Work and Play

Today’s meditation has once again been delayed to the end of the day.  That said?  At least I’m still fitting in meditation at all, considering how hard its been to find the time and make the opportunity to get it done.

Page of Cups - Hush TarotToday’s draw is the Page of Cups, which is most commonly read as an omega energy, personality, or person in the areas of emotion, relationships, and intuition.  This often translates into themes concerning potential, possibility, and themes of curiosity concerning the above mentioned subjects as well as learning from one’s intuition.

What I see in today’s card’s imagery, though, is a bit different than the traditional meanings. In my initial perception of this card today, the bird perched above and singing was equally balanced with the wasp below working away on its nest.  The message here being that work supports fun.  Work supports play.  In order to play, you have to put in the work that gives you the time and opportunity to play.

DECK USED:  HUSH TAROT

#TarotForGrowthMarch Challenge Prompt
Question
: What can I do now to clear that up and remove that blockage? (Built off yesterday’s cards.)

Tarot of the Silicone Dawn

Reading Summary:  I need to change how I approach this issue (Death) and look at things from a long term view rather than focusing down on the immediate chaos (Seven of Pentacles).  By staying grounded and composed and taking time to reflect on not just the issue but my own capabilities and what is under my personal control (Queen of Pentacles), I will be able to find a better path.

Take Away:  It is definitely possible that I have read far too much in to “the letter” than it was meant to convey. Whether that is their lack of communication skills or my own lack of understanding is irrelevant, as I internalized that miscommunication and now need to go back and do a thorough re-evaluation prior to being able to move forward.

DECK USED:  TAROT OF THE SILICONE DAWN

#DiscordTarotholicsMar2020 Challenge Prompt
Question
: How can I improve upon where I am physically over the week ahead?

A Darisa Tarot: The Lomisht

Reading Summary:  I need to look at the big picture (Seven of Pentacles) and engage my enthusiasm (Ace of Cups) in order to overcome the obstacles of my reluctance and awaken the motivation and discipline to move forward in my efforts (The Chariot).

Take Away:  Okay so I’m very much procrastinating on the whole physical improvement part of self care, if I’m honest with myself.  I keep putting it off “til next week” again and again, because the motivation to get to the gym and put in the work just isn’t there.

Along with the advice the cards provided yesterday concerning including J in the process, today’s cards indicate that if I want to get past this procrastination habit, I need to look beyond the immediate benefits of the gym and weight gain.  Instead, I need to be focusing upon the long term benefits, and opening my heart to wanting them enough to step over that threshold and get going on getting there.

DECK USED:  A DARISA TAROT – THE LOMISHT

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question
: How can I use my intuition to guide my life?

Goblin Tarot (RWS Edition)

Reading Summary:  Consider focusing my intuition on more practical matters (King of Pentacles) and achieving my long-term goals (Seven of Pentacles) by allow my intuition to provide direction for ambition (Knight of Swords).

Take Away:  When using tarot for myself, a lot of my focus is on self care and self improvement.  The message here is an encouragement to expand that focus to include more earthly pursuits such as topics concerning the running of my business and strategizing to obtain my goals.

Side Note:  Every single reading I’ve done today across multiple decks has had the Seven of Pentacles in it.   This recurring card is an indication that I need to stop focusing on the now, and take a long-term view.   This is not just about one area, but has to do with the mentality that I was stuck in within that fog this winter, and with breaking free of it by looking further than my immediate situation.  None of my goals in life are immediate, so the advice here is to start looking further down the road at where I want to be and how to get there.

DECK USED:  GOBLIN TAROT (RWS EDITION)

No Ignoring Self-Care

Today’s meditation was once again not particularly useful.  I did make an effort this morning, but that effort was thwarted by a multitude of interruptions and…. it just didn’t end up happening.  So…  I will give it a go tonight before bed again.   That said?  I really need to do a better job of fitting it into my mornings, as I get a far better effect from a morning meditation than  I do an evening one.

Knight of Pentacles - Hush TarotToday’s draw is the Knight of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of a beta energy, personality, or person in the area of resources, finances, and the physical world.  This often translates into themes of productivity and hard work carrying someone forward toward rewards.

What I see in the imagery of this card is the support represented by the hands that the bird perches upon, as well as ingenuity in the string the bird holds, and industry in the ant crawling upon the fingers.    I see the key speaking of how these things are a solution… a way forward.

