Hush tarot

Searching for Balance

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

IMG_3239Today’s meditation was just over fifteen minutes long and focused upon relaxing with an open heart.   It included a lengthy body scan and guided relaxation before moving on to focusing upon opening up the heart chakra and directing caring warmth first to the self, and then outward to others you know, and then the world at large.

I’ve done this sort of meditation before and it’s very relaxing.  That said, I wasn’t particularly fond of the format of the meditation I used today.  It ended too abruptly for my taste, and the narrator was a bit too… measured and emotionless.

Ace of Swords - Hush TarotToday’s draw is the Ace of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of new beginnings, potential, and the planting of seeds in the area of one’s thoughts, intellect, and communication with others.

The imagery in this card makes me connect more to the energy of the Knight of Swords than the Ace, though. I see strength and movement and power.  I also can see vulnerability, though.  Although the unicorn is powerful and the girl is not shielded from the flying arrows and battle around her.   She clings to the mount, but she is bare of foot and without armor.

The message that I see in this card is about balance.  Yes, it’s important to go after what you want, but do not become so focused upon the prize that you forget you are more than just a knight… you are also a vulnerable in a nightgown clinging to a unicorn.  It’s okay to be soft.  It’s okay to be gentle and vulnerable .  It is possible to be both vulnerable… and strong.

DECK USED:  HUSH TAROT

#TarotForGrowthMarch Challenge Prompt
Question: How am I being invited to make space for rest at this time?

New Choice Tarot de Marseille

Reading Summary: All of this defensive energy (Seven of Wands) birthed by the present uncertainty (La Lune) is here to teach me (Le Pope) how to better enjoy my down times (Four of Wands).

Take Away:  Okay, so this is a crap-ass way to learn a new lesson, but I do understand.  I understand that I need to let up.  I understand that there’s nothing I can do now to protect myself from what may come.  Not in this instance.  I understand that I just need to sit back and wait.   The problem is… that is not in my nature. It goes against everything I have ever been. 

And that’s the point.  I have to learn something else.  Something new.  Something different. Even if I have to fight tooth and nail the whole way through the lesson to get there.

DECK USED:  NEW CHOICE TAROT DE MARSEILLE

#DiscordTarotholicsMar2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: How can I best improve in that area? (Built of yesterday’s cards.)

Luna Sol Tarot

Reading Summary:  Focus on my skills and those things under my control (Eight of Discs). Take time to plan ahead (Two of Wands), but not from a defensive stance, but from one of innovation toward the future (Page of Discs).

Take Away:  This is what I am trying to keep my focus on during this time. Because I am unable to simply sit and wait, I am trying to keep my focus on prepping for the future and planning for when things lift and settle again. I want to be able to hit the ground running when things get to a point where I’m able to do just that.  Instead of entertaining paranoia and catastrophizing worry… I need to keep my eyes on what I can do instead of what I can’t.

DECK USED:  LUNA SOL TAROT

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question: How can I use my senses to tune into my intuition?

Les Métamorphoses du Jour Tarot

This is about doing what I’ve been doing. It’s about not allowing uncertainty to throw up walls that my intuition is then muffled by.    This isn’t about my  other senses, as I had thought that it would be.  I thought that the cards would speak to me about the five senses of smell and touch, hearing and taste and sight.

Instead, this is about allowing my intuition freedom from the walls that muffle and contain when they rise up in order to protect myself from the unknown.

DECK USED:  LES METAMORPHOSES DU JOUR TAROT

Untying Inner Knots

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

IMG_3218Today’s meditation was just over sixteen minutes long and focused upon the Adrian Corday post that is included here in this blog post.   I found that quote on Instagram, and it really struck home.

I felt that it was important to take some time to count my blessings and really focus in on what I have that is good in my life right now.   What’s good in my life includes that my sister and I are safe and that Z is here and safe as well.   No, none of us can know if we’re infected or not since it can take up to 14 days to show symptoms after infection… but we’re safe and we’re good and after a tip given to me by a friend on YouTube in the morning today?  We even have food.

That last one takes a lot of weight off my shoulders.  I’m not good at inactivity, but that’s okay too.  I have plenty to keep me busy.

All of that was my focus in my meditation today.  Well, that and a full body scan, of course… just because I like those.

Nine of Pentacles - Hush TarotToday’s draw is the Nine of Pentacles which is often traditionally interpreted as independence, abundance, and the “lap of luxury”.

I actually do see independence here.  It’s sort of interesting, because I haven’t had a lot of cards come up in either this deck or the other one I’m using this month for daily pulls that has had an intuitive interpretation that aligns with traditional meanings.

