agate for Attracting Opportunities for Growth
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: GOOD FORTUNE TAROT AND OH MY HEART ORACLE
Daily Self Kindness

I returned to searching for a discrepancy in my paperwork today and finally (after a month of hunting) found it!

Dumpster Fire of Getting Older

Today’s meditation was Today’s meditation was a ten minute Daily Calm session from the @Calm app.

•    •    •    ◈    •    🌾    •    ◈    •    •    •

Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

No. 0 Tarot's Nine of Wands and a card from The Nurtured Heart Oracle

Today’s draw is the Nine of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of boundaries, defensive maneuvers, and protection of what you hold dear.

The Nine of Wands has then been combined with the Movement card from The Nourished Heart Oracle, which says, “I moved my body for pleasure, not for punishment.”

I would venture to guess that there is at least 20% of humanity that enjoys exercising. I am, unfortunately, not one of those 20% of the population. Don’t get me wrong, I used to be. Hiking, biking, trail running, weights, swimming… I loved all of else things and more.

Over time, though, pain has worn me down. All of these activities heighten my pain, and require more recovery time than before. I’m not talking the soreness of being out of shape, but rather the stiffness of damaged joints, inflammation, and old injuries. The kind of things that don’t ease up no matter how in shape you are.

Nowadays it’s a careful balance between how much my body can take and how much recovery time will be needed. After all, I still need to be able to work and carry on with the day-to-day, which means I can’t be laid up for too long. Neither can I afford the assistance of a physical therapist, chiropractor, and massage therapist on a regular basis.

The message in today’s Nine of Wands and affirmation card is a reminder that it’s okay to do things at a pace that helps “keep the dumpster fire from burning down your home”. Movement is important, but do it at a sustainable pace and pick those things you enjoy to do. Your enjoyment makes the hurdles less painful and the experience more fun.

DECKS USED:  NO.0 TAROT PURPLE EDITION AND THE NOURISHED HEART ORACLE

September Prompts by @forgotten.dumpling & @ml.mecham
Prompt for September 27th
: my winter heart splintered

Writing Activity with the Under the Moon Playing Cards Midnight Edition

I remember losing you
to the darkness
(Five of Hearts atop King of Hearts)
as you became smaller and smaller
(Six of Spades)
and I crumbled a little at a time
under a responsibility I wasn’t made for
(Five of Spades atop Jack of Diamonds)
when I realized your shoes
were far too big for me to fill
and far too heavy for me to walk in
(Jack of Hearts and Ten of Clubs)

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Rhododendron Leaf for Fostering Confidence
Gneiss Stone for Patience in Moments of Discomfort
Rose Quartz for Gentle Kindness to Self and Others
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: UNDER THE MOON PLAYING CARDS MIDNIGHT EDITION

@lightningwildflower‘s September Self-Talk Challenge
Prompts for September 26th and 27th

Tarot Reading with the No. 0 Tarot and Kute Afflictions Cards Visiting Hours Series

Sun trine Pluto, Full Moon in Aries – What bold action can help me step into my authentic self?

Ace of Swords and Corvis

Communicate with those that truly care about you and your well-being. Allow them to see and hear how you are truly feeling, as well as what that negative voice in your head is secretly whispering to you. Let them provide the emotional support that you need by listening to those thoughts and feelings that you try so hard to keep to yourself.

Mars enters Leo – How can I act courageously in a way that feels true to me?

The Lovers and Dorian

Allow yourself to like what you like, connect in the ways you are most comfortable connecting, and let others see that being different means being uniquely special instead of a reject or freak.

It is in your authenticity where you truly shine, and at the same time encourage others to do the same.

Other elements included in this reading:
Black Spruce Needles to Boost Self-Confidence and Positive Thinking
Dried Rosebuds for Potential and Beauty Waiting to Unfold
Dried Purple Heather Flowers for Independence and Luck
Green Aventurine for Harmony and Balance of the Heart
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: NO.0 TAROT PURPLE EDITION AND KUTE AFFLICTIONS CARDS VISITING HOURS SERIES
Daily Self Kindness

I’ve ordered myself a pair of night-driving clip-ons for my glasses. It feels like the starbursts and glare from my astigmatism is getting worse over time. I’m hoping they might help.

Jumping to Conclusions

Today’s meditation was Today’s meditation was a ten minute Daily Calm session from the @Calm app.

•    •    •    ◈    •    🌾    •    ◈    •    •    •

Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

EIght of Wands in the Taste Buddies Tarot and a card from the Mindfulness Cards

Today’s draw is the Eight of Wands (Sticks), which is traditionally a representation of action, speed, alacrity, fast paced events or change, or having a target goal in your sights that you are charging towards.

The Eight of Sticks has then been combined with the See the Screen card from the Mindfulness Cards, which says, “When we’re watching TV, at a movie, or using our devices, we tend to focus on what’s on the screen rather than the screen itself. Next time you’re watching something on the screen, try including the screen itself as a part of what you see. Notice what it feels like to include the screen in your viewing experience. The simple practice is a powerful metaphor for how our minds can get sucked into the content of our thoughts rather than taking a bigger view and looking at the nature of our awareness itself.”

