Take Your Time

Today’s meditation was fourteen minutes long, and was one of the #DailyTrip sessions in the @Calm app. The session for today addressed the topic of embracing defeat and giving up.

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The Radiant Essence Tarot : The Prophesy of Chaos Tarot - Temperance cardThe @GlitterbyInk #JulyJoy25 Challenge
Celebration of Joy Prompt for July 13 : Emerging
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, practicing patience, and can at times represent a connection between the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.

When a butterfly emerges from its cocoon, it does so slowly. Little by little it shifts and stretches, adjusting in minute, sometimes indecipherable ways. It figures out how to use its legs to push and pull and grip. It feels the air on its body and wings for the first time, even before those wings have unfolded. Once free of the cocoon, its wings are still scrunched up and molded to its body, and it sits in stillness as bit by bit they begin the process of unfurling.

This process can take hours, which to a butterfly probably feels like an eternity. In the end, they must then learn to fly.

We too are emerging. Every day we learn new things and grow. Today’s message is that, like the butterfly, this process can’t be rushed. When we push and rush, we often lose far more than we gain.

Our lives are a journey of discovery on a path meant to be meandered down and enjoyed.

Take your time.

DECK USED:  THE RADIANT ESSENCE TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2025 Challenge
Philosophical Question for July 16 : What makes something moral or immoral?

Herbal Inspiration Cards Oracle ReadingReading Summary: The wisdom gifted to us by calm moments (Bupleurum chinense DC) of contemplation in a time of clarity (Mentha canadensis L) combined with love and caring for others well-being (Rumex acetosa L).

Take Away: My normal answer to this is society. Here, we see another answer entirely.  It’s about contemplation, thoughtfulness, and love.

These cards suggest that what makes something moral vs immoral is the love and caring involved in helping others combined with clarity of thought on the motives behind these judgements. In fact, it doesn’t really consider moral vs immoral as judgements at all, but more as acts of good vs not good.

Other elements included in this reading:
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: HERBAL INSPIRATION CARDS

Daily Self Kindness

I had a “do nothing” day that included a nap (although, obviously I still pulled cards for myself).

Dreaming and Doing

Today’s meditation was ten minutes long, and was one of the #DailyCalm sessions in the @Calm app. The session for today was about welcoming our emotions instead of pushing back against them.

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Rainbow Tarot - Wheel of Fortune cardThe @GlitterbyInk #JulyJoy25 Challenge
Celebration of Joy Prompt for July 12 : Dreams
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Wheel of Fortune, which is traditionally a representation of luck (both good and bad), changing circumstances, the ups and downs of life, and the cyclical nature of life and the world.

If we leave everything up to chance, we will miss out on achieving those things we dream of.

Yes, pushing too hard is definitely a thing; it leads to overwhelm and burnout. But, not pushing hard enough is also a thing; it often lead to dissatisfaction and apathy.

We have dreams for a reason. They inspire us to achieve things that we want in life and motivate us to act in our best interest. Yes, good things (and bad) will come to us either way, as this is how the universe creates a balance, but the universe is not going to fulfill your dreams without at least some of effort on your part. Often, that means a -lot- of effort.

This means not giving up at the first sign of struggle, and taking the wrenches that the universe tries to throw into the works in stride.

Our dreams are how we keep fighting the good fight, even when it feels like the deck is stacked against you, or the whims of fate try to get in the way. Today’s message is a reminder that achieving our dreams is not free, and requires riding out both the good and the bad times that life throws our way. This card and prompt combo is an encouragement to use your dreams as inspiration that directs your path, and motivation to keep going.

DECK USED:  TAROTWEAVER ROLEPLAYING GAME TAROT  DECK

@LightningWildflower‘s July Tarot Challenge
Resist Prompts for July 10 – 12

Mermaids Oracle Deck and Rainbow Tarot's Four of Pentacles, Page of Wands, and Six of SwordsIn what area of my life would saying ‘no’ more often best serve me?

Four of Pentacles and Between Two Worlds – When you are waffling between save or spend, take time to consider how this money is best suited instead of making snap decisions. Blowing through every cent won’t create stability, but neither will being so stringent that you then end up rebelling against the restrictions of being too miserly.

Where am I being asked to challenge what I’ve accepted as normal?

Page of Wands; Sacrifice atop Riddle Me This – Self sacrifice is not the only way to support those in your life that need it. You are simply ignoring and/or rejecting other options out of hand. Part of this is because giving this kind of support is new to you and you are still learning, and those teaching you are the ones benefiting from the methods currently in use. You need to work at thinking outside the box.

What do I need to rebel against?

Six of Swords and Wheel of Fortune – Although bailing on things isn’t always the answer, and sometimes you have to ride things out instead, that doesn’t mean that you can’t walk away if you need to for your own good. Don’t forget that option is always there for you, and that it’s also okay to be too stubborn to take it… as long as it’s you making the choice.

