herbcrafters tarot

The Follow Through

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IMG_5203Today’s meditation was just over ten minutes long and was a guided meditation that focused upon the benefits of sticking to your meditation practice rather than giving up when things don’t start changing (or getting easier) right away.

This isn’t the reason that I personally give up, it seems.   The problem for me is that self destructive creature that lives in my mind, hiding quietly in the shadows seeking out the small cracks and secret openings that will allow it to slip in and wreak havoc.    I know about this tendency and I struggle against it all the time, but sometimes? It manages to get its nails in deep even when I’m trying my best to not let it.

Herbcrafter's TarotToday’s draw is the Two of Fire (Two of Wands) which is traditionally interpreted as finding direction and making plans.  It’s about going after what kindles your inner spark… specifically the fact that in order to head on a journey, you need to first make a plan and choose a direction.

What stands out to me the strongest in the image of this card today is the tools set on the counter.   There’s a plan here, and preparation has begun to get things done.  You have your tools and you have a purpose, a direction, and a plan.  But also, I note that there are no hands.

This speaks to me of a reminder that planning can only take you so far, then you have to either put your plans into action, or abandon them and walk away.   I don’t want to walk away… so it’s time to start moving in the direction I’ve chosen to continue in.  That is, the direction of the emotional growth I’ve been working with so far through the spring and summer months.

DECK USED:  HERBCRAFTER’S TAROT

#TarotForGrowthJuly Challenge Prompt
Topic:  I’m struggling to find my purpose.
Question:  What are the consequences of continuing to hide from my deepest desires?

Veleda Woods Tarot

Reading Summary: 9 & 2 rx. Less connection to others (Two of Cups Rx) and less satisfaction in my successes (Nine of Pentacles Rx), as well as increased apathy and and a more vocal inner critic casting judgment upon myself (Justice).

Take Away:  When you don’t take care of yourself, the scales of balance tip and the result is that you end up less healthy and less well internally too.   Apathy and negative thoughts creep in to pollute your thoughts and feelings, making it harder to bond with others and connect deeply with them, as well as making it difficult to enjoy your success because you’re too focused upon what you are perceiving as your failures.

DECK USED:  VELEDA WOODS TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2020 Challenge Prompt
Topic:  Unexpected Boon / Potential Obstacle

Hanson Roberts TarotReading Summary: Being able to get to that place of abundant stability and security that I crave (Ten of Pentacles), even though the emotions feel like they stand in the way (Ace of Cups).

Take Away:  The unexpected boon here is the ability to find that place of abundance regardless of the hurdles along the way.   The potential obstacle is self doubt.  It’s about the fact that I rarely see my path on an emotional level but rather a logical one.   If I want to make sure that the emotional side of things is not an obstacle, I need to learn how to handle my emotions and use them to my advantage instead of allowing them to hold me up or drag me back.

DECK USED:  HANSON ROBERTS TAROT

#OwlandBonesJuly Challenge by Owl and Bones Tarot
Topic:  listen // learn // teach

Tarotbot Tarot

Listen – The Hanged Man – Make sure I am not closing myself off to other perspectives and ideas. Sometimes when I am feeling vulnerable I struggle with staying open, but in truth… these times are the most opportune times in which to learn.  It’s important to stay open so that the discomfort is something learned from rather than just something gotten through and discarded.

Learn – Seven of Cups – How to make choices instead of always trying to take on too much. This is a difficult lesson for me, and one that I am presently working very hard at.  I have a habit of filling my plate too full and struggling with overwhelm as a result. Instead of allowing myself to put so much on my plate, I need to seek out ways to minimize my responsibilities and delegate.

Teach – Seven of Wands – Independence. How to stand up for what you believe in. And how to be confident in one’s beliefs and their individual uniqueness. These are things that I very much enjoy nurturing in others and hope to continue to teach other throughout my entire life.  I feel that with each person I am able to help in finding their self confidence and independence, I am making the world a better place as a result.

DECK USED:  TAROTBOT TAROT

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question: What am I passionate about?

