There’s Only So Much You Can Carry

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

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

Solarpunk Tarot - Seven of Cups

Today’s draw is the Knight of Cups (Aguadora), which is traditionally a representation of an active beta energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s emotions, relationships, intuition, and creativity. This often portrays itself in a theme of going after what brings someone joy or following your imagination and creativity into new adventures.

The Knight of Cups has then been combined with the You Are Enough affirmation card from the Pass Around the Smile Guided Affirmation Cards, which says, “I love me! I am so grateful to be me! I am embrace who I am. I am unique, radiant, and powerful.”

Consider… a “traditional” Thanksgiving dinner. The abundance of food is mind boggling in its array of flavors and textures. A myriad of delights. You couldn’t possibly eat it all, though, no matter how hard you tried. Depending on the size of the family involved, an army couldn’t eat it all in one go. You have to pick and choose.

The same can be said for life as a whole as well. We have to pick and choose that which we decide to pursue in life, and that which we don’t.

At that hypothetical Thanksgiving dinner, if you don’t like dates, you wouldn’t fill up on the stuffed dates. If you don’t like sour cream, you wouldn’t put it on your potatoes. In this same way, if you don’t like math, why would you choose to become an accountant? If you don’t like the outdoors, why would you choose to become a forest ranger?

The message in today’s Knight of Cups and affirmation card is an encouragement to pass over the things you don’t like in life where you can in order to make more room in your life for the things you love and enjoy. Yes, sometimes unpleasant tasks are unavoidable. We all have to do (and pay) our taxes, for example. The point here is to look at how many things in your life -are- avoidable that you’re let cluttering up space that could be spent doing things that will bring you joy and happiness.

DECKS USED:  SOLARPUNK TAROT AND PASS AROUND THE SMILE GUIDED AFFIRMATION CARDS

One Card Tarot Journal Activity by @mariasofia_astro
Chapter 5 | Entry 4 – Health and Body
Affirmation : “I love my body.”
Prompt : Think about a perceived flaw or physical insecurity you have. Instead of wishing to change it, what if you were forced to think the opposite about it – at least for the length of this prompt. How can the insight and keywords of the card you draw help you reframe what you say to yourself about your body?

Tarot Activity from The One Card a Day Journal by Maria Sofia Marmanides - Cyberpunk 2077 Edgerunners Tarot - Death

What feelings came up when I pulled this card?

My first reaction was a “yes, I know, we’re supposed to be changing how we see ourselves.” Dripping with sarcasm, of course.

I then told myself to take a step back from that initial reaction, which did not come from intuition but rather from the negative inner narratives in my head.

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

The Death card is all about change. Especially change that happens over time.

My chosen “flaw” is my scars. The thing is, though, that these scars aren’t as bad as they once were even if they feel in my mind as if they are still fresh and glaringly obvious on my flesh.

Scars fade.

Do they go away? No. But they do start to blend in after a decade or two, and people don’t notice them (or stare at them) half as much anymore as a result.

What in the artwork spoke to me?

What stood out to me in this imagery was the splitting of the tongue with the blade. It spoke to me of injuries, wounds, and how they take time to heal.

What comes from these wounds is different than what was there before, but it’s still functional, and speaks a story of survival and adaptation rather than failings.

My prompt response and reflections.

My scars are not as hideous as as my negative self talk tries to convince me that they are. Yes, when they were fresh, they were an eyesore and something that people stared at.

As I have aged, and these scars have begun to settle in and fade to a degree, I no longer get those horrified stares… even if my mind sometimes tries to tell me I do.

Other elements included in this reading:
Amber Resin D20 and Banded Agate D6 Dice

DECK USED: CYBERPUNK 2077 EDGERUNNERS TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsAug2026 Challenge
Prompt for August 2nd
: Do Spread 1
Focusing on the PHYSICAL aspects of your life and growth this season.

Tarot Reading with the Solarpunk Tarot and Way of the Wild Oracle

Seeds Sown: What seeds for my physical health & growth planted in the Spring have flourished and grown strong?

The Farmer (Empress) and Imbolc (Snowdrops)

Although a few of the things planted on the balcony this year faded due to a bit of neglect in the heat, the majority of the garden on your balcony is flourishing. In having taken the time to plant and tend to your garden early on in the spring, you are now reaping the benefits of being able to play in that garden as needed during these summer months.

