#DiscordTarotolicsDec2020

The Control Is Yours

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IMG_8306Today’s meditation was  just over ten minutes long, and was another guided meditation with interval timer for my stretching.   I almost skipped today, to be honest, but forced myself to lie down and do it anyway.  Might be time to change things up on the style of meditation to keep things interesting.

The topic of today’s meditation was about how each and every one of us view life subjectively through our own perspective. It’s natural to forget this, and to forget that everyone else is in the same boat, viewing life through that same window of perspective.  Their window.

The meditation encouraged looking beyond that and exploring the concept of sonder.  Sonder is the realization that everybody around you, even strangers, are living a life just as rich and complex as yours. That their experiences are unique, and that they have different things going on in their lives that create different experiences and perspectives completely apart from your own perceptions.

Bonestone & EarthFlesh Tarot - Ace of PentaclesToday’s draw is the Ace of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of the seed of new opportunities in one’s work, finances, resources, home, health, or manifestations.

What stands out to me the strongest of the imagery in this card today (and I really want to work with this deck more so I think I’m going to carry it over into January), is the roots of the plant that grows through the skull.

Those roots look so much like Mandragora officinarum (mandrake) roots that it’s uncanny, although it is not a mandrake plant from the trailing stems of the plant’s growth above ground.  Still, the sight of the roots brought to mind the use of mandrake root as poppets and that in turn brought to mind the use of poppets in directing one’s will and intent.

The message that I see here in today’s card is about molding one’s new opportunities to your will.  You drive the bus on these new opportunities.  Not fate.  Not luck.  Not any other person.  It’s on you to steer the bus in the direction you want it to go, and the best place to start with that… is at the beginning.

DECK USED:  BONESTONE & EARTHFLESH TAROT

#DiscordTarotolicsDec2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: How can I better foster my relationship with friends and loved ones?

Yule OracleReading Summary:  Grace is repeated within the first two cards, and reinforced by the red and white color scheme that they also share.   In order to bond more closely (Holiday Cookies) with my friends and loved ones, it is important to take a measured and balanced approach (Ice Skates) while encouraging them to seek out their best life and best selves along the way (Evergreen).

Take Away: The cards here are about being supportive, but in a “hands off” sort of way that allows people to make their own choices and choose their own path.  Advice and perspective is warranted and welcome, but don’t push.  Allow them to weigh things for themselves and make the choices they feel are best for them as they take new steps along their personal life paths.

DECK USED:  YULE ORACLE

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question: What do I need to hold onto through the transition from this year into the next?

A Charlie Brown Christmas Playing Cards

Reading Summary:   My ability to find balance and harmony within my passions (Six of Clubs) needs to be weighed against the drive to push too far too fast (Nine of Clubs).  Remember to look at what I’ve done and the accomplishments I’ve made in a positive light (Nine of Diamonds).

Take Away:  If I take the time and ingenuity to keep myself in a positive mindset and see my deeds in an optimistic and positive perspective, it will allow me to foster my passions instead of becoming disappointed in them.  Remember to take that step back and slow down, and I won’t get so choked up in unhealthy deadlines and responsibilities to the point that I lose sight of everything else and fall back into that turtle shelled “go go go” zone where nothing else but more progress and getting more done matters.

DECK USED:  A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS PLAYING CARDS

A Little at a Time

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IMG_8295Today’s meditation was just under twelve minutes long and was a guided meditation from the Calm app with an interval timer added in for my piriformis and forearm flexor stretching.

The topic of today’s meditation was… *takes a minute to wrack his brain*
Huh. I have no idea.  Not even with the graphic to the right as a memory prompt.   I know I listened to it, but I really can’t remember what it was about.  Usually this means that it was a message that I didn’t really relate to.  That said, I did do my meditation at least, yeah?

Simplicity Tarot - Three of WandsToday’s draw is the Three of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of moving forward with direction and a plan in place to guide you.  The Two of Wands just before this card is all about making that plan, and here in the Three of Wands we now see the plan moving into action.