Slavic Tarot

Reading Summary: I’m all for fighting for those things that I believe in and feel are important (Five of Wands)… but I also know when it’s time to let go and move on to something better (Six of Swords) in order to protect the things that are truly near and dear to me from harm (Nine of Wands).

Take Away:  The cards here indicate that what I am most passionate about are those things that are so very near and dear to me that I want to protect them, and that I am willing to abandon “the fight” of my own interests and drive in order to protect.

DECK USED:  SLAVIC TAROT

Healthy Boundaries

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IMG_5185Today’s meditation was a repeat of the method I used yesterday combining the harp strings and intermediate chimes with the guided meditation.  It was really nice.  I think that the interval chimes help me to relax more, as I’m not worrying about how long to hold my stretch or how long I’ve been in the meditation.   Instead, the chimes help increment it out so that I know exactly when to switch positions without worrying if I’ve held it too long or not long enough.

The topic of today’s guided meditation was about not getting ahead of yourself.   It discussed how it’s all well and good to have plans and goals, but when you’re working towards those goals?  Make sure you aren’t so focused on the future that you’re missing out on the present.  It’s what you do in the now that nurtures  the roots and foundation of what will grow and  eventually bloom in the future.

Herbcrafter's Tarot - Four of Air - LavenderToday’s draw is the Four of Air (Four of Swords) which is traditionally interpreted as a time of rest and restoration.

In the  Swords suit, there are a lot of struggles and trials represented, and in this card you are given the chance to take a step back and a deep breath, to reflect upon how things are going and make decisions that could change your future path.

Lavender is not just a plant of relaxation and ease, but is also a plant used to dissuade other plants and animals from encroaching upon gardens due to its woody stems and fragrant scent.  This allows the plants in the garden to grow in peace.

The message that I see in this card today is that boundaries are a good thing.  They allow you to be comfortable and relax.   By having good boundaries, you are able to carve out time for the rest and relaxation that you need, including the reevaluation that might come with it.

I had not thought of using boundaries as a way to carve out that time, and I think it’s something I need to spend some time reflecting on.

DECK USED:  HERBCRAFTER’S TAROT

#TarotForGrowthJuly Challenge Prompt
Topic:  I’m struggling to find my purpose.
Question:  How am I allowing what others see as realistic keep me from my dreams?

Minchiate Etruria Anima Antiqua Tarot

Reading Summary: It’s my own realism (Seven of Coins) that stops me dead in my tracks (Ten of Swords), not others opinions. I’m not used to allowing my emotions to lead (King of Cups) and following my more frivolous impulses (Sagittarius).

Take Away: Emotions and logic so very often do not mix.  It’s like oil and water.  It’s something that I struggle with, as I am so used to ruling my life through logic and thought… and disregarding emotions and the nonsensical as without worth.  It’s a bit of a kick in the pants to realize that there is value in these things… and that I’m now left figuring out how to change how I handle them.  

DECK USED:  MINCHIATE ETRURIA ANIMA ANTIQUA TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2020 Challenge Prompt
Topic:  Do Spread #1

Tarot of the Journey to the OrientWhat needs to be left behind as I focus on future growth? – King of Swords – Critical thinking and too much realism.  As mentioned in a previous reading, I’ve spent most of my life using logic as my foundation for how I deal with the world.  In furthering my growth, these habits need to be set aside in order to give that growth I have going on a chance to flourish.

What is in full bloom for me right now? – Six of Swords – A transition to something better.  This transition is moving away from swords and into water, as indicated in the imagery of the card.  I am at a high point in this transition into inviting more emotion into my life as a whole instead of locking it away and ignoring it.  Growth often takes steps from discovery, to exploration, and finally incorporation.  I have been in the exploration phase for some time now, and things are now moving towards the incorporation aspects of my growth.

Where do I need to direct my focus for future growth? – King of Cups – Allowing my emotions to take the lead more.  As stated above, it’s time to start focusing on incorporating the things I have learned into my life, and allowing my emotions to take the lead more often is one of the ways in which to do this.  It means being open about how I feel instead of hiding those feelings away, and following where those emotions lead rather than ignoring them.

