Less Anxiety Affirmation Cards

Be True To You

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Today’s meditation was just over ten minutes long, and was a guided meditation from the Calm app combined with an interval timer for my piriformis stretching.

The focus of today’s meditation was about the differences between sympathy and empathy, and how empathy can draw us closer to others, while sympathy holds others at a distance.

The Fox Tarot Pips Edition and Less Anxiety Affirmation CardsToday’s draw is the Judgment card, which is traditionally a representation of… well, judgement.

I’ve mentioned this before, but this used to be the card within the tarot that I struggled with the most. Then, a couple of years ago, I attended a card study where the Justice and Judgement cards were set in a comparative focus. In this study, these cards were presented as Justice being the immediate, present-day balance of cause and effect (which was how I viewed it anyway), and that in contrast, the Judgement card was about what you’ve done with your life as a whole. How is your life path going? Is it going in a way that you like? Are you happy with the person you’ve become and how you live your life and see the world?

This contrast actually turned my confusion around completely. By having set the Judgement card beside the Justice card, it made the differences clear to me, and helped me to clearly define my understanding of the Judgement card in a way I’d failed to be able to in the past.

Combined with the affirmation card for today, the message here is about staying true to yourself and the person you want to be, even when times are hard and you’re feeling discouraged.  Sometimes, it can be tempting to act out of character when you’re down on your luck and see an “easy way out” of the situation. It’s important (maybe especially during these times), to stay true to your values and principles and stay focused on the type of person you want to be.

DECK USED:  THE FOX TAROT PIPS EDITION AND LESS ANXIETY AFFIRMATION CARDS

Cosmic_Crow_Tarot’s #FreedomTarotChallenge Prompt
Questions for July 9th and 10th

Napo TarotWhat do I need to focus on protecting at this time?
Six of Cups and Three of Swords

My inner child. And those feelings of hopelessness and defeat once experienced in the past, that when experience now can bring that inner child back to the surface along with his pain.

What needs released in order to strengthen my independence?
The Lovers and Queen of Cups

The expectation that nurturing and love come from outside of yourself, rather than from within. The most valuable nurturing and love in your life should be that which you give yourself. Don’t expect others to supplement it. Including your mother.

DECK USED: NAPO TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2021 Challenge Prompt
Question:  What do I need to focus on for self care this new moon?

The Fox Tarot Pips EditionReading Summary: Linger in the moment (Ten of Swords Rx) and set yourself to finding inspiration (Knight of Wands) in what you have now at your fingertips (Ten of Pentacles). Enjoy this time instead of allowing it to pass you by. If you make the choice to throw it away, you’ll only be stealing from yourself (Seven of Swords atop The Lovers).

Take Away: Starting today is my week off, and what is being said here is that I need to take this time to enjoy the present and not worry so much about the future or what needs to be done. Just enjoy each day as it comes, because if I don’t I’ll end up regretting it when my time off is over.

DECK USED: THE FOX TAROT PIPS EDITION

Daily Self Kindness

I made myself take a nap even though I didn’t really want to.  I was just so tired, and I felt much better afterwards.

The Empty Cup

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Today’s meditation was ten minutes long, and was one of the guided meditations from the Calm app combined with an interval timer for my piriformis stretching.

The focus of today’s meditation was about clarity of sight. That is to say it was about seeing the world around us with new eyes through a perspective of curiosity and openness.

A lot of times we become jaded with our surroundings to the point that we don’t even really notice them anymore. This jaded view makes the world drab and boring. In today’s meditation, we are guided to see the world in this new light, thus sparking interest and curiosity in the world once more.

Auset Gypsy Tarot and Less Anxiety Affirmation CardsToday’s draw is the Hierophant, which is traditionally a representation of guidance and tradition.  In some cases it can often also represent any sort of spiritual guidance or spiritual leadership.

I often identify with the Hierophant through my spiritual mentorship and teaching of the tarot.  And today’s cards area a good reminder that feels geared especially in that regard.

The thing is, I always want to be there for those that I’ve mentored to help them learn and grow.  It’s important to me.  But there are times when I just can’t be… when my own needs have to come first.

This is something I struggle with a lot, and in fact I think that many struggle with. We want to give of ourselves… even when our cup is empty and there’s no energy left to spare.  Today’s cards are a reminder that we all need to rest now and then, and it’s okay to take a step back and tend to yourself and your needs, even when others are depending on you.

