Listen In Silence

Today’s meditation was skipped.

Inspiratriz Tarot - The Hanged ManToday’s draw is the The Hanged Man, which is my favorite card in the tarot, regardless of the deck. This is because I have a personal connection with this card, but it also has to do with the meaning of the Hanged Man, which often represents taking a step back in order to see things from a new perspective, taking time to settle into new perspectives until they become familiar and comfortable, and with that, the surrendering and/or letting go necessary to foster growth.

In this particular Hanged Man card, the figure appears to be praying, which for me brings in an added level of spirituality as well as it’s more traditional meaning.

What I see in the message of today’s card is a reminder that everyone’s beliefs and spiritual paths are unique.  Just as you share your path with others, others are eager to share theirs with you.  Make sure you are listening when others speak on such things, instead of mulling over what you want to say next.

DECK USED:  INSPIRATRIZ TAROT

@Lionharts #TheMarchTarot Wander Lust Challenge Prompt
Question for March 11th
: What can I learn from the plants and the trees I find around me right now?

Inspiratriz Tarot and The Herbal Astrology OracleReading Summary: Not everything can be rooted in pleasure (Mandrake beside Three of Swords). At those times, you need to take your disappointments and unpleasant experiences (Three of Swords), and use your own agency to turn them around into something useful for you (Ginseng).

Take Away: Even the most useless seeming of weeds and most toxic of plants have their uses.  Make sure that you are looking around and paying attention to what mother nature is offering you, and don’t let it go to waste.

Also, remember that even though there’s a good chance that your tree on the balcony won’t be coming back this year, it’s an opening for new opportunity and not just a loss with no boon or gain attached.

DECK USED: THE HERBAL ASTROLOGY ORACLE AND INSPIRATRIZ TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsMar2023 Challenge Prompt
Question for March 11th
: Johnny Appleseed Day – What interest could you pursue at this time that could become a lifelong passion?

Inspiratriz Tarot - Queen of Cups, Six of Cups, Three of Swords, King of PentaclesReading Summary: Assisting others in your life (Queen of Cups atop Six of Cups) in getting over their disappointments (Three of Swords) in order to develop greater stability in their own lives (King of Pentacles).

Take Away: You like to help people in finding what works for them, and this is something that you find fulfillment in. Helping them when they feel they’ve come to the end of their rope or are experiencing struggles and disappointments gives you the opportunity to let them see that something better is possible.

A lot of times, this is what your doing readings for others is all about, and it absolutely could (has already?) become a lifelong passion of yours.

DECK USED: INSPIRATRIZ TAROT

@lucet.in.aurora.tarot’s #lucetinauroraMaartTarotChallenge Prompt
Prompt for March 11th: A deck that is on your wishlist.

Il Tarocchi di Pinocchio c.1988 by Armando Valcauda
Right, so… this is IL Tarocchi di Pinocchio. It is a majors only deck that I have been in love with this deck for years and years. I absolutely adore the colorful and quirky artwork style, and I see a lot of humor in the illustrations. I’ve missed out on getting this deck for (what I consider to be) a reasonable price again and again. I’m still trying, and hopefully some day I’ll manage to get my hands on a copy and add it to my collection. For now, I continue to admire from afar and keep my fingers crossed.

DECK : IL TAROCCHI DI PINOCCHIO c.1988 BY ARMANDO VALCAUDA

Daily Self Kindness

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

Good Enough

Today’s meditation was skipped.

The Cute Ninja Tarot - Knight of PentaclesToday’s draw is the Knight of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of an active beta energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s finances, resources, manifestations, home, health, and the physical world. This often translates into an active pursuit of these particular themes, alibi… usually a slow moving pursuit, as the Pentacles suit as a whole has a tendency to take its time.

The knight here in this card’s imagery definitely doesn’t appear to be taking his time, but then again, how can you be sure when he’s running with such effort if he’s actually getting anywhere?  Is he the tortoise going as fast as he can to his own personal abilities?  Or the hare, who chooses to sprint ahead recklessly.

