Little Otter’s Mindful Kids Emotion Cards

The Overburdened Donkey

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Eli Yamashita Animal Oracle's Ten of Wands and Little Otter's Mindful Kids Emotion CardsToday’s draw is the Ten of Wands, which is which is traditionally a representation of overwhelm, burnout, struggling under too much responsibility, and can indicate a need to do some prioritizing and delegation.

There’s merit to the proverb “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”, and I’m totally guilty of this.

I often pile too much onto my plate when it comes to tasks and responsibilities, believing that I’m not just capable but *more* than capable of taking it all on, “No problem!”

Yes. Problem.

Just because we may be capable of taking it all on doesn’t mean that we should. This is how overwhelm and burnout slip in, and eventually become a problem. [Interesting side note: Studies show that it takes more than times longer to recover from burnout than we usually expect it to take.]

The message of the Proud Parrot and the overburdened donkey in the Ten of Wands is a reminder not to let pride convince you to pile on too much for you to comfortably carry. Not “more than you can handle”, but too much for you to comfortably carry. There’s miles and miles of separation between the two.

DECK USED:  ELI YAMASHITA’S ANIMAL TAROT AND LITTLE OTTER’S MINDFUL KIDS EMOTION CARDS

#DiscordTarotholicsMay2025 Challenge
Prompt for May 31 : Grab a spread of your choice you’re curious about… and give it a go!

Eli Yamashita Animal Oracle's Ten of Wands and Little Otter's Mindful Kids Emotion Cards

In what ways am I ready to grow and change?

Statue – It’s time to accept that stagnancy may be well known and comfortable, but it is not your friend. Look at the person you wish to become, and in times when you are tempted to languish, return to this visage. Feed yourself what you need to grow towards that person, instead of languishing in moments of stagnancy that delay your growth and development.

What resistance do I feel toward making these changes?

Peuple de Samar – You are retreating instead of adapting, primarily because you are unable to protect yourself from outside influences while within your home. The erection of the building behind yours has created this issue, and that issue is becoming more clear and prevalent over time. This inability is making you sick, which in turn is making it harder to do the things that are healthy for yourself and those around you.

What will sustain me through this time of growth?

Bol Chantant en Cristal – Make sure that you are engaging with the world around you and those within it in a spirit of the positivity and optimism. This is a focus that you have been working to instill into your life over the past couple of years, and you need to lean into it a bit harder. Love and peace are the answer, not all that discordant crap your negative inner narrative keeps spouting at you.

What new possibilities await me?

Gardien – Introspection can increase your ability to better hone your limits and boundaries so that they can better fit who you are, who you want to be, and your needs. Don’t forget to look within, and to be honest with yourself not just about your flaws, but about your needs as well.

Other elements included in this reading:
Pressed Pansy Flowers for for Hearing the Heart More Clearly
Rose Quartz for Gentle Kindness to Self and Others
Desert Rose for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: L’ORACLE DES ESPRITS DE LA NATURE

Daily Self Kindness

I wore a face mask outside today while working outside so that my allergies wouldn’t trigger full blown.   I still had a little bit of itchy eyes, but on the whole it was much better than it otherwise would have been.

Seeking Inspiration

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

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The BirdQueen Tarot's Princess of Wands, Page of Wands, and Little Otter's Mindful Kids Emotion CardsToday’s draw is the Princess (Page) of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of a receptive omega energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s drive, willpower, determination, passions, values and principles, motivations, and inner spark.

This often translates into themes concerning starting over, as the journey through the suit of Wands brings you to a conclusion in the Ten of Wands with being overly burdened, and then the Page comes after with his burden set down and ready to begin again and do things better the second time around.

Did you know that octopi are extremely intelligent? They have the capacity to learn, remember faces, problem solve, process complex information, play, hold grudges, and have even definitively displayed vindictive behavior. They explore the world with an open and curious mind, showing us that even invertebrates of the sea can contain within them great cognitive potential.

The combination of the Page of Wands  and the Shy Octopus card is a reminder to make sure that you are approaching the world with openness and curiosity. Even those of us who are shy or reclusive need stimulation in our lives. Spread your wings. Seek out those things that trigger your interest and bring rise to your curiosity. So let yourself dive into these rabbit holes, and see where they lead. This is where the spice of life resides, and how we find those things that truly inspire us.

DECK USED:  BIRDQUEEN TAROT AND LITTLE OTTER’S MINDFUL KIDS EMOTION CARDS

#detarotjufmeitarotchallenge Tea With the Queens Challenge by @de_tarotjuf
Tea with the Queen of Pentacles : Grounding and Materials
Prompts for May 29 – 31

Oracle Reading with the Sisters of the Sea OracleWhat practical step can I take to realize my dreams?

