#LucetInAuroraFebruaryTarot

It Could Always Be Worse

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Today’s meditation was skipped (again).

IMG_E8474Today’s draw is the Ten of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of the end of a painful journey and other painful endings, the pain of betrayal, and moments of loss or defeat.

Here in today’s card and it’s imagery, there is a message encouraging you to acknowledge the issue you were faced with went far better than planned, and that you have come out on the other side of it wiser than when it began. The fact that there is one sword that is not piercing the moon, but instead lies resting above it all, is a reminder that things could’ve been much worse.

My most recent Etsy adventure with their customer support went far better than previous experiences.  They seemed to actually read my issue and understand it, and instead of brushing my concerns under the rug as usually feels to be the case, they appear to have taken them forward to the tech department, and resolved the financial implication that was involved as well.

I wish all customer service contact with Etsy could be more like this one, for… for once I actually feel heard.  It might have felt like a huge stab in the back at the time, but it was resolved far easier and better than expected and things could have gone far worse.

DECK USED:  GOLDEN NIGHT TAROT SILVER EDITION

#DiscordTarotholicsFeb2022 Challenge Prompt
Questions for February 21st and 22nd

Golden Night Tarot Silver EditionWhat skill in your tarot practice needs improvement?

Page of Swords and Knight of Cups – It’s time to learn a new skill… and stop hesitating.

This is about my explorations into mediumship. I am curious and I have a lot to learn in this area. I’ve been hesitating and putting it off instead of diving in to explore. This is a venue that I really didn’t have much interest in and tried hard to avoid in my practice for a very long time, but over the last few years my affinity for it has grown and my curiosity has been piqued. It’s time to dive in and explore the possibilities more fully.

How can you best work at improving this skill?

Ten of Pentacles and Two of Wands – Set a goal, and then make plans to work towards it. A lesson plan of some type, even loosely made, will help you in getting on track in studying and exploring this aspect of tarot more thoroughly.

A little structure can go a long way, and a goal combined with that structure will provide direction. I’m not always a big fan of structure, yet I’m aware that I thrive under its influence.

DECK USED: GOLDEN NIGHT TAROT SILVER EDITION

Daily Self Kindness

I had a wonderful nap today.  Usually my naps are kind of so-so.  A recharge, but not really good.  This one was real good.

Think First, Then Speak

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Today’s meditation was skipped (again).

Omni TarotToday’s draw is the King of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of a projective alpha energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s thoughts, logic, intellect, education, ambitions, or communication.

What catches my eye in this card is the fact that the king is actually kneeling, and the sword is pointing down instead of up. This brings him closer to the ground, and puts a less aggressive spin on the energy of the king in this card.

The message here is an encouragement to make sure that you speak from a grounded place of knowledge. Don’t run off at the mouth on things that you are not educated on. Don’t speak as an authority on something that you don’t know enough about. Acknowledge that you don’t know everything, not just to yourself but others. Ensure that you have your facts straight before you open your mouth.

Sometimes what we think we know is not enough, and this card is a reminder that it’s better to err on the side of caution and do your research before you speak, than speak out when you know nothing and look like an ass doing so.

DECK USED:  OMNI TAROT

Mr Lionharts’ #TheFebruaryTarot Kindred Spirits Challenge Prompt
Questions for February 20th and 21st

Omni TarotWhat do I need to forgive?

Knight of Wands atop Two of Wands Rx – Okay, so again I had some troubles with Etsy. This time because they didn’t give me a chance to perform any customer service with a customer prior to taking the reigns and dealing with the situation themselves.

I think this is something that I need to forgive, as I think that they are trying to improve their way of dealing with things to make customer service better for shoppers. But, in their enthusiasm for this idea, I think that they just went a little overboard in their efforts. From the email I got this morning, it looks like they’re in the process of working it out and will be reimbursing me for my loss in this area.

In what way can this help me?

