Intuitive tarot reading

Lowering Expectations

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Today’s meditation was skipped again cuz I overslept just a bit so I didn’t get on the road as early as I wanted to. I probably could have benefited from a bit of meditation tho before driving. I’ll remember that for next time.  That extra fifteen minutes in the house might be worth it if it helps my stress levels on the road.

Tarot Noir and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Five of Coins, which is traditionally a representation of financial disparity, scarcity issues, and other struggles, strife, trials, and tests in the area of one’s finances, resources, health, home, and manifestations.

The Thera-Pets card combined with the Five of Coins is all about doing what you can… and not pushing for more.  This is something that I had to learn financially last year, when the pandemic first hit and I lost all of my jobs except one.  I went from five part-time jobs and a thriving home business… to one part-time job and a home business that was doing well, but not growing as it had previously.  (Hard to grow a business selling pretty things when people don’t have money to buy pretty things, yeah?)

I had to make adjustments.  I had to lower my mortgage payment, and I had to lower my expectations of how long it would be before I could pay off my place.  I had to make spending adjustments, and shift the priorities concerning where money went, where I spent my money, and what got paid.

This was hugely stressful, and something that a lot of people went through when the pandemic hit. Unlike many people, I didn’t qualify for financial assistance.  I had to accept that… I’m not going to be able to do everything I wanted to do in the time table that I wanted to get it done in.   And that I could only do… what I can do.

Lowering expectations, especially expectations we place on ourselves is hard.  But no harder than the beating we give ourselves by keeping those expectations high and missing the mark.  So the message in today’s cards?  Make sure that your expectations that you set for yourself are realistic, then knock them back just a notch more, because they aren’t realistic and they aren’t reasonable, even if you think they are.

DECK USED:  TAROT NOIR AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

Mr Lionharts’ #TheOctoberTarot #SeasonoftheWitchChallenge Prompt
Questions for October 1st and 2nd

Creepy TarotAs above, so below, what will Samhain reap…

The closer you get to Samhain, the faster things are going to move, and the more control you’re going to be exerting (The Chariot) on making sure the things that you want to get done to be carried forward are getting done (Seven of Wands).

With a holiday rush right around the corner at this time, what we see here is a pick up in speed and the tenacity to plow through obstacles that might be in the way.

or sow?

Togetherness and teamwork with a jovial tone (Three of Cups) towards the goals we’ve set out as the three of us prepare and adjust for (Page of Wands) what will come in the days after Samhain.

Not more than a week after Samhain, the holiday rush will begin. As L, Z, and I slip in to the last minute preparation for the holiday rush, togetherness will be a key element in those preparations.

From today until Samhain, show me how it will begin.

Controlled chaos (King of Wands and Wheel of Fortune), and confidence (The Magician).

Over the month, these are the elements in life that will begin to pick up speed and strength. As more energy is poured into them, they will grow in strength and purpose.

DECK USED: CREEPY TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsOct2021 Challenge Prompt
Questions for October 1st and 2nd

Tarot NoirWhat is my relationship with my ancestors / ancestry at this time?

Nine of Coins atop Seven of Coins – You haven’t been given any real opportunity to explore your ancestry and ancestors. You’ve not really found this to be a hardship thus far, although there have been times your curiosity has been piqued.

That said, you have a good deal of skill in divination techniques that you’ve developed over a long period of time. Although there are many different avenues of exploration available, you’re happy to contact your ancestors through divination work, and be content with this method.

How can I improve my relationship with my ancestors?

Nine of Wands atop Le Diable – Use your addiction to your advantage in this area, but make sure that you’re setting up good boundaries in order to protect yourself and what you hold dear.

This is an encouragement to keep going with your efforts to contact and communicate with your ancestors through divination, and most specifically, the cards. But they are also a reminder that you need to make sure you have protections in place while doing so.