DECK USED:  AUSET GYPSY TAROT AND LESS ANXIETY AFFIRMATION CARDS

The Sacred Grounds Tarot Club Prompt
Questions for July 7th and 8th

Dirt Gems Oracle and Auset Gypsy Tarot How can I celebrate my life more fully?
Peppermint, The Hermit atop Two of Swords

There is an echo of color and form in the peppermint card and the Two of Swords. He speaks of a need to dispel mental chatter and deliberation, whereas the Hermit on top shows the way to do this it’s through healthy alone time.

In order to celebrate my life more fully, there is a need to find peace within my inner dialogue and my constant need to make decisions that push me ever forward.

How can I allow others to celebrate me more fully and without resistance?
Ashwagandha atop Clary Sage, Two of Wands

Self development and growth takes time. You need to clear out your dark inner thoughts and feelings so that you can more easily see the motivations of others more clearly, with a perspective that is unpolluted by your past and your fears.

DECK USED: DIRT GEMS ORACLE AND AUSET GYPSY TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2021 Challenge Prompt
Question: What can I do to help my inner child feel more protected?

Auset Gypsy Tarot Reading Summary: Nurture yourself (Queen of Cups) no matter if it’s a good day or bad day (Wheel of Fortune), and allow others to do the same (Three of Cups).

Take Away: Whether it’s a good day or a bad day, a positive experience or negative one, a success or failure… it’s okay to be kind to yourself and to sooth yourself. It’s okay to let others be kind to you as well, and to accept that kindness instead of letting it roll off of you like rain on a slicker.

By allowing this kindness and nurturing energy in, and taking the time to nurture yourself, you are also allowing your inner child to be nurtured, which helps them in feeling safe and protected.

DECK USED: AUSET GYPSY TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I meditated on an orders day.  I… hm…. I dunno what else, but I managed that at least.

Stop, and Listen

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IMG_3101Today’s meditation was just over ten minutes long and I don’t really remember all that much about it.  I remember being awake for the whole thing, just not… whatever it was about.

That said, I really like the William James quote that came along with today’s meditation (seen on the right), and I would surmise from that quote that the topic of the meditation was about the interconnectedness between people, no matter their differences may be on the surface.

Nigel Jackson's Rose Tarot and Less Anxiety Affirmation CardsToday’s draw is the Queen of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of a receptive alpha energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s emotions, relationships, creativity, and intuition.  This often translates into emotionally supportive themes of nurturing  warmth and understanding coming from a place of authority.

The queen in this card has an almost zen posture, which fits really well with the affirmation card for today.  Both combined speak of the need to awaken your own Queen of Cups that resides within you and allow that energy to rise to the surface.  Not to be given to others, but rather to be directed toward yourself.

Sometimes, we forget to listen to our own feelings, and we forget how those emotions can effect us, our outlook, and our experiences.  It’s important to pause now and then and really listen to ourselves.  Our bodies and our inner dialog, and our emotions as well, for they all influence one another and you can’t get one in balance without balancing it with the others.

DECK USED:  NIGEL JACKSON’S ROSE TAROT AND LESS ANXIETY AFFIRMATION CARDS

The Sacred Grounds Tarot Club Prompt
Questions for July 4th thru 6th

Flower Medicine Oracle and Nigel Jackson's Rose TarotWhat should I be celebrating right now?

Oleander (strong boundaries) and Three of Swords –  You should be celebrating your accomplishments when it comes to the boundaries you’ve set for yourself and others. Boundaries are not always easy to uphold, but they help keep you safe, healthy, and happy.

How could I celebrate myself more fully?

Magnolia (nobility) and Knight of Coins – Allow yourself to move at a slower pace so that you can linger a while and smell the roses instead of always rushing ahead. Acknowledge that the journey is more important than the destination.

How can I celebrate my life more fully?

Sunflower (hope) and The Hierophant – Acknowledge that you are a role model to others. By showing what hope and optimism can do in your own life, you are showing others that it’s possible for them to do the same.

DECK USED:  FLOWER MEDICINE ORACLE AND NIGEL JACKSON’S ROSE TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2021 Challenge Prompt
Question: How does my inner child feel right now?

Nigel Jackson's Rose TarotReading Summary: Rudderless (Three of Batons Rx), but ready to go (Knight of Cups). They see what is possible, but feel stagnant and unable to get there (Ten of Coins Rx).