Other elements included in this reading:
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECKS USED: RAINBOW TAROT AND MERMAIDS ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I did the yard work today so that I wouldn’t have to do it next week when it’s hotter out.

What We Value

Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Cloth Doll Tarot - Nine of WandsThe @GlitterbyInk #JulyJoy25 Challenge
Celebration of Joy Prompt for July 11 : Blessings
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 Wands, which is traditionally a representation of boundaries, defensive maneuvers, and protection of what you hold dear.

It’s in taking stock of what you’re grateful for that you come to understand what in your life is worth defending and protecting.

Sometimes, especially when I’m feeling vulnerable, I have a tendency to go “on the defensive” with a hair trigger. During those times I’m bewildered by the behavior, which I later understand is purely emotional in nature.

When I discuss these moments with Gideon, it always brings out into the air that in the moment something that I value felt threatened. And, because I was in a vulnerable and the emotional headspace, I reacted in an emotional way to that perceived threat.

By acknowledging these things (blessings) that I feel have value in my life, as well as how I reacted when I feel they are threatened, I’m able to better appreciate these things and respond with a more effective and appropriate response the next time.

The message in today’s prompt and card combo is an encouragement to look more closely at our moments when we are reacting to perceived threats, and what we are defending. Acknowledge their value to us, and explore how we feel and respond when these things are threatened. Is there a better and more effective way to defend and/or protect them? What would that look like?

DECK USED:  CLOTH DOLL TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2025 Challenge
Philosophical Question for July 9
: If every cell in the body gets replaced in 7 years, will you still be you in 7 years?

Healing the Inner Child Oracle ReadingReading Summary: As we move forward through life, we grow and change (Surrender). It isn’t just our bodies that go through changes, but our minds and spirit as well (Sacred Desire).

This doesn’t mean that we lose everything we were before though, because we carry with us in our history what came before, and that helps guide us as we continue forward (Trust atop Ancestors).

Take Away: We are more than just our bodies, and even these non-physical qualities change over time. A seven year cycle means there are always older cells that carry forward and teach the newer cells, which means traits and information is brought with us from one year to the next and accumulated over time instead of lost.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Red Maple Leaf for Adaptability and Connection
Northern Red Oak Leaf Impression for Inner Strength
Red Jasper for Awakening and Motivation toward Growth
Desert Rose for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: HEALING THE INNER CHILD ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I did a bit of writing roleplay with Gideon and a friend after I finished work for the day.

Healthy and Happy Home

Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Four of Wands from the Into the Woods TarotThe @GlitterbyInk #JulyJoy25 Challenge
Celebration of Joy Prompt for July 10 : Growth
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Four of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of one’s passionate love for the security and welcoming energies of home. This often translates into themes that have to do with homecoming, celebrating home and stability, as well as relaxation in comfortable spaces.

Once upon a time? My home was immaculate. Clean and organized to the point where everything was always put away and you could safely eat off any floor in my place.

Then? I started my home business. I became more busy. I hired a housekeeper who is not able to clean to the same standards I did myself; which I forgive because I don’t have the time or inclination to do these things myself anymore. My home, which was so perfectly organized became more cluttered as one work space turned into two work spaces and then into three, and sometimes things just didn’t get put away as they should. A new organization was worn where it looks a lot like chaos, yet I still know where everything is.

My house is clean enough to be healthy, and dirty enough to be happy.Still dusted and vacuumed with clean kitchen and clean bathrooms, my home is no longer a place with a pristine look of organization. Sometimes this appearance of chaos stresses me out. And yet, for now? It is what it is. And I can’t help but wonder if that stress I feel has more to do with how I feel my home should look… and just who it was that decided that’s how I should keep it.

The message today is about how our home evolves with us… and how that’s okay. It’s your home, your sanctuary; and as long as you’re comfortable, safe, and happy? It doesn’t matter if it’s not someone else’s estimation of “perfect”.

DECK USED:  INTO THE WOODS TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2025 Challenge
Prompt for July 10
: What do you need to focus on for self-care for this month’s full moon?

Oracle Reading with the Mysteries of the Sea OracleReading Summary: Connecting to your softer side can create fertile ground for you to be pleasantly surprised by abundance. That is the reward that is born from times of struggle (Oyster). Don’t allow your defense mechanisms to close yourself off from these surprises (Southern Blue Devil). Take it easy, stay soft and open to the world around you, and go with the flow (Whale Shark).

Take Away: When recovering from subdrop, it’s difficult to “stay open” as you feel a desperate need to protect yourself during these times.  For you? This often means closing down and shutting others out.

These cards are a reminder that as the lingering traces of the drop fade during this full moon, you need to focus on that openness and letting go of that habit to close yourself off from others. Only when you allow yourself to connect with them and the world around you will you experience the good things life is eager to offer you.