It can often be difficult to look beyond our own sphere of experience and influence. We see what our brain tells us to see, and our brain is influenced by our history, our experiences, our opinions, and our beliefs. This, in turn, changes our perspective from that of the person beside us, even when we’re looking at the exact same thing.

This is a big part of the reason that police officers cannot depend upon a single witness to an event. Especially if there is more than one witness available to interview.

The messaging today’s Eight of Sticks and affirmation card is a reminder not to jump to conclusions. When we rush to assumptions and conclusions, we are missing a portion of the picture… and sometimes that portion is extremely important to how we end up seeing the whole. These cards encourage us to slow down and look at things more closely and from more than just the initial angle of perspective we first see.

DECKS USED:  TASTE BUDDIES TAROT AND MINDFULNESS CARDS

September Prompts by @forgotten.dumpling & @ml.mecham
Prompt for September 25th
: the price of a sign from the universe

Creative Writing Activity with the Portfolio52 Nazo Nazo Playing Cards Onsen Deck

the pendulum swings from side to side
momentum and gravity creating cause and effect
(Eight of Spades)

an exchange played out by the universe and her rules
in her never ending pursuit of balance
(Two of Diamonds)

and when we ask for a boon or favor
she’s happy to bestow upon us what we need
(Ace of Clubs)

but don’t be surprised when she wants in return
more than you want to give
(Seven of Spades)

Other elements included in this reading:
Japanese Cherry Leaf as a Reminder of Life’s Fleeting Moments
Gray Agate for Instilling Gentleness, Calm, and Stability
Green Aventurine for Harmony and Balance of the Heart
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: PORTFOLIO 52 ONSEN PLAYING CARDS

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2026 Challenge
Prompt for September 25th
: What do you need to focus on for self-care for this month’s full moon?

Tarot Reading with the Taste Buddies Tarot

Reading Summary: Focus on the strength needed (Strength) to step away (The Hermit) when temptations are trying to get the better of you (Devilish Eggs).

Take Away: There is a lot of temptation in your life right now, mostly surrounding your finances and self restraint, that you need to make sure you are paying attention to and not falling under it’s spell.

Make sure you are pausing to look within and drumming up inner strength to resist these temptations as they arise rather than giving into them. You won’t be sorry in holding back at this time, and a little self reflection can go a long way in helping you find the strength to do so.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Parmeliaceae Lichen for a “Breath of Fresh Air”
Scotch Pine Cone for Purging Negative Influences
Moss Agate for Attracting Opportunities for Growth
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: TASTE BUDDIES TAROT
Daily Self Kindness

I went in for a therapeutic massage today instead of bearing through with the pain in my back.

Setting the Tone

Today’s meditation was a ten minute Daily Trip session in the @Calm app.

•    •    •    ◈    •    🌾    •    ◈    •    •    •

Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

The Gothic Literature Tarot's Three of Wands and a card from the Listening to Flowers Cards

Today’s draw is the Three of Wands (Torches), which is traditionally a representation of the first active step in a journey, progress towards a goal, and the seizing of opportunities.

The card has then been combined with The Vervain card from the Listening to Flowers Cards, which says, “ I relax and allow life to unfold peacefully. I transform tension into calm. I soften my views and trust in a higher power.”

Look at the adventures to come as just that… adventures! New journeys hold a wealth of unknowns, but if that’s what you focus on, then the journey becomes a fear-filled voyage instead of a high seas adventure.

Instead, focus on the potential before you, just within your reach. Pursue this potential with eagerness and alacrity. In doing so, you leave little to no room for doubts and naysaying to slip on and draw fear and uncertainty to the surface.

The message in today’s Three of Torches and Vervain card is a reminder that it’s in how you approach the unknown that transforms it into either something to fear or something to celebrate. Choose wisely the attitude you approach the new unknowns in your life, for it’s your approach that decides the flavor of the journey ahead.

DECKS USED:  GOTHIC LITERATURE TAROT AND LISTENING TO FLOWERS CARDS

September Prompts by @forgotten.dumpling & @ml.mecham
Prompt for September 24th
: my throat is a graveyard

Creative Writing Activity with The Keys of Solomon Playing Cards

so many words left unspoken
(Eight of Spades)
silenced to keep the peace
or avoid inconveniencing others
(Nine of Clubs atop Ace of Spades)
that they become like pebbles or polyps
stuck to the inside of the throat
(Five of Diamonds)
slowly cutting off air
and choking the life out
one word at a time
(Seven of Spades)
until the words decay into halitosis
closing my mouth for good
(Ten of Spades)
until one day it is merely
dust and bones left behind
(Ten of Clubs)
coating my throat
with the ghost of who I once was
(Five of Hearts atop King of Spades)

Other elements included in this reading:
Staghorn Sumac for Connecting with Nature and the Wild Within
Gneiss Wishing Stone for Patience in Moments of Discomfort
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: THE KEYS OF SOLOMON PLAYING CARDS

@lightningwildflower‘s September Self-Talk Challenge
Prompts for September 24th and 25th

Tarot Reading with The Gothic Literature Tarot

Openness – Where am I being invited to be more open-hearted?