Being the Knight of Pentacles?  He’s the tortoise. He might feel like he’s behind in the race, but he’s doing the best he can and that’s good enough.

Where in your life are you doing the best that you can and putting yourself down for it not being enough?  How much better would life be if you viewed these efforts as  good enough, instead of not enough?  Maybe it’s time to give that a try.

DECK USED:  THE CUTE NINJA TAROT

@Lionharts #TheMarchTarot Wander Lust Challenge Prompt
Question for March 10th
: What can I do to cultivate a deeper appreciation for my current journey?

Kindred Lines OracleReading Summary: Don’t not allow moments of betrayal and deceit from others to create a feeling of uncertainty on your path (Moon atop Deceit). Only you know what works best for you (The Expert), so don’t give others the power to make you doubt yourself (Lost Identity).

Take Away: It can be hard not to take other’s harsh judgements and negativity to heart sometimes when it’s directed your way.  Just remember that they don’t know you as well as you know yourself, and there’s nothing they can judge you on.  You are your own worst critic, so if -you- aren’t seeing something wrong with what you’re doing?  Then there isn’t anything wrong with what you’re doing.

DECK USED: KINDRED LINES ENNEAGRAM REFLECTION DECK

@lucet.in.aurora.tarot’s #lucetinauroraMaartTarotChallenge Prompt
Prompt for March 10th: The second deck you choose.

Brian Froud's Faeries OracleI’m not sure if this prompt is asking for my second most favorite deck, or if it’s maybe the second deck you owned?  I’m not sure. 

This is the Fairies’ Oracle by Brian Froud.

When playing favorites, there are many decks that sit in “second place” to my top pick, and this is absolutely one of them.  It’s also the fourth non-lenormand/playingcard deck I ever owned. (Number one wad a debacle and I do not actually count, while number two and three I usually count together as I used them together and they hold equal standing in my heart… so in essence this would be number two instead of number four, in my mind.)

It felt perfect and -right- the moment that I opened it up and I have used this deck so much over the past 23 years that I’ve had to replace it numerous times due to wearing them out, damage to the cards, and in one strange instance… two cards ending up lost due to theft by crow while I was sitting right there at the time.

DECK USED: BRIAN FROUD’S FAERIES’ ORACLE

#DiscordTarotholicsMar2023 Challenge Prompt
Question for March 10th
: International Day of Awesomeness – How can you focus more in the present?

The Cute Ninja Tarot - Seven of Wands, Seven of Swords, Wheel of FortuneReading Summary: Whether you fight for what you value (Seven of Wands) or you bail on what isn’t working and start over (Seven of Swords), it’s a crap shoot where you’ll end up (Wheel of Fortune).

Take Away: Focus on the present instead of betting everything on the uncertainty of the future . When you spend too much time looking ahead, you lose focus on what’s right before you.

You can’t know all that’s coming down the line, so stop trying and spend that time connecting with the moment and what’s going on around you instead.   There’s plenty to deal with right now without adding on the “what if’s” of the future.

DECK USED: THE CUTE NINJA TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I took a much needed nap when I got home.  I also did a bit of a vent earlier in the day about something that happened, which helped a bit in letting go of some of the tension at the time.

The Benefits of Friendship

Daily Calm with the Calm appToday’s meditation was twelve minutes long, and was another of the Daily Calm sessions with the Calm app. The topic of the session was about discerning what is right for you, and how to let go of the things that aren’t.

I’ve never had too difficult of a time with knowing what’s right for me and what isn’t, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t struggled more than once to let go of those things that aren’t a good fit.

The problem for me isn’t in the identification, but in the feeling of expectation of what I think -should- be good for me vs what really is.  Well, and a dose of self-destructive tendencies added in.

