Taking It With You

Today’s meditation was a self-directed ten minute session, focused upon the “The Alternative” card from The Az Oracle (shown) by @Sunni_Chapman and the guidance that came with that card.

That guidance says, “I wonder if you’re considering the alternative, deary… it’s not a matter of going forward or backward, onward or back home… it’s a matter of knowing what HOME really is to you, and taking that with you wherever you go.”

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Elemental North Tarot's Nine of Pentacles and The Az OracleThe @GlitterbyInk #SeptemberSoul25 Challenge
Seeds of Intention Prompt for September 13th
: Gateway
Daily Mental Health Prompt
: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Nine of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of solitary satisfaction, a job well done, self-sufficiency, abundance, financial independence, and luxury earned through hard work.

I feel my greatest sense of “home” in the woods among the trees and the moss and the damp soil. Here is where my heart unclenches most easily and my head can be tamed into silence. The thing is though? I can’t get to the woods even remotely as often as I want or need.

So instead, I bring the woods to me. I grow fern and pine on my balcony, I gather forest detritus to bring home and use these items in my decor and daily practices (divination, devotionals, altar, etc.) I carry rocks in my pocket… not crystals, but beach stones and rocks unearthed from moss beds and rich forest soil. I use scents of cedar, pine, and fir in my meditation, and often will carry them with me on my clothing.

All of these things help me to stay in touch with “home” no matter where I am. These things help me to create and foster a greater sense of stability and confidence, aiding in relaxing more easily during tense or uncertain situations.

The message in today’s cards asks us to consider how we can bring with us that sense of “home” when we’re out into the world. What things or actions can we do to connect us with these places, providing us with a momentary gateway to touch those feelings of “home”, even when we’re away?

DECK USED:  ELEMENTAL NORTH TAROT AND THE AZ ORACLE

@de_tarotjuf Time for Yourself
#detarotjufseptembertarotchallenge
Prompts for September 13th
: How can I improve my self-image?

Discovering Beauty Tarot ReadingReading Summary – Slow down (Voice of Earth), and stop trying to make choices that you have no business making right now (Four of Air atop Seven of Water). Remember that you’re supposed to be gathering information to support your ambitions (Voice of Earth and The Magician). You will be learning these new skills that you need eventually, it’s just going to take a little time (back again to Voice of Earth).

Take Away – You’re supposed to be resting and using this time in productive ways that allow you to relax. You often forget that slow movement is still movement in the right direction. There’s no reason you can’t keep up on the information gathering and preparation without going overboard and overwhelming yourself.  The more languid pace is going to pay off later when you can jump back into the fray again, for you’ll have the tools you need to move forward quickly once this time of rest and slowness is over.

Other elements included in this reading:
Amethyst Moon for Serenity in Spiritual Connections
Onyx Stone Fox for Identifying and Connecting to Truth
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: DISCOVERING BEAUTY TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2025 Challenge
Prompt for September 13th

Elemental North Tarot Reading with the Animal Totem Guides OracleWhat helps when  you’re angry?

Empress and Spider – It helps you to turn inward to seek out what you need and create the space needed to give those things to yourself. When you’re truly angry, you need to step away and find that calming influence that self-care can provide. This is why stepping outside to work in the garden helps you so much, as it gives you that time alone and allows you to connect with energies in the soil that you find soothing.

What helps when  you’re sad?

Five of Wands and Otter – Hash it out with others. When you’re sad, others in your life are able to give you a different perspective than that of the darkness you’re stuck in, and thus help lighten your mood better than you’re able to do on your own. Sometimes time with others when you’re sad feels uncomfortable or even unpleasant, but it still helps even when you’re not really feeling up for it.

What helps when  you’re needing to relax?

Ten of Swords and Dragonfly – Accepting that there’s nothing you can do right now except take a step back helps you to relax when you need it. This distance can allow you to see things more clearly and give you the space needed to work out what’s really going on not just around you, but also in your head.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Rhododendron Leaf for Fostering Confidence
Rose Quartz for Gentle Kindness to Self and Others
Aventurine Leaf Medallion for Harmony and Balance of the Heart
Selenite Tree of Life Disk for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECKS USED: ELEMENTAL NORTH TAROT AND ANIMAL TOTEM GUIDES

Daily Self Kindness

I made steak for dinner with taco rice and steamed veggies… instead of eating ramyun.

Tempering Abundance

Today’s meditation was a ten minute long self-directed session based upon the Mirror Work Affirmation card that says “Needing nothing attracts everything.”

