Heaven & Earth Tarot

Spreading the Wealth

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IMG_8584Today’s meditation was just under twelve minutes long and was a guided meditation from the Calm app with interval timer for my piriformis and forearm stretches.  Yes, I started back up with the extra forearm flexor stretches, as giving it a break seems to have instead of letting it rest… given it the opportunity to tighten up more.

The topic of today’s meditation is about the importance of acknowledging and accepting that there is more in the world that we can see and understand.  It’s like that Shakespeare Hamlet quote “There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.”

I don’t necessarily think secular people are “wrong” or that their view isn’t just as valid as anyone else’s, but I feel that, like everyone in the world, we need to understand that there’s more out there than we can possibly hope to comprehend, whether it is a part of our personal dogma or not.

Heaven & Earth Tarot - Six of PentaclesToday’s draw is the Six of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of generosity, and the give and take of charity.  This representation is ruled by balance (thus the scales often depicted on the Six of Pentacles), and is both about the giving of those more fortunate, and the acceptance of that generosity by those less fortunate.

What really stands out to me in this card today isn’t in the imagery (which is stunning, as always, in this deck).  It’s in the words upon the scroll at the bottom.   The words “Material Success” are used as a prompt for the card, and I feel that this is… short sighted.  It encourages one to focus on only one side of that balance that this card’s message is truly about.

“Spread the Wealth” is definitely the message that I get from this card today, through the image that is then strongly reinforced by the words at the bottom.

I think sometimes we all forget how fortunate we are.  I know that I do sometimes.  But even at my worst, living in a car and struggling on the streets, I still had things to be grateful for, and ways that I was able to reach out and help others less fortunate than myself.  That outreach is important… and there are many ways to pay forward your good fortune than through monetary means.

DECK USED:  HEAVEN & EARTH TAROT

LionHart’s Elements Tarot Challenge Prompt
Question: What should I know or keep in mind as I go after my dreams and goals?

Earth Bones Tarot 2nd Edition

 Reading Summary:  You have to rest now and then (Four of Crystals), no matter how enthusiastic you are feeling to explore new things (Page of Wicks) or you will burn yourself out and open yourself up to the slippery slope of depression (Three of Crystals).

Take Away:  Dreams and goals are meant to be pursued and explored, but it’s important to remember to take breaks and rest now and then along the way.  The pace you set is your own, and there’s no deadline to be had.  Don’t risk your emotional stability and well-being by pushing too hard and not giving yourself the rest you need.  That rest is extremely important to keep everything in balance.

DECK USED:  EARTH BONES TAROT

#DiscordTarotolicJan2021 Challenge Prompt
Question: What do you actually deserve? (Built off yesterday’s cards)

Tarot of the Divine MasculineReading Summary:  You deserve to leave behind the negative lessons  of the past (Six of Cups Rx) and rule your roost with strength and confidence (The Emperor) with Gideon there at your side to support (King of Cups).

Take Away: Strength and Happiness.  This is about finding stability and confidence in myself instead of allowing my past to creep in and whisper in my ear those negative inner naratives that always try to tear me down.  I deserve to live a life without those influences weakening my foundation.  And I deserve Gideon there beside me, supporting me along the way, each and every day as I move forward into the future.

DECK USED:  TAROT OF THE DIVINE MASCULINE

Adding Flavor

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Today’s meditation was skipped.  Not intentionally, but apparently I fell asleep within the first minute or two and took an impromptu nap.  So…. no meditation today, just a bit of extra sleep.

Heaven & Earth Tarot - Four of PentaclesToday’s draw is the Four of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of stability and making grounded decisions pertaining to one’s health, home life, finances, resources, or manifestations.  It can also be an indication of being miserly or valuing money or resources above all else.

What stands out to me the strongest in this card today is the representation of the four elements within the square/circle of the four pentacles in the imagery.  The character in the card embraces one of those pentacles, and beneath it is the symbol for the element of fire indicating that the coin/pentacle he holds and all that it represents that is his greatest passion.  That doesn’t change that the other four symbols are present, with earth resting to the man’s left, air at the man’s feet, and water to the man’s right.

The message I see in this card today is about where your passions lie, and how no matter where that is?  Everything around you and everything you are in some way feeds into your greatest passions, rotates around those interests, and becomes a part of those things that hold your focus and drive you forward.

