Today’s meditation was done in the wake of pulling next month’s decks and putting the majority (other than the ones I need for tomorrow) of this month’s away.

Today’s draw is the Five of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of conflict, disagreements with others, and conflict through the clashing of wills.

The thing about the Five of Wands is that yes, it’s about conflict.  But it’s not the same kind of conflict you find in the Five of Swords.  In the Wands, we deal with the things that make us tick.  Our principles, our values, our enthusiasm, our drive.  In the Wands, the conflict card includes these aspects.  You’re not fighting just to fight, but because you are fighting -for- something.

Sometimes when many people feel strongly on a topic, they clash.  That is the kind of conflict that this card is about.

The affirmation card for today tells us that a lot of these battles of will, principles, and values can be solved if we will only pause to listen.  Not just -hear- what others are saying, but actually listen to what they have to say and think about it instead of trying to talk over them to get our own point across.

DECK USED:  PANDA TAROT AND HOW TO BE A WILDFLOWER DECK

Cosmic_Crow_Tarot’s #FreedomTarotChallenge Prompt
Questions for July 29th thru 31st

What should I appreciate more?

Three of Wands and Lion – My journey, and the autonomy I have within it. The strength it has given me that I now own through the trials I’ve experienced, and can now utilize as I move forward.

What am I free to begin at this time?

Two of Cups, Sausage Fruit Tree atop Civet – Cracks up. Okay. So these cards essentially say that I’m “ripe for spectacular sex with a mysterious stranger”. Maybe Gideon and I need to make new characters? I’m really enjoying the ones we have right now tho. Good thing that “free to begin” something doesn’t necessarily mean you have to. Maybe I can channel that “ripeness” into something else, hm?

What thought do I need to keep with me moving forward?

Nine of Cups and Monkey – Don’t let your feelings of satiation dampen your curiosity for life and the world around you. Just cuz you’re happy and comfortable doesn’t mean there’s not plenty more to explore, discover, and enjoy.

DECKS USED: ANCIENT ANIMAL WISDOM ORACLE AND CHINESE TAROT

Mr Lionharts’ #TheJulyTarot #TarotSuitsChallenge Prompt
Question: What can I do in the present in support of my definition of a happy home?

Reading Summary: Let go of past experiences (Ten of Swords) and own the present (Four of Pentacles). Ensure prolonged security (Ten of Pentacles).

Take Away:  In order to support my definition of a happy home, it’s important to not get so wrapped up in my past experiences and processing things concerning them that I lose focus on my goals.

A lot of my security plans and goals are on a sort of autopilot.  Automatic payments and the like. But that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t check in on them now and then to make sure things are going as planned and everything is in order. 

DECK USED: PANDA TAROT

After I pulled next month’s decks, I took an ibuprofen and allowed myself to lie down for a bit and take a break.

Today’s meditation was a little over fifteen minutes long and was not a guided meditation.  Instead I simply took some time to work on breathing exercise on my own, concentrating on my breath and on slowly relaxing one body part at a time from head to toe.

Today’s draw is the Nine of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of being battered and exhausted yet still upholding one’s boundaries.  It’s about courage and resilience, even in times when you aren’t at your 100%, and protecting those things that are important to you by “standing the line”.  Sometimes this can also translate into having one’s beliefs and faith being tested, for it is when we are beaten down and tired that we are most often tempted to let go of those things we would otherwise stand firm on.

When I first saw this affirmation card?  I read it to say “then they have served their purpose” (as opposed to “when”), and I think that this misread was actually important, especially in relation to the tarot card pulled today.

The thing is?  A lot of times we build up walls where our emotions are concerned.  Walls to keep them out.  Walls to dull their strength.  Walls to bury them under.  These walls are not healthy. Three different walls, with three different purposes, but none of them are healthy.   It’s only when we allow our emotions to run their course that we can get a healthy result.  That is what emotions are for… to help us learn, to help us grow.    If we aren’t allowing the emotions to come, to stay so that we can learn from then, then leave when that learning has taken place?  Then we aren’t allowing them to serve their purpose, and hurting ourselves in the process.

DECK USED:  THE PRI8M TAROT AND LESS ANXIETY AFFIRMATION CARDS

Mr Lionharts’ #TheJulyTarot #TarotSuitsChallenge Prompt
Questions for July 21st thru 23rd

What am I asked to overcome to embrace / support my best self?