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Fairytale Tarot and Mirror Work Affirmation Cards The @GlitterbyInk #SeptemberSoul25 Challenge
Seeds of Intention Prompt for September 12th
: Ascend
Daily Mental Health Prompt
: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Temperance card, which is traditionally a representation of moderation, balance, slowing down, practising patience, and can at times represent a connection between the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.

The alkonost in the imagery of this card, seeks to connect air, earth, and water through the trickle of water from wing to wing to spring filled with a bounty of apples. She is merry and warm, drawing us in to partake in abundance with seductive song, but it’s important to remember that there’s only so much water we can drink and apples we can eat.

Better than listening to her seductive song of invitation, is to go by the adage that “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”. If you collect these apples, dry them off, and store them you’ll have enough food for a month or more, instead of making yourself sick on them all at once.

The message in today’s card is a reminder that pleasure can be stretched out. There’s no reason to glut on the bounty of life until we are exhausted by it and/or become jaded by it all. Better to stretch it out and enjoy a bit of that pleasure every day.

DECK USED:  FAIRYTALE TAROT AND MIRROR WORK AFFIRMATION CARDS

Fairytale Tarot Reading with the Enchanted Oracle@de_tarotjuf Time for Yourself
#detarotjufseptembertarotchallenge
Prompts for September 11th and 12th

Where is my greatest potential currently hidden?

Page of Wands and Bewitching – You have the ability to turn any project you’re working on into an obsession. This means that when something strikes your interest, you’re able to put all of your focus on it, and in doing so pick it up quickly because you’re interest is so keen at that time. This bewitching enchantment has the ability to allow you to pick up new passions and skills, as well as information and abilities, quickly; and can be used to help you rise from the ashes when things fall apart.

Which blocks can I let go of to move forward?

Queen of Swords and Emerald Princess – Stop mentally comparing yourself to your mother. You may be similar in some ways, but you’re far from the same.

Other elements included in this reading:
Pressed Pansy Flower for Hearing the Heart More Clearly
Foraged Wood Fern for Exorcising Negative Influences
Dried Purple Heather Sprigs for Independence and Luck
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: FAIRYTALE TAROT AND ENCHANTED ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I had some extra time at Ms B’s today and used it to have a soak in that gloriously deep tub of hers.

The Ostrich and the Frog

Today’s meditation was a self-directed ten minute session, focused upon the “Comfort Zone” card from The Az Oracle (shown) by @Sunni_Chapman and the guidance that came with that card.

That guidance says, “There’s a lot of chatter out there about leaving your comfort zone, and while that can be absolutely invigorating, I suggest taking your comfort zone with you! How? By bringing whatever comforts you, INTO your explorations, whether they are inner ones, outer ones, business ones, personal ones, relationship ones or otherwise… add some of your comforts to the mix!

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Jonasa Jaus Tarot 8th Edition - Eight of Swords and The Az OracleThe @GlitterbyInk #SeptemberSoul25 Challenge
Seeds of Intention Prompt for September 11th
: Alignment
Daily Mental Health Prompt
: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Eight of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of willful ignorance, self-imposed restrictions, turning a blind eye (especially when it can be harmful to self), and entertaining a victim mentality.

Okay, so… confession time. I have a tendency to play ostrich when I’m overwhelmed or angry about something. My very first inclination in those times is to pretend whatever it is… isn’t there. That it just doesn’t exist. Honestly? This willful ignorance sometimes pays off. Whatever it is sort itself out without my input or interference, or simply goes away on its own.

There’s a risk here, though.

The risk is that whatever is amiss becomes the new norm, and that by turning a blind eye to that situation I’ve begin to acclimate to this new norm without even realizing it.

When that happens again and again, it then becomes like that saying on how if you drop a frog into boiling water, it will jump out; but if you put it in first, and then slowly heat the water, soon you have frog soup without the frog ever even moving.

I don’t want to be frog soup.

This is why people stand up for their values, speak up when something doesn’t seem right, and protest when their rights or the rights of others are violated.

Today’s message ask us to consider… Are you listening to your moral compass and standing by your personal ethics and values? Or are you sticking your head in the sand and just hoping it will pass (whatever “it” is) regardless of the potential consequences? If the latter, what happens when the pot begins to boil and it’s then too late to say or do anything?

DECK USED:  JONASA JAUS TAROT 8th EDITION AND THE AZ ORACLE

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2025 Challenge
Prompt for September 11th and 12th

Oracle Reading with the Sibyl of the Flora Oracle, Mary Feywood Postcard Collection, and the Astro Herbal Oracle CollectionYour Addiction – Stability (Juniper), safety (Pansy), and security (Balsamroot).

