Madam Lydia Wilhelmina's Tarot

Examining Motivations

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At the moment, I’m playing catch up after having not kept up on my blog posts for a few days, so I don’t remember what the meditation was like today… or if I did it, to be honest. I will return to updating about my meditation each day once I’m caught up with my posts again.

Madam Lydia Wilhelmina's Tarot - Ace of WandsToday’s draw is is the Ace of Wands, which is traditionally an interpretation of new inspiration and enthusiasm toward new passion projects.  It’s not so much about the idea or the act of participating in a project, but about the spark of fire and drive that kindles in your soul when you are inspired.

It feels like there’s a message here in the clouded, deformed figures down in the lower right corner, and yet even now it doesn’t want to rise to the surface and speak to me. It’s about motivation behind why things spark your interest, and the hidden secrets we keep sometimes.

Oh… there it is. 

The thing is?  Sometimes when we feel that spark of inspiration? It’s important to take a pause and look at our motivations. Why are you so keen on this new idea or project, where is the interest and enthusiasm coming from?  Is it pure?  Or is it something being used to conceal or run away from something else you don’t want to deal with. 

For example.  Mopping the floor and cleaning the windows sucks.  But it might look really appealing if you’re trying to avoid cleaning the toilets instead.  

The best projects and creative endeavors are bred not from avoidance, but from pure inspirational spark.  Make sure that when you feel a spark in your soul that you are eager to explore, that that exploration is pure curiosity and interest…. and not motivated by procrastination or avoidance.

DECK USED:  MADAM LYDIA WILHELMINA’S TAROT

LionHart’s #TheOctoberