Lenormand Reading

Morning Bonus Read – Monthly Key Spread

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1889 Lenormand - Monthly Key Spread

Key to Your Heart: What will Guide you to make decisions that are aligned with your heart and your truths this month?

Book – Make sure that you know all the facts before making any important decisions this month.  With you currently in the middle of an MDE, it’s important that you look to stable and informative outside sources to ensure you are seeing the full picture and not just that one view through the grimy glass that your depression affords you.

Anchor: What will ground you in the face of anxiety, stress, overwhelm, and existential dread in general?

Clouds – Remember that this is temporary.  You are well and deeply sunken into the pit of depression and it is causing a good deal of confusion but you’re doing well at keeping the overwhelm in hand. Remember that this is familiar to you.  It’s something you’ve gone through before, and something that you will get through this time as well.  The depression may be heavy, but it’s temporary.

Star Wand: What will accelerate your magic, creativity, and manifestation powers?

Ship – Focus on the things you have invested in and in fostering their continued good health.  Don’t worry about growth, that will take care of itself.  Just keep everything afloat and let the rest go for right now.  If it’s still afloat at the end of the depression, you can then work on pushing things forward and encouraging their growth.

Blessings from the Stars: The Universe has got your back – how will you be supported this month?

Bouquet – The universe is rooting for you and pushing you to find what joy you can, however you can find it.  Even little joys will help brighten up the darkness around you, so allow them in and do your best to take pleasure in them.

One Trick Up Your Sleeve: A life saving idea or inspiration for any unexpected challenge or difficult moments?

Anchor – Don’t forget that you have spent a long time setting yourself up for the security and stability that you now have in your life.  Things feel like they are out of control at the moment, but this is an illusion created by your mental instability, and it will pass.  The true stability  you  have created in your life is still there, and will be there waiting for you when you begin to find your way out of the darkness.

Emergence Pt 1: What is emerging within you / within your reality right now?

Man – It’s okay to focus on yourself right now. It’s okay to be selfish right now. It’s okay to need to put yourself first for now.  It’s needed.  Do it.

Emergence Pt 2: What are you expanding towards?

Child – You are at the bottom of the pit.  Seek out the light and the fresh air. Don’t wallow but keep reaching for the new breath and fresh openness  that is waiting for you on the other side of the darkness.

DECK USED:  1889 LENORMAND ORACLE

Morning Bonus Read – Peaceful Tree

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Japanese Pattern Lenormand

Leaves: What feeds my soul?

Clouds – Challenges and struggle.  This is an odd card to see in the “feeds your soul” position until you consider the fact that it is only through challenges that we grow.  The things that create confusion and complications in life are the same things that facilitate our growth. Without them, life is stagnant and so are we.  This card is not just an answer to what feeds the soul, but a reminder to be grateful for each and every experience we have… even those that are confusing, challenging, or filled with hurdles and complications.

Branches: What direction do I need to grow?

Woman – This card recently came up in a different reading for a very similar question.  It is an indication that you need to tap into your softer side.  That sacred feminine side that everyone has within them that fosters energies of nurturing and warmth.  You spend too much time poking and prodding and shoving at yourself, pushing yourself to your limits and beyond without any mercy or kindness.  It’s time to grow in a direction that fosters a more supportive and nurturing energy in how you treat yourself as well as how you talk to yourself.

Trunk: What supports my well-being?

Clover – Over the past year you have been working really hard on injecting more positivity, optimism, and happiness into your life.  You’ve discovered that these efforts are not in vain, but assist in finding balance that allows you to continue to push toward your goals, but in far more healthy ways.  It’s important to continue this practice.  These influences created in small ways have a large impact over time, and are especially important when you are feeling your lowest and worst as they can help lift you up out of the darkness.

Roots: What anchors me in place?

Scythe – Cold hard logic. While you explore your emotions and they feel as if they are always out of control, always sliding this way and that, and always feeling just slightly outside of your understanding… cold hard logic is the anchor in the storm.  Just remember that you do not have to cut your emotions off or end your growth to use this logic to its fullest potential when an anchor is needed.

DECK USED:  JAPANESE PATTERN LENORMAND

Morning Bonus Read – Facing Reality

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In a post earlier this week, I briefly mentioned “spiritual bypassing” in the reading. I thought that today I’d do a spread on that topic.

Spiritual Bypassing is defined as a “tendency to use spiritual ideas and practices to sidestep or avoid facing unresolved emotional issues, psychological wounds, and unfinished developmental tasks.

Lua Lenormand - Facing Reality Tarot Spread

An aspect of reality that I’m avoiding.

Bear – Ugh… my finances. I mean it’s a good time to drop the ball, honestly, because I’m in the wake of the holiday rush, which means I have a bit of a cushion from any negative repercussions that not obsessing over my finances as usually could cause.  But still. It’s definitely an aspect of reality that I’ve been sticking my head in the sand about lately.

Why it’s important for me to stop avoiding this.

Ring – Because it’s important not to fall behind on my commitments.  I have a mortgage to keep up on and responsibilities to deal with that require me to stay on top of my finances and not let them go off on their own little way for too long without a guiding hand to keep them on track.

How I can accept this truth that I’ve been avoiding.

Book – Open up your bank website, log in, and do a little research.  Look into what’s going on and it will help you in getting your ass back into the groove it needs to be in.  Ignoring those various accounts is not going to do any good for you or your life.  Better to open your eyes and stay informed.

A way that this ties into my own spiritual bypassing.

Dog – You’re getting too comfortable.  You’re allowing your spiritual practices and methods to wrap you up in comfort and fool you into thinking “everything is okay”, instead of ensuring for yourself that all’s well and good.

A pattern of behavior I fall into during stress.

Anchor – See above in the previous answer. I pretend everything is grounded and good even when it’s not. I make others believe that all’s well when I’m actually struggling beneath the surface.

How I can become a better version of myself.

Lady – Tap into my softer side and allow it to show more often.  This card is about the sacred feminine energy that we all have within us, and allowing it to come out and be a part of the day to day rather than “sucking it up” and, in my father’s words, pushing myself to “be a man”.  Yuck

DECK USED:  LUA LENORMAD

Morning Bonus Read – Monthly Key Spread

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Lenormand Oracle by Alexander Daniloff - Monthly Key Spread

Key to Your Heart: What will guide you to make decisions that are aligned with your heart and your truths this month?

Ring – One of the heavy hitters in your life that guides you to make good decisions and always follow your inner compass is the responsibilities you carry and the commitments you have decided to take on.  Many times when you feel the need to let go and just stop, to curl up and step away, it’s these commitments and responsibilities that keep you on your path and moving forward.  The Ring card in this position indicates that this month is going to be one of those times.

Anchor: What will ground you in the face of anxiety, stress, overwhelm, and existential dread in general?

Mice –  It is that anxiety and worry that helps keep me grounded in the first place.  The pressure of that nagging fear helps me to remember to ground and reach out for the support of others when I need it. The Mice card in this position is a reminder to not take for granted the crap ass shit that sometimes happens, because it’s only through trial and struggle that we grow and learn how to become better and stronger in the face of our fears in the future.

Star Wand: What accelerates your magic, creativity, and manifestation powers?

Crossroads – Having options open to me to pursue and the autonomy to be able to go in the directions that your interests and intuition leads to accelerated growth of your powers of creativity, manifestation, and magic.  It’s when you are backed into a corner or forced into a single path without the ability to make your own choices that you become stifled and your growth stagnates.

Blessings from the Stars: The Universe has got your back – how will you be supported this month?

Scythe – The universe is giving you the opportunity this month to practice your new, healthier methods of dealing with stress and discord.  Take this opportunity to cut out of your life those methods that are unhealthy and no longer working for you. Divorce yourself from these unhealthy methods, and instead pave the road forward with these newer methods you’ve been working on.

One Trick Up Your Sleeve: A life saving idea or inspiration for any unexpected challenge or difficult moments?

Dog – Lean on those you trust this month when you come upon unexpected challenges or difficult moments. Those in your life that you love, those that you trust and that are there for you through thick and thin, will be there for you now as well.   They are the added reinforcement you need when things are feeling out of whack and you’re struggling… so don’t forget that they’re there for you.  All you have to do is reach out for them.

Emergence Pt 1: What is emerging within you / within your reality right now?

Fox – That cunning creature within that makes sure everything gets done and cared for, and my responsibilities are being covered is rising up and strengthening as the month goes on. Sometimes the shit that you have to do to keep things running isn’t always fun or easy, but with a cunning mind and clever hands, you’ll make it through just fine.

Emergence Pt 2: What are you expanding towards?

Anchor – You have the opportunity to further your stability through how you react and manage the trials and struggles this month. Stability is yours if you want it, but as the cards above in this spread have indicated, you’ll have to earn it through growth spurred on by what you learn through dealing with this month’s struggles and strife.

DECK USED:  LENORMAND ORACLE BY ALEXANDER DANILOFF

Morning Bonus Read – 7 Questions from Inc.com

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The prompt for this reading came from an article on Inc.com called 7 Questions Every Leader Should Ask Themselves at the End of the Year which reminds us that “whatever chapter of life you are in, ongoing reflection and goal setting will help you turn into a better version of yourself, no matter what happened in your past.”

1. Who or what would you like to praise?
The answer to this can be acknowledging or praising anything: a mentor, a family member, or an inspiring figure. It doesn't matter. The important component of this question is understanding why you want to acknowledge them. So often we aspire and respect others because there is something within them that we aspire to embody within ourselves.

Aurum LenormandGarden – Those that I interact with.  Those in my social circle.  That includes those that I interact with over social media, friends that I keep in contact with over the internet, and the wonderful community I am a part of at Tarotholics.  I’ve never had so much positive social interaction with others as I have over the past year, which is really interesting considering how much of our time around the world has been stuck in-house and on lock-down.

This positive interaction isn’t about me, but rather about the community of others that I find myself in and the wonderful support that they offer to each other (and to me) every day.  It is truly breathtaking to me.

2. What would you like to praise yourself for?
Take the time to really get clear on the strengths you exhibited throughout the year and how you want to continue to grow them moving forward.

Ship – A large part of the past year has been on working on my self care, and a huge part of that process is in the relationship that I have with Gideon.  Although we live nearly 2400 miles (over 3810 km) away from each other, these efforts toward my self care and the time I’ve spent throughout the year with Gideon has only made our relationship that much stronger. His support has helped me in those self-care goals, and supported me through the year in all of my different endeavors, and I hope that I have done the same for him and that he feels the same… because I feel that we are stronger (and happier) than ever.

3. What would you like to let go of moving into 2021?
When you get really honest about what is holding you back, your future won't feel so heavy. This could be letting go of anything from a partnership, a project, an employee, to even a mindset. Look at what or who drains your energy most.

Scythe – Pissed off customers.  Ugh… even when I bend over backwards trying to satisfy them, sometimes you just get those customers that want to be not just pissed off, but also abusive. I wish I could say it didn’t hurt, but if I’m entirely honest?  It does.  It hurts when I can’t make someone happy, especially when it’s my job to make them happy.  Id like to leave dissatisfied customers in my dust as I move into 2021, but unfortunately you can’t please everyone all the time, so there’s sure to be some no matter how hard I try.

4. What did you love most about 2020?
Reflection isn't only dedicated to mistakes or regrets. Spend some time celebrating your biggest wins and the highest moments within your year. While 2020 was a hard year for most, perhaps your biggest win was recognizing the value of connection with others or the importance of your family. Find gratitude for what you have in order to create more positive moments moving towards the future.

Letter – This card is an echo of what is said in the first two questions of this spread.  It involves the connections that I’ve made with others.  The ability to write with Gideon every single day, to connect with people about like ideas and interests.  It’s in the writing… in the communication.  For me, all communication is writing, due to my mutism.  And it is in that communication and connection that I truly found a great deal of joy this year.

5. What would you want more of, or want to be different in 2021?
Review which aspects in your life you want more of, and then outline what changes would elevate your life in that area.

Clouds – When I started off the year last year, I went through a few months at the beginning of the year where I struggled with a fog of confusion and uncertainty.   This year is different, and I’m so thankful for that, but I still feel a hint of that fog this year once again.  Just not as severe or all encompassing.   Hopefully that means it will clear more quickly and not be so severe.

6. What would you need to feel complete closure in 2020?
In order to start the new year with a clean slate, pinpoint what unwanted doors are still opened and then shut them for good.

Dog – Quality time with Gideon.  I need to spend more time with him.  I need to sink into his presence and the security of his arms around me and the trust that I feel in him.  This is what has been lacking so far in the transition into the new year.  I keep being pulled away and so we haven’t had much time together yet… and I need it.  I can’t make the transition complete without that time together.

7. What’s next for you in the week ahead?
While it is very valuable to look at the big picture, there is also great treasure in being present and assessing your immediate needs. When you can look at life from a birds-eye view, it becomes easier to then zoom in and see what you need on a granular level. Tuck the larger vision of the year into your mind and begin to make daily decisions based on this overall landscape.

Key – Positive energy and success.  Everything I need to make this week a positive experience and a success is within my grasp. Make sure to lean into the optimism and use these tools not just to slide back into work with grace, but to defeat that small remnant of fog and send it packing.

DECK USED:  AURUM LENORMAND

Morning Bonus Read – Making Magic

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Yuletide Tales Lenormand - Making Magic Tarot Spread

What I Will

Tree – To get back in balance quickly at the end of the holiday rush. With the holiday rush at my back, it’s time to slow down and to do so in healthy ways that foster my spirituality, my physical health, and my overall well-being.

Earth – What would benefit from greater grounding and stability to help me encourage this outcome?

Mountain – In the time following the rush, there is a moment in time when you feel very lethargic and struggle with motivation. This malaise is a roadblock on your path to finding healthy balance, and to deal with this issue you are going to need to get out into nature and reestablish the grounding support and stability that your connection with the earth provides.

Air – How can I use my mind and my words to accentuate my will in this matter?

Heart – Be kind to yourself.  Don’t allow the negative inner talk to have its way, but instead allow the kindness and patience that you give to others to spill over and be how you treat yourself as well.  Berating yourself and treating yourself badly with negative words and harsh judgements is not going to help you find your footing on that path to balance and healthy well-being.

Mundane – What small activities can I do in my everyday to encourage the outcome I will into being?

Man – Spend time with Gideon. Not just in play… not just outside of play either.  Just time with him.  Get back into the habit of checking in, of messages and texts, of reaching out to him and spending time with him. He helps you in finding that path to a healthier you each year and it’s okay to lean on him for this support.

Fire – What will this ignite within me that I can use to burn away that which doesn’t serve my will?

Clover – Optimism and recovery will be fostered from within and allow you to discard the darker drag of depression and negativity that wants to take over during the shift away from the holiday rush. Allow that positivity to grow and encourage your recovery rather than habitually pushing it away for a more “grounded” (aka pessimistic) outlook.

Water – How can I best understand the subtle connection between the result of my will and the bigger picture?

House – Look around you and pay attention to how your well-being effects that of your loved ones.  When you feel happy and healthy and safe… so do they.  That connection then spreads from them to others much like a smile can spread from one person to the next.  It is much better to put that stability and contented happiness out into the world than the more negative emotions that try to encroach into your life at this time of year.

Spirit – With what magical energy can I connect to encourage the outcome I will?

Wolf (Dog) – The Fae.  It’s time to get back out into nature and connect with the friends you have there and the magical energies that they possess and are so generous with you. Take some time to frolic and play and reconnect with them and their energy.  It makes you feel good, bolsters your mood and your energy, and is an all around good thing that will positively enhance your efforts.

DECK USED: YULETIDE TALES LENORMAND