Eight of Torches and Eight of Ravens

Instead of rushing around focused on your own little world and the perspectives it provides, it’s time to slow down and look outside yourself.

Pay attention to what’s going on around you. Work on putting on the back burner that need to push yourself, for it’s getting in the way of allowing you to see and feel more of what’s going on.

Sun opposite Neptune – How might I be idealizing a situation or a person?

Five of Chalices atop The Sun

Remember that you can’t possibly know the trials, tribulations, and struggles others are going through. Their innermost thoughts and feelings may not match the mask that they show the world.

Look deeper instead of taking the people around you at face value.

Other elements included in this reading:
Black Spruce Needles to Boost Self-Confidence and Positive Thinking
Dried Rosebuds for Potential and Beauty Waiting to Unfold
Dried Purple Heather Flowers for Independence and Luck
Rainforest Rhyolite for Facilitating Calm Transitions
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: GOTHIC LITERATURE TAROT
Daily Self Kindness

I bought chocolate muffins on the way home today as a treat.

The Reset

Today’s meditation was a ten minute Daily Calm session from the @Calm app.

•    •    •    ◈    •    🌾    •    ◈    •    •    •

Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Threadbound Dreams Tarot's Justice Card and a card from the Self-Care Anxiety Relief Cards

Today’s draw is the Justice card, which is traditionally a representation of balance, cause and effect, repercussions and consequences, give and take, and can often indicate the law or legal system.

The card has then been combined with the Mountain Grounding Exercise card from the Self Care and Anxiety Relief Cards, which says, “Visualize yourself standing at the base of a grand mountain. In your mind begin to climb the mountain. With each step, let go of a worry or distraction, feeling lighter and more focused. Imagine the mountain air clearing your thoughts as the view becomes more expansive and breathtaking. At the summit, pause in the stillness. Let the profound tranquility fill every part of you, bringing you peace and grounding.”

If you don’t give yourself time to clear out your thoughts and find your footing, you begin to experience the repercussions of pushing yourself too hard and not giving your body, mind, and spirit what it needs.

One of those things that everyone needs from time to time is a bit of tranquility and solitude, where you allow your worries, concerns, overactive thoughts, and other anxiety to take a backseat. When you let them go, even for just a little while, it gives your nervous system a break from their influences. As a result, you can come back to these issues refreshed and no longer so harried or weighed down.

The message in today’s Justice card and grounding exercise as a reminder that we all need a break from our stress now and then, especially in times when we think we don’t have time to give ourselves that break. When we do, we come back refreshed and ready to tackle things head on once again.

DECKS USED:  THREADBOUND DREAMS TAROT AND SELF-CARE & ANXIETY RELIEF CARDS

September Prompts by @forgotten.dumpling & @ml.mecham
Prompt for September 23rd
: until I monsoon

Creative Writing Activity with the Unity Playing Cards

my dearest love
please push and pick
and pull at teeth
to your hearts content
(King of Hearts and Jack of Hearts)

for as much as I fight
resisting with sharp words
and backlash
(Five of Clubs)

I need you to root out
the secrets hidden within
until tears fall
(Nine of Spades and Three of Spades)

and the broken pieces
I hide away
allow you to help
put me back together again
(Seven of Diamonds and Ace of Hearts)

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Parmeliaceae Lichen for a “Breath of Fresh Air”
Dried Red Maple Leaf for Adaptability and Connection
Foraged Acorns for Protection during New Beginnings
Rose Quartz for Gentle Kindness to Self and Others
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: UNITY PLAYING CARDS

@lightningwildflower‘s September Self-Talk Challenge
Transparency Prompt for September 23rd
: What conversation needs to be approached with honesty?

Tarot Reading with the Threadbound Dreams Tarot

Reading Summary: New opportunities (Ace of Pentacles) for increased stability (Four of Pentacles) require thinking of more than just today’s results but also tomorrow’s repercussions (Judgement).

Take Away: This is an echo of something that was mentioned in my Self-Care Saturday reading for this week. That is to say that someone is going to be coming forward with opportunity that could influence the finances and stability in my life.

These cards are a reminder that it’s important to look past the surface and the enthusiastic presentation, to consider if this is really a good fit and worth pursuing… or if it’s just a case of getting caught up in the hype. Don’t be taken in by the bullshit.

Other elements included in this reading:
Black Spruce Needles to Boost Self-Confidence and Positive Thinking
Oregon White Oak Leaf for Strength, Stability, and Longevity
Dried Purple Heather Flowers for Independence and Luck
Clear Quartz for boosting Mental Clarity
Desert Rose for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: THREADBOUND DREAMS TAROT
Daily Self Kindness

I ordered myself a replacement pair of Shokz Open Run Pro to keep in the car. I forget mine too often at home and they’re extremely helpful in my daily activities.