Seven of Swords – I’ve gained knowledge into the inner workings of changes on something that most of the sellers on the site have no clue about yet. I’m not sure entirely how useful this knowledge is, but it is a change that has taken place quietly behind the scenes that most are not aware of.

What part of me is currently being oppressed?

Five of Pentacles – I’ve been working on putting a little more self-control into my spending of late. I don’t think this oppression is a particularly negative thing, even if it makes me feel a bit of a scarcity issue as a result. Better to feel a bit of scarcity emotionally about something, rather than actually have to experience it manifest in your life.

How am I to rise above this?

Queen of Swords – It’s important to sit with these choices and think through all the ways that this oppression I’ve been working at instilling in my life is a good thing for me. In doing this, I’m able to council myself on the fact that even if I’m feeling a bit negative about it all, it really is a good thing.

DECK USED: OMNI TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

Nap time was something I really didn’t want to do today, as I wanted to spend the time with Gideon.  I did take a nap though.  Since we’re up until 3 or 4 in the morning playing, it’s necessary to make up that sleep somewhere.  The nap time helps with this.

The Mess Is Part of the Process

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

Starry Cauldron TarotToday’s draw is the Ace of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of the seed, start, or new beginnings in the area of one’s passion projects, inspiration, drive, willpower, and determination.  This often translates into themes that have to do with budding new interests and new passion projects.

So messy!  That’s what this imagery is about for me.  It’s about the mess!  Just like when getting organized, when starting a new project?  There’s a certain amount of mess and disorganization involved.  You can’t make an omelette without breaking some eggs, and you can’t make a masterpiece without making a mess.

Today’s card is a reminder of the messiness that comes with exploring new things, and provides reassurance that that messiness is okay.  It’s okay!  It’ll clean up just fine when you’ve figured it all out and gotten things sorted. Now is the messy time… but it won’t be forever.

DECK USED:  THE STARRY CAULDRON TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsFeb2022 Challenge Prompt
Topic for February 20th: Do Spread #3
Basis: Today’s spread is a bit different than our normal in that we are not drawing random cards, but rather, we are picking out the cards we think fit best. For each position, pick the card you feel fits the question best for you, then explain why.

Starry Cauldron TarotWhich one card do you feel sums you up best?

Queen of Swords – I often see this card as my mother, but it is also true that I am my mother’s son. The difference is that I do not use my words to harm or lift myself up, but rather I try to use them to heal and lift up others. I use my knowledge to help others to think and grow and learn, I use my words to help them find their unique path and grow into who they want to become. I untie the knots of restrictions and restraints that others expectations and their own past experiences put upon them.

Which one card do you feel represents your strengths?

The Hanged Man – I feel that my greatest strength is my ability (as well as willingness, and even desire) to pause and reflect on things in order to see them from different perspectives. This allows me to see other’s viewpoints, and my curious mind then seeks to understand where others are coming from.  Even when I do not always agree with these views and perspectives, I want to see them… to understand them.  I want to spend the time to truly seek out these other viewpoints and grasp how they came to them. I can then add this knowledge to my own perspectives to grasp a fuller understanding of the situation in question as a whole, as well as how to navigate it.

Which one card do you feel represents your limitations?

Nine of Swords – Depression and anxiety are, in my opinion, my greatest limitations.  They steal time from me, not just in the “lost time” of moments, hours, or days that are wiped from my memory during the more severe sessions in their grasp, but in the sheer amount of time lost to these issues and their influences.  The time lost in stagnancy and in wading through the mire of the fog they create, as well as the time healing from their visits and influences over my thoughts and actions.

What kind of issues do you feel that you need to work on?

Temperance – Moderation is not something I do well or easily.  If it’s pleasurable? I can become addicted to it in an instant, if it’s something I enjoy?  It can easily become an obsession.  It is only with care that I am able to keep these things from happening, but every once in a while… things slip under the wire even when I’m trying to keep them under control.  Every once in a while my efforts towards moderation slip and I’m left falling into unhealthy territory.  For this reason, I could have easily used the Devil card instead of the Temperance card, but it’s Temperance that I struggle to include in my life… addiction?  That comes easy.