That said?  That is where the similarity ends.  As although I see independence in this card, I also see… need.  She’s gaunt and her cheeks are hollow, her expression appearing to me today as holding the ache of longing.   What I see here is that her independence has caused this predicament… and thus the message that I see in today’s card is that independence is only as good as what it gives you when you have it.

If independence causes a sense of seclusion and loneliness?  Then perhaps it’s time to ease up a bit and allow others in.    For me, this translates into a reminder to enjoy this time together with L and Z.   I’m not used to such constant contact with others and it can be a bit straining for me, but at the same time?  It’s an opportunity to appreciate just how much they mean to me… and just how much they love me.

DECK USED:  HUSH TAROT

#TarotForGrowthMarch Challenge Prompt
Question: How can I better express gratitude for my current opportunities?

Green Witch Tarot

Reading Summary:  By taking advantage of this time of opportunity and closeness with those around me and enjoying them to the fullest.

Take Away:  The forced seclusion with L and Z is providing me with an opportunity to delve into a deeper relationship with both of them (Ace of Cups) and I need to sit back and allow their love in and share mine in turn with them (King of Cups).  By taking this time to enjoy their presence rather than chafing under it (Three of Cups) I will find myself developing a deeper abundance and wealth that goes far beyond that of coin (Ten of Pentacles).

DECK USED:  GREEN WITCH TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsMar2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: Do Spread #3

Celtic Dragon TarotWhat do I need to let go of to…

Ease My Mind:  It’s okay to slack off a bit… especially during this time.  Try not to allow yourself to get so wrapped up in the process of “getting things done” that you lose the joy of being able to relax for a bit.  You have enough to worry about and enough going on. You don’t need to add burnout into the mix.

Lighten My Heart:  My incessant need to always be moving forward.  There are things I can do to prepare for later, but there’s no real moving forward right now.  I need to find a way to ease that need and let it relax.  I can’t be in control of everything right now, no matter how much I want to be or how much my inner self demands it.

Free My Creative Spark:  It’s time to let go of the intensive juggling I do between all the different aspects of my life.  All those balls I usually keep aloft have crashed to the ground.  Stop straining and pushing at myself so hard to juggle responsibilities that don’t even exist at the moment.  This has to do not so much with the fact I’m still juggling them, but that there is an inner straining push within me to do the juggling regardless of the fact there’s no balls there to juggle right now.

DECK USED:  CELTIC DRAGON TAROT

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question: What do I need to know about my intuitive abilities?

Animal Totem Tarot

Reading Summary:  I have a habit of disconnecting and stepping back (High Priestess) from my innate abilities (Page of Wands) when  I become tense (Nine of Pentacles) and/or overwhelmed (Ten of Swords).

Take Away:  So when I become overwhelmed or tense, I have a habit of setting up barriers that cause me to lose sight of where I want to go and step back into a retreat.  This causes a muffling wall between myself and the messages of my intuition, making it harder for me to pick up those messages I would otherwise easily hear and obey without question.  Because of this I can often end up stunting growth and ending up having to “start over”, losing a portion of the progress I’ve made in the process.

DECK USED:  ANIMAL TOTEM TAROT

 

Je n’ai Pas Peur

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

Today’s meditation was delayed because I wanted to hop online and spend time with you… and then I ended up having to go pick up Z, which meant that a few hours out of my day were swiped by driving like a bat out of hell north and back south again.

At least while I was up there I was able to both ship out a shipment, and put a hold on my mail up there for the time being so that I won’t have to go back up again until restrictions lift on the border so that I can take Z back home.

I will meditate before bed, of course.

Six of Wands - Hush TarotToday’s draw is the Six of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of harmony and synergy in the areas of one’s drive, passions, and ambitions.  This is often portrayed with themes that include public recognition or accolades, pride and self confidence, progress and especially success.

This isn’t entirely what I see in this card today, if I am honest.  I see a “charge” rather than a parade of recognition and accolades.   I see a “go get’em” push, complete with the weapons necessary to take what is yours and go after what is needed.  This is that moment before the accolades come rolling in.  The moment when you must follow your moral compass and your passions and fight for what is right for you.  This interpretation is reinforced by the French words “Je n’ai pas peur” that’s emblazoned upon the banner the bird wears, which translates to “I am not afraid”.

The message in today’s card is to go after what is important to you.  Go after it.  Fight for it.  Grab hold with both hands, and don’t let go.