The message in today’s card is about working toward my goals and finding the best way to do things rather than doing them as they’ve “always been done”.   To move forward, sometimes you have to look for paths and methods that take you “outside the box”.

DECK USED:  HUSH TAROT

#TarotForGrowthMarch Challenge Prompt
Question
: What about myself have I been underrating?

Law of Attraction Tarot

Reading Summary:  This reading split into a trio of answers.  The big pic including all of the cards is about balance between fun/positivity and passions/drive. There is also a clear definition between the two left cards, which speaks of balancing responsibilities and fun/optimism…. And the right side which is also about the balance between responsibilities and fun/pleasure.  In each case, the cards reinforce the meaning of the whole.

Take Away:  These cards indicate that what I have been underestimating about myself is the ability to balance fun and pleasure into my business.  This is something I’ve been trying to tap back into after the fog I’d been experiencing through the winter, but I admit to have been struggling with it.

DECK USED:  LAW OF ATTRACTION TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsMar2020 Challenge Prompt
Question
: What do I need to focus on for self care for this full moon?

Animal Totem Tarot

Reading Summary:  The imagery of all four of these cards is extremely grounded… and ground-centric.   This speaks of a need to stay well grounded even as I take possession of my interests and passions, and move forward toward my goals.  Make sure that I am not leaving my care behind in favor of these other interests.

Take Away:  I have a habit of getting wrapped up in interests and passions, and allowing other things to fall away into the background.  Although the winter sort of distracted me from this habit, I’m well aware that as I start to feel better, it will return   The cards indicate I need to make sure I’m paying attention to this tendency and not allow myself to get carried away.   Instead, continue to focus on the slow-and-steady progress I’ve been making and don’t push my self-care practices off to the side… they are important.

DECK USED:  ANIMAL TOTEM TAROT

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question
: Share a pic of your favorite tarot or oracle deck.

Okay…. so I couldn’t choose just one.  Or two.  Or three.  So here’s four.

Favorite Decks - Tarot and Oracle

DECK USED:  TAROT OF THE HIDDEN REALM, HUSH TAROT, STOLEN CHILD TAROT, THE FAERIES’ ORACLE BY BRIAN FROUD

 

Reassurance Needed

Today’s meditation was ten minutes long and took place in the back room of a metaphysical shop downtown before taking on a handful of clients the shop had booked for someone that never showed up.  The owner is a past employer, and called me in desperation for someone to fill in so that he wouldn’t have to cancel the line-up of clients scheduled for the day.

I was a bit nervous, as I haven’t read for a shop in a long time… not since before I’d lost my voice.  The meditation was unguided, and focused on grounding and centering, and was very helpful in getting me to the mindset and place internally that I needed to be in to do the readings.

Nine of Swords - Hush TarotToday’s draw is Nine of Swords, which is traditionally a card of struggles, conflict, tests, and trials in the area of one’s thoughts, intellect, and communication.  This very often communicates itself in themes of anxiety, depression, fears, and inner strife.

When I got this card today, the positive message was easy to find, but I wasn’t entirely sure how to relate it to my day.  But now, this evening, I’ve found that connection.   After spending the better part of three hours crawling around in the attic of my building with the fire department this evening, I now have the source of that worry that this card has appeared to reassure me about.

The appearance of the Nine of Swords in today’s draw is about not allowing worry to close you down and close you off.  The woman’s posture in the card’s depiction is all about closing in and shutting out the outside.  But sometimes, when you have worries and concerns?  It’s better to let them out and share them with others, and those others that you open up to share with are often a source of reassurance that has been needed.

DECK USED:  HUSH TAROT

#TarotForGrowthMarch Challenge Prompt
Question
: How can I align with and take advantage of that energy? (Built off yesterday’s cards.)

Tarot of the Silicon Dawn

Reading Summary:  That… is a very unique Seven of Cups.  Just sayin’.   And on the note about cups…. holy cups, yeah?  Clearly, taking advantage of that building energy of this lunar cycle is all about getting in touch with and a modicum of control over my emotions.   If I want to take advantage, I will need to make sure that in the area of new experiences (Ace of Cups) I’m taking on a more dominant role (King of Cups)… and a more responsible one (Four of Cups over the Seven of Cups).