DECK USED:  TAROT OF THE JOURNEY TO THE ORIENT

#OwlandBonesJuly Challenge by Owl and Bones Tarot
Topic:  Full Moon in Capricorn:  contribute // trust this voice // outward focus

Tarot Maddonni

Contribute – King of Swords and Seven of Coins – Consider wise ways in which your long-term successes can be shared with others.  These successes that have been built over time are stable and have the ability to be shared without being put at risk.  Make sure you choose wisely, and don’t act in impulse.

Trust This Voice – Five of Cups – Listen to yourself when you are feeling shorted… sometimes it’s true. This goes for when you are receiving from others, but it also (and even more importantly) is valid when considering how you are treating yourself.  Don’t punish yourself for

Go – Eight of Coins – Skill development is a key factor in most of your life’s pursuits.  This is no different whether you are in a time of growth and transition, or standing on stable ground.   Don’t forsake your skills and turn away from them during this time, instead find ways to enjoy them and expand upon your talents.

Take Away: 

DECK USED:  TAROT MADDONNI

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question: What are my creative dreams?

Star Seeker Tarot

Reading Summary: Clever strategizing (Knight of Swords) to take my creative passions forward (Six of Wands) and make money off of them in order to further home and financial stability in my life (Ten of Pentacles).

Take Away:  My creative dreams right now are focused on taking my creative business to a level where I can be self-sustaining without needing to work myself to the bone in the process. I don’t dream of retirement or relaxation and aimless creativity, instead the dream is about sustainability.

DECK USED:  STAR SEEKER’S TAROT

Soothing Warmth

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Today’s meditation was just over ten minutes long and was one of the harp tone meditations where I sink into the sounds of the harp while chimes mark position changes for my piriformis stretching. It was easy and relaxing, and went by really quickly for some reason.  It’s odd how some days, that ten minutes can feel like an hour… and other days it feels like just a few minutes instead of a whole ten.

Herbcrafter's Tarot - Madre of Fire - ThymeToday’s draw is the Madre of Fire (Queen of Wands) which is traditionally interpreted as a receptive alpha energy, personality, or person in the areas of one’s drive, passionate endeavors, interests, and inner spark.

What stood out to me the strongest in the imagery of this card today (besides the huge harvest of thyme) was the honey pot. Thymus vulgaris and honey are used to make natural cough syrup that has a warming and soothing effect on both wet and dry coughs as well as bronchitis.

The message I hear from this card today is that I need to focus on some self soothing.  There’s been a bit of irritation going on lately that flares up then eases and flares up again over the past couple of weeks.   I’ve not been able to really find an underlying source, and the card here indicates maybe the goal shouldn’t be so much about digging in the dirt, but in easing the blisters on my fingertips.

DECK USED:  THE HERBCRAFTER’S TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: What does my subconscious want to say that I’m ignoring?

Student Tarot 4 Godard's BirdsReading Summary: Instant gratification (Queen of Swords) is all well and good, but you need to seize control of yourself (King of Swords) now so that you don’t lose sight of the long-term growth (Seven of Pentacles) that is your ultimate goal.

Side Note:  Instant gratification indicated in the Queen of Swords is in reference to me relating the Queen of Swords to my mother, and my mother’s nearly universal attitude of “I want what I want, and I want it NOW”.  This is a personal correlation and “instant gratification” is not normally associated with the Queen of Swords.

Take Away:  It’s time to slow down on my spending a bit and take a more measured approach so that I don’t find myself in hot water down the road.  I did a bit of splurging on playing card decks over the past month, and while those decks are pretty inexpensive (compared to tarot), they still add up over time.   Add to that a bit of carelessness in my grocery spending, and I’m at that point where I need to get things back in hand again.

DECK USED:  STUDENT TAROT 4 GODARD’S BIRDS

Cleansing Energies and Fresh Air

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Today’s meditation was just under twenty minutes long, and was another purr-focused meditation as Luna again decided to come cuddle up against the side of my head while I was meditating, which shifted my focus from my breathing to her purring.

I really like this type of meditation.  It’s extremely relaxing.  I didn’t immediately fall asleep this time, but it was still really nice and I ended up lingering longer than I would have because I was really enjoying it.