The Chaff: What seeds have not flourished and need to be let go to encourage healthy growth in other areas?

Wilderness (Strength) and Waning Moon – It has been more difficult for you to get out in nature than you’d anticipated it would be throughout the spring and summer. This doesn’t mean you need to push harder and try and strong arm it into happening, though… but rather, find other ways to connect with nature so that you’re not left feeling bereft (like your time in the garden, as mentioned above).

The Harvest: How can I best prepare now to reap the benefits of a positive and healthy harvest in the Fall?

Three of Swords and The Morrigan – Pay particular attention to the messages you are receiving through your intuition and divination work in the present in order to prepare for the future. Even the disappointing messages hold great import. Don’t disregard them out of turn just because you don’t like what they have to say.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Oak Branch with Moss and Lichen for Perseverance
Bird Figurine for Fostering Hope, Positivity, and Renewal
Honey Calcite for Optimism and Motivational Boost
Yellow Jasper Acorn for sparking Interest in New Opportunities
Red Jasper for Awakening and Motivation toward Growth
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECKS USED:  SOLARPUNK TAROT AND WAY OF THE WILD ORACLE
Daily Self Kindness

I sat with a pair of tweezers, magnifying glass, and a headlamp and carefully plucked every sliver out of my feet that I managed to acquire walking barefoot on cedar chips in the garden at Ms B’s on Tuesday. It took a really long time.

Celebrating Qualities Shared

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

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

Tarot of Her - King of Swords, Sage of Leaves

Today’s draw is the King of Swords (Sage of Leaves), which is traditionally a representation of a projective “alpha” energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s thoughts, intellect, education, ambitions, and communication. This often translates into themes that have to do with someone that has a way with words and is able to use those skills to lead others to their way of thinking, as well as those that are in authority on intellectual topics such as professors, doctors, etc.

The Sage of Leaves has then been combined with a Gratitude and Appreciation card from the Rethink 120 Learning Cards For Mindful Daily Life deck, which says, “Reflect on the blessings in your life and name three things that bring you joy and gratitude in this moment.”

I am Organized – it may not always look like it when I am in the middle of a creative endeavor, or even sometimes when you walk into my house, but I am highly organized; and, in being this way, it makes life easier for me in the day-to-day. I find a pure sense of joy and satisfaction when things are organized and put away as they should be.

I have Agency – I have the ability to walk away from what isn’t right for me. I can choose what I decide to participate in and what I don’t. In having the ability to make these decisions, I’m given the opportunity to mold and curate my life and experiences as I see fit.

I take Ownership – When I make a mistake or I am wrong about something, I have no problem admitting to this. I see these moments as an opportunity to learn something new, rather than an embarrassment or something to be ashamed of. After all, no one knows everything. Our entire lives are a learning journey.

The message in today’s Sage of Leaves and affirmation card ask us to look at the qualities of the King of Swords, and acknowledge what qualities we share with this card that we are grateful to have as a part of who we are.

Consider… which qualities do you share with the King of Swords that bring you joy and happiness?

DECKS USED:  TAROT OF HER 2ND EDITION AND RETHINK 120 LEARNING CARDS FOR MINDFUL DAILY LIFE DECK

@note.project August Journal Prompts
Prompt for August 1st and 2nd

Tarot Reading with the Tarot of Her and Seelengarten Orakel

Something I want to enjoy before summer comes to an end

The Lovers and Holla – You want to find a rhythm and routine that actually works for you.

Too often you feel overwhelmed and like you’re running around never quite catching up. You would like to find a rhythm that allows you to feel in sync instead of always feeling as if you’re falling behind.

A summer moment I want to remember for a long time

Monarch of Stems and Violette Flamme – You have been connecting more easily with your emotions this summer.

This includes during the drop and the activities that lead up to it, which (most recently) felt a bit like burning away cobwebs of disuse to reinvigorate a part of yourself that you didn’t even realize was feeling lost and neglected.

Other elements included in this reading:
Pressed Pansy Flowers for Hearing the Heart More Clearly
Clear Quartz Crescent for Amplification of Lunar Energies
Green Calcite for Finding Balance Within the Self
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: TAROT OF HER 2ND EDITION AND SEELENGARTEN ORAKEL
Daily Self Kindness

I officially deleted my back log of posts from July 23 – 31 to start over fresh in August.

The Value of Presence

Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Golden Thread Tarot - Three of Cups

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

Today’s draw is the Three of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of friendships, revelry, celebration, and collaboration between those that are linked or alike not just in mind but also in heart.

