finding the positive

Seeking Joy By Letting Go

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Today’s meditation was a self-directed ten minute session, focused upon the theme of Doubt from the included Az Oracle card by @Sunni_Chapman and a quote from the guidance that came with it.

That guidance says, “…it’s not the road (the means or the method) that you need to mind so much as the decision and intention behind that road. What do you want to see and feel on your road? What kind of scenery do you want to take in on the way?”

There’s a lot of uncertainty in my life right now, especially around my livelihood.  My meditation for the day was focused on reconnecting and centering myself on my path and what I want to achieve through that path I’ve chosen.  It’s a reiteration of a message I’ve received a lot over the past few days, which is to say… focus upon what is under your control, and let go of the rest that you can’t do anything about.

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Whimsical Realm of Oddities Tarot's The Hanged Man and The Az Oracle@FatMumSlim August #FMSPAD Challenge
Prompt for August 2nd : A Quiet Joy | #FMS_QUIETJOY25
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Hanged Man card, which is traditionally a representation of taking a pause, considering alternate perspectives, relaxing into difficult situations, surrender, or letting go.

It can be  hard to sit with your thoughts and feelings sometimes. They can feel overwhelming and, at least for me? When I’m feeling overwhelmed my natural inclination is to try and shut it all down. That means that in meditation, during these times sitting in silence with an empty mind is a piece of cake.

Harder is sitting in silence with those emotions, thoughts, and concerns.  Sitting in silence and acknowledging my fears and worries.  Sitting in silence and not allowing them to spiral out of control, but to just -sit- with them and let them have a moment of acknowledgement.

Sometimes this means I end up crying.  Sometimes, I can’t stand it and have to stop.  Sometimes… I can’t actually keep things from spiraling in my brain.  I understand, though, that these quiet moments are important.  They allow time to acknowledge my fears, feelings, and anxieties, which is the first step to sorting through them and actually dealing with them… instead of burying them so that they fester beneath the surface.

The message for today is to remember that even in these times when those quiet moments aren’t peaceful? There’s benefit.  They are a necessary part of our path to joy, as it’s after we acknowledge these fears and open to them that their weight begins to ease and our heart to lighten. Today’s card is an encouragement to not hide from what needs to be seen.  Make space to allow it to come forward, and acknowledge it so that it can continue on and pass on by.  That way, the path is open, unblocked even, for that joy in life that we’re all seeking to savor.

DECK USED: WHIMSICAL REALM OF ODDITIES TAROT AND THE AZ ORACLE

@Lionharts #TheAugustTarot Leo Season Challenge
Prompt for August 1st : Strength Opening Spread

The Strength Oracle Reading with the Banksy Wisdom Cards

What strength am I guided to embrace as my foundation this Leo season?

Breaking the Rules – You are very good at being yourself against all odds. Guilt and peer pressure rarely have the influence over you that others think that they will (although, this boundary has been a bit more mushy lately than you’d like). This individuality comes from knowing yourself and being able to follow your own inner compass without question. This is a skill that you need to tap into this Leo season.

How can I move through this Leo season with grace and confidence?

Embrace the World – Expect others to let “you do you”, and you do the same in return for them. Just because something is not for you doesn’t mean it’s not perfect for them and vice versa. Embrace the differences that make each of us unique, and remember to mind your own business when people aren’t doing things “your way”.

What heart-led action am I being called to take in devotion to myself?

Necessary Selfishness – As mentioned above, you do you, and if others don’t like it? Too damn bad. Remember that you don’t have to make excuses for yourself, no matter who it is that’s offended or put out by your authenticity.

Other elements included in this reading:
Carved Bamboo for Positive Outcomes
Black Spruce needles to Boost Self-Confidence and Positive Thinking
Dried Purple Heather Flowers for Independence and Luck
Clear Quartz Man in the Moon for Amplification of Lunar Energies
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: BANKSY WISDOM CARDS

Daily Self Kindness

I had the most amazing apple today.  It’s been a long time since I’ve ate an apple, and I’m not really a fruit person, but… it was perfect and I really enjoyed it. I savored every bite.

It’s Your Life

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Today’s meditation was ten minutes long, and a self directed session based on a reminder note recently posted by @primaltrust_official (not an endorsement) that states “We heal not just when we ‘feel better,’ but when we learn how to hold space for what still hurts with love instead of fear.

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Wild Waters Edge Tarot - The Hermit@FatMumSlim August #FMSPAD Challenge
Prompt for August 1st : Under My Feet | #FMS_UNDERMYFEET25
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Hermit card, which is traditionally a representation of solitude, self reflection and introspection, alone time, and inner guidance.