Take Away:  These cards indicate that I am getting to that point in my growth (and that point of advancing out of the fog, as well) where I need to concentrate on elements of how I am experiencing my emotions that will give me some control.   I think the need for patience is still present, as hinted at in the Four of Cups over the Seven, but at the same time, it’s time to take on some control over my path forward.

DECK USED:  TAROT OF THE SILICONE DAWN (TRIMMED)

#DiscordTarotholicsMar2020 Challenge Prompt
Question
: Do Spread #1

Goblin Tarot RWS VersionLeave Behind: Pipe dreams.  The Ten of Cups in this position is warning me that on the approach to spring, it will be important to keep my feet on the ground and my eyes cast forward.  Daydreams and unrealistic goals need to be set aside in order to deal with the here and now.

Take With Me:  Don’t allow disappointments to rock the footing I’ve gained.  To become “king of the castle”, sometimes you have to “overcome” and keep moving, even when shit hits the fan.

Expose and Share:  Own your thoughts and reach for clarity. Allow others to share in your vision.  Moving forward takes strength, cunning, and planning.  This can be done better when you have the input of others, as it allows you to keep in mind how you influence others when plotting your own course.

Keep Close:  It’s okay to feel vulnerable, but now is not the time to broadcast it to the world or seek the advice from others concerning these issues that create self doubt and confusion.  Instead, take this time to examine these on an internal level and work through some of it on your own.

Moral of the Story:  To perpetuate a healthy growth forward into spring I’m going to need to use the “fake it until you make it” method (interesting that this came up, as it was also present in a reading I did for someone else earlier today).   Essentially, project strength and that strength will come.  Project self control and that self control will come.  Project that you are proactive and surefooted, and that sure-footing will come. 

In other words?  Stop wallowing.

DECK USED:  GOBLIN TAROT (RWS VERSION)

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question
: What could I change to switch on my intuition?

Eight Coins Tarot

Reading Summary:  This is a warning. My intuition is already “switched on” (Seven of Swords) and I need to take time where I’m at (Hanged Man) rather than charging ahead (Chariot). The results of that charge will end up being more trouble than they’re worth (Devil).

Take Away:  When I have been doing reads on exploring meditation and developing a closer, more conscious, connection with my guides, this is always the answer that comes up.   “Patience.  Wait.  It’s not time yet.  Ignore this… and you’ll be sorry.”  Sometimes it alternates with “move at a snail’s pace”… but all in all, the answers are very consistent, and I’m listening.

DECK USED:  EIGHT COINS TAROT (TRIMMED)

Support and Growth

IMG_2920Today’s meditation was just over twelve minutes long, and was about dealing with conflict and taking a moment to “step back” during times of conflict in order to see them from an “outside view” rather than internalizing and getting wrapped up in the moment.

The guided meditation also touched on one of the key tenants to my life, which is the assertion that conflict and difficulties are a part of our lives not to break us down, but rather to build us up and make us better and/or stronger.

Every once in a while I run across those that seem to refuse to see the negative things that have happened in their life in any sort of positive light.  Instead, they choose to cast themselves as a victim, and view this horrible thing in their life that happened as the “destroyer” of good in their lives.

I have a hard time with this perspective, and I’m not sure how to communicate with people about moving forward and strength when they so stubbornly stick to this viewpoint.  I always feel a desire to help, but how do you help someone that chooses to sit in the mud and won’t even consider the possibility of standing up?

Right, so that sort of went off on my own little tangent.  Sorry about that.

Two of Cups - Hush TarotToday’s draw is the Two of Cups, which is traditionally read as partnerships and themes to do with unity in the area of one’s emotions, relationships, creativity, and intuition.

What I see in this card is about support, though.  In the imagery both of the harpy women seem to be supporting each other on an emotional level.  It is in the tilt of the heads and angle of the chins.  There is sanctuary here in this partnership.  A connection that feels both familiar and familial.

The message for me in today’s card is that I need to make peace with those I love.  We support each other through the hard times, and are there for each other when needed.  Sometimes?  Conflicts happen.  But in the grand scheme of things, these conflicts are unimportant, and it’s the connection and support that matters.

DECK USED:  HUSH TAROT

#TarotForGrowthMarch Challenge Prompt
Question
: Where would I most benefit from patience at this time?