Take Away: I’ve been feeling a lot of that rudderless stagnancy rising to the surface lately, and I’ve been writing it off as just being that things with finding balance and following my emotional growth has been going slower than I’m comfortable with.

This reading indicates that feeling is shared with my inner child, and perhaps might even be originating from there, or at the very least, be encouraged through that inner child and their dissatisfaction with the slow pace things are going at.

This wouldn’t surprise me at all, for I think that this slower pace is a more mature route, but I have always been one to plow in and push push push until whatever needs done is finished, no matter how ragged I wore myself in getting there.  Slow is… just not all that easy for me, and nor is it easy for my inner child either, apparently.

DECK USED:  NIGEL JACKSON’S ROSE TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I’m working hard at trying to get myself to bed at a decent time tonight because J and I plan on going hiking early in the day tomorrow.

Building Confidence

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Today’s meditation was skipped again.

The Prismatic Tarot and Less Anxiety Affirmation CardsToday’s draw is the Eight of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of bailing on a situation out of frustration or disappointment, themes of abandonment or withdrawal, and moving on.

What stands out to me very strongly in the imagery of this card today is the moon in the sky at the top of the card.  This speaks to me of the fact that when you walk away from something, there’s always a hint of doubt and uncertainty involved.  It’s a natural part of the process.

The addition of the affirmation card for today provides guidance for these situations, providing a reminder that when you are treading into unfamiliar territory and dealing with the uncertainties of what you’re leaving behind, that it’s important to center yourself, and that breath work is an excellent way to do this.

DECK USED:  THE PRISMATIC TAROT AND LESS ANXIETY AFFIRMATION CARDS

Mr Lionharts’ #TheJulyTarot #TarotSuitsChallenge Prompt
Questions for July 4th thru 6th

Earthcraft Oracle and The Prismatic TarotKeeping this in mind can support me in my plans this week.

Forest Bathing and The Emperor – Be proactive in getting the self care that you need. Forest bathing is one of your absolute favorite activities, but are you being proactive in making sure you get what you need? Or are you putting it off and letting these opportunities to get out in nature get away from you?

What am I invited to create for myself?

Spirit of the North and The Fool – Don’t let your enthusiasm create impossible expectations. Stay grounded and remember that everything worth having is worth working (and waiting) for.

What should be cleared or dealt with before I begin to create?

Spirit Weaver and Page of Swords – Believe in yourself and your capabilities. If you really aspire for something to manifest in your life, you’re capable of forging that path forward. Just make sure you have the information and tools necessary before you take the leap.

DECK USED: EARTHCRAFT ORACLE AND THE PRISMATIC TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2021 Challenge Prompt
Question: Do Spread #1

The Prismatic TarotWhat needs to be left behind as I focus on further growth?

The High Priestess Rx – You need to let go of doubts pertaining to your intuition. That secret knowledge is always right, always there just for you, whispering in your ear from beneath your skin.  Those times you ignore it and second guess it, it never turns out well.  Let go of the hesitation.

What is in full bloom for me right now?

Knight of Wands – Inspiration and enthusiasm is at your fingertips, you just have to reach out and allow it to actually spark.  Once it does, there’s a good chance that if you aren’t careful it will carry you away, so work on keeping moderation in mind as you begin to explore.

Where do I need to direct my focus for further growth?

Ten of Cups – Focus on what makes you happy and what creates emotional bonds with others in your life.  It’s about now, and about those connections. Not everything can be about “some day”.  Make sure that today is weighed as more important, and that those with you in the now are a higher priority than future plans.

DECK USED:  THE PRISMATIC TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

Still in the catch-up train.  So I’m not 100% positive what my self kindness was for this day.

Perfectionism Is Not Your Friend

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Today’s meditation was skipped.  No excuses, I just didn’t get it done. 

The Master Tarot and Less Anxiety Affirmation CardsToday’s draw is the Eight of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of hard work, honing an expertise, and perfectionism.

The Eight of Pentacles in this deck is a very classic image, where the figure works hard to hone their craft and perfect their skills.

The thing is, though?  Perfectionism isn’t always a blessing or a virtue.  It can sure seem like it sometimes, but when you get stuck in the mindset that nothing is ever good enough and you can do better?  It can become extremely detrimental.