At the end of the day? Your path through life is just that… yours. No one else can make decisions for you, instead it’s important to delve deep within yourself to figure out what is right for you.

Sure, others in our lives contribute influence, especially in our formative years as children, but at some point we have to take onus for our lives, what we do with them, and who we ultimately become. And, to connect with who we are and who we want to become takes self-a reflection and authenticity.

Today’s message is that as adults, the path under our feet belongs to us, and so do the choices we make, as well as those we refuse to make or allow others to make for us. This message encourages us to take moments of self reflection to tune into who we are, where we want our path to lead, and who we want to become.

DECK USED:  WILD WATERS EDGE TAROT OF THE NORTHWOODS

#DiscordTarotholicsAug2025 Challenge
Prompt for August 2nd : First Harvest Spread

Oracle of the Mystic Muse Oracle Reading

Calves – How can I better express my needs and vulnerabilities to welcome in nurturing assistance?

The Message – Accept that you can’t be good at everything. You can be better at being vulnerable, though, if you’re willing to communicate your way through it instead of retreating to hide yourself away in the dark.

Corn – How can I foster the gift of greater long-term prosperity in my life?

Free Spirit – Shift your perspective to view prosperity as more than a monetary thing. Seek out other ways in which you are fortunate, and how you can increase and sustain wealth in those areas.

Peridot – Where can greater focus and clarity draw out more joy in my life?

The Muse – The places and things that inspire you are where you excel at finding joy. Focus on those things that you really enjoy and that inspire you, rather than just trudging along with what had to be done and/or need doing.

Golden Topaz – How can more authentic self-exploration improve how I see the world?

Magic – One view transforms the other. Just like a rainy day can be refreshing when in a good mood, or miserably wet when in a bad mood; internal narratives shift external perceptions and perspectives. The more you understand authentic self, the more sense the world begins to make and the easier it is to deal with those parts of it that don’t.

Crow – What message from beyond have I been ignoring that it’s time to acknowledge?

Shadow – You still have plenty to sort through that’s buried in those deep, dark places within you, but don’t let digging through the dark make you miss out on the beauty that’s right in front of you day after day. You can balance both, and in doing so, the beauty will make those shadows easier to deal with.

Basil – What risk or danger in my life is it time to take seriously?

The Mission – Make sure if you’re going to gallop, that you’re galloping in the right direction. Are you running away from something? Is fear driving you? If not, why are you running? These are important questions you need to ask yourself, and seek sincere answers to.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Rhododendron Leaf for Fostering Confidence
Gneiss Wishing Stone for Patience in Moments of Discomfort
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: INNER CHILD HEALING ORACLE OF THE MYSTIC MUSE

Daily Self Kindness

Another day without news. I’m not sure if it’s helping, but I thought I’d give it another go.

It’s All Temporary

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

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We'Moon Tarot's Ace of CupsDaily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Ace of Cups (1 of Water), which is traditionally a representation of the seed of new beginnings in the area of one’s emotions, relationships, creativity, and intuition.

I am currently on a journey of self discovery, where my emotions take center stage as I try to become adept at identifying them, experiencing them, understanding them, and incorporating them into my life. It’s slow going and often frustrating; always confusing. But, that’s today’s challenge, and yesterday’s challenge, and probably tomorrow’s as well.

We cannot predict what is coming. 10 or 20 years down the line. Our lives could be completely different, our struggles could be entirely changed, and those things that we are just now trying to learn could be things we have become experts on, or have been abandoned for something else entirely.

The message in today’s cards is to not give up when things get hard. Our challenges today are for today. The future will hold others, and today’s will fade into the past. Stay present in the moment and experience the pleasures along with the struggles, and when tomorrow struggles come? Adapt and keep going.

DECK USED:  WE’MOON TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2025 Challenge
Prompt for July 31 : Grab a spread of your choice you’re curious about… and give it a go!
Spread: Folklore Tarot Spread by @newagehipster333

Folklore Tarot Reading with The Fox & Crow Tarot

Feelings that need to be felt.

The High Priestess – What are you hiding? You aren’t allowing yourself to connect with what’s hidden within. You hid it, and you’re the only one that can drag it up into your view. Take some quiet time and meditation, and seek out those emotions that you have been avoiding. They’re right there under the surface, waiting to be acknowledged.

How you can heal, express, and navigate these feelings.