Tarocco degli Animali

Reading Summary:  I need to make sure I’m not judging myself too harshly (Judgement) when it takes time to get the money together (Five of Coins)  to support my ambitions (Queen of Swords).  Don’t worry about the flow of money, forcing yourself into an even more stringent spendthrift will not make things move faster (Four of Coins).

Take Away:  The cards are indicating that I need to allow things to unfold at their own pace.  Making myself miserable by being miserly is not going to move things along any quicker.  Just let it move along at its own pace and practice patience.

DECK USED:  TAROCCO DEGLI ANIMALI

#DiscordTarotholicsMar2020 Challenge Prompt
Question
: What area of my life is requiring too much sacrifice at this time?

Tarocco delle Vetrate

Reading Summary:  Trying to find a balance between bolstering my self confidence (Six of Wands) and protecting myself (Nine of Wands) is stealing away (Seven of Swords) my ability to get to where I want to be (Ten of Cups).

Take Away:  As I work at pulling myself out of the fog of uncertainty and self doubt that I’ve been experiencing for the past couple of months, I’m trying too hard to both open myself up to seeking out the light… and keeping a protective outer shell in place. 

These contrasting efforts are preventing me from getting to that place of contentment and abundance I seek in my personal life.

DECK USED:  TAROCCO DELLE VETRATE

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question
: How am I using my intuition in my life right now?

Jonasa Jaus Tarot

Reading Summary: I’m using my intuition to assist me in keeping myself afloat (Four of Wands) as I struggle with inner darkness (Devil) and healing from the damage and doubts that winter’s events cast upon me (Nine of  Swords).  Hidden behind that darkness I struggle with is the long term growth I’m seeking (Seven of Pentacles).

Take Away:  In my current situation, I am using my intuition as a life preserver to help me in keeping myself from sinking back into the fog.  Although not my only life preserver, it is helping me stay afloat so that I can keep moving forward.

DECK USED:  JONASA JAUS TAROT

 

Be Nice

Today’s meditation was a little over thirty minutes long, and was not a guided meditation.  Instead, I spent those fifteen minutes lying outside in the rain in the rainforest, moss and decaying vegetation under my back and water soaking through my clothes.

Feeling at home and comfortable there, I did an advanced grounding, visualizing roots reaching from where my body touched the earth and down through the moss into the soil, digging deep.

Pulling energy from the earth, I condensed that energy into my body until I was full to bursting, then allowed it to burst outward like a balloon bursting expels its air, slamming off and away from me the residual energies that had remained clinging to me after the party last night, essentially using the earth’s energy to blowtorch my own clean.

I did this process three times, then spent some time simply grounding and centering before returning home to shower and warm up and get the rest of my day started.

Three of Swords - Hush TarotToday’s draw is the Three of Swords, which is traditionally an indication of trials, struggles, and hardship in the areas of the mind, intellect, and communication.  This often communicates as despair, heartache, disappointment, and other experiences along that line.

What I see in the imagery of today’s card are the autumn leaves and the birds that, in this card, look far more predatory than sweet.  Combined with the flush of new blooms and the hornet with its nest in the lower left corner, what I see here speaks of caution.

After the party last night, I felt drained and struggling.  Today’s card is a reminder to take care of myself, and to be aware that you might be a bit sensitive today and make a bit of an allowance for that while being self aware and watching for signs of that bleeding out in ugly ways.

The positive here is the encouragement towards self awareness and self care.

DECK USED:  HUSH TAROT

#TarotForGrowthMarch Challenge Prompt
Question
: How can I navigate through challenges that may give root to overwhelm and burnout as spring approaches? (Built off yesterday’s cards.)

Fenestra Tarot

Reading Summary:  As previous reads have indicated, I need to focus on my work and my strengths (Eight of Pentacles), while taking care to practice patience with myself (Temperance) and making room for self care and growth away from the struggles and fog of the winter months (Three of Swords).

Take Away:  Diligence towards my work and business is important, but I need to make sure to keep myself from being a slave driver and ignoring the healing process that is currently ongoing.  That process is going to take time and I need to allow it to happen without pushing and prodding at myself like I am used to doing.