Blooming Cat Tarot - Two of CupsToday’s draw is the Two of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of unions, duality, and partnerships in the area of one’s emotions, relationships, and creativity. This often comes across as harmonious attractions and themes of mutual attraction, although not always in a romantic manner.

What stands out to me in the imagery of today’s card is the symbolism above the two cats, which speaks to me of how those that are close at heart with you have an effect upon you.

Those closest to you that you connect with most deeply are connected to us on many levels. Their influence has an effect upon your health, your well being, and your peace of mind.

The message in today’s cards is a reminder to acknowledge the good that your loved ones create in your life.  Even if we don’t get along with them -all- the time?  That good influence remains.Don’t close yourself off to these influences and cherish those that are good for you.

@lucet.in.aurora.tarot’s #lucetinauroraMaartTarotChallenge Prompt
Prompt for March 9th: Two of Cups and a drink.

DECK USED:  BLOOMING CAT TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsMar2023 Challenge Prompt
Question for March 9th
: Get Over It Day – What trauma from your past is ready to be healed and released?

Blooming Cat OracleReading Summary: It’s time to turn over a new leaf (Learn) and begin allowing others in instead of holding them at a distance (Connect). In doing so you can change your life for the better, as you have already begun to see (Rotation).

Take Away: You have spent the lion share of your life holding yourself apart from others. Just recently you have begun letting them in more, allowing them to have more of a connection with you and spend more time with you. In doing so, you have begun to realize the benefits of these connections more and more, and enjoy their company more as well.

Those that hurt you are long gone and others have come to take their place that love you and cherish you.  Embrace the change-out of those left behind for those that you connect with so closely.

DECK USED:  BLOOMING CAT ORACLE

@Lionharts #TheMarchTarot Wander Lust Challenge Prompt
Question for March 9th
: How can the Universe help me manifest what I want to attract?

Blooming Cat Tarot - The Tower, Three of Swords, Ace of CupsReading Summary: Tower moments (The Tower) and disappointments (Three of Swords) are the universe’s way of telling you that something needs to change in order for better things to come (Ace of Cups).

Take Away: Shit happens.  Sometimes unexpectedly and with a great deal of pain and disappointment.  It can be extremely difficult to swallow these bitter pills and take it on the chin when things begin to fall apart.

The universe gives you these moments, though, in order to clear out what is in the way of something even better coming along that has the potential to make you even happier than before.

DECK USED:  BLOOMING CAT TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I really wanted to have some time with Gideon tonight, but orders night was too busy to make it happen.  I did manage to get a 20 minute nap tho.

Still More to See

Daily Calm with the Calm appToday’s meditation was ten minutes long, and one of the Daily Calm sessions with the Calm app. I kind of spaced out in the process of this one.

At first it had the focus on the breath, and then after a moment there was the explanation and guidance towards the topic of the meditation… but I was some at peace with my breath work that I forgot to listen.

In fact, even after the session was over, I lingered for a bit longer.

Vice Versa Tarot - Page of CupsToday’s draw is the Page of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of a receptive omega energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s emotions, relationships, creativity, and intuition. This often translates into themes that have to do with the resurfacing of old relationships, delving in to explore new creative endeavors, and the growth of one’s emotional intelligence.

The imagery in this card makes me think of secrets and the things we don’t know.  This fits with the Page, as there are many things that the Page has yet to learn.

The message in today’s card is a reminder that no matter how much we reveal about ourselves and our emotions, there’s still more to discover and learn.  Stay open to new lessons and new discoveries.

DECK USED:  VICE VERSA TAROT

@Lionharts #TheMarchTarot Wander Lust Challenge Prompt
Question for March 8th
: What inner strength can I draw on to empower myself?

Forest Folklore Tarot - Six of Wands, Ace of Rings, Ace of Pentacles, Four of WandsReading Summary: Your independence allows you to not worry so much about what others think (Six of Wands Rx) when opportunities knock (Ace of Rings), instead you look at what works best for you and furthers your core goals of stability and comfort (Four of Wands).