What stood out to me the strongest in the imagery of this card today is the little ships out on the water.  (And the green and red of the guy’s clothing, which was a bit of a Christmas-y surprise for a non-holiday deck, and inspired a little heart lightening Christmas music listening earlier in the day.)

The holiday theme inspiration aside, the little boats feel like a message to make sure that as I am taking things in small, bite sized amounts. We all know that I suck at just taking it easy and not doing anything, but even if I decide to do a little bit here and there… the key is to do a little bit, and not get wrapped up in things that will only cause me stress during a time when I’m trying to rest and recover.

DECK USED:  SIMPLICITY TAROT

#DiscordTarotolicsDec2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: What do I need to be more grateful for?

Vintage Japanese Art TarotReading Summary:  You need to be more grateful that I have all the time I need (Seven of Pentacles) in order to learn to think of (Page of Wands) my work differently (Ace of Swords), as well as shifting how I go about doing it (Eight of Pentacles) in a way that incorporates more of my spirituality in my inner self into the process (High Priestess).

Take Away: That’s a lot of cards to say that the only deadlines in my work and my business are those that I set for myself.  Although, it’s true that this is something I need to acknowledge and be more grateful for, and to do this I need to give myself more space.  Allow for that time  needed to find something better and connect to my work in new ways.

The cards here, ultimately are indicating that there is far more to my work than just work, and I need to be aware and open to the fact that if I ease off on the pressure I am so often pushing onto myself, I will be allowed to find these hidden facets.

DECK USED:  VINTAGE JAPANESE ART TAROT

Mystic Star December Challenge Prompt
Question: What gift does the Universe have for me in the year ahead?

Winter Waite Tarot 2019 Edition

Reading Summary: Less worry (Nine of Swords Rx) and less uncertainty (The Moon Rx) when going through changes (Death).

Side Note:  The Nine of Swords and Moon actually landed on the table perfectly in place and reversed, but I like the pretty imagery on the cards too much to photograph them that way.  *LOL*

Take Away: I’ve mentioned recently in a previous post that I often struggle with change, even when that change is good and/or healthy for me.  The cards here are indicating that the gift that the Universe has for me in the year ahead is not so much that there will be less change, but that I will learn to deal with change better with less worry and uncertainty to hold me back and make the process unnecessarily stressful.

DECK USED:  WINTER WAITE TAROT 2019 EDITION

Planning for Security

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IMG_8285Today’s meditation was just under fourteen minutes long and was a guided meditation from the Calm app with an interval timer for my piriformis and forearm flexor stretching.

My forearms are really bothering me, which… isn’t that surprising after running the gamut of 6 weeks with pliers in both of my hands for at least twelve ours out of each day.  I don’t understand why it’s acting up now that I’m resting, but I know how to get it back under control.

The topic of today’s guided meditation is about how we allow our minds to wander without ever  really paying attention to what is going on up there.  We often repeat the same thoughts over and over like a broken record without ever realizing we’re doing so.  The the guide in the meditation spoke on how when we take a moment to acknowledge the thoughts running on the wheel in our mind, we can go deeper into those thoughts, and often relieve ourselves of them by bringing them into the present moment and working on them.

Touchstone Tarot - Four of CoinsToday’s draw is the Four of Coins, which is traditionally a representation of stability, conservation, and control in the area of one’s finances, home, health, resources, and manifestations.

What really stands out to me in the imagery in this card today is the coin that hovers above the woman’s head.  She works with those before her as if counting or savoring their presence, but the one above her head speaks to me of making plans.

The message in today’s card is to make sure that you are keeping in mind the plans needed to foster stability in your life long term.  You’ve gathered up all the coins you can, and now it’s time to plot just exactly how to invest and use those coins to your best advantage.