What message do you want to convey to everyone?

The Empress – Be kind to yourself. Be kind to others.  Be kind to the earth and respect that the earth nurtures you, feeds you, and protects you.

DECK USED: THE STARRY CAULDRON TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I had another lazy day.  I did do a little work today, but just in making sure I checked my customer emails and took care of anything that came up concerning them.

Addictions and Fixations

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Today’s meditation was skipped (again).

Witch Folk TarotToday’s draw is the Temperance card, which is traditionally a representation of moderation, patience, temperance (literally), and finding balance.

Temperance is, hands down, the card that I struggle with the most.  Like the bird (fox?) with its nose buried deep in the flower, I have a hard time taking things slow.  I’m sure this illustration is trying to say “take time to smell the roses”, but what I see here is enjoyment to the point of distraction.

To me, the imagery in this card asks for reflection on just how wrapped up I have become in the different things I enjoy.  Have I fallen too far down the rabbit hole on any of them?  Where do I need to pull back to find a healthy balance?

DECK USED:  WITCH FOLK TAROT

Mr Lionharts’ #TheFebruaryTarot Kindred Spirits Challenge Prompt
Question for February 19th

L'Oracle d'ErosWhat can use a shift in perspective or attitude?

L’enfant and Le Rockeur – With Gideon, you don’t need to be any more than you are. He is not bored, but is instead continually fascinated by your softer aspects. There is no pressure here for anything other than your attention and affection… in any form in which you want to give it. When you cast your eyes upon him, he feels like a rock star, no matter whether it’s to seek him out for quiet moments, or for something more intense and carnal.

What can I do differently to facilitate this shift?

L’acrobate and La Reine – Be more proactive in getting what you need, instead of allowing yourself to ride the whims of others. This isn’t just about your relationship, but is about life as a whole and all of the relationships you have with others in your life. When you embolden one aspect, you embolden them all.

DECK USED:L’ORACLE D’EROS

#DiscordTarotholicsFeb2022 Challenge Prompt
Questions for February 18th and 19th

Witch Folk TarotOver what part of your life do you need to release some control?

The Star and Death – You are clamping down too tightly on your expectations for yourself. Optimism is not your natural modus operandi. Forgive yourself for the slip-ups and slowness of the changes you are trying to make towards a more positive perspective. The process is allowed to take time.

How can you better handle and/or respond to criticism?

The Tower and Knave of Swords – Don’t immediately fall into “end of the world” thinking, but instead use the criticism by filtering out the useful parts to learn from. Criticism is a learning experience if you allow it to be. Tell people that give criticism that they have given you something to consider, allowing them to feel heard and giving yourself room to learn and grow from the experience.

DECK USED: WITCH FOLK TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

The first day of vacation is always the hardest.  It’s difficult to let go and -not- work, but that’s exactly what I did today.

Be Ready to Adapt

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

After TarotToday’s draw is the Two of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of finding balance between the different aspects of one’s life, juggling responsibilities, prioritization, and managing one’s time wisely.

It’s this last bit from the traditional meaning above that this card is about for me today.  It’s about making sure I pace myself and don’t push too hard.  It’s about not getting impatient, but just allowing extra time to get the things done I need to, no matter the obstacles that might slow me down along the way.

Today is my trip north, and I have a few stops along the way as well. There’s the risk of there being issues at the border on the way back south as well to consider.  All in all, there’s a lot to get done and even though I’m leaving early to make sure I give myself extra time, this card indicates I may need to practice a bit of patience and adjust my plans on the fly in order to get everything that needs done fit into my day.

DECK USED:  AFTER TAROT

Mr Lionharts’ #TheFebruaryTarot Kindred Spirits Challenge Prompt
Questions for February 18th

After TarotHow can I best honor my ancestors?