Sage / Salvia officinalis (Purify) and Six of Water – You have had a childhood history filled with a myriad of experiences in pain and betrayal served up by those that you should have been able to trust implicitly. You can begin to overcome the remnants of these experiences through acknowledgement of where these remnants come from.  By remembering that they are a part of the past, you can then purify their negative influences from your present and your future.

How can I best keep focus on the things that are good for me?

Chicory / Cichorium intybus (Sustain) and Seven of Air – Stay the course, no matter who or what tries to steal it away.

This is about making sure that I keep my focus on the changes I’m trying to make in my life.  The healthier balance of work and rest, the lean into optimism and positivity instead of rejection of these things, the efforts to find a path that allows me to share my work rather than hoard all the work and responsibility for myself.

How, or where, is my spiritual practice strengthening me?

Sage / Sambucus nigra (Ritual) and The Sun – Joy is created through your spiritual practices and rituals. Not only are the things in your day to day spiritual practice supporting your successes and efforts to focus on the positive, but the larger rituals are also helping in fostering those efforts.

DECK USED: HEDGEWITCH BOTANICAL ORACLE AND RADIANT SCALES TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2021 Challenge Prompt
Philosophical Question: Do acts of kindness always have a motive?

Reading Summary: It doesn’t always “pay off” as expected (The Void), but every act of kindness serves either a purpose towards balance (Three of Pentacles), or as a strategic personal motivation (Knight of Swords).

Take Away: So all acts of kindness have a purpose, which means they inherent have a motive. That doesn’t mean that all acts of kindness are strategically motivated, though. Sometimes that motive is more about trying to find balance either within ourselves or the world around us, and of course, other times it’s more selfish. And sometimes, no matter the motive or purpose, acts of kindness get lost in translation.

DECK USED: THE PRI8M TAROT

I spent about two hours out on the balcony with my plants today, just tending to them, watering them, making sure they’re getting the right nutrition, etc.  I also replaced the pansies and lobelia that didn’t make it through the 110+ F heat wave we had.  They just couldn’t handle it, so I’ve replaced them with a few plants I picked up from the nursery.

Today’s meditation was the fourth installment of the introductory meditation program on the Balance app, which was ten minutes in length.  I did not include piriformis stretches in the meditation today.  I wanted to see if it made any difference in my perception of time during meditation if I left it out.  Which… it does not.

Today’s draw is the Page of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of exploring one’s emotions and creativity, and the potential that lies in delving in to one’s curiosity.

What strikes me in the imagery of this card is the irritation on the face of the man who looks over the woman’s shoulder.  While she pursues her curiosity and interest? He is looking on with irritation and jealousy.

Sometimes? That happens. We discover something new, we invest ourselves within it to begin to explore, to learn, and to discover the possibilities it presents to us. And some asshat is there over our shoulder being a bastard… or maybe even it’s your own inner dialogue filling that role.

The affirmation card for today is a reminder that if you choose to stay on task… to not be dissuaded by the naysayers and negative influences? You will get through it. You will find yourself on the other side of it, and in having stayed the course… you will have grown along the way and have far more to enjoy and discover on the other side of it all. In other words? Don’t let the assholes get you down. Do your own thing and have fun with it.

DECK USED:  GOLDEN AGE OF ROMANCE COMICS TAROT AND LESS ANXIETY AFFIRMATION CARDS

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2021 Challenge Prompt
Questions for July 20th and 22nd

As an adult, where am I neglecting myself at this time?
Snapdragon (Purification) and The Devil

You are not being discerning enough with your addictions and which ones you choose to pursue. Nor are you being proactive enough in purging what isn’t working.

Decks. Selling shit on eBay. Houseplants. Food. Even jewelry supplies. All of these are things that you enjoy, and anything you enjoy has the potential to become an addiction.  In order to keep these things from building up and becoming unmanageable, occasional purges are necessary.

How can I begin to resolve this pattern of neglect?
Bay (Wisdom), The Sun Rx atop Two of Pentacles

To begin to resolve this unresolved pattern of neglect, you need to acknowledge that when you juggle too much, it’s no longer fun.  This is true with work, and it’s equally true with anything else that you enjoy, especially that may build up over time (like collections of things).  If you are juggling too many of these things at once, it becomes unwieldy and difficult to manage.  That then begins to eat away at the fun and enjoyment that attracted you to these things in the first place.