The Three of Cups has then been combined with a prompt from Animantras Chakra Oracle, which says, “Be Helpful”.

Sometimes the help others need from you doesn’t come in the form of chores, extra work, or burdens that are not our own. Sometimes, they just need a little of your time and to share space in your company.

Too often we forget that the greatest and most valuable thing we can provide to those in need is our time and attention. Whether sitting at a bedside or sharing a few laughs, this time is often a greater gift than any “service” you could perform.

The message in today’s Three of Cups and “Be Helpful” prompt is a reminder that the most valuable resource you have isn’t the strength of your muscles or the chores you do, but your presence in the lives of others and the valuable time and energy spent in their company.

DECKS USED:  THE GOLDEN THREAD TAROT AND ANIMANTRAS CHAKRA ORACLE

Falling Into Place

Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Spellbound Tarot - Five of Wands

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

Today’s draw is the Five of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of conflict, tests, trials, and struggle in the area of one’s passions, drive, determination, principles, values, and willpower.

The Five of Wands has then been combined with the Finding Your Way card from Life Navigator Deck, which says, “When the mists come down and you can’t see far ahead – just stay focused on where you want to be, rather than how you’ll get there… and you’ll get there.”

Sometimes there’s just no point in arguing or otherwise butting heads with others. Not fighting doesn’t mean you agree. Instead, it can simply means that fighting over it isn’t worth your time and you’re going to do things your own way without giving others the option to argue.

Although not to be applied universally, as debate is often disguised as a form of brainstorming, when used occasionally as needed, this refusal to engage can circumvent a lot of strife and save time.

The message in today’s Five of Wands and affirmation card is a reminder that controlling every detail isn’t necessary. Sometimes if you just step up and do the thing without all the “what if” thinking and debate, everything will just fall into place.

DECK USED:  SPELLBOUND TAROT AND THE LIFE NAVIGATOR DECK

The @ambitiouslyalexa July Journal Prompts

Prompt for July 21st
: A space you’re creating

Oracle Reading with the Lusefell Oracle

Reading Summary: A place of safety, stability, and hope (The Teeth) for yourself and others that offers shelter in the storm (The Storm) when things start to feel hopeless and lonely (The Smith).

Take Away: This isn’t about a physical or even online space (although both apply), as it is about space “with you” wherever you may be.

You offer these feelings of safety, acceptance, and stability to others that you welcome into your “sphere of influence”, providing them a place of comfort and hope where they can take a breath away from the harshness life and society often offers.

This is offered through your presence, giving them a moment to feels comfortable and secure, often when they need it most.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Oak Branch with Moss and Lichen for Perseverance
Raw Fluorite for Concentration and Energy Stabilization
Honey Calcite for Optimism and Motivational Boost
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: THE LUSEFELL ORACLE

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2026 Challenge

3-Card Spread Prompt for July 21st
: About friendship…

Tarot Reading with the Spellbound Tarot

Two healthy and one unhealthy thing that you bring to your friendships with others

Five of Wands – You push others to see perspectives outside their own, and think outside the box of their own assumptions and preconceived notions.

The World – You encourage them in their endeavors, supporting them through the process to the very end, then ensuring that they take a moment to appreciate how far they’ve come and all they’ve put into getting there.

Knight of Wands Rx – You have a tendency to go off on your own adventures without inviting them along, or even checking in now and then while you’re distracted elsewhere. This can often cause them to feel left out, neglected, or ignored when in truth you have simply become so distracted by whatever has your focus that for a time everything else has disappeared from your awareness.

Other elements included in this reading:
Pressed Pansy Flowers for Hearing the Heart More Clearly
Dried Red Maple Leaf for Adaptability and Connection
Amethyst Mushroom for Fostering Spiritual Growth
Desert Rose for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED:  SPELLBOUND TAROT
Daily Self Kindness

This is a catch up post, and I’m not entirely sure what the self kindness was for this day.

Selfish Motivations in Kindness

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.

Legend The Arthurian Tarot - Eight of Wands

Today’s draw is the Eight of Wands (Spears), 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 Wands card has then been combined with Warm Glow card from the Box of Emotions, which says, “Most of us walk off feeling a little bouncier after helping carry a stranger’s pram up the stairs, or bringing in a neighbour’s shopping. Random acts of kindness give a feeling of solidarity of the ‘we’re all in this together variety, even a swell of pride…

In my family, there’s been a long re-hashed debate over if charity is still considered charity if you feel good about having given in some way.