This is the cycle that happens each year at the end of the holiday rush, and although I’m supposed to be taking time off I did do a few things to assure that future stability including having a short chat with my financial advisor (internet messaging), plotting out the sales I will be doing for the business over the next year, and getting the templates ready for next year’s newsletters.  All of it was relaxing and not at all stressful, but still good things to have prepped and ready to go and.. in having done so?  Taking a bit more stress and worry off my shoulders.

DECK USED:  TOUCHSTONE TAROT

#DiscordTarotolicsDec2020 Challenge Prompt
Philosophical Question: Is a “wrong” act okay if nobody ever knows about it?

Living TarotReading Summary: The Son of Wands here speaks of one’s enthusiasm and how that enthusiasm to go after what has caught your interest can convince you to believe you can do what you want, go after what you want, with whatever methods are available to you without consequence.

The Five of Cups is an indication that all actions have consequences, and although you may not reap the full brunt of those repercussions when there is no witness to call you to task, there will still be consequences that effect you, your life, and how you feel about those things you pursue and the “wrongs” that you do in your endeavors.

The Father of Wands speaks of learning from your mistakes, growing from those lessons, and finding a better path in the future.  In learning that even when no one is present to see your “wrongs”, that they effect you and you deal with repercussions regardless teaches the individual to go after their endeavors with a more honest and straightforward approach in the future.

Take Away: The problem with doing something wrong is that even if no one else knows what you did?   You know what you did.  And the psyche and emotions will ensure that you pay a price for it even if you aren’t caught or called out by others.  This cycle of learning is a lesson that is taught to us through life, and that some must end up having to experience over and over again as they are unable to grow in ways to seek out that higher ground and more honest approach.

DECK USED:  LIVING TAROT

Set Aside Expectation

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IMG_8272Today’s meditation was just over eleven minutes long and was a guided meditation with interval timer for my piriformis and forearm flexor stretches.

The topic of the meditation today was about how we react to others. Specifically, how we react to negativity and whether or not we take a pause to process and form a reaction… or just instantly react (often negatively) without thinking first.

The thing is?  When you get in the habit of that pause?  That pause then becomes shorter and shorter over time as you become more accustomed to utilizing it.  It becomes more ingrained and easier over time.   The same can be said by leaping before you look, which is why it’s so important to stay conscious of your initial, internal responses and pause to consider your response before actually  acting outwardly.

Lost Hollow Tarot - Four of CupsToday’s draw is the Four of Cups, which is traditionally (this deck is a Thoth deck) a representation of being apathetic towards true value as one pursues happiness on a material level, a lack of motivation when new goals are needed, and other feelings of disinterest, discontent, lack of satisfaction, or depression.

Although nothing in this card’s imagery especially stood out to me today beyond the turn of the figure’s head, which is somewhat standard across tarot imagery for the Four of Cups, as the card  hit the table this morning I did get a very clear message from it all the same.

That message portrayed to me is that in the my first day of freedom from the holiday rush, be sure to remember that I don’t have to do anything that I don’t wanna do.  I don’t have to work.  I don’t have to do anything I don’t want to.  Today can be all mine.  All about me.  I have no expectations to fulfill, and need to be sure I don’t put any expectations upon myself.

DECK USED:  LOST HOLLOW TAROT

#DiscordTarotolicsDec2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: What needs to be purged and/or completed before the end of the year?

Madam Clara Sees All Fortune Tarot 4th EditionReading Summary: Reign in (Temperance) your resistance to change (The Tower Rx) and find a way to stop fighting against what you know will be better for you (The Lovers Rx) in the end.

Take Away: Like most people, I have an issue with change.  I know that and I know that natural inclination is present in my make up even in times when the change that’s happening is for the good and will lead to better things. 