DECK USED: TAROT NOIR

Daily Self Kindness

I gave myself credit for doing a good job on my paperwork perfectly today when I went over the border and came back. Some of the paperwork is quite complicated and can be hard to get right, but I nailed it on the first try!

Don’t Skip It

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Today’s meditation was skipped today as it was an orders day.

Cult of Weimer Tarot and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Lovers card, which is traditionally a representation of love, marriage, successful unions, and (as is often the case for me in readings) making healthy choices aligned with what you want in life.

I have a hard time with self care sometimes.  I just do.  It’s linked into my self destructive tendencies, I’m pretty sure.  There are just times when anything that is self care oriented sounds absolutely horribly miserable.  This includes exercise, meditation, morning smoothies, going outside for fresh air, physiotherapy for my mobility, working with my plants on the balcony… even eating or showering.

These are all things that are necessary to a healthy me, and yet… things I sometimes struggle with them regardless of that fact. Making healthy choices for myself (which means doing these things that are simple and easy and yet feel so horribly unpleasant during those times) is extremely important and yet can become monumentally difficult at times due to this.

And, today is one of those days.  Today’s cards are a reminder that need to do these things even when I don’t wanna.  That I can do it, that it’s not as horrible or monumental as it feels like it is… and that I need need to not let that dark cloud of “meh” convince me to skip it.

DECK USED:  CULT OF WEIMAR TAROT AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2021 Challenge Prompt
Topic: Grab a spread that you’ve been curious about and give it a go!

Noisy Museum Tarot

1 What part of me has been yearning to “get messy”?

Seven of Swords – The strategist is tired.

You know, I never really thought much about this before, but there’s some validity to that phrase. I plan and plot, I scheme and strategize… it is a constant cycle of weights and measures in my mind as I seek how to get the most out of every situation. How to make the most out of my time and energy.

What would it look like to not be constantly conniving and strategizing my life like this?

2 Why have I been censoring or editing myself?

Page of Swords Rx – I want to be kinder. I want to be a better person than the narrative in my head. This requires making sure I don’t spout off with answers or commentary without examining what I am going to say first in order to avoid being insensitive or worse. I don’t really consider this to be a bad thing.

3 Where/how did I learn that it’s not ok to be imperfect?

Two of Pentacles atop Nine of Cups – When I learned that not meeting the expectations of authority figures have consequences that imbalance myself and my life, turning everything on its ear.  Namely, this is a lesson that my parents taught me. I was such a disappointment to them in so many different ways that I didn’t have any control  over (sexuality, interests, etc), that I tried really hard to satisfy them in other ways in which I did have control over (perfectionism).

4 How can I release the tendency to self-censor?

Six of Cups – I am not my father. I need to leave those dark clouds from my past where they belong… in the past.  It’s possible to have learned the lessons needed from these experiences and carry those lessons forward with you into the present without carrying those dark clouds with you as well.

5 How would creating more of a joyful “mess” benefit me?

The Architect (The Magician) – It would provide me with a new set of skills and tools to navigate life with. By being overly rigid, I am cutting myself off from these additional skills.

6 How can I get messy (i.e., let my hair down, color outside the lines, play like a child, etc) today?

The Moon Rx atop Five of Cups – Don’t allow uncertainty to steal away your enthusiasm.

DECK USED: NOISY MUSEUM TAROT

BekahMurphysMagic’s #IntuitiveHealingTarotChallenge Prompt
Questions for September 29th and 30th

Cult of Weimer TarotHow can I become more confident in my intuitive abilities?

Lean into optimism (The Sun), and ensure that you are making choices that keep your emotions (Seven of Cups) in balance with everything else going on in your life (Two of Pentacles).

Neglecting your emotional balance in deference to other goals and endeavors will damage your confidence on many levels, including how you interpret messages from your intuition. So, too, will allowing yourself to sink into a negative mindset.

What have I learned from healing and connecting with my intuition this month?