You’ve spent a long time developing these qualities in your life, and enjoy the fruits of those laborers. You are so focused, even now, I’m creating these things, though, that you often forget that there is more to life than that foundation you have so diligently built for yourself.

How to Introduce Moderation – Don’t allow that clever dark side of negativity and pessimism within you to get the wiggle room it needs to take root and make itself at home (Fox and Fae). Instead, make sure you are making time to get out in nature. Healing resides there if you’re willing to soak it in (Quiet Spot).

What personal growth should you be directing energy toward at this time?

You need to continue to focus on fostering the positivity and optimism (Camu Camu) needed to ease your anxieties (Ginger) and help you stay clear headed (Cerato).

You can’t think clearly when you’re anxieties are running wild, and your anxieties are fed by your natural tendency toward pessimism and negative self talk. You’ve been working for quite some time on the personal growth of slipping more positivity and optimism into your life, and you need to continue on this path.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Rhododendron Leaf for Fostering Confidence
Black Spruce Needles to Boost Self-Confidence and Positive Thinking
Dried Purple Heather Flowers for Independence and Luck
Citrine for Energy Lift (easing the weight of heavy energies)
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: SIBYL OF THE FLORA ORACLE, MARY FEYWOOD POSTCARD SET, ASTRO HERBAL ORACLE COLLECTION (I – III)

Daily Self Kindness

I picked up some chocolatey cereal at the store for breakfast tomorrow.

Collaborative Efforts

Today’s meditation was a ten minute long self-directed session based upon The Latest Kate‘s affirmation that says “The darkness you’re feeling won’t hurt anyone else. Please don’t hide yourself away.

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ShuShu Tarot's Three of Pentacles and Latest Kate AffirmationsThe @GlitterbyInk #SeptemberSoul25 Challenge
Seeds of Intention Prompt for September 10th
: Blueprint
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 Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of teamwork, collaboration, working together, and themes to do with bringing in help and/or outside expertise in order to get something done.

Working together will produce better results than going at it alone. You know that idiom “if you want something done right, do it yourself”? I think this phrase was made up by some lazy ass who decided to intentionally bungle their chores so that someone else would have to do them. It’s a marketing ploy for those that don’t want to do anything. A clever one, too. Because then those of us that actually care about the results picked it up as truth.

Thing is though? It’s not truth.

Yes, if you “do it yourself” it’ll get done to whatever standard you want… but by doing it alone instead of inviting other invested parties in, you miss out on ideas and inspiration that you may not have thought of yourself. You miss out on the expertise others may bring with them. And, you miss out on the opportunity to share your own knowledge with others.

Today’s message reminds us that when we opt to “do it yourself”, we are opting out of growth, new ideas, and the bonding experience of including others… not to mention the discovery of whatever surprise skills others may bring with them to the table.

DECK USED:  SHUSHU TAROT AND A “THE LATEST KATE” AFFIRMATION

@de_tarotjuf Time for Yourself
#detarotjufseptembertarotchallenge
Prompts for September 9th and 10th

Tarot Reading, Augur Charm Reading, ShuShu Tarot's Ten of Cups and King of WandsHow can I feel more in tune with myself?

Ten of Cups, Mjölnir, Acorn Sprig – You know that time among the trees is your happy place, and that time there connects you to the roots of who you are. If you want to feel more in tune with yourself, it’s time to return to your “happy place” and connect with nature, which will in turn connect you more strongly to your nature.

What does my gut tell me about my next step?

King of Wands and Backpack – Be ready to go at the drop of a hat. Things will move fast in returning to your desired “normal” once movement begins. Make sure all your little ducks are in a row and ready to go so that you can get moving as soon as this holding patter breaks. That means getting those things that you can in order now that you can, so that they’re out of the way and not an obstacle for you later.

Other elements included in this reading:
Carnelian Agate for Inner Drive and Focusing On One’s Aspirations
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: SHUSHU TAROT AND AUGUR CHARM COLLECTION

Daily Self Kindness

I started a new palate cleanser series of books. It seems to work well if I read a heavier or harsher book or series, then take a break with something light and fun before going back to read something heavier or harsher again.

Where’s the Breaking Point?

Today’s meditation was a self-directed ten minute session, focused upon the “Closet Wizards” card from The Az 2 Oracle (shown) by @Sunni_Chapman and the guidance that came with that card.