I have many passions, some stronger than others, and some far more long in the tooth than others.  These passions permeate my life, and it’s important to be aware of this and how it might skew perceptions and opinions.

It is one more thing in so much that makes each and every person’s perspectives unique and no matter how hard you try to keep those passions to yourself for one reason or another, they will leak out into the rest of your life in small and subtle ways.  Today it is important to acknowledge this and take pleasure in knowing that these things are a part of who you are and a part of what makes you unique.

DECK USED:  HEAVEN & EARTH TAROT

LionHart’s Elements Tarot Challenge Prompt
Question: What energy is available to support me this month?

Paracelsus' Dreams Tarot

Page of Coins atop Five of Coins – When you are feeling discouraged and plagued by doubts and fears related to scarcity issues, remember that you are more than capable of learning a new way of do things and adapting each new situation that comes along. Don’t be afraid to dive into being the student to find a new path forward if the one you’re on has too many potholes.

Seven of Cups atop Nine of Coins Rx – Here there is a reiteration of what is said above.  Again we see feelings of uncertainty around finance and resources and the stability you cherish so much.  Life requires money, but be sure to remember that the ways in which to handle your money and make it work for you (as opposed to the other way around) are endless.  Look over your options during these times of struggle and uncertainty, and seek out the opportunities that will fit your situation best.

Knight of Swords – You are strong, intelligent, and ambitious.  Sometimes, that ambition can sneak out in impulsiveness, but as long as you keep that impulsive nature under control, you a are more than capable of learning what you need to learn and going after what is needed to re-establish your sense of security.

DECK USED:  PARACELSUS’ DREAMS TAROT

#DiscordTarotolicJan2021 Challenge Prompt
Topic: Do Spread 1

Tarot NoirSomeone Important In Your Life That Has Had A Lot of Influence On You

Roy de Deniers – This is a man that has taught me what responsibility and stability looks like. He is the head of the home, the stability beneath his family’s feet, and the rock they depend on.

Their Negative Influence On You and Your Life

Quatre de Bâton – He taught me what uncertainty within a home looks like and how those within a home might pretend to show the world a stability and camaraderie that isn’t truly present beneath the surface. He taught me that alcoholism can eat away at what would otherwise be positive and strong.

Your Negative Influence on Them and Their Life

Valet d’Épée – I made him feel like he had much to learn when he wanted to feel that he already knew all there was to know. This created a sense of vulnerability for him that he struggled with, and still struggles with from time to time. I do not fit the mold of the prejudices that his experience thus far in life have created in him and this is uncomfortable for him, but he has learned (and is still learning) to adjust to the new perspective I provide him.

Their Positive Influence On You and Your Life

Huit de Deniers – This is a man that has taught me what responsibility and stability looks like, and the value that lies in honing one’s skills and having an expertise (or many) under your belt. He taught me the value of hard work is, and the benefits that hard work can bring.  He has also taught me many of the valuable life skills that I needed when I struck out on my own in life and help me to the present day.

Your Positive Influence On Them and Their Life

Neuf d’Épée – I gave (and give) him something to worry about.  This isn’t usually seen as a good thing, but in this man’s life, as he ages and his children go beyond adults and through middle-age, he finds himself feeling useless and un-needed.  I give him the security of knowing that he is still needed, because I am younger and he took me under his wing, I haven’t yet reached the age where he feels I no longer need his help.  Because he worries about me and feels that I still need what he has to offer, he pushes to be stronger and hold on a little longer.

DECK USED:  TAROT NOIR

Connection Is Important

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IMG_8459Today’s meditation took place after a soak in the tub and was just over eleven minutes long. It was another of the guided meditations from the Calm app with added interval timer for my piriformis and forearm stretches.

The topic of today’s guided meditation was about how unanticipated plot twists in our life can change our planned trajectory.  When reading the cards, you find this a lot if you do predictive readings. Shit happens and things change.  When you read for someone, you are reading the trajectory they are on in that moment.  But if something comes along to bump against them and change their trajectory, it can often change the outcome as well.

The meditation today was a reminder that we don’t want to stick so strongly and so stubbornly to our goals that we miss the opportunity for something different or better that might come along and change our course.