It’s not about accolades of others and whether or not you contribute anonymously, it’s about the sense of personal pleasure or gratification that comes from the acts of kindness and charity that we give to others.

My theory on this is that we feel that sense of pleasure because we’re doing the right thing, and that whether or not the pleasure is there shouldn’t make a difference in how altruistic or good that kindness might be. Some in my family feel that if you feel pleasure when giving charity or doing a kindness, then it’s not truly altruistic at all, but a selfish act.

I’m not entirely sure who’s right here. Maybe we both are. What I -am- sure about, though? Is that whether you’re contributing to charity or giving a kindness to someone just to feel good about yourself, or without any pleasure on your side at all… it’s still a kindness given. It’s still -help- given. It still counts. So do it anyway, no matter if there’s something in it for you or not.

That’s the message in today’s Eight of Wands and Warm Glow card. Do it anyway. Be kind. Give of yourself to others in need, whether it’s through financial assistance, time, attention, energy… whatever way you are capable of and comfortable with giving. Just do it. It all counts.

DECK USED:  LEGEND THE ARTHURIAN TAROT AND BOX OF EMOTIONS

The @ambitiouslyalexa July Journal Prompts
Prompt for July 20th
: A comparison you’re letting go of

Oracle Reading with the Coastal Curiosities Oracle

Reading Summary: That being soft, vulnerable, or tender (Tender) makes you weak (Endurance Rx) and/or separates you from your goals and happiness (Trapped Rx).

Take Away: You have spent a very long time viewing your vulnerabilities as obstacles or a detriment to your goals and happiness; effectively putting vulnerability on one side of the scale and everything you want and need on the other side.

You are beginning to understand, though, that this is not the case, and to let go of the assumption that it has to be one or the other when it comes to your vulnerabilities and your successes.

As you begin to understand and accept your vulnerabilities, you are instead coming to discover that they possess within themselves their own strengths, and allow you to learn and grow in ways you otherwise wouldn’t.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Lavender Bundle for Calming and Comfort
Norway Maple Key for Fostering Strength and Resilience
Moss Agate Leaf for Attracting Opportunities for Growth
Desert Rose for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: COASTAL CURIOSITIES NATURALIST EDITION

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2026 Challenge
3-Card Spread Prompt for July 20th
: About loneliness…

Tarot Reading with the Legend The Arthurian Tarot - Eight of Wands

How to turn

Loneliness (an emotional isolation from others and a subjective discomfort from that lack of connection)

Page of Cups – You most often feel loneliness when you want to share your feelings, creativity, and imagination with others but are unable to do so for whatever reason.

and Aloneness (the feeling of being “all alone in the universe” and empty inside due to emotional self-abandonment)

Two of Pentacles – You most often feel all alone and empty inside when you fall into the habit of seeing balance as a stagnant state and forget to (or refuse to) move and adapt.

into Comfortable Solitude (a peaceful and healthy embrace of solitude for healthy reflection and renewal)

Three of Swords – The two above experiences can be turned into comfortable solitude by refusing to listen to the negative self talk that works so hard to put an unhealthy spin on everything you do and experience. Stop listening to the “shoulds” that inner narrative pushes upon you and the unreasonable expectations attached to them.

Other elements included in this reading:
Holly Leaf for assistance in Gentling Negative Emotions
Deodar Cedar Cone for Fostering Clarity and Spiritual Connection
Foraged Acorn for Protection during New Beginnings
Hag Stone for Connecting with the Liminal
Red Jasper for Awakening and Motivation toward Growth
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: LEGEND THE ARTHURIAN TAROT
Daily Self Kindness

This is a catch up post, and I’m not entirely sure what the self kindness was for this day.

Selective Hand Holding

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 Wonderland Tarot in a Tin - The Lovers

Today’s draw is The Lovers card, which is traditionally a representation of love and relationships, long term contracts, harmonious unions, and making choices that are geared toward what is best for you.

The Lovers card has then been combined with the Holding Hands card from the Happy Little Things deck, which says, “If you hold the hand of someone you love, things will find their way to sweetness.”

Even in the strongest of introverts, it is rare to find someone that does not need at least a small amount of contact with others for their wellness and well-being. Sure, there are exceptions to every rule. But most introverts still want contact with people, they’re just very choosy about who with and how that contact happens.