Ten of Pentacles – Remember that these feelings aren’t the end of the world, no matter how much it feels like they are. Nothing you unearth in this exploration is going to destroy all your hard work, nor the stability you’ve built.

Stories that need to be told.

The Sun – Revisit the good times and successes of your past. They will help bolster you through the struggle as you deal with these uncovered emotions that you’ve been hiding from.

How to set boundaries and look after your own energy.

Strength – Do not allow others to take your help for granted. If they can’t be respectful of you and what matters to you, then they don’t deserve your time or attention. These boundaries on your time, energy, and efforts are important, for if you don’t uphold them, others will tap into all you’re willing to give them and more… how much more will depend on how much they can get rather than how much you’re willing to give.

How to trust yourself and your dreams.

The Magician – Be open to accepting and internalizing the fact that you have the capability of dealing with anything that life throws your way. You’ll work it out. You always do.

Other elements included in this reading:
Pressed Pansy Flowers for Hearing the Heart More Clearly
Foraged Wood Fern for Exorcising Negative Influences
Foraged Purple Heather Sprigs for Independence and Luck
Dried Cedar (in Bundle) for Cleansing and Protection
Dried Lavender (in Bundle) for Warmth and Comfort
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: THE FOX & CROW TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I stayed away from the news today, both online as well as on the tv.  My anxiety is a bit too high, and the news, especially on the political front, just wasn’t helping.

Unseen Guidance

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Matronua Tarot's Two of Swords and Chakra Mandalas DeckDaily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Two of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of crossroads, difficult decisions, needing more information, seeking inward for answers, weighing one’s options, and sometimes avoidance.

As someone that works in mediumship and is sensitive to energies, I can (at least for myself) definitively say that we are not alone.

Nor, as we move along our path, are our decisions uninfluenced by those that linger.

It’s not that they make choices for us (note: your definition of “they” may vary. ex: ancestors and spirits of the dead, angels, spirit, guides, deity, etc), but they do try to help us and guide us; if we are willing to open up to listening to them.

The message in today’s cards is a reminder that our journey on life’s path is not something we do alone, nor are we rudderless in the sea of life. Yes, we make the decisions on where we go and what we do, but guidance is available if you’re willing to open up and listen.

DECK USED:  MATRONUA TAROT (aka. TAROCCHI ITALIANI DIPINTI A MANO DA VALENTINA DE LUCA) AND CHAKRA MANDALAS DECK

@LightningWildflower‘s July Tarot Challenge
Integrate Prompts for July 28 – 31

The Chef Oracle ReadingWhat lessons from my past are ready to be integrated into the present?

Salt atop Mushroom – It’s through observation that you are best able to protect yourself. Before acting in the same old patterns as the past, stand back and watch first. When you react without this pause, you leave yourself wide open to negative influences.

How can I  honor past lessons without clinging to old narratives?

Thyme – Have the courage to break free of old patterns instead of repeating them. The unknown can be scary, but you need to remember that what you’ve known before isn’t all wine and roses either. There is value and benefit in thinking outside the box and stepping outside your comfort zone.

What positive experiences have had the biggest impact on me?

Butcher – Look at how you learn and develop your skills. Those things you have developed expertise in took a lot of work, but your learning process is unique and can be applied to life in a myriad of different ways.

What have I learned about myself over the last month?

Beef – Over the past month you have gotten a better grasp on where you fit in other people’s lives, and what roles you play not just in their lives but also your own. This boils down to a greater sense of self-acceptance of all that you are.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Rhododendron Leaf for Fostering Confidence
Aragonite for Truth and Understanding
Septarian Stone for Physical and Mental Healing
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: THE CHEF ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I took time to relax and take a nap at Ms B’s today while I was there.

Honey vs Vinegar

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Inner Child Deck's Knight of Clouds/Knight of Swords and Inner Joy OracleDaily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Queen of Swords (Clouds), which is traditionally a representation of a receptive alpha energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s knowledge, education, logic, ambitions, or communication. This often translates into themes that have to do with the people that foster you through tough love and sharp-tongued advice.

Keep those narratives (inner and outer) positive.

Yes, tough love is a thing. Remember, though, that it’s usually not necessary.

Instead of letting your sharp tongue and sharper mind step in and start cutting right out of the gate, take a slow breath and try a softer, kinder, and more compassionate approach first. You can always resort to that sharper edge if needed, but these cards are a reminder that you’ll “draw more flies with honey than vinegar”.