Heaven & Earth Tarot - Ten of CupsToday’s draw is the Ten of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of emotional satisfaction, utopia, or completion of an emotional journey.

What really stands out to me today in this card is the rainbow.  I really think this deck is breathtaking, and the way that they depict the rainbow here being so very faint and yet glowing brightly is almost ethereal to my senses.  It really sinks home to me the meaning of completion and well-being that this card is mean to convey.

The message here in this card is that it’s time to focus on my own emotional well-being and make sure that I get some time in with Gideon today.  Yes, I’m tired.  Yes, there’s still a few things left to do.  Yes, I’m feeling just a bit overwhelmed still.   But, a part of finding that “all is right in the world” place is in spending time with him and allowing him to soothe my senses and ease the tightness in my soul.

DECK USED:  HEAVEN & EARTH TAROT

#DiscordTarotolicJan2021 Challenge Prompt
Question: What could you use more of in your life?

Atomic TarotReading Summary: Slow down (The Chariot) and allow your heart’s desires (Heart of Elements)to have more say (in your perspectives (The Hanged Man) in every uncertain step forward that you take (The Wheel).

Take Away: Sometimes when you’re moving along your path in life, it can be hard to know exactly what the next step is going to bring with it.  In these moments, you need to make sure that you slow down and give those things you enjoy and bring passion into your life more sway in your decision making process.

Life doesn’t always have to be about logic and responsibility.  Sometimes it can also be about passion and following where the heart leads you.

DECK USED:  ATOMIC TAROT

Purefield.Healing’s Taking My Power Back Challenge Prompt
Question: How do I define “power”?

Quantum Tarot v2

Reading Summary:  The ability to pause and see beyond the surface of a person or situation (The Hanged Man) in order to make the best decisions possible (The Lovers) for myself and those I collaborate with (Three of Pentacles).

Take Away:  True power is being able to see beyond yourself and your own personal views and perspectives.  The ability to take in other’s viewpoints and perspectives, to see things from their side of the table or take a moment to walk in their shoes to better understand where they’re coming from.   Being able to do this, and then use that information to make good choices along that path you walk with those walking the path with you is a form of true power.

DECK USED:  QUANTUM TAROT v2

What Are You Building On?

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IMG_8195Today’s meditation was just under thirteen minutes long and was a guided meditation with interval timer for piriformis stretches.

The topic of today’s guided meditation was about the Danish/Norwegian concept of Hygge, which essentially is a word that indicates a mood of coziness and comfortable conviviality with feelings of wellness and contentment… In both Danish and Norwegian, hygge refers to “a form of everyday togetherness”, “a pleasant and highly valued everyday experience of safety, equality, personal wholeness and a spontaneous social flow”. (Thank you Wikipedia)

The meditation went over how important this concept is to our well-being and how meditation helps in finding a way to slow down and sink into the hygge concept more easily with less resistance to those moments when we can find ourselves enjoying the moment and the world around us without the strain and stress pounding on our mental or physical doors.

Faeles Arcanae - Nine of CupsToday’s draw is the Nine of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of a sense of contentment and satisfaction.  This isn’t about the work or what has been earned, but rather about the feelings involved with those things.

What stood out to me the strongest in the imagery for this card is that the cat is sitting on a rug that looks like it’s either a representation of the sun or a sunflower.  Either way, the meaning there is very similar in that there is a radiant warmth and joy in the foundation of those feelings of contentment and satisfaction.

The message here today is about staying focused on the stuff that makes you happy, rather than allowing things that don’t to tug at your attention.  Everyone, even those most fortunate, have things in life that make them unhappy, but instead of focusing on them… make sure you are building your good feelings on a foundation of positivity rather than a bedrock of quicksand.

DECK USED:  FAELES ARCANAE TAROT

LionHart’s 20/21 Tarot Challenge Prompt
Topic: What should I keep in mind in preparation for 2021?

Heaven & Earth Tarot

Reading Summary: Good and healthy decisions (The Lovers) will require seeking out a new outlook, thought patterns, and methods (Ace of Swords) in order to ensure victory (Six of Wands).