DECK USED:  HUSH TAROT

#TarotForGrowthMarch Challenge Prompt
Question: What seeds do I have the opportunity to plant in my life at this time?

Tarocco delle Vetrate

Reading Summary:  A chance to find a better balance (Two of Coins) between my relationships (Two of Cups) and my passions (Wands) by creating better boundaries for myself (Nine of Wands).

Take Away:  It’s no secret that I allow myself to get so wrapped up in my goals and ambitions that I often forget to pay as much attention as I should to my loved ones.  The problem is that, in my case, the path to my goals and ambitions is directly connected through my passions and interests.  So… my drive takes over and I get swallowed up in it.

With everything that’s going on right now, the cards indicate that this is a prime opportunity to work on finding a better balance in this area.

DECK USED:  TAROCCO DELLE VETRATE

#DiscordTarotholicsMar2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: How can I better handle conflict?

Tarot of the Silicone Dawn

Reading Summary:  Look for a better way (Six of Swords) that involves using your creativity and imagination (Page of Cups) to overcome conflict (Five of Swords) and bring your nurturing spirit forward (The Empress) as a new beginning surfaces when the conflict comes to an end (The World).

Take Away:  Handling conflict is more than about what happens in the moment.  It’s about what happens after as well.  The card indicate that in the moment of conflict, I need to lean heavily upon my creativity and imagination to find an “outside the box” way of overcoming whatever that conflict is at the time.  But, the cards also are making it clear that  what comes after is also important.  I need to remember to be kind to myself and others in the aftermath so that the new beginnings that come afterward will be a healthy one.

DECK USED:  TAROT OF THE SILICONE DAWN

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question: How can I safely enhance my intuitive abilities?

78Tarot Elemental Tarot of the Natural

Reading Summary: Own it.  A hell of a lot of cards to say such a simple answer, but that’s exactly what I see her.   Own It.

Take Away:  There is a crapload of self-possessed power in these cards and their imagery.  It’s almost overpowering and I honestly didn’t bother to break down the cards into their specific messages because all together as a whole the message is very loud and clear.

That said?  I was a little surprised I didn’t get the “don’t do it” response again.  This question has been asked multiple times (in different ways) throughout this month’s Connect With Your Deck challenge, and every time the cards have made it clear I’m where things are and to advance would upset balance and require sacrifice I wasn’t willing to give.

It’s something in the phrasing of “safely enhance” that changed the message… and that message is “Own It“.

DECK USED:  78TAROT ELEMENTAL TAROT OF THE NATURAL

Large and In Charge

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

Today’s meditation has not yet happened, as I was running a bit late this morning and I really wanted to get my drive done and over with as early as possible.   Somehow, when I meditate, even though I’m only meditating for about ten minutes?  It takes something like thirty minutes.  I’m not sure where that extra time goes, but I just couldn’t spare it this morning.    I will meditate before bed tonight, though, for sure.

The Emperor - Hush TarotToday’s draw is the Emperor card, which is traditionally a representation of authority, structure, “the establishment”, and control.

The thing is, what I saw in today’s card is… control.  And what I read from today’s card is that in order to ensure my own safety I need to be in control.   This comes through to me in the parade of little people-creatures below the hands and the bird, as well as the way that the bird spreads above them, large and in charge.

What this meant for me today was that in my trip up north and over the border, I took extra measures to project authority, and an unapproachable demeanor.  This included not just posture and the projection of energy (which is really my strong suit, to be honest), but also that I wore one of my “scary” face masks (similar to this) in order to intimidate those around me into giving me space and staying out of my way.

DECK USED:  HUSH TAROT

#TarotForGrowthMarch Challenge Prompt
Question: What can I do to prepare for the impending seasonal shift?

Les Métamorphoses du Jour Tarot

Reading Summary:  Get my ducks in a row (King of Swords) and make sure things are stable as far as resources go (Four of Coins) so that if I need to step away for a while, I can (Eight of Cups).

Take Away:  Considering the situation going on in the world in the moment, it appears that the spring is going to be a bit of a struggle resources-wise.  The cards are telling me to plan and get organized, make sure everything is as prepared and stable as I can make it…. just in case.

DECK USED:  LES METAMORPHOSES DU JOUR TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsMar2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: Where am I emotionally at this time?

Fenestra Tarot

Reading Summary:  Although I’m projecting a sense of being large and in charge (The Chariot), and trying to grasp at that energy and claim it as my own (Page of Swords), I’m actually on the cusp of a shift back to my regular low-key self (Two of Swords Rx).