Take Away: Your independence is one of your greatest strengths.  This does not mean that you do everything yourself or have to stand alone, but rather that you know what you like and are not vulnerable to peer pressures.

This strength allows you to stay true to your own goals and desires when new opportunities arise instead of becoming distracted by what others want or think you should do.

DECK USED: FOREST FOLKLORE TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsMar2023 Challenge Prompt
Philosophical Question for March 8th
: Is love an inherent emotion, or is it learned behavior?

Vice Versa Tarot - Hanged Man, Nine of Swords, Three of CupsReading Summary: Everyone sees love differently (The Hanged Man). It can be a bane that hangs around the neck and makes us miserable (Nine of Swords), or an elixir of life we are forever grateful for (Three of Cups).

Take Away: These cards indicate that love as itself is absolutely inherent and something that we all have within us and the ability to experience.

That doesn’t mean we all react to it or experience it in the same way, though, nor view it in the same light. For some it’s a blessing, for others a curse.  It all depends on  your perspective, and the experiences that you have along the way.

DECK USED: VICE VERSA TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I took a really long nap today.  I’ve been feeling a little prickly like I’m coming down with something, but the napping seems to help.  Ibuprofen as well.

Goal Oriented Snail’s Pace

Today’s meditation was skipped.

Oh, What a Wild Life! TarotToday’s draw is the Knight of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of an projective beta energy in the area of one’s finances, resources, health, home, manifestations, and the physical world. The Knight of Pentacles has a “go get’em” energy, but moves at a slower pace and marches to the beat of their own drum.

The fact that the moose in the imagery stands at the top of the mountain shows that even if we’re moving at a slow pace, we can reach our goals.

It might take longer than we anticipate, as instead of racing headlong, we’re moving at a snails pace… at the same time?  You can still get there with a little patience, effort, and focus.

@lucet.in.aurora.tarot’s #lucetinauroraMaartTarotChallenge Prompt
Prompt for March 8th: A pentacles card and the same amount of coins.

DECK USED:  OH WHAT A WILD LIFE! TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsMar2023 Challenge Prompt
Question for March 7th
: National Cereal Day – What three small things can you do to improve your physical health?

Oracle Lumí AirSpiritualité – Keeping that spiritual connection thriving supports your physical health, whether you realize it or not.  It provides you with the strength to keep going and to connect with yourself in greater depth.

La Confiance Dirigée – Stay on track with your goals.  This isn’t a huge endeavor, but rather is as small and easy as keeping your goals in mind even at the times when you’re not actively working on them.  By keeping your eye upon the ball, even during times of rest, you allow yourself to continue working towards those goals instead of losing sight of them along the way.

Sa Majesté le Chêne – Allow yourself time in nature. You have neglected this a lot of late, but you need that time among the trees and moss.  You need time to enjoy and breathe in the sweet solitude and allow yourself to sit with nature and enjoy.

DECK USED: ORACLE LUMÍ AIR

@Lionharts #TheMarchTarot Wander Lust Challenge Prompt
Question for March 7th
: How can I use nature to cultivate a deeper sense of inner peace?

Oh, What a Wild Life! TarotReading Summary: You can benefit from more stability (Four of Pentacles) in the development of your emotional intelligence (Page of Cups) by stepping outside and spending more time in nature (The World).

Take Away: You have lost touch with just how much being in nature can help you to find inner peace.  Step outside and into nature, soak up the gift that the trees and liminal spaces have for you.  Allow yourself to feel their stability and strength.

Inclement weather has been a bit of a struggle.  First the heat of summer, the holiday rush is it’s own beast, then again when the weather became dangerously cold this winter.  That is no longer an excuse, though.  You have a habit on procrastinating on those things you need most… but this is one of them you should take care not to add to that list.

DECK USED: OH WHAT A WILD LIFE! TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I weeded through my KS projects that I’ve backed and unsubscribed from another fifteen of them.