To stand back and take a breath (Five of Wands Rx). Success (Ace of Pentacles) doesn’t always necessarily require a forward leap (Ten of Cups).

This challenge was a reminder of how developed my intuition already is, and that sometimes it can be harmful to continually push to advance without taking time to sink into the growth I’ve already accomplished.

DECK USED: CULT OF WEIMAR TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I forgot to type in what I did for myself today but considering my struggles with self care today, I think the fact that I had a smoothie with spinach added in is pretty damned good.

Transitioning from September to October

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Tyldwick Tarot 2nd Edition and Brian Froud's Faeries' Oracle

Here and Now I Exist – Who you are here and now, in your entirety.

Page of Cups, Solus atop O! That Gnome – These cards encourage faith in your emotional growth. You have worked hard to get where you are on this path, but with every shift towards the busy season, there is moments of nagging doubts and worries. Believe in this new perspective to strengthen you and help you in doing things in a better and healthier way.

The Slough – What is to be left in the past as you move forward.

Two of Cups, The Singer if Initiation atop Honesty – Your time to explore shadow work and look within yourself for what needs to be exposed to the world (and especially those that love you) is coming to an end. Although self-development may percolate internally over the months ahead, the time of focus and pursuit of this endeavor is drawing to a close for the year.

What Lies Ahead – An ideal state or ideal self you are seeking at this time.

Seven of Coins, The Fairy Who Was Kissed by the Pixies atop The Oak Men – Open your heart, but do so slowly. Haste is not your friend. Remember that friendships and relationships happen slowly over time. There’s no rush. Keep your eyes open. It’s prudent to take some caution.

Limitations – Negative influences, opposition, or ill will.

Wheel of Fortune atop The Empress, The Laume – Take pause and caution when faced with unexpected kindnesses. Not everything is as altruistic as it may at first appear.

The Boon – Positive influences, higher guidance, or divine intervention.

Five of Staves and The Fee Lion – Your passions and principles aren’t a bad thing, even when they put others up in arms. Make sure that you are aligned with your moral compass, and that you have your ducks in a row… then? Don’t worry about what others think. Make sure you are listening to that “need to do” whisper on your shoulder, even if it means making a list to work on -after- you take that needed nap.

The Wound – An unpleasant past experience or event that is ripe for some support and healing.

The Magician atop Four of Swords, She of the Cruach – Don’t look for that nurturing energy you long for from your mother. There are people in your life willing to give that energy to you, but she’s not one of them.

Nostalgia – A positive past experience or event to acknowledge, reflect upon, and enjoy.

Two of Swords and Iris of the Rainbows – Make sure you are looking back on the times when you’ve leaned into optimism and hope instead of allowing yourself to indulge in your natural pessimism. Take a look at how these times have influenced you and your growth, and the lessons that having used this type of positive thinking in the past have taught you.

A Warning – Something coming that can be prevented or overcome.

Five of Swords, Gloominous Doom atop The Guardian at the Gate – If you allow a negative thoughts and negative emotions to take over this month, it’s going to cause conflict and barriers in your way that don’t need to be there. Don’t let the pessimism you’re used to sink in and hold you back from the potential that the next few months have to offer.

Empowerment – A future opportunity to work toward.

Two of Staves and The Singer of the Chalice – Stop trying to force it. Pushing isn’t the answer. If you treat yourself with more kindness as you move along your path and make plans for the future, you will still get where you want to go, but will be much happier and healthier along the way.

Message from the Spirit World – There is a huge amount of warning here about the unpleasant effects on your path forward if you lean into pessimism and negativity in the month ahead.  The cost will be significant, causing many setbacks and conflicts. Better to make sure you are focusing on the positive, and leaning into hope and optimism.

Message from the Mind’s World – You may feel like you are moving far too slow this month to get everything done, but remember that this is an emotional perception and not reality. Hold back from scrambling and racing against the clock, and work to keep your emotions and inner narrative kind and seek an honest perspective instead of leaning into how much more you “should be” doing.