The cards here are making it clear that this need to resist is something I need to purge as the end of the year approaches.  I do not need to work myself to the bone.  I am more than capable of jugging my work and responsibilities with my emotional and spiritual growth and self care needs. I’ve been learning over the past year how to do this in a more healthy way and it’s okay to let go now and allow that balance to slip back into place.  I just need to make sure not to “get my back up” about the shifting of the sands and allow the stressful, unhealthy habits of the holiday rush to wash away unimpeded.

DECK USED:  MADAM CLARA SEES ALL TAROT 3RD EDITION

Mystic Star December Challenge Prompt
Question: What gift should I give to myself in what remains of this year?

Tarot of the Holy Spectrum

Reading Summary: Allow yourself time to daydream (Ace of Swords) and imagine the possibilities of what’s ahead (Ace of Wands), while staying safe at home (Four of Wands) and appreciating all you’ve accomplished in the last year (Nine of Pentacles).

Take Away:  This is about lack of action.  It’s about giving myself the break that I need to rest and recover… not while ignoring the future and what’s ahead, but rather while musing about what might come and what might be possible.

Usually, my mind is so grounded in the practical and logic that I don’t take a lot of time for daydreams.  Instead I project and look at trajectories, seek out hurdles and potholes on the path and prepare for them, etc.  What the cards are describing here is not that, but rather about looking forward into the future with hope, optimism, and an eager hint of imagination.

DECK USED:  TAROT OF THE HOLY SPECTRUM

Roadkill or Ride

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IMG_8259Today’s meditation was just under twelve minutes long, and was another of the Calm app’s guided meditation with additional interval timer for my piriformis (and forearm flexor) stretches.

Honestly… I don’t remember the theme of today’s guided meditation.  I listened to it, but I was far more focused on the piano chords being played in the background.  There were like… drops of water on a smooth body of water.  Like you could ride those drops from one drip to the next.

It was very peaceful and relaxing.

Fantastic Menagerie Tarot - DeathToday’s draw is the Death card, which is traditionally a representation of organic change.  This is different to sudden and chaotic change like what is represented in the Tower, and is instead about change that develops over time and may, or may not, come to a tipping point at some time along the way.   It isn’t sudden, but a development where something ends so that something new can begin.

What really stands out to me in the imagery of this card today is the frog on the right hand side holding the cattail like a spear as well as the frog that is beneath the foot of the heron.

The message I see here in the imagery of today’s card is not just about change, but it’s about not resisting change.  It’s about allowing yourself to roll with the changes taking place so that they don’t trample you under their feet in order to just keep moving forward.  Because that change is going to happen whether you fight it or not. So do you want to be roadkill under the change’s tires… or rather take a moment to see the direction change is moving in and make sure you’re on board for the ride?

With today being the last day of the holiday rush, this message rings especially true for me today as a reminder that it’s time to slow down, and to not allow myself to squirm and fight that slowing but take advantage of it to allow myself time to rest and recover from the neglect and abuse I’ve inflicted on myself over the past six weeks.

DECK USED:  FANTASTIC MENAGERIE TAROT

#DiscordTarotolicsDec2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: Where should I direct my focus this week to foster my understanding towards others?

Winter Waite Tarot 2019 EditionReading Summary: Be consciously appreciative of all you have accomplished (Nine of Pentacles).  Now is a time to put away your authoritative and controlling side of your nature (King of Pentacles Rx) and lean into your intuition and spirituality (The High Priestess). It’s time to find balance once more (Two of Pentacles).

Take Away: The message here is that if I want to be able to be understanding towards others, I need to first take the time to settle myself back into a comfortable and balanced place of gratitude and reconnect with my spirituality first.

I’ve spent the past six weeks essentially neglecting and abusing myself in order to keep up with the holiday rush. I’ve closed myself off from people and even from loved ones on a number of different levels (social and emotional primarily) and I need time to find my balance again.   The cards here are indicating that once I have taken care of myself, it will be much easier for me to direct my compassion and understanding towards others.

DECK USED:  WINTER WAITE TAROT 2019 EDITION

Mystic Star December Challenge Prompt
Question: How can I be more open to the gifts that others wish to share with me?