DECK USED: GREEN WITCH ORACLE AND MICHELANGELO TAROT

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge Prompt by E Roebuck-Jones
Question for July 20th plus Bonus Question

How does a creative blockage feel?

Creative blockages feel like the end of the world (Ten of Swords). In those moments (or days, or weeks), it can feel like I can’t to anything right (Judgement Rx) and there’s no joy left in the life (The Sun Rx).

So much of my life is wrapped up in my creative spark, from my hobbies to my work, from the things that bring me joy, to the things that expand my perspective and allow me to look at the world through a more positive lens. It is, in one way or another, incorporated in nearly everything that I do.

When my creative spark falters and sputters out, it makes the world look gray and lifeless, and as if there is no longer any place for me within it.

How can I work at overcoming these blockages when they arise?

Acknowledging the wealth of good fortune (Five of Pentacles Rx) and accomplishments (Nine of Pentacles) that  hard work has filled my life with.

Gratitude.  The more gratitude that I feel for what I have in the present, the less there is of the past’s scarcity to drive my need for more. With less of a need for more, there is less dissatisfaction, and with less dissatisfaction there is more room for creativity to flourish in place of the grappling need my past creates within me.

DECK USED: GOLDEN AGE OF ROMANCE COMICS TAROT

I took my progressive glasses in to bitch about the alignment of the bottom portion of the lens. I took some of my jewelry work with me so that I could demonstrate how I work and what I need, and they’re going to send them in to be redone.

Today’s meditation was ten minutes long, and was the third installment of the introductory meditation practice offered in the Balance app. This installment was another breath practice, but that focused upon the body’s sensations with each breath rather than the in and out of the breath itself.

Today’s draw is the Lovers card, which is traditionally a representation of love, harmony, relationships, and all that good stuff, but can also often represent making choices.  Especially choices that force people to weigh their priorities and reaffirm their values.

In the imagery of this card, we see love and harmony at work in the swirling magic in the air, the smiling faces, and the physical closeness between the two figures. This is not romance, but it is indeed love.

Sometimes, when we love others, we get lost in the need to put their needs first.  We want to help them and love them and support them in everything they do and any struggles they come upon.   The thing is?  Not everyone needs that much of our help.   Some will rebuff the help and say they can do it on their own, but there are others who will take it just becauze it allows them to then be lazy.  They can hand over their worries and work to another and slack, which soon becomes habitual.

As it also becomes habitual for us to let it happen.

That is where today’s cards message lies.  The combination of the Lovers card and the affirmation card today are a reminder that we need to choose wisely who and how we pour our energies and emotions into others.  Are you being healthy about it?  Or are you just perpetuating unhealthy cycles for yourself… and possibly for them as well?

DECK USED:  CHINESE TAROT AND LESS ANXIETY AFFIRMATION CARDS

Mr Lionharts’ #TheJulyTarot #TarotSuitsChallenge Prompt
Questions for July 19th and 20th

Where, or in what way, is my current focus supporting my growth?
Panaway atop Sensation, Knight of Pentacles

Working on the transformation from negative space into a more positive and healthy one. by lifting you up through rest and focus on the now.  The effort taken to focus on and enjoy life in the now is healthy and uplifting. It allows for a more positive and optimistic mindset to balance out the negativity  of your inner narrative, giving you space to breathe and grow where the inner narrative once created no space and was smothering you.

Where, or in what way, is my current energy hindering my growth?
Peppermint, Seven of Swords Rx atop Seven of Wands

As usual, you are being too gung-ho about progress and moving forward, and that mentality and energy is tapping into (and sapping out) your strength and certainty of purpose. Slow down and watch where you’re going.  It’s not a race, nor is life a battle to constantly be waged.

DECK USED: OILRACLE ESSENTIAL OILS CARD DECK AND PANDA TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2021 Challenge Prompt
Question:  What can I do to help my inner adolescent feel heard and understood?

Reading Summary: More time in nature, for it is through your connection with the earth that you find grounding and peace (The Empress). Assure them that they have all they need to weather any storm (The Magician). Treat them with a firm hand that is heavily tempered with kindness and understanding (King of Cups).