Message from the Physical World – Be kind and nurturing to your body.  It needs a bit of care to recover from the battle it just fought (and won) against the cold that tried to sneak in, not to mention the ankle needs more time healing.  Give yourself, and your body especially, what it needs. Make healthy choices that foster a healthier outcome.

DECKS USED: TYLDWICK TAROT 2ND EDITION AND FROUD’S FAERIES’ ORACLE

Exchange Rates

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Today’s meditation was about ten minutes long and was a self-guided meditation using breathing exercises while doing piriformis stretches and trying to ease some of the tension in my back.

Tarot of the Thousand and One Nights and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Six of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of the give and take of generosity and charity, and at times can also represent the hidden (and possibly nefarious) expectations of someone feigning altruism for their own ends.

I very much see that last part of the traditional meaning mentioned above in the imagery of this card, in the way that the wealthy individual’s body language leans into the other man. His kindness definitely appears to be expecting something in return.

And that’s where the Thera-Pets card for today steps in.  It is a reminder that not everything has to be give and take. We all deserve kindness and care, love and understanding. We should not have to bargain for them or barter for them. Today’s cards tell us to take a look at the dynamics in our relationships and ensure that they are healthy.  Do you have to pay a price for the love and affection that others should be offering freely? If so, perhaps it’s time to examine your own self worth and figure out why you’ve made this type of exchange as acceptable.

DECK USED:  TAROT OF THE THOUSAND AND ONE NIGHTS AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

The #ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge Prompt for the Sacred Grounds Tarot Club
Question: How do I make time for rest and relaxation… every day?

Tarot by CaroReading Summary: It is a conscious choice (Two of Swords) that you have to make in order to foster (Queen of Wands) your emotional health (Five of Cups).

Take Away: Your emotional health and well-being has been a major focus of the last few years, and being sure that you are making the right choices that further these goals is a part of that process towards better mental health. Sometimes this means making choices between what you truly want to do, and what you need either mentality or emotionally.

DECK USED: TAROT BY CARO

Healer Josephine’s #MindfulImperfectionTarot Prompt
Questions for September 27th thru 29th

Smoke & Roses Oracle and Tarot of the Thousand and One NightsWhat support does my body need in releasing hyper-vigilance and anxiety?
Bluebells atop Orange Lily, Nine of Swords

Stop looking at your body, the damage it has sustained, its limitations, and the chronic pain as an enemy. Be grateful for your mobility and all that you can do instead of looking at the worst case scenario at every turn.

What support does my heart need as I release rigid expectations, impossible standards, and harsh “shoulds”?
Helenium atop Freesia, Ten of Pentacles

Supportive friendships that will provide an ear when I need it are important. These friendships can help you to see see just how much you have in life, and that you don’t have to drive yourself so hard for more all the time, but instead need to spend more time focusing on what you have in the present.

DECK USED: SMOKE & ROSES ORACLE AND TAROT OF THE THOUSAND AND ONE NIGHTS

Daily Self Kindness

I had to cut my deck gathering short today and lie down due to a headache that just kept getting worse and worse, even after taking something for it.  It developed into a migraine and instead of pushing on, I marked the decks still to gather down to get later and laid down for a nap.

Keep Going Anyway

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Today’s meditation was just over ten minutes long, and was unguided. Simply me, and some breathing exercises while I did my piriformis stretches.

Meraki Tarot and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Death card, which is traditionally a representation of slow, gradual, organic change. This is the kind of change that develops over time, and even when it has a “tipping point” that might take you by surprise, on reflection, you should have seen it coming as it developed.

Although not all change is difficult, for us humans, a lot of it is. We have a tendency to gravitate towards what is familiar and comfortable, latch on to those feelings, and not want to let go. When changes make us confront those tendencies, it can be extremely uncomfortable and even scary.