The Hermit and The Devil – The journey you seek to pursue a solitary one.  You need to make sure that in your pursuit of a deeper connection and honing your skills in mediumship that you don’t allow it to turn into an unhealthy pursuit.

How can I use their knowledge to leave my own {positive} mark in the world?

Ten of Pentacles and Four of Cups – Don’t waste the good stuff.  There’s plenty of small pleasures in the world that can make your life better.  Like raindrops that fill up a bucket, over time these good things build up and fill your life with joy.  Make sure you are not forsaking these small pleasures, for they are where true treasure lies.

DECK USED:  AFTER TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I stopped for food instead of waiting the extra amount of time it would take to get home.  I really just wanted to go home, but it was a better idea to eat first.

Responsibilities Come First

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

Smoke, Ash & Embers TarotToday’s draw is the Emperor card, which is traditionally a representation of “big dick energy”.  Right so that’s a very modern way of saying what this card represents, which is to say the Emperor is about authority, leadership, structure, and responsibility with a focus on the “greater good”.

Here in this image we see a dragon perched atop his throne looking over his territory.  He holds treasure in one hand and roars his vitality and power into the night for all to hear and acknowledge.

The imagery in this card is all about claiming what’s yours.  It says, “Own it. Do it. Get it good.”  As today is an orders day, it is a reminder that I need to pour my energy into the responsible acts that come with running my business… with the knowledge that after tonight (well, and my drive north tomorrow) I’ll be on vacation.  Not yet… but soon.

DECK USED:  SMOKE, ASH & EMBERS TAROT

Mr Lionharts’ #TheFebruaryTarot Kindred Spirits Challenge Prompt
Question for February 17th: What is my ancestral calling in my soul’s current journey?
{Draw three cards and use their meaning to describe your calling.}

Love Story Oracle CardsReading Summary: Learning to (Effort) forgive myself my mistakes and trespasses (Forgiveness) and trust that things will turn out okay even when it doesn’t feel like they will (Trust).

Take Away: My family carries a legacy of blame and shame that has been handed down from one generation to the next throughout my father’s side of the family.  It was used to keep children in line, used to keep adults in line, and used to suppress individuality and free choice.  In me, it comes out in the way that I am so cruel to myself when I make mistakes, or when things happen that feel like I’ve fucked up.

These cards indicate that my ancestors wish for me to break this pattern, and that to do so requires not just effort and forgiveness, but trust that even without punishment for the perceived wrongs I might have done, things will turn out alright in the end.

DECK USED: LOVE STORY ORACLE CARDS

#DiscordTarotholicsFeb2022 Challenge Prompt
Question for February 17th: Where have you been settling for “good enough” in your life?

Smoke, Ash & Embers TarotReading Summary: At times when you are feeling vulnerable and uncertain (The Moon), you have a habit of standing back from the fray (Five of Wands Rx) instead of standing strong and making sure shit stays fair balanced between all involved (The Emperor).

Take Away: The thing is?  Your moral compass requires fairness and balance. It’s very demanding of this fact, not just in how you are treated but also in how others are treated.  Nepotism, favoritism, and preferential treatment are not okay and will drive you up the wall.  As well, acts of disrespect and rudeness will send you into the fray to sort things out and return things to balance… except when you are feeling vulnerable and uncertain.  When you are imbalanced on the inside, it’s hard for you to step in, and when you do? You feel as if you are overreacting, which is not the case but you can’t help feeling that way.

For this reason, during these times of imbalance within yourself, you often have to avoid stepping in and leave things alone.  Accept that it’s “good enough” that you noticed and may be able to come back to it later rather than dealing with it at the moment.

DECK USED: SMOKE, ASH & EMBERS TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I took time to make a list of everything I have to get done tomorrow on my trip, so that I don’t have to overload my brain by trying and remember it all in my head and end up forgetting something as a result.