The affirmation card in today’s draw is a reminder of this dangerous pattern, and how sometimes we have to just leave things be and not push for more, or better. 

DECK USED:  THE MASTER TAROT AND LESS ANXIETY AFFIRMATION CARDS

Cosmic_Crow_Tarot’s #FreedomTarotChallenge Prompt
Questions for July 3rd and 4th

Ancient Animal Wisdom Cards and The Master TarotWhat do I depend on too much?

Hippopotamus and Six of Wands – Reassurance from outside sources.  Although it can be nice to hear good things from others, it’s important to let them feel good but not depend on them for your sense of personal value.  Nor can they heal old wounds.  Only you can do that.

What do I not depend on enough?

Dugong Tiger and Ace of Swords – So many ideas, and so little time. You need to lean more into that balance you’re trying to accomplish. Let that become a strength you develop over time and use to sort out your ideas.  You have the ability to prioritize wisely, if you’re willing to work at it and develop it.

DECK USED: ANCIENT ANIMAL WISDOM ORACLE AND THE MASTER TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

Again, I’m working on catching up and I just have no idea what my daily kindness was for this day.  I’ll start being able to add these again once I’m caught up.

Restoration Is Important

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Today’s meditation was about ten minutes long and was a guided meditation from the Calm app combined with an interval timer for my piriformis stretches.

The focus of today’s meditation was about shame concerning our past experiences and traumas.  It was about how we carry this shame with us, and how it can eventually eat us alive… but that the solution is simple.  Sometimes, what is needed most, is just to be heard.  To speak our truth and be heard, understood, and cared about.  This is often why therapy can be such a good tool for people.  It gives you someone to talk to that is not about judging you, but hearing you and helping you.

Tarot at the End of the Rainbow and Less Anxiety Affirmation CardsToday’s draw is the Four of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of taking time to rest, recuperation after a trying time, and stillness for restoration and meditation on the events that have brought you to this place as well as where to go from here.

We all need rest. This is something that took me a long time to accept in myself.  I used to push myself hard, so hard.  Again and again I’d push myself to burn out, give myself just enough recovery that it would let me push forward again.

These cycles just brought me deeper and deeper into exhaustion.  I was not treating myself or my body well, and after a time, it became to rebel against this treatment.  Now, I’ve learned that I need that rest.  Everyone needs rest.  And it’s only through caring for your body and  your needs, that you can then continue forward and achieve your goals.

DECK USED:  TAROT AT THE END OF THE RAINBOW AND LESS ANXIETY AFFIRMATION CARDS

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2021 Challenge Prompt
Questions for July 2nd & 3rd

Oracle of the Essences 2nd Edition and Tarot at the End of the RainbowWhat inner injury from my childhood needs healing?
Pink Pepper, Cassia, Ace of Coins

Being constantly told that I’ve never enough just the way I am and that no matter what I tried it was never going to be good enough.

How can I begin working on healing that injury?
Birch, Grapefruit, and Two of Swords

Don’t allow what was said then hold so much weight, take a deep breath and let us roll up all that pain and discontent that this experience still has for you… then exhale it out. This is something that you’re going to have to consciously put time and attention into in order to eventually be able to choose to let go of.

DECK USED: ORACLE OF THE ESSENCES 2ND ED AND TAROT AT THE END OF THE RAINBOW

The Sacred Grounds Tarot Club Prompt
Questions for July 2nd and 3rd

Tarot at the End of the RainbowWhat message does July have for me?
The Chariot and Seven of Swords

Look at that smile on the leprechauns face! July is offering me the opportunity to reconnect with my values and principles, to examine them and choose wisely so that I can make sure that I continue on the path that I want to continue on as I move forward into the future. My future and direction upon my path are in my own hands. I need to ensure that my actions are compatible with the direction I wanna go in.

What challenges is July going to bring me?
Five of Swords atop Ace of Wands, Three of Swords

Disappointment over not being able to go after all of my different ideas and passionate pursuits. Lots of prioritizing will be needed and I’m going to have to leave some things behind in order to shine in the things that I end up prioritizing.

DECK USED: TAROT AT THE END OF THE RAINBOW

Daily Self Kindness

I’m sort of playing catch up at the moment, so I don’t actually remember what I did for myself back on this day.  I should have written it down at the time, but I didn’t and now I’m not sure.