The Death card combined with the Thera-Pets card for today is a reminder that just because change can (and often is) uncomfortable, it’s also necessary and is often a very good thing.  And that those feelings of fear and discomfort when change comes calling are natural.  Feel them… accept them, just keep going anyway.

DECK USED:  MERAKI TAROT AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

Mr Lionharts’ #TheSeptemberTarot Rise and Fall Prompt
Questions for September 28th thru 30th

Zombie Diaries Oracle and L'Œil de L'Âme TarotWhat has been a big lesson for me this month?
Meadow and Ace of Wands

There are things that are more important than the pursuit of every new inspiration and creative idea that catches your attention. Playing it safe and giving yourself some down time is not a sin, nor a punishable offense.

What have I established/realized for myself this month?
Petrified Tree and Ten of Pentacles

It’s okay to take your time. It’s okay to savor what you have right now instead of striving ever forward for more. Things that are meant to happen will develop at their own pace. Reaching your goals naturally takes time, and sometimes you discover even better goals along the way.

Where or in what way did I rise above myself this month?
Hibiscus, Ace of Swords Rx atop Guardian of Cups

Lack of communication can lead quickly to defensiveness and anxieties. You did well in ensuring that you reached out to others when you needed to this week instead of keeping everything locked inside… even during times when the act of reaching out stirred up its own uncertainties.

DECK USED: ZOMBIE DIARIES ORACLE AND L’ŒIL DE L’ÂME TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2021 Challenge Prompt
Questions for September 28th and 29th

Meraki TarotGoal – What needs a little more focus and energy to complete before winter?

The Hermit atop Two of Swords – You need to take this time before the harvest season draws to a close to get out in nature as much as possible. You need this time in the forests, bonding with the earth, to help shore up your strength and energy for the busy winter months to come.

Pros – The Star – By spending this time in nature you can benefit from a greater sense of hope and connectivity with the world around you. This is something that increases your stamina for the gauntlet of the holiday rush on the horizon.

Cons – Five of Swords – More time outside means less time inside preparing for battle. Less time spent prepping. And, less stuff finished when the “battle” begins.

Obstacles – Eight of Wands – Your impatience is the biggest obstacle you face when it comes to this goal. You need to accept that there’s only so much you’re going to get done, and that you’ll have to pick and choose your battles instead of trying to do everything.

Solutions – The Empress atop The Hierophant – You’ve been working on learning how to put yourself first and nurture yourself. Don’t forsake those lessons now that it’s crunch time.

DECK USED: MERAKI TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I had what I would consider a pretty much ‘did nothing’ day.  I don’t really feel like I accomplished much of anything really other than my cards for the day.

Finding the Fire Within – Part 4

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The Nursmaid's 36 Tales Lenormand

How can I be my true self during conflict?

Broom and Bear – Instead of beating yourself up and allowing that negative self talk to tear you down, stand up strong and true for your beliefs and your opinions.

How can I integrate courage into my authentic self journey?

Clover and Star – Positive thinking is needed.  You know it works and can lead you in to better things, so as corny as it might sound and as much as you struggle with it… it’s important and can lift you up when you need that extra boost of courage.

How does my integrity and values influence my authentic self?

Lily and Fish – You are old far beyond your years, with the wisdom behind that age you have yet to come close to reaching. Allowing that “old soul” within you to lead you forward keeps you true to yourself each step along your path.

What will be the biggest challenge through this journey?

Clouds and Snake – Self doubt.  You are your own worst enemy.  Combined with your proclivity towards self destructive behavior, it’s the biggest challenge you will face.

How can I inspire others to discover and express their authenticity?

Fox and House – Just care for them and be supportive of them. By giving them the support they need and giving them a place of safety to explore, you are fostering their own journey of self discovery.

Self-Care – Birds – Don’t skip out on the phone appointments this week.  You know you want to, but do them anyway. They’re important.

DECK USED: THE NURSEMAID’S 36 TALES LENORMAND