Take Away:  I’ve been topping in our relationship for a bit now and it’s been really comfortable for the first time in a long time. I hate how I always seem to “fizzle out” after the energy peaks between us in roleplay, though.  Now that we’ve hit that peak,  I can feel the transition shifting  back the other way, and the whispering need to hand over the reigns is returning.

It always makes me feel like a bit of a failure when we get to that pinnacle point and then on the other side of it… I can’t seem to maintain that control and dominance.  It feels like I’m failing because it makes me feel like I’m not providing the aftercare that is needed.  I’ve been told this isn’t the case again and again, and yet… that feeling remains.  It makes the transition a bit more difficult than it needs to be, I think, so I really need to find a way to get over it.

DECK USED:  FENESTRA TAROT

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question: If I listen to my intuition more, what could I change?

Goblin Tarot (RWS Edition)

Reading Summary:  Less need for quick defensiveness (Eight of Wands) because of a more developed sense of inner strength (Strength) provides the ability to step forward as an authority and guide to others (Hierophant).

Take Away:  So when reading your intuition, it’s important to jump first and ask questions later.  Sometimes my logical brain gets in the way.  It doesn’t happen often because I have a very strong trust in my intuition, but it does happen now and then.  When it does, it’s usually because my brain has jumped so fast that I end up confused between which message is from where.

If I am more speedy about snagging that intuitive message before the brain can interject to mess things up, my strength in intuitive matters will continue to grow, which in turn will assist me in helping others in finding their own inner voice and their own path.

DECK USED:  GOBLIN TAROT (RWS EDITION)

Hidden Threads of Inner Strength

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

IMG_3125Today’s meditation was just over ten minutes long and focused upon stepping outside one’s comfort zone.  The guided meditation spoke on how sometimes we need to step outside our comfort zone, and how as we do this again and again, our comfort zone begins to expand, and our ability to handle discomfort increases.

I think that everyone needs this reminder from time to time. It’s easy to want to nuzzle down into what’s comfortable and wall yourself into those places. The thing is, though, that it’s important to to step outside of those comfort zones… because life is meant to be lived, and a part of living a rich and fulfilling life is experiencing new things.

High Priestess - Hush TarotToday’s draw is the High Priestess card of the Major Arcana.   The Major Arcana cards deal with “big picture” themes that are not pared down into specific aspects of the human experience.  Traditionally, the High Priestess is a representation of intuition, the subconscious, and other hidden things connected to one’s senses, motivations, and spirituality.

Two things in this card’s imagery really stand out to me.  First is the bird cupped in her hand that whispers into her ear.   The other is the Catherine the Great quote wrapped around her wrist.  The full quote says “I may be kindly, I am ordinarily gentle, but in my line of business I am obliged to will terribly what I will at all.”  The quote’s presence holds special meaning for me in reference to this card.  It speaks of having an inner core of steel beneath a soft exterior.

The message in today’s card is about inner strength.  It’s about the inner strength that intuition can create within someone that trusts that inner voice implicitly and allows it to help guide their steps.

DECK USED:  HUSH TAROT

#TarotForGrowthMarch Challenge Prompt
Question: Where would I benefit from readjusting my trajectory at this time?

Jonasa Jaus Tarot

Reading Summary: Let go of the shit that’s holding me back (Six of Coins) from making the steps forward into new territory (Ace of Swords).  Shit that’s holding me back? The stuff that has triggered my need to guard myself (Nine of Wands).

(The connection between the Six of Coins and the Nine of Wands is in the color coordination between the two cards.)

Take Away:  The fearful mindset and fog that resulted from it from “the letter” caused a bit of a mess for me and made me very “defense oriented”.  It’s time to let go of that mindset and stride forward confidently once more.

DECK USED:  JONASA JAUS TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsMar2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: What in my life needs changing?

New Choice Tarot de Marseille

Reading Summary:  Emotional communication (Two of Cups) is not my strong suit, but instead of ignoring my emotions or refusing to try (Four of Cups), it’s time to examine my methods (Four of Cups Rx). I need to allow my development to move forward and mature into something new (Death)

Take Away:  Don’t shoot yourself in the foot by falling back on old habits.  If I want to continue to learn to connect to my feelings, I need to communicate what is going on with me emotionally rather than ignoring it or shoving it away. 

DECK USED:  NEW CHOICE TAROT DE MARSEILLE

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
OK, so in my opinion the original question for today’s prompt was not phrased well… So I rephrased the original question in two different ways and here are the results for each.