Dreamland Tarot

Reading Summary:  Don’t be combative (Seven of Wands Rx) when people are trying to reach out to support you (Queen of Cups and Queen of Wands) when you’re feeling overburdened (Ten of Wands).

Take Away:  Support can come in a number of different ways.  Sometimes it comes in the form of emotional support.  Sometimes it comes in the form of inspiration or hands-on help with your burdens.   In order to be more open to this support in all of the forms it may come in, I need to make sure I don’t bulk up in defense when it’s offered.  Set pride and ego aside and allow them to reach out and help in the ways that they are willing and able to do so.

DECK USED:  HANS ZATZKA DREAMLAND TAROT

You’ve Got This

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IMG_8233Today’s meditation was just under thirteen minutes long and was another guided meditation with interval timer for my piriformis stretches.  I’ve also begun adding in some forearm flexor stretches for my right arm, as the muscles have started to seize up from so many hours using the pliers and the repetitive action of the wirework.

The topic of today’s guided meditation was about how to work through difficult emotions such as loneliness, depression, sadness, etc. The key technique that is touched on in this meditation is in remembering that emotions and feelings are temporary. This time of year there’s a lot of people feeling alone, especially considering the pandemic and the restrictions in place around the world right now.  Feeling lonely or down is a common reaction to this.  They key is to remember it’s not forever, even when it feels like it’s forever.  It’s not.

Keymaster Tarot - The MagicianToday’s draw is the Magician, which is traditionally a representation of being in possession of all of the skills, abilities, and tools necessary to reach one’s goals and accomplish one’s ends.  It’s about being capable and skilled, resourceful and gifted with what is needed to get the job done.

Like yesterday,  there are colors and items in the imagery that stand out to me, but in this case it is more of an aesthetic appeal, as the message that came from the card when it first landed on the table was clear and succinct.

You’ve got this.

It’s the last two days of the holiday rush.

You’ve got this.

DECK USED:  KEYMASTER TAROT

#DiscordTarotolicsDec2020 Challenge Prompt
Topic: Do Spread #2
Question: How can I best ensure that I get the rest and recovery I need in the week ahead?

Traditional Japanese TarotReading Summary: The colors in the first two cards between the aquas and the greens connect the two cards together.  These two, connected as they are, recommend that new ideas need time to percolate.  Write them down in order to keep track of what needs done, and formulate a plan with Gideon to support you on sticking to it.

The shades of green in the Nine of Pentacles also holds a connection to the Ace of Swords. This is a reminder that now that the end of the holiday rush is at its end, it’s time to turn the mind in a new direction and take time for gratitude, and to acknowledgment of your accomplishments.

Take Away: As silly as it feels to me to need someone to sort of… “police” my activities in order to assure that I get the rest I need this week to recover from the god-awful chaos and exhaustion of the holiday rush… I also know that I’m not able to fully step away without that watchful (and somewhat constant) reminder that I’m not supposed to be working.  There are things to get done and I struggle with not doing them as they pop into my head, worried they won’t get done otherwise.  I need to make sure I’m writing these things down and making a list I can then work at checking things off on later after I’ve had a few days to recover.

DECK USED:  JAPANESE TRADITIONAL TAROT

Mystic Star December Challenge Prompt
Question: What is the best way to share my gifts with those around me?

Tarot of Light and Shadow

Reading Summary: Use what you’ve learned (Six of Cups) to inspire and motivate others (Queen of Wands). And allow them to help you (Three of Serpents) when you need help to defeat your own demons and come out on top (Five of Swords).

Take Away:  This is about making sure that I respect the give-and-take that happens between myself and others.  I always try to give and help, teach and offer… but struggle with taking help in turn.   The cards here indicate that I am capable of inspiring others even while I allow others to help me with what I need help with.  They are not mutually exclusive.

DECK USED:  TAROT OF LIGHT AND SHADOW