Take Away:  In order to help my inner adolescent feel heard and understood, they need to feel supported and empowered. So much of that time was spent powerless and destitute that the scrabble for power is a real thing that lives within you through them.  Providing the grounding and reassurances that your inner adolescent needs will help them in not acting out, as it means that their fears, worries, and healing wounds are seen, heard, and understood.

DECK USED: CHINESE TAROT

I took a nap today even though it was an orders day. I just got super tired out of the blue, and instead of pushing through it as I normally would, I allowed myself to lie down for a bit instead.

Today’s meditation was not a guided meditation, or even timed.  I believe it was probably around twenty minutes and took place after my phone appointment with my shrink.  I simply rested in quiet, doing some breathing exercises while performing my piriformis stretches.  It was really nice, but I’m amazed I didn’t fall asleep.

Today’s draw is The Hermit card, which is traditionally a representation of inner reflection and self analysis, as well alone time, and the introspection that comes when you step away from others and spend time with yourself.

The bear in this card really catches my eye today, as does the skull at the bottom.  In fact, I saw the skull first.  What I see in this image is the healthy form of alone time represented by the bear with his lantern.  The animal hibernates, but it is a healthy part of their cycle, while the lantern speaks of illumination of the self and resulting growth during this alone time.  The skull at the bottom then represents the other side of the coin and the unhealthy alone time that comes when we retreat from society not for healthy reasons, but rather to burrow into slothenly behavior or wallow in negative emotions.

The question then placed by the affirmation card in today’s draw is which do you do?  Which do you choose?  Do you choose healthy alone time?  Or do you instead focus on that wallowing and unhealthy alone time?  This is a choice and it’s about what we choose to focus on.  The message here is to make sure when you’re retreating from the world, it’s in a healthy way with a purpose… not just to wallow and, as a result, end up making things worse.

DECK USED:  LINESTRIDER TAROT AND LESS ANXIETY AFFIRMATION CARDS

Cosmic_Crow_Tarot’s #FreedomTarotChallenge Prompt
Questions for July 13th, 14th and 16th

What is keeping me from feeling free in my life?
Beech and Three of Cups

Feeling responsible for others safety and happiness instead of leaving that for them to deal with themselves is one of the things that keeps you from feeling free in your life. You feel a responsibility to help shift people’s perspectives when they are in unhealthy patterns, or when you can help lighten their load by doing so. This is not your responsibility.

How can I find more freedom in my life?
Aspen and Three of Swords

Take a closer look at your fears. Dig up their roots and deal with what lies beneath instead of continuing to bury those feelings. There is a lot of ugly in your past. This is a call for shadow work, which you have been doing… but, as you are aware, like most growth it needs to be taken at a glacial pace. Keep going.  Direct your focus towards those moments you continue to try to avoid and bury.

How can I help others find the freedom they deserve?
Rock Water atop Mumulis, Strength

Although you often help people in overcoming their fears through creativity, persuasion, and support. You also have the ability to not just provide different perspectives, but through your creative process and work, spread joy and pleasure to others. Don’t forget what you contribute through your craft. You have a unique gift to give through the work you do and the intentions and methods used to create the vessels that deliver that joy to others.

DECK USED: HEALING FLOWER COLOR CARDS AND LINESTRIDER TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2021 Challenge Prompt
Philosophical Question: Is there an inherent order in nature or is it all chaos and chance?

Reading Summary: Everything has a purpose (King of Pentacles). Chaos is an accelerant (The Tower Rx atop Knight of Wands) of the natural cycles that repeat again and again (Ace of Swords Rx). There’s nothing new just everything in its time and place (Temperance atop Ace of Swords).

Take Away: The cards here indicate that there is very little chaos and chance in nature. Everything is about cycles that repeat again and again.  Sometimes to the human eye, we are unable to see those cycles and thus it looks like chaos or chance.

The times chaos or chance -does- arise in nature, it us used by nature to accelerate a cycle already in place.

DECK USED: LINESTRIDER TAROT

So… I got hit by a truck today.  I mean as a pedestrian, I was hit by a truck today.  Instead of demanding to go home (mostly because I wanted to get my damned phone) I allowed myself to be checked out by the paramedics and taken to the hospital for x-rays.   I’m fine, and I made the guy that hit me put everything in his name so he’s responsible for all the bills and shit.