The Next Part – Don’t allow yourself to get bogged down in stagnancy. There is a difference between the mindfulness of being in the present, or wallowing in unhealthy stillness. Make sure it is the former that you are partaking in, and let the latter go.

What do I value most in my life right now?

Destiny – One of the things that you value most in life at the moment is the fact that you don’t always have to be at the helm to get where you’re going. Some things are going to work out a certain way no matter what and you don’t have to fight to get them there, just keep moving.

How can I use my talents to help others?

The Storm – You are often a moment of stability in others’ storms. Your words and sometimes just your presence gives them the footing needed to keep going on their path in times when they might otherwise linger in the storm or its aftermath instead of moving onward.

Other elements included in this reading:
Aventurine Leaf Medallion for Harmony and Balance of the Heart
Shiva Shell Heart for Wisdom and Discernment
Seashells for a Greater Connection to the Sea’s Wisdom
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: SISTERS OF THE SEA ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I got both the air conditioners cleaned, set up, and running today.

Exploring Life… Together

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Little Otter's Mindful Kids Emotion Cards and Mythos Tarot's Ten of Cups - NaiadsToday’s draw is the Ten of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of feelings of completion, connection with others and harmony in those connections, and is often considered as the “happy family” card.

Curiosity is better when explored together with those in you rlife that make you happy and provide you with a sense of togetherness and well-being.

These people are your family. Not necessarily the family you’re born with, but the family that nurtures your growth and supports you and your aspirations.

This tribe of people are the ones to go exploring with, learn new things with, even fail with… for they are the ones who will support you through good times and bad, making even the worst of times just a little bit better.

The Ten of Cups and “family” aspect of the Naiads combined with the Curious Giraffe card is an encouragement to seek out and appreciate these people in your life. Take a moment to acknowledge their contribution to your life and happiness.

DECK USED:  MYTHOS TAROT

#detarotjufmeitarotchallenge Tea With the Queens Challenge by @de_tarotjuf
Tea with the Queen of Pentacles : Grounding and Materials
Prompts for May 25 – 28

Oracle Reading with the Tarot of the Hidden Realm and With Love Little Pig & Little Bunny Postcard SetWhat do I need to feel more centered?

Nine of Swords and I Can Disappear – Centering, for you, requires more assurance that when you make connections that you value, they aren’t just going to disappear from your life.

Remember that lasting friendships are hard to find, and focus on those you already have instead of worrying about newer ones that might come and go.

How can I better manage my finances?

Four of Wands and Saved the Last Piece – Saving creates stability for the things you want in your life. Take care not to lose sight of the fact that putting money away instead of spending it not only makes sure you have it when it’s needed, but also when you just want to treat yourself or others.

What are my goals in terms of material well-being?

Knight of Cups atop Six of Cups; Should We Do Nothing – True autonomy is the foundation of your material well-being goals. You desire the ability to do what you want when you want, without needing to worry that it will upset the scales of balance in your life. This freedom doesn’t necessarily mean exceptional monetary abundance, but rather a comfortable balance you are seeking to achieve.

How can I make my environment more pleasant?

Page of Cups and Muddy Boots – To make your environment more pleasant, work on learning how to enjoy life being a little bit messy. Mess and chaos don’t have to upset the apple cart of your emotions. The fact that they do indicates that you are gripping onto that habitual perfectionist mindset of  yours far too tightly.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Silver Maple Key for Bouncing Back to Thrive
Foraged Cedar Tips for Protection Against Negative Influences
Gneiss Wishing Stone for Patience in Moments of Discomfort
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: TAROT OF THE HIDDEN REALM AND WITH LOVE LITTLE PIGGY AND LITTLE BUNNY POSTCARD SET

Daily Self Kindness

I managed to get some time to unwind and relax with Gideon once I finished orders.

True To Self

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Little Otter's Mindful Kids Emotion Cards and Parfait Tarot de Marseille's Three of CupsToday’s draw is the Three of Cups, Three of Cups, which in the Tarot de Marseille is traditionally a representation of friendships and family connections, harmonious relationships, connecting emotionally with others, and collaboration between those that are linked or alike not just in mind but also in heart.

Confession.  I have an extreme distaste for being around people who are drinking. I waffle between seeing them as unpredictable, moronic, or weak.  Sometimes? I see them as prey, which ties into the whole “weak” category, but I think is actually a kinda messed up perspective.

I don’t find hanging out while having a beer as entertainment, nor enjoy most gatherings where alcohol is served.  This isn’t to say that I don’t enjoy being invited (because I very much do!), and may even accept in a show of solidarity. It just means that even if I accept? I’ll probably hold myself apart, won’t be drinking myself, and may come off as “no fun” to others.

