daily draw

I Accept Consequences

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#DailyTrip with the Calm app - Meditation isn't an escape from life, it's a way to go deeper into it. Quote by Jeff WarrenToday’s meditation was eleven minutes long, and was one of the #DailyTrip sessions from the Calm app.

Today’s session was about escapism, and how we use different methods to try to escape from reality.  Some of them are healthy (reading, exercise, vacations, etc), while others not so much (drugs, alcohol, risk taking behaviors, etc).

The session discussed how meditation, for many, is one of those things people try to use as an escape, when reality the practice of meditation is not an escape, but a honing in on the present. It’s living each single moment entirely in that moment… one moment at a time.

@GlitterbyInk #AprilAffirmations24 Prompt
Affirmation Prompt for April 19th: I Accept…

Maruco Animal Tarot - JusticeJustice – I accept that my actions have consequences.

You accept that with each decision you make there will be a reaction in turn. Instead of trying to foist off the blame on others, you accept that you made the choices you did fully knowing that there were consequences that may be involved that you wouldn’t like.

Sometimes, you play out the cause and effect beforehand, and know that the consequences might not be what you want out of the experience but do it anyway.  Other times, even though you anticipate the consequences may be unpleasant but unpredictable, you roll the dice.

Through it all, though, you own your actions, your decisions, and the choices you make… even those choices that don’t feel like choices at all. After all, how can you learn from your mistakes if you won’t admit to the mistakes you make?

DECK USED:  MARUCO ANIMAL TAROT

@Lionharts #TheAprilTarot Mercury Musing Prompt
Question for April 22nd: How can I best revisit past decisions or choices with a fresh perspective?

The Empty Cup Oracle and Forager's Daughter Tarot - Seven of Pentacles, Five of Pentacles, The TowerThe Tower Rx and Hatchet – When looking at those times when the world seems like it was ending and there was going to be no future to rebuild, look at how you handled the situation instead of letting it just spiral out of control.  Take time to examine how you took control, and in doing so help to direct things back to safer ground.

Seven of Pentacles and Book – Consider the instances where you have been stymied by a need to have patience and wait for results, and how that time of waiting has given you a chance to research and better yourself, preparing you to increase the yield of the end result.

Five of Pentacles and Diving Helmet – How many times have you allowed feelings of scarcity to cut you off from reality and isolate you in a miasma of despair?  What protections have you established that help in keeping you safe from this happening again?  Are you using those protections, or are they sitting on a shelf gathering dust and becoming obsolete through lack of practice in using them?

DECK USED: FORAGER’S DAUGHTER TAROT 1ST EDITION AND THE EMPTY CUP ORACLE

#DiscordTarotholicsApr2024 Challenge Prompt
Question for April 22nd: Earth Day – What activity will help you connect more closely with the earth?

Maruco Animal Tarot - The Emperor, Four of Pentacles, Ace of SwordsReading Summary: Stop trying to reinvent the wheel (Ace of Swords). You know what activities help to ground you and nurture you in a sense of security and stability (Four of Pentacles), so take on the responsibility of making sure that you are participating in those activities instead of avoiding them. It’s better for you, and better for everybody around you as well (The Emperor).

Take Away: In other words, stop thinking about it and just do it already. You know you need it.

That “it”, incidentally, being getting out in nature. Yes, it sucks that you can’t do the hard hikes that you’re used that take you up into unpopulated areas… but that doesn’t mean you can’t still spend some time among the trees. You know that you need it.

DECK USED: MARUCO ANIMAL TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I took a nap.  I spent time with Gid. I meditated. And, I did my cards (for the first time in days).

I Release Self Doubt

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

@GlitterbyInk #AprilAffirmations24 Prompt
Affirmation Prompt for April 18th: I Release…

Freecloud Tarot - The MagicianThe Magician Rx – I release self-doubt.

Sometimes having an idea isn’t enough.
Sometimes having the skills isn’t enough.  Sometimes having the creativity isn’t enough.
Sometimes having motivation isn’t enough.

Sometimes, you just plain feel like you are not enough.

Even when you are.