That guidance says, “Oh honey, I know you learned at some point in your life, that you needed to hide your wizardry. Because when they saw you in your power, it made them quite uncomfortable, so instead of feeling the discomfort, you promptly shut it down. That’s okay, it’s perfect even, you didn’t yet have the tools to do otherwise. But now you do. 😉 It’s time to let your true wizardry SHINE.”

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Victorian Steampunk Tarot's Six of Swords (Bees) and The Az 2 OracleThe @GlitterbyInk #SeptemberSoul25 Challenge
Seeds of Intention Prompt for September 9th
: Activation
Daily Mental Health Prompt
: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Six of Swords (Bees), which is traditionally a representation of leaving the past in the past, moving on, letting go in order to welcome in something better, and transitions towards something better.

When do you decide that it’s time to make a change? What is it finally activates you into moving on instead of sticking it out where you are?

I think this is different for everyone, but I also think that it’s pretty universal that we all wait just a little too long before we get there.

Although an extreme example, it’s like someone in an abusive relationship. They shut down more and more of themselves and who they are. They are hurt in a myriad of ways; some subtle and others blatant. For many in this situation, they stay way too long. However, eventually something is said or something happens and, like flipping a switch, all that repressed self comes roaring back; and they leave.

That activation of self that says “this is not working. It’s time to move on” is with us in all sorts of situations; not just abusive ones.

Today’s message asks us where in our lives are we holding back from walking away from something that’s no longer good for us… and encourages us to dig into why we are hesitating, and just what it will take to spur us into moving on in our own best interests.

DECKS USED:  VICTORIAN STEAMPUNK TAROT AND THE AZ 2 ORACLE

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2025 Challenge
Prompts for September 8th and 9th

Tarot Reading with the Kumacchi Tarot and Arcana Folia OracleWhere do you need to ease up and not push yourself so hard right now?

You can’t move right now (Hanged Man) and the uncertainty of that is eating you alive (The Moon). With all your emotions pinging around this way and that, it can be hard to be diligent and pay attention to what’s going on around you.

In these times of stillness, just make sure you’re not allowing your uncertainty and fears to get an upper hand. You don’t have to actually abolish them, bury them, or tuck them away. (Knight of Cups) So stop trying to.

The Problem

Eccentric Person – Look at that… even the cat and the flowers are orange (lil’ bit o’ sarc). Your current problem is that the eccentricity of another is screwing with your own personal goals and your livelihood. Their whims are affecting you in ways that you find disheartening and even frightening.

The Lesson to Learn

Soulmate – You have support around you in those that love you whom you trust. Lean on them not just in small ways, but share with them how you’re feeling and trust them to help ground you and get you through the hard parts. These are the people you can ugly cry in front of and they’ll just hold you tighter.

Advice to Help  You Through

Temptation – Pay close attention to your addictions and temptations right now. Your self-destructive tendencies have a wide open field to play in at the moment. If you don’t want them to get out of hand, you need to make sure that you’re being diligent about watching for them and making healthy choices.

Take Away – Stop trying to distract yourself from your fears and uncertainties by indulging in your addictions and temptations. It will only cause more obstacles for you in the long run, and you don’t need any extra hurdles right now. Instead, take comfort in your loved ones and communicate openly with those that you trust what you’re going through.  You can’t ignore your feelings without there being consequences you don’t want to have to add to your already overwhelmed anxieties.

Other elements included in this reading:
Black Spruce Needles to Boost Self-Confidence and Positive Thinking
Dried Purple Heather Sprigs for Independence and Luck
Rainbow Moonstone for Emotional Balance and Intuition
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECKS USED: KUMACCHI TAROT AND FOLIA ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I decided to spend the night at Ms B’s instead of trying to drive home and risking falling asleep at the wheel.

Setting the Dial

Today’s meditation was a ten minute long self-directed session based upon the Mirror Work Affirmation card that says “I am creating the life of my dreams.

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Felt Tarot - The Sun Card, and the Mirror Work Affirmation DeckThe @GlitterbyInk #SeptemberSoul25 Challenge
Seeds of Intention Prompt for September 8th
: Frequency
Daily Mental Health Prompt
: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is The Sun card, which is traditionally a representation of success, optimism, positivity, fun and frivolity. In my path, the Sun is also a symbol of male vitality, virility, and warmth.

It’s all about perspectives.

Have you ever met one of those people that always seemed cheerful? Not the fakers, but the real deal. They always have a smile for you and the world large. They genuinely appear to smile more and laugh more than the average person. They seem to be unaffected by bad days and negative people, and they seem to just enjoy life more fully.