This is me being honest to myself and about who I am.  The message in today’s cards is an encouragement to do just that.  Be true to yourself. Even in the face of peer pressure and possibly disappointing others. Be authentic to who you are instead of trying to conform to other’s expectations. Those that are meant to really matter will accept you as you are, differences and all.

DECK USED:  PARFAIT TAROT DE MARSEILLE AND LITTLE OTTER’S MINDFUL KIDS EMOTION CARDS

#DiscordTarotholicsMay2025 Challenge
Prompt for May 26: What do you need to focus on for self-care for this month’s new moon?

Oracle Reading with the Resurrection OracleReading Summary: There is value in looking at things with fresh eyes (Inner Child) and taking them at face value instead of delving into the details (Face Value). Doing so is a turning point on trust for you (Turning Point), allowing you to be more open to trusting the universe is a whole instead of continuing to distrust everything.

Take Away: This New Moon’s self care needs to include putting your energy into being less pessimistic and distrustful. Not everything is a harbinger of doom or betrayal, and it’s okay to not predict every obstacle or problem before it lands on your doorstep. It’s okay to just enjoy, instead of picking things apart hunting for potential problems.  Give yourself permission to let go of your hyper-vigilance and just take things as they are.

Other elements included in this reading:
Lobelia Sprig for Removing Rose Colored Glasses
Fuchsia Flowers for Stability in the Face of External Disruption
Lace Agate for Increasing Inner Stability
Green Aventurine for Harmony and Balance of the Heart
(Stone above might actually be Garnierite with similar properties, but I won’t know for sure until I do some testing.)
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: RESURRECTION ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

This is a catch up post, and I’m not entirely sure what the self kindness was for this day.

Finding the Positive for May 20 – 22

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Phantasm of Life Tarot's Knight of Cups, The Mythical Creatures Tarot's Four of Swords, The Tarot by Caitlin Mattisson's Seven of Cups, and Affirmation Cards from Little Otter's Mindful Kids Emotions Deck

May 20 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was ten minutes long, and was one of the #DailyTrip sessions in the @Calm app.

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The @GlitterbyInk #MayTag25 Challenge
Celebrating Our Community Prompt for May 20 : Nurturing

Today’s draw is the Knight of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of an active beta energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s emotions, relationships, intuition, and creativity. This often portrays itself in a theme of going after what brings someone joy or following your imagination and creativity into new adventures.

Often, the word “nurturing” is associated with what we do for others or how we affect others. It’s seen as a gift to be given. Sometimes, though? The one that most needs to be nurtured is the self.

The Knight of Cups asks us what do you want? What do you need? It’s message is that sometimes it’s okay to be selfish. It’s perfectly okay, and even healthy, to nurture yourself and to at times prioritize your own wants and needs over those of others.

Today’s message is an encouragement to get in touch with those needs and wants, and give yourself the nurturing you need rather than expending all that energy on others.

DECK USED: PHANTASM OF LIFE TAROT

May 21 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Today’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.

It’s hard to connect with joy when you’re not fully rested. This is why we need vacations, time off, and… well, sleep. Deprivation of rest isn’t just detrimental to our physical health and concentration. It’s also detrimental to our happiness.

The Four of Swords combined with the Joyful Sandpiper are a reminder that we all need rest. Even you. It’s important to make time for it even when there’s no time for it. Even if it’s fifteen minutes here or there when we just can’t fit more than that in.

Rest more. When we allow for recovery from the daily fray, happiness and joy are easier to reach in everyday moments.

DECK USED: THE MYTHICAL CREATURES TAROT AND LITTLE OTTER’S MINDFUL KIDS EMOTION CARDS

May 22 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Today’s draw is the Six of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of charity, generosity, sharing the wealth, asking for or accepting help, and balancing the scales between the “haves” and the “have nots” in life.

Let’s talk about “scarcity mentality”. This is an issue that I personally struggle with a lot. It’s the mindset or habitual assumption of not having enough. Not enough food, or money, or resources, etc. It keeps you in a constant semi-state of anxiety, pushing you to always work harder and earn more, often to the detriment of your health, happiness, and well-being.

The thing is? In many cases (such as mine), that fear that drives this mindset is unfounded. I have simply lived in a place in my life where scarcity was a very real thing, and fear returning there.

The message in the Six of Pentacles combined with the Scared Bear card is a reminder to check in with yourself and the fears that drive your unhealthy behaviors. Look at that fear objectively and ask yourself if things in this moment are really justifying the fears that are driving you. If not, maybe it’s time to ease up a bit.

DECK USED: THE TAROT BY CAITLIN MATTISSON AND LITTLE OTTER’S MINDFUL KIDS EMOTION CARDS