Today’s message is to not be an ass until you actually have to be. It might be more expedient, but it puts people on edge and pushes them away. Take the time to try kindness first. Those hard, sharp edges can come out later if needed.

DECK USED:  THE INNER CHILD DECK AND INNER JOY ORACLE

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2025 Challenge
Philosophical Question for July 30 : What distinguishes knowledge from belief?

The Card of Changes Oracle ReadingReading Summary: Knowledge is the beginning of something solid (Qián). Belief has the ability to not just be wrong (Gǔ), but fool us with deceptions and mistaken impressions if we aren’t careful (Xiǎo Guò).

Take Away: These cards indicate that knowledge is based in truth, which is based in proof.  Belief, on the other hand, is based in one’s feelings and personal understanding, which is not as solid a foundation as truth and proof.

I’d like to add that this doesn’t necessarily mean that belief cannot be knowledge as well, but it requires proof positive to bridge the gap between one and the other.

Other elements included in this reading:
Black Spruce needles to Boost Self-Confidence and Positive Thinking
Dried Purple Heather Flowers for Independence and Luck
Amethyst Buddha for Serenity in Spiritual Connections
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: THE CARD OF CHANGES ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I finally gave in and ordered myself a new sleeper earring (I lost the old one) for my unhappy helix piercing. It’s been bugging me for a while, and I need to get something in there that won’t agitate it instead of just hoping it’ll stop on its own.

Strength In Vulnerability

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Today’s meditation was twelve minutes long, and was one of the #DailyTrip sessions in the @Calm app.

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The Nigel Jackson Tarot's World Card and Inner Joy OracleDaily 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.

When we learn to accept and appreciate our vulnerabilities, a new journey begins.

When I became my partner’s submissive seventeen(?) years ago, I spent a few years feeling awkward and embarrassed. Not with what we have or did with each other, but with how others might perceive me. I worried that in other people’s eyes, being submissive in our relationship made them see me as weak.

It took me time to accept that this is a part of myself, and even longer to see, understand, and truly accept that my submission is not a weakness. It takes courage to let someone else take the reigns, and strength to find that balance in a relationship that fits for both of you. It also takes strength to allow our vulnerabilities to show, which is also a part of submission (not to mention the subdrop, which I’m personally prone to).

Once I got to a point where I could see that strength in my submission and all it entailed? It no longer mattered anymore what others thought. I had moved into accepting myself and my vulnerabilities more easily.

Today’s cards ask us to look at these things about ourselves that we see as weaknesses or vulnerabilities, and seek out how they make us better and stronger. The message here encourages us to recognize that by accepting these vulnerabilities and seeing them as strengths to value, instead of weaknesses to be ashamed of, we become more authentically us.

DECK USED:  THE NIGEL JACKSON TAROT

@LightningWildflower‘s July Tarot Challenge
Reveal Prompts for July 25 – 27

The Spiritual Meaning of Birds Oracle ReadingWhat truths are coming to light in my life?

Chickadee/Sweet Brier – It’s is through the shedding of old ideas and patterns for new ones that we continue to grow and change. You lead naturally in areas where you hold knowledge and expertise. Remember that keeping that expertise up-to-date and relative means not getting so bogged down by old ideas and traditions that new ones can’t be added.

What hidden gifts have I uncovered?

Cuckoo/Feverpod atop Magpie – You have a one track mind when it comes to your hoarding tendencies, and aren’t above lying to yourself to convince yourself to continue on with addictive behaviors (which hoarding is included in) well past when it would be healthier to back off.

Fortunately, you are aware of this and work to stay attentive to these issues. As you have begun to explore mediumship, your ancestors have also stepped forward to help in establishing and maintaining balance this area.

What am I afraid (or resistant to) reveal to others?

Wren/Winged Elm – You are resistant to let other’s see your more extreme swings in mood and behavior. You don’t like the highs and lows, and worry that showing these extremes may cause you to appear less dependable. You’ve worked so hard to create a stable foundation for yourself, and worry that these extremes could create cracks in that foundation not just for yourself, but also for others who depend on your stable nature.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Wood Fern for Exorcising Negative Influences
Dried Rhododendron Leaf for Fostering Confidence
Rainforest Rhyolite for Facilitating Calm Transitions
Flower Agate Moon for Opening the Mind to New Possibilities
Gneiss Wishing Stone for Patience in Moments of Discomfort
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: THE SPIRITUAL MEANING OF BIRDS

Daily Self Kindness

I went to the dentist to have my cleaning done, even though I was extremely tempted to cancel my appointment.