When these times come and you’re feeling like you’re not enough, remember to pause and take a breath. Keep in mind that emotions can sometimes turn our perspectives upside down.  That “not enough” feeling is just that… an emotion, not fact. Don’t let it hold you back.

DECK USED:  FREECLOUD TAROT

@Lionharts #TheAprilTarot Mercury Musing Prompt
Question for April 18th: How can I nurture emotional connections and empathy?

Happy Daily LenormandLily and Clover – Make sure that you are staying open to different perspectives on values.  You don’t have to adopt these different values and perspectives as your own, but seek to understand them anyway instead of brushing them off as inconsequential or mistaken.

Ship and Scythe – Cut ties with those you need to eject from your life instead of continuing to give them second chances.  Send them packing, instead.  You don’t need them.

Whip and Woman – Make sure that you are claiming the upper hand when it comes to the demands of women in  your life.  Either take the reins or compromise, but don’t just buckle and yield.

DECK USED: HAPPY DAILY LENORMAND

#DiscordTarotholicsApr2024 Challenge Prompt
Question for April 18th: Int’l Juggler’s Day – What responsibility in life can you release in order to make juggling the rest easier?

Freecloud Tarot - The Hierophant, Three of Swords, Ace of SwordsReading Summary: You don’t have to always be the one (Ace of Swords/Sword in the Stone) that solves all the problems (Three of Swords/Bunny Hugging the Wounded) and has all the answers (The Hierophant).

Take Away: The responsibility that you feel for others and helping them with their issues through the bestowing of your own advice and experience.  People come to you for help… but sometimes? It’s better for them to figure these things out on their own.  Let them self-sooth and find their own answers once in a while instead of being there to pick them up and brush them off every time something goes wrong.

DECK USED: FREECLOUD TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

This is a catch-up post, and I don’t remember what my self-kindness was for the day.

I Choose to Stand My Ground

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

@GlitterbyInk #AprilAffirmations24 Prompt
Affirmation Prompt for April 17th: I Choose…

Rabbit Tarot - Seven of WandsSeven of Wands – I choose to stand my ground.

Confrontation is not a problem as long as it’s regarding something that you believe in or value. It doesn’t matter the adversity, you are willing to take it head on.

Although you don’t enjoy confrontation, and although there are times when it can make you anxious when you know it’s coming, your moral compass will not allow you to yield on the things that truly matter to you.

Instead, you stand your ground and deal with the fall out, as well as the opposition that is trying to change your mind and usurp your values.

DECK USED:  RABBIT TAROT

@Lionharts #TheAprilTarot Mercury Musing Prompt
Question for April 17th: In what area should I cultivate patience and nurturing energy during this time?

Quest Enlightenment OracleEmpathy – Lean into seeking perspectives that allow you to feel more empathy for yourself and others. It’s through empathy that true patience can be found and connected with, and in taking time to see things from another’s perspective and feel a taste of what they are feeling, your kindness and nurturing tendencies are brought forth to the surface.

Accept Plainness – Stop the comparisons and the judgements. Variety is the spice of life, and sometimes calm reserve is just as needed as excitement can be at other times.  Sometimes slow can be needed at some times, just as at other times speed rules the day.  Don’t forsake the other side of the coin you rarely lean into and explore, but instead take time to look into that other side of the coin more in depth.

Emptiness – Accept that depression is a part of life, and a day to day factor that needs constant care. You have to be willing to give yourself that care and do those things that help you stay afloat so that you don’t sink into the darkness so easily.

DECK USED: QUEST ENLIGHTENMENT ORACLE

#DiscordTarotholicsApr2024 Challenge Prompt
Philosophical Question for April 17th: What does it mean to live a good life?

Rabbit Tarot - Nine of Swords, Knight of Pentacles, Four of PentaclesReading Summary: Not allowing fears and anxieties to get the better of you (Nine of Swords Rx) while taking time along your journey (Knight of Pentacles) to pause and smell the roses (Four of Pentacles).

Take Away: Enjoying the little joys in life is important, as is being present in the moment.

These cards indicate that to “live a good life”, both are essential, and that they can even assist you in ensuring that you don’t let your fears and worries rule you and your life.