Take Away:  It’s time to set behind me the old habits and work-a-holic attitudes of my past now that the holiday rush is over, and re-focus on the new goals and perspectives I was fostering throughout most of the last year.  Self care and finding a healthy balance between my own needs and my work, as well as exploring that emotional growth and fostering it to continue, now need to come back into focus as I move forward into 2021.  Don’t allow the bad habits and slippage the holiday rush caused to carry forward into the new year.

DECK USED:  HEAVEN & EARTH TAROT

#DiscordTarotolicsDec2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: How can I better connect with my intuition and decrease self-doubt?

Broken Isn't Bad TarotReading Summary: Kill (Ten of Swords) the bitch in your head (Queen of Swords Rx) that makes you so unhappy (Three of Swords)… and look forward into making healthy choices for yourself instead (The Lovers).

Take Away: When you are tortured by those negative voices and being pulled down into the quicksand of depression and bad decisions, your intuition’s voice becomes more faint and your confidence tanks. 

In order to keep yourself on top of that mound of quicksand, you need to make healthy choices and not listen to that inner voice that likes to rise up when you’re feeling down or vulnerable. Finding ways to “kill the bitch” in your head or otherwise weaken that voice until it has much less power will assist you in moving forward in more healthy ways.

DECK USED:  BROKEN ISN’T BAD TAROT

Finding Motivation thru Inspiration

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IMG_8067Today’s meditation was just over twelve minutes long, and was another of the guided meditations (from the Calm app, which is where I get the little graphics pertaining to those guided meditations btw) combined with an interval timer for my piriformis stretches.

The topic of today’s guided meditation was about dealing with our personal inner dialogues and the habit of cruelty and lack of understanding that we direct inward towards ourselves rather than treating ourselves with the same kindness and understanding that we give to others.

This is something that I personally struggle with, and I have been making a concerted effort this year to be kinder to myself and use positivity and optimism to help lift my inner dialogue out of the cruel and savage and into a gentler space.  That said, it is still a struggle after all this time, and I know that part of that is my struggle to let go of the past… and the voices of my past.

Heaven & Earth Tarot - Queen of WandsToday’s draw is is the Queen of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of a receptive alpha energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s enthusiasm and drive, passions, willpower, determination, and inner spark.

I really like this deck… a lot.  The imagery is just so… f’ing gorgeous. Every card.  Even with the Jesus looking guy as the Magician card. (It very well may be a depiction of Jesus, as I haven’t read the guide book for this deck yet. Even if not? It sure as hell looks like the classic depictions of Jesus.)

Okay, so my fascination with the artwork aside, what really stood out to me today in this card was the flames at the queen’s feet, and the spread wings above her throne.

To me the flames feel like that fire within that figuratively “lights a fire under your ass” to get you moving. In the Queen, this translates to me as someone or something that lights that fire and encourages its burn.  The wings further this impression for me, as they speak about giving lift.  Encouragement.  Providing what is needed to inspire.  That energy, personality, or person being the “wind beneath” those wings, so to speak.

The message here is about inspiration.  it’s about finding inspiration and fostering it within that inner spark, feeding the fire and using it to keep moving forward.  Find strength and determination and willpower within the fanning of the flames, and use theses qualities to keep going despite the roadblocks and hurdles.

DECK USED:  HEAVEN & EARTH TAROT

#DiscordTarotolicsDec2020 Challenge Prompt
Topic: Draw a random card and use it to describe a quality about yourself that you love.

Hans Zatzka Dreamland Tarot - StrengthStrength – Deep within me beneath the layers of defense and determination. vulnerability and deflection… there is a core of strength.  This strength is what has allowed me to survive so much and continue on, to allow myself to be open and receptive to others even through the pain of what has happened in my past.  The  assaults, the cancer, the rape, the accidents, the abuse, and the betrayals.  All of it could have closed me down, closed me off, made me bitter, made me hard and hateful.  They could have broken me and made me a victim… or in many cases, could have (or almost did) kill me.

And yet I survive.  I am not a victim.  I am not broken.  I am not bitter or hateful. I choose to not allow these things from my past to destroy the person that I am, the person I want to be, and the person I wish to become.

Side note:  This deck’s cardstock is horrendous. It’s essentially unsealed textured printer paper with inkjet printing. I have plans to reproduce this deck for my own use at some point, with better cardstock (and no typos).

DECK USED:  HANS ZATZKA DREAMLAND TAROT