The Herbcrafter's TarotToday’s draw is the Sun card, which is traditionally a representation of hope, joyous celebration, and all around good ol’ fun.

Spiritually speaking, Hypericum perforatum (St Johns Wort) is used to invoke the healing powers of light against the darkness and this is expressed no more evidently than it’s medical use as well, as medically this herb is best known for its anti-depressant properties.

The message in today’s card is about seeking out positive healing experiences and spending time outside soaking up the goodness of vitamin D while taking in the cleansing energies and fresh air of being outside among nature.

DECK USED:  HERBCRAFTER’S TAROT

#TarotForGrowthJuly Challenge Prompt
Topic:  I’m struggling to find my purpose.
Question: Why am I struggling to be honest with myself?

Aquarian Tarot

Reading Summary: Because change is hard… Juggling in my old way of doing things is hard to let go of (Two of Pentacles) because that familiarity is comforting to me (Six of Cups) and makes it difficult to choose a different path (Two of Rods).

Take Away:  It’s difficult to admit when you’re struggling, and that applies to me as well. I struggle all the time with the draw of the familiar and temptation to sink back into what I know so well rather than staying focused on the new path I’ve chosen for myself.  That struggle is… embarrassing and something that’s difficult to admit.

DECK USED:  AQUARIAN TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2020 Challenge Prompt
Philosophical Question: Is it always better to have more choices?

Wheel of the Year TarotReading Summary: There are always more choices available to us than we realize (The Fool). But as humans, we are not in the habit (The Devil) of seeking them out and instead stick with what we know (Six of Cups). When we do this, we miss out on long reaching opportunities and rewards (Seven of Pentacles).

Take Away:  I would interpret this answer as yes… and no.  What it’s saying is that we only perceive the number of choices we are able to handle… but that there are always more out there we cannot see.  When we open our minds to them, they become available to us… so I guess in my opinion this would be a yes.   Because the more open minded you are to possibilities and thinking outside the box, the more choices you have available to you… and I consider open mindedness and thinking outside the box to always be a good thing.

DECK USED:  WHEEL OF THE YEAR TAROT

#OwlandBonesJuly Challenge by Owl and Bones Tarot
Topic:  plant the seed // take root // grow

Karma Tarot

Plant the seeds of doing things in a more patient and measured way (Knight of Coins)

Take root a more restrained approach (Temperance) over the wild charge driven by passionate intensity and interest (Knight of Swords).

Grow each day that you follow this path. With each day you practice this new form of patience, restraint, and measured approach, you build up the ability to instill these traits into your daily life with more skill and less effort (Strength).

DECK USED:  KARMA TAROT

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question: Do I believe I am creative? Why or Why not?

The Fifth TarotReading Summary: Yes (One of Shells). This is evident because I struggle with keeping a balance (Seven of Feathers Rx) between my responsibilities (Nine of Feathers) and the passion of my inner spark that drives me to go after and take part in (more like get carried away by) the things that inspire my creativity (Initiate of Fire). I often feel that my responsibilities (Nine of Feathers) are stealing away from (Seven of Feathers) my creative time (Initiate of Fire), and vice versa.

Take Away:  If I was not creative, there would be no struggle between my responsibilities and my passionate pursuit of those things that strike my interest.  It is in my nature to be both earthbound and realistic (Taurus Sun) as well as creativity driven (Scorpio Moon).  This conflict between the two is evidence of both sides of the coin and the constant need to find balance between them… thus evidence of my creativity.

DECK USED:  THE FIFTH TAROT

Self Care Saturday (on Sunday)

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As I’ve mentioned before, these readings are (not usually) bearing in on any one thing or event in my life, as the question used is asking for a more general outlook. This is a self care exercise, and are not meant as a predictive reading.

The question is… What do I need to focus for self-care through the week ahead?

SCS

Earth – Eight of Fire (Ginger), Childhood, Phenomenon – There is a lot going on right now and things are moving fast. Take time to incorporate enjoyment into all of that fiery energy. You can stay on track and still have fun. Be sure to leave a little space for the unexpected instead of allowing trepidation to hold you back, as not everything that approaches from a direction of clouded vision and uncertainty is a bad thing.