Let me tell you a secret. Two, actually.

1) Their life is not the sunshine and roses that it appears. They are going through the same struggles and tribulations as everyone else. Life still throws them curve balls, and they still trip and fall now and then.

2) The positive perspective they choose every day to take in the face of those troubles and problems, pains and heartaches, helps them bear those experiences with more grace and less anxiety.

How we approach the world matters.

If we wake up each day and allow misery and discontent to take root, it will be with us all day long, dragging on us even in the most positive of moments.

If we instead wake up each day and insist on seeing life as an adventure, or as delightful game, or as a day we are assured of success; then we head out into the world pre-programmed for those things. With this pre-programming in place, even when bad things happen, somehow that positive start helps us weather them better.

Today’s message encourages us to look at what frequency we are tuning ourselves into when we start out our days, and consider adjusting it to a more positive one to ride out the day with.

DECKS USED:  THE FELT TAROT AND MIRROR WORK AFFIRMATION DECK

@LightningWildflower September Tarot Challenge
Prompts for September 1st through 8th

Large Tarot Reading with the Windmill Flag Tarot, Tea Oracle Steeping In Magic, Lóng Tarot, The Oracle of Guan Shi Yin, Apple Tarot, Mysteries of the Forest Oracle, The Felt Tarot, and The True Sight Oracle

Page of Cups

What creative impulse am I being encouraged to pursue?

Ace of Cups and Raven – “The Raven makes the slight shift from being in the world as it is, to loving the world as it is.” – Tea Oracle Guidebook

It’s all about your emotions right now, and finding new ways to look at life and the world around you. Use your imagination not to visualize the worst case scenario (which you are already exceedingly good at), but to imagine the best case scenario instead.

How can I dream more freely without self-judgment?

Seven of Pentacles and Panda Merchant – You are called “The Deck Dragon” for a reason. You have collected decks your entire life, building something truly magical over time. As much joy as you take in your collection, though, it wasn’t until you found a community to share it with that you found true joy in what you’ve collected. Don’t be shy about sharing with others. They inspire you in a way that wallowing in your collection alone never could.

Page of Swords

What do I need to observe carefully before jumping to conclusions?

The Fool and Hard Training – You have a tendency to push yourself too hard, even when there’s nothing to push for in the moment or you’re struggling with overwhelm. Instead of just jumping on that to-do list you’ve always got going in the back of your head, maybe take a minute to consider if what’s on there is really necessary, or just busy work.

In what way am I being asked to speak up, even though I might not feel ready to do so?

Page of Cups and Better To Specialize Than To Be Versatile – Lean into your strengths right now. Teach a class. Mentor or advise on the things that you are well versed in. You will find your “voice” and confidence much easier to claim when you return to your foundations.

Page of Pentacles

What would slow, intentional growth look like for me?

Five of Cups and Wood Mouse – Like a clusterfuck. Slow, intentional growth feels like you aren’t getting anywhere because those small successes are easy for you to miss. Even though you’re nibbling away at the growth that needs to take place, you feel like you’re getting nowhere. For better or worse, this is what it looks like for you.

How can I stay grounded while exploring the unknown?

Two of Cups and Hedgehog – Lean on others to provide comfort and help you to keep your feet on the ground. They are eager to listen when you need an ear, lend support or a helping hand when you need it, and help you stay positive when your inner pessimist is getting out of hand.

Page of Wands

What new passion am I being called to explore?

Eight of Swords and Intimidation – Look into those things that you have been avoiding because you feel like you’re not good enough to accomplish them or undeserving of being able to explore them. These feelings of intimidation are unwarranted and holding you back.

How can I nurture the desire to try something new without burning out?

Three of Wands and Difficult Terrain – Just go for it, but take it slow so you’re not tripping over yourself and making things more difficult than they have to be by rushing.

Other elements included in this reading:
Black Spruce Needles to Boost Self-Confidence and Positive Thinking
Dried Purple Heather Sprigs for Independence and Luck
Orange Aventurine Leaf for Pause and Reflection
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECKS USED: WINDMILL FLAG TAROT, TEA ORACLE STEEPING IN MAGIC, LÓNG TAROT, THE ORACLE OF GUAN SHI YIN, APPLE TAROT, MYSTERIES OF THE FOREST ORACLE, THE FELT TAROT, AND THE TRUE SIGHT ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I managed to fit a nap into my day. I didn’t really have much time for it, but it was needed.