DECK USED: RABBIT TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

This is a catch-up post, and I don’t remember what my self-kindness was for the day.

I Know Hard Work Pays Off

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#DailyTrip from the Calm appToday’s meditation was nine minutes long, and one of the #DailyTrip sessions from the Calm app.

Today’s session was about self forgiveness, and how when we allow ourselves to be forgiven for our mistakes and failures, we recover from those setbacks more quickly, because the weight of self-blame and recriminations is not weighing us down.

This particular topic is a bit of a challenge for me, and I can see myself returning to this session again in the future, as it was pretty good and helps add a bit of perspective.

@GlitterbyInk #AprilAffirmations24 Prompt
Affirmation Prompt for April 16th: I Know…

Hong Kong Tarot - Seven of CoinsSeven of Coins – I know that my hard work will pay off.

It’s not a matter of if, but a matter of when. Putting in time and effort towards your goals takes you in the direction you want to go, but sometimes the journey seems far too long and hard.

Don’t forget that all that effort -is- going towards something of value. Patience isn’t always easy, but it does pay off in the end when you don’t give up or lose your way along the path…. just like saving one’s pennies in a jar every day can add up to big bucks in the future when the jar is finally full.

DECK USED:  HONG KONG TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsApr2024 Challenge Prompt
Question for April 16th: Stress Awareness Day – What can you do for yourself today to bring down your stress level?

The Signs of the Times OracleReading Summary: Chaos doesn’t always have to be something that turns you on your ear (Lightening). You have the power (Crown) to turn it into fun (Flamingo) that can help balance out that stress of it all (Yin-Yang).

Take Away: Sometimes it’s possible to turn chaos into an adventure instead of a trial. Adventures can be fun if you lean into them.

Next time it feels like things are falling apart and nothing is going right, try leaning into the adventure aspect of it all instead of seeing it as a trial or something that has to be “dealt with”.  In doing so, you could turn what would otherwise be a struggle into something fun instead.

DECK USED: THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES ORACLE

@Lionharts #TheAprilTarot Mercury Musing Prompt
Prompt for April 16th: Do the Changes Tarot Spread

Hong Kong Tarot - The Hermit, The Fool, Eight of CupsWhat changes are occurring in my life that I need to embrace or adapt to?

The Hermit Rx – Alone time has become an extremely valuable commodity these days, and harder and harder to get for yourself. If you want to stay healthy and happy, you are going to have to find new ways to ensure you are getting the healthy alone time that you need.

How can I navigate the changes in my life with grace and openness?

The Fool – Embrace the chaos and see it through the perspective of adventures to be had. The reading previously today with The Signs of the Times Oracle said it all.  A sense of adventure can transform trials into something more lighthearted and fun… if you let it.

What will the changes in my life establish for me or my personal journey?

Eight of Cups – The changes happening in your life are there to help you in learning what works for you, and what definitely does not, as well as how to let go of those things that don’t work for you more easily.

DECK USED: HONG KONG TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

This is a catch-up post, and I don’t remember what my self-kindness was for the day.

I Balance Dominance and Submission

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#DailyCalm with the Calm appToday’s meditation was ten minutes long, and a #DailyCalm session with the Calm app.

The topic of today’s meditation was about how so many of us value our work, but not our need for rest.  Both are equally important, but it’s the work that we normally stress in our lives and prioritize.

The session was a reminder that rest is just as important, and that they go hand in hand.  One without the other is unhealthy, no matter which way you swing it.  It encourages balance, and a mindset of compassion and forgiveness instead of judgement for those times when rest is needed.

@GlitterbyInk #AprilAffirmations24 Prompt
Affirmation Prompt for April 15th: I Balance…

Lunalapin Tarot - Five of SwordsFive of Swords – I balance dominance and submission.

In your relationship, as well as in your life, there is a dance that happens. A dance between dominance and submission. There are times when you feel a sense of strength and purpose, when you step into a challenge with empowerment and confidence.

And there are times in life and in your relationship where you feel small and vulnerable, in need of sheltering and care, and unable to deal with the challenges that lie before you.