Question: How can I keep myself safe while using my intuition?

Tarot of the Golden Wheel

Intuitive Interpretation:  Trust.  These cards are about trust, and taking action based on that trust.  My intuition is an authority that weighs above thought and sparks from those mysterious insides rather than the brain or the physical.  Being safe while using my intuition requires absolute trust.

Question: How can I keep myself safe by using my intuition? (ie: How can I use my intuition to keep myself safe?)

Tarot of the Golden Wheel

Reading Summary:  You have all the tools necessary (Magician), you just need to be willing to listen to your intuition (Knight of Cups).  Allow your gut to sing, and avoid overreactions (Temperance).

Take Away:  This is something that I already do, as I’ve been using my intuition as one of those way in which I navigate the world for a very long time.  Over the past twelve years, my intuition has become stronger and stronger, which to me means there is a clear connection between emotions and intuition.  I don’t claim to know or understand that connection or how it works, but as I’ve become more in touch with my emotions and torn down more of the walls that I have hidden my emotions behind, my intuition has become stronger and less muffled. 

DECK USED:  TAROT OF THE GOLDEN WHEEL

Taking Care and Shifting Ground

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

IMG_3077Today’s meditation was just over ten minutes long and focused upon using meditation to ease yourself out of anxiety and worry.   Although we don’t necessarily always have an empty mind during meditation, the goal is to not allow one’s thoughts to take over and let them pass by without reaction.

This skill, as you practice it and become stronger at it, is very useful in finding peace in times of stress and anxiety.  Sometimes, even just stepping back for a moment and taking a breath, clearing away thoughts and taking even just a single minute… even that can sometimes do wonders to lower stress and anxiety… and blood pressure too.

With how stressed and on edge everyone is lately, I think it’s really important to remember that you need to take those moments… take those breaths.  Don’t let yourself get carried away by the currents of anxiety and worry.

IMG_3078Today’s draw is the Ace of Wands, which is generally a card filled with potential and new starts for the areas of one’s passions, interests, and drive.

That said, the imagery in today’s card triggered an intuitive hit that had nothing to do with traditional meanings, for what I see in today’s card is very much focused upon the needle and the eye.   The message?   Remember not to touch your eyes.

This is a good piece of advice today considering the current health emergency going on in my area, and the fact that I will be traveling and around others in multiple venues today.  I have a habit of touching my eyes quite regularly due to year-round allergies, which makes this reminder even more appropriate for today.

DECK USED:  HUSH TAROT

#TarotForGrowthMarch Challenge Prompt
Question: What can I do to align with that energy? (Built off yesterday’s cards.)

IMG_3080

Reading Summary: Take the bull by the horns and move forward (Prince of Wands) with the qualities of the Hierophant the Fool.

Take Away: Yesterday’s cards indicated that was at a crossroads where I could sink back into fog and darkness, or move forward into clarity.  The cards today make it clear that the best choice is moving forward (obviously I knew that already) and to do so I need to lean into the energies of knowledgeable integrity and innocent enthusiasm.

DECK USED:  ENCHANTED TAROT MINI EDITION

#DiscordTarotholicsMar2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: How can I replace judgements with more compassion?

IMG_3082

Reading Summary: Make a conscious choice (Lovers) that requires me to set aside apathy (Five of Water) grab the reigns with both hands moving forward (Emperor atop Ace of Air).

Take Away:  It’s okay to become invested in others rather than standing back on the sidelines and remaining unaffected.  Just make sure when doing so that you keep a good grip of control on your thoughts so that your own worries and anxieties don’t go taking a trip into those dark places with them.

DECK USED:  78TAROT’S ELEMENTAL TAROT OF THE NATURAL

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question: What is blocking my intuition right now?

IMG_3084

Reading Summary:  My intuition is not so much being blocked as stolen (Seven of Swords) by a lack of inaction (Temperance) caused by constant changes (Wheel of Fortune).

Take Away:  The Wheel of Fortune is my year’s card, which has been pretty fitting so far this year.  I’ve been struggling a bit with the uncertain footing of constant changes.  Unlike the lack of footing that comes with striding into the dark, the lack of footing with constant changes is more like trying to walk in the middle of an earthquake.

This type of uncertain footing makes it difficult for me not to “stand back and wait” which is my natural reaction to that type of situation. The cards here are indicating that that reaction is siphoning off a level of my intuition, though.  Thus, perhaps it’s time to start figuring out how to walk on the constantly moving ground beneath my feet.

DECK USED:  TAROCCO DELLE VETRATE TAROT