That’s what today’s Lovers card and affirmation are all about. These cards encourage us to look at the people we surround ourselves with and be more selective about those whom we share our space, time, and energy with.

If you wouldn’t want to hold their hand, even in a platonic way (such as a high-five at the end of a race or helping them up a steep climb), why do you want them in your life at all; and what purpose are they actually providing towards your happiness, health, and well-being?

The message in today’s Lovers card and affirmation encourage us to take a closer look at the people in our lives and to create within our lives a collection of those people where holding hands becomes the norm instead of the exception.

DECKS USED: THE WONDERLAND TAROT IN A TIN AND HAPPY LITTLE THINGS DECK

One Card Tarot Journal Activity by @mariasofia_astro
Chapter 4 | Entry 19 – Career and Finance
Affirmation : “The best experiences in life are free.”
Prompt : According to the card you draw, what is one thing you can do today that will not cost any money, but will bring a lot of joy?

Tarot Activity from The One Card a Day Journal by Maria Sofia Marmanides - Metro Tarot Cards - The Devil

What feelings came up when I pulled this card?

Puzzled was the feeling that came up here, as there are very few addictions (The Devil) that I indulge in that don’t cost money in one way or the other.

It made this card pull into a bit of a “thinker” for me until I dipped into the imagery side of things.

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

Addiction, obviously (as mentioned above). The Devil is often about taking those things we enjoy into excess, and thus having them turn from something joyful and healthy into something harmful like addiction.

I have an extremely addictive personality. If my dopamine receptors are triggered, the risk of addiction is there. It’s a problem, and one I have to carefully watch over or it can become damaging to me and my life on any number of levels depending on what I get hooked on.

What in the artwork spoke to me?

The imagery here looks like Mardi Gras. Alcohol, raucous fun, possible other substances, and anonymity. Dancing naked in the streets while flying so high that everything is hilarious. Freedom found through excess.

My prompt response and reflections.

The Devil card pulled for this prompt is a reminder that spending money isn’t the only thing to consider when seeking out fun, free activities. Adrenaline and dopamine also need to be added to the equation, as I find them both highly addictive.

This card doesn’t suggest an activity outright, but rather it helps in narrowing down my options while reminding me that free and carefree are both important elements to include in making this decision.

Other elements included in this reading:
Amber Resin D25 and Agate D6 Dice

DECK USED: METRO CARD TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2026 Challenge
Prompt for July 19th
: Do Spread 3

Tarot Reading with The Wonderland Tarot in a Tin

Where am I on my path at this time?

The High Priestess – Feeling your way forward through consultation with your inner ken. Your eyes are closed and your “feelers” are out.

What have I forgotten that needs to be brought with me upon my path?

The Sun – Success isn’t a bad word, but be careful from whom you ask for help. There’s always a liability involved when you invite others in on a project or pursuit, so choose those who would give you a hand up in your successes wisely.

How can I begin to incorporate that back into my life?

Queen of Flamingos (Swords) – Don’t be shy about expressing yourself and communicating your needs. Be shrewd and watch for signs that they are not the right fit, and listen to those indications instead of ignoring them.

What should I prepare to harvest at the end of the month?

Two of Pentacles – Balance. Be aware that as the summer wears on, it’s easy to allow things to fall out of balance as business slows down, responsibilities elsewhere ramp up, and the heat makes you want to retreat from the world and hide away. Make sure you are making the adjustments needed to keep yourself from knocking things out of balance with those unhealthy inclinations.

How do I begin those preparations?

Ten of Swords – Begin now in letting go of the shit that’s come to the end of its life cycle. It’s not worth your time and energy to fuss over spilled milk. Just clean it up and keep moving.

Other elements included in this reading:
Handcrafted Sigil for Healthy Sustainable Energy
Staghorn Sumac for Connecting with Nature and the Wild Within
Foraged Parmeliaceae Lichen for a “Breath of Fresh Air”
Foraged Wood Fern for Exorcising Negative Influences
Citrine for Energy Lift (easing the weight of heavy energies)
Carnelian Agate for Inner Drive and Focusing On Aspirations
Cave Aragonite Stalactite for Fostering Tolerance and Understanding
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: THE WONDERLAND TAROT IN A TIN
Daily Self Kindness

I ate the nasty yogurt this morning to help keep my stomach at ease.