Life is a balancing of these two aspects, where one is no greater or of more value than the other. It is the natural ebb and flow of your confidence and strength, and allows you to experience  more in life as a result.  Remember not to try to put too much weight on one over the other, and let them come and go as needed.

DECK USED:  LUNALAPIN TAROT

@Lionharts #TheAprilTarot Mercury Musing Prompt
Question for April 15th: What message of reassurance do I need to hear right now?

Lunalapin Tarot - Five of Pentacles, Nine of Cups, The HierophantReading Summary: Feelings of scarcity (Five of Pentacles) can drag you down and create difficulties in staying afloat emotionally (Nine of Cups Rx). But, by leaning into tried and true methods you have already established (The Hierophant) for dealing with these issues, you can help in pulling yourself back up.

Take Away: Feeling like a failure sucks.  It just does.

The thing is, though, you have established tools to help you with your emotional lows, and they will work to help you with feelings of scarcity as well if you use them in that direction.

These tools that help you in staying emotionally stable are there for you not just when you’re struggling with depression, but in any instance where a more positive outlook and a bit of a lift are needed.

DECK USED: LUNALAPIN TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

This is a catch-up post, and I don’t remember what my self-kindness was for the day.

I Ignite Passion

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#dailytrip with the Calm app - Instead of fighting with your confusion, can you forgive yourself for it? Jeff Warren quoteToday’s meditation was eleven minutes long, and was one of the #DailyTrip sessions from the Calm app.

Today’s session was about “The Boggle”, which is to say that it was about that time when you can’t shut your brain up and it’s filled with a tangle of thoughts and confusion that is impossible to sort out.

During these times, it can be especially challenging to meditate, and an important part of today’s session was treating yourself kindly during these moments, instead of admonishing yourself for not doing “good enough” at clearing your mind and finding peace in your meditation practice.

The session encourages seeing meditation is a practice. As something you do again and again to work on improving at over time, not something you have to be good at from the start, or even after working at it for years.

@GlitterbyInk #AprilAffirmations24 Prompt
Affirmation Prompt for April 14th: I Ignite…

Tarot of the Golden Wheel - Ace of WandsAce of Wands – I ignite passion, the inner spark of creativity, and inspiration.

In your case, passion and enthusiasm is often catching.  You enthusiasm for those things you are passionate about not only ignites the spark of inspiration in yourself, but within others as well.

That fire of creative spirit within you is often enough to light up the world, and when you share it with others it brings others into the wonder of what you see and they wish to experiences that passion as well.

DECK USED:  TAROT OF THE GOLDEN WHEEL

#DiscordTarotholicsApr2024 Challenge Prompt
@Lionharts #TheAprilTarot Mercury Musing Prompt
Prompts for April 14th: Do Spread 2
Question: How can I maintain a positive outlook and cultivate a sense of faith in my journey?

Tarot of the Golden Wheel - Knight of Swords, The Fool, Nine of Swords, Six of WandsReading Summary: The green in the Nine of Swords is very muted and a near perfect match for the anchor card. Connecting these two, you have an all-seeing-eye at the center of the anchor card, and someone shirking away from it in the Nine of Swords. This connects with the addition of the Six of Wands through a joined “performance” and “anxiety” over being watched themes.

In the Fool, the green is still a match for the anchor card, but more vibrant. It’s speaks of cutting loose and relishing in the attention of those watching on. The more you choose to enjoy it, the more vibrant you will feel. The Fool then atop the Knight of Swords, with the knight charging towards the anchor card and seeming focused on its all-seeing-eye speaks of reckless abandon, regardless… or perhaps even because of those watching.

Take Away: Performance anxiety has always been a problem for you. Throw caution to the wind and charge forward anyway, embracing a carefree and even reckless attitude to carry you through.  Don’t let naysayers, or even your own anxiety, get in the way.

DECK USED: TAROT OF THE GOLDEN WHEEL AND THE GRATITUDE ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I got flowers planted on the balcony today.  I also quit before I finished because I listened to my body. I’ll finish them tomorrow or, if not tomorrow, maybe Wednesday.