Air – Awakening (Judgement) and Release – Now is a good time to look at your life and your purpose and take the time to think about what you want from life and what direction you want your path to take. Evaluate what is important to you and let go of those things that are not serving your these values and goals.

Water – Eight of Air (Licorice), Four of Fire (Elder), Wisdom – Speaking your truth and communicating your feelings and needs will allow others to assist you in getting what you need. When you keep these things in, those feelings and needs become unruly and difficult to deal with, better to communicate them with those that can provide help, support, and even guidance.

Fire – Eight of Water (Valerian), Memory, Erosion – So much of this time of year for me is about chaos and bustle. This week away needs to be the opposite of that. Live in the now for the time away from home. Take time to relax and recuperate. Make sure to keep past history and all that entails resting in the past where it belongs, as bringing the past into the present at this time will be counterproductive.

Waning – Underworld – That time of connection to the dead, and especially the rising of my father within the energy that surrounded the end of October, is finally beginning to let go and settle back to the muddy bottom of the bog.

Waxing – Shark – Forward movement is the emerging energy of the week ahead. Keep your eyes forward and off of the past. Don’t worry about the judgements of others that may be cast upon you. Let them roll off your back like the flow of water over a shark’s skin. Take care to remain impartial.

Moral of the Story – By taking the time I need to rest and regroup, and keeping my eyes forward on the path ahead, I will benefit from the week away and come back stronger with laser focus and purpose.

Decks Used: The Herbcrafter’s Tarot, The Illuminated Earth Oracle, and Animal Magic Oracle Cards

 

It’s Okay to Play

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Today’s meditation was very nearly a nap, because it took place in the bathtub and it was very, very relaxing.   I did not fall asleep, but it was a hard thing.    I did learn my lesson, though.  If I am going to do the kind of meditation where I sink into a comforting and/or comfortable sensation?   Don’t do it somewhere I could drown.

The Sun - Slow TarotToday’s draw is The Sun card, which is all about warmth, positivity, and letting that inner child out to play.   The message in this card arriving during today’s draw is that I need to pay attention to ensuring I incorporate FUN into my life, even during the busiest of times.

Part of the reason for turning my hobbies into a business is so that I can play while I work.  And yet, there are times when I bear down so hard on my focus that I lose track of that part of things.   The sun card is a reminder that it’s okay to have some fun along the way.

Deck Used: Slow Tarot

Bonus Reading – #TarotForGrowthNovember

Question: Where do I need to take more action?

The Herbcrafters TarotReading Summary: Oak is a synonymous with strength and abundance, and when combined with the Seven of Earth, it reinforces the message of steady progress and sustainability that that card represents. There is bounty in the image, but it is bounty that is the product of hard work.

Chicory is a symbol of patience and perseverance.  In this card, it is joined with the Two of Air, which brings in an aspect of weighing one’s options and struggling with making important but difficult decisions.  The combination creates a sense of needing to wait before you make the choices necessary to move forward.

In the tarot, roses are often a symbol of balance and an offering of hope and new beginnings.  Combined as it is with The Empress card, there is a feeling of freshness and stability within the expression of this card.  There is also a symbolism of the rose hips, which represents the ‘bearing of the fruits of love’.  This theme  fits well with the fertility of the Empress card, and reinforces this aspect of the Empress.

Take Away:  The message in these cards is one of control and restraint in order to further one’s aspirations and ambitions.  Sometimes to achieve abundance, you have to be steadfast and strong, but not hard and ruthless.  In areas where I feel a need for that stability and comforting strength, it would be wise to take a pause to ensure I will be heading in the right direction, then set loose in that direction, moving forward while holding on to both the goals I wish to achieve, but also a nurturing respect for myself and my current needs.

In other words?  Find your ambition and goals…. take a moment to pause and find your footing and direction… THEN act, but do so consciously with awareness of not just those goals for the future, but the present as well.

Deck Used: The Herbcrafter’s Tarot