Other elements included in this reading:
Amazonite for Self Awareness and Facing Truths
Gneiss Wishing Stone for Patience in Moments of Discomfort

DECK USED: MYSTERIES OF THE SEA ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I took the time to do some non-work stuff that I enjoy today.

Where True Value Lies

Today’s meditation was twenty minutes long, and was one of the #DailyCalm sessions in the @Calm app. The session for today addressed how when we seek to better understand others better, it creates common ground and fosters connection.

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Traditional Korean Tarot - The World cardThe @GlitterbyInk #JulyJoy25 Challenge
Celebration of Joy Prompt for July 9 : Laughter
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is The World card, which is traditionally a representation of the end of a journey, the completion of a time of growth, accomplishment, and transitioning from one path in life to another.

At the end of the day, what matters most? How about at the end of your journey? Will it really be all those things that you stress over and push and shove for? Or will it be the moments in life that brought a smile to your lips and laughter to the surface?

I think it will be the latter.

Today’s card combined with the “laughter” prompt is a reminder to ground yourself in the moments where smiles and laughter live. The rest? It may all be important in the moment, but it won’t be what truly matters in the end. Savor life’s moments of laughter, and store them away to remember.

DECK USED:  BANA’S TRADITIONAL KOREAN TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2025 Challenge
Philosophical Question for July 2
: Who are the most valuable members in any society? Why?

Bana 24 Jeolgi Terms Oracle
aka. Oracle Coréen / 24 Seasons OracleReading Summary: The children.

Children are the beginning of what comes next (Daehan). In their youth, we celebrate them. As they age, sometimes we grieve that youth now gone (Chunbun), but they become who we teach them to be. Does that mean we are grieving our own failures? (Daeseo)

Take Away: This was an unexpected answer, as my brain when considering this question prior to pulling cards was going in an entirely different direction.

I think this is true, though.  Children are our future. What we teach them is what they carry forward into the future with them, so their value? Is very much built into how we raise them and what they learn from us and society.

Other elements included in this reading:
Fuchsia Flowers for Stability in the Face of External Disruption
Rose Quartz for Gentle Kindness to Self and Others
Clear Quartz for a boost of Intentional Energies
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: BANA 24 JEOLGI TERMS ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I did my meditation session twice today.

Changing Course

Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Qurky Tarot's Ten of SwordsThe @GlitterbyInk #JulyJoy25 Challenge
Celebration of Joy Prompt for July 8 : Creativity
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Ten of Swords, which is traditionally a representation long journeys coming to an end, painful endings, lessons learned the hard way, deep wounds, and sometimes can indicate loss or betrayal.

Just because it’s what you’ve always done doesn’t mean it’s what you always have to do. Sometimes our interests and those things we are inspired by or are passionate about run their course, and that’s okay.

Creativity isn’t meant to be stagnant. It’s an act of inspiration and curiosity. That means that when your interest in a creative pursuit runs its course? It’s not just okay, but healthy to leave it behind for another one.

Maybe after some time away, you’re interest in it will re-kindle. Maybe not. But, by “sticking with it” when it’s no longer inspiring, you will just add an ugly tinge to something that once brought you joy.

So instead, let it lie for a time and start a new adventure. Even if you don’t return to it, nothing has been wasted, as it’s all a part of you and the experiences that make you unique.

DECK USED:  QUIRKY TAROT

@LightningWildflower‘s July Tarot Challenge
Observe Prompts for July 7 – 9

Tarot Reading with the Tarot Terry Deck and Deck of PlantsWhat will I notice if I take a step back and observe?

The Fool Rx and King Anthurium – People who have successfully managed to cut loose without it damaging their lives and livelihood do so by making sure that certain conditions and criteria are met first. They aren’t just “winging it” without any backup plan or stable base to come back to.

Where am I invited to look more deeply? 

The Hermit atop Page of Swords; Swiss Cheese Vine – You can’t fill those empty spots in your life by sitting at home and letting your inner thoughts cannibalize your self-esteem. Even if outside observers think that your needs are high maintenance, those that love you are eager to give you that extra attention.

What is a truth I have been avoiding?

Strength and Snake Plant – You’ve been holding yourself back in ways that are beginning to feel like they are smothering you. The self restraint involved is not healthy. Give yourself a more room to grow and explore beyond your boundaries, instead of trying to hold yourself in so tightly.

Other elements included in this reading:
Pressed Pansy Flower for Hearing the Heart More Clearly
Foraged Wood Fern for Exorcising Negative Influences
Rainforest Rhyolite for Facilitating Calm Transitions
Desert Rose for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: TAROT TERRY DECK AND DECK OF PLANTS

Daily Self Kindness

I rescheduled my time off instead of putting an extreme amount of pressure on myself to get everything done tonight.