Invite In Vibrancy

Daily Jay on the Calm appToday’s meditation was eight minutes long, and was a “Daily Jay” session in the Calm app. The session today encourages celebrating the good things in life instead of letting them pass you by.  Sometimes, celebration comes in moments of gratitude instead of parties and fun.  Sometimes, it comes in just acknowledging that something good happened.

Doing this will allow you to lighten each of your day by minuscule amounts, that just like pennies in a fountain, will add up over time until there’s a fortune of goodness to help with your day to day perspectives.

Student Tarot No. 6 - The FoolToday’s draw is the Fool card of the Major Arcana, which is traditionally read as a card representing innocence, new beginnings, naivete, and boundless enthusiasm.

There is a novice and untried air to the Fool, as he has yet to have tripped over a single pebble or stubbed his toe on a single root yet on his journey. There is also a hint of anticipation, as adventures await the Fool, and he’s eager to begin.

The message in today’s card with its vibrant colors and the hint of determination on the features of the Fool, is to make sure you are leaning into open minded exploration rather than just wandering along without focus. Don’t close yourself off. Your life can be so much more vibrant and colorful if you put a little effort into enthusiastic exploration.

DECK USED:  STUDENT TAROT n6

#DiscordTarotholicsMar2023 Challenge Prompt
Question for March 6th
: What do you need to focus on for self-care for this full moon?

Infinity Tarot - Nine of Coins, Seven of Cups, TemperanceReading Summary: Prioritize gratitude (Nine of Coins) and self care (The Empress) over everything else (Seven of Cups).

Take Away: You’re not yet out of the weeds when it comes to your depression.

You need to make sure that you continue to lean into gratitude and self-care.  Don’t set aside these pursuits and think all will be well.  You need to continue to push toward positivity and optimism, and take care of yourself.

If it comes down to choosing between responsibility and self-care?  Make sure that you choose the self-care option for once.

DECK USED: INFINITY TAROT

@Lionharts #TheMarchTarot Wander Lust Challenge Prompt
Questions for March 6th

Student Tarot No. 6 - Page of Swords, The Hierophant, Ten of Swords, Knight of SwordsWhat can I use, or do, to ground myself?

Page of Swords and The Hierophant – Accept that sometimes the tried and true methods are the best suited for your needs. You don’t have to approach it with a “reinventing the wheel” mindset.

What can I use, or do, to focus my energy?

Ten of Swords and Knight of Swords – Accept that down time is not just important, but necessary, and you can always pick up your sword and charge forward again later when you’re feeling better. There is no race here and taking a breather is not just important, but necessary.

DECK USED: STUDENT TAROT n6

@lucet.in.aurora.tarot’s #lucetinauroraMaartTarotChallenge Prompt
Prompt for March 6th: These cards are enemies of each other.

Original 1901 Tarot and Book of Thoth Tarot Golden Edition

The tarot deck created by A. E. Waite and Pamela Coleman Smith, then published by Rider Publishing in 1909 was a revolution in tarot. The cards were heavy with imagery and symbolism, with a full deck of 78 cards with scenic illustrations on each and every one.

My understanding is that Aleister Crowley had a bit of a contentious relationship with A. E. Waite, and he was not happy with the end product when Waite’s deck was done.  He worked on a revamp of that deck from 1938 through 1943 with Lady Freida Harris.  The Book of Thoth was then published in 1944 alongside a companion book of the same name. This deck holds the same structure and a large number of similarities with Waite’s tarot with a number of meanings changed as well as a handful of the card names in the Major Arcana.

In many ways, the contention between these two men carried forward into the present between the decks themselves. Many readers see using one or the other as an “either / or” situation, feeling that they are incompatible in one’s path and practice.

DECK USED: 1901 ORIGINAL TAROT AND THE BOOK OF THOTH GOLDEN EDITION

Daily Self Kindness

I took some time today to play with Gideon even though it was an orders day.  I just needed some time with him.