DECK USED:  FENESTRA TAROT

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

Darisa Tarot

Reading Summary:  I am focusing on looking for a way forward (Two of Wands) and searching for a new helper is at the top of my mind (Three of Ground).  I’m also very much focused on you today (Two of Water and Lovers).

Take Away:  Aside from the earth, one of the best and easiest ways for me to find center is to spend time with you.  I’ve needed that centering influence all day today, and so it’s not surprising that you would come up concerning where I am mentally at the moment.   The first two cards are an indication of needing to get something done that I’ve been putting off, which I will make sure gets done today.

DECK USED:  DARISA TAROT

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question
: When am I intuitively confident?

Luna Sol Tarot

Reading Summary: First very clear thought was a commentary…”Look at that sword, buddy. Don’t you think it’s a little bit too much for you?”

When I take my time considering my options rather than jumping ahead without enough preparation. One of my greatest intuitive strengths is in looking ahead.

Take Away:  My intuition works better in predictive pursuits rather than in dealing with in the moment choices and ideas that need contemplation or exploration.

DECK USED:  LUNA SOL TAROT

 

Seedlings and Sparks

Today’s meditation was just over ten minutes long, and a guided meditation on gratitude, and expressing that gratitude through not just appreciation but the direction of positive energy toward those things you are grateful for.

That includes directing positive energy and thought toward yourself.  Toward others.  As well as to the world at large.  Each of these aspects of life have things about them to be grateful for, and today’s meditation included the process of first grounding and centering, and then directing that energy to each of those three aspects of life.

Ace of Wands - Hush TarotToday’s draw is the Ace of Wands which is traditionally a representation of potential and new opportunities in the area of one’s ambitions, drive, and passionate interests.

What I see in today’s card is the needle in the bird’s beak, and the tendril of hair threaded through it.  Sometimes new projects and passions take a bit of effort and sacrifice.  The girl offers her hair to the bird so that the bird can build its nest.  The needle sparkles and shins in the sunlight, sparking interest as a worker climbs the girl’s cheek representing work to be done.

This Ace of Wands speaks to me of those tenuous first moments of inspiration, when things are not yet in motion, but there’s that moment of breath… a beat of the heart, where you can -feel- how right it is… how good it will be.   It’s an encouragement to go after those little sparks of interest an allow them to carry you away… the work will be worth it.

DECK USED:  HUSH TAROT

#TarotForGrowthMarch Challenge Prompt
Question
: Energy surrounding the impending shift into spring.

Whispering Spirits Tarot

Reading Summary: Take back what’s yours (Seven of Wands) and plow right through (The Chariot) times of uncertainty (The Moon).

Take Away:  The cards indicate something that I also read in my Self-Care Saturday spread this week.  That is, that there is a surfacing coming and a re-claiming of self that will carry forward beyond this week and into the spring, pulling me out of the fog of uncertainty that I’ve been struggling with if I’m willing to be proactive in “riding the wave” to shore.

DECK USED:  WHISPERING SPIRITS TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsMar2020 Challenge Prompt
Question
: What good thing is ready to come into bloom in my life with the arrival of spring?

Les Métamorphoses du Jour Tarot

Reading Summary:  If I can give myself the nurturing care that I’m currently in need of (The Empress), and the room necessary to allow for emotional growth to take root (Ace of Cups), I will find that with the spring I will find a new sense of stability and camaraderie among those that I share interests and passions with (Four of Wands).

Take Away:  The spring is going to allow me to pull ahead of this fog I’ve been feeling over the past few months, but only if I allow it to happen. It will be important to not allow my grip to be too tight and controlling, either on on my emotions or by using cruelty to self to prod myself forward.

DECK USED:  LES METAMORPHOSES DU JOUR TAROT

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question
: What does intuition mean for me?

Enchanted Tarot Mini Deck

Reading Summary: The addictive (Devil) path forward (Two of Wands) to future interests (Princess of Wands over the Ten of Wands).

Take Away:  My interests always have an element of burden to them, as I have a habit of overwhelming myself with the activities and things that I love.   Intuition represents to me a path to those interests, a path I enjoy bounding down again and again, until said interests become the burden that they always had the potential to be.

To be clear… intuition is the path.  It is not the interests it leads me to but the path that takes me there.  What I do with those interests that turns them into a burden lies upon the “shoulders” of habit and the mind.

DECK USED:  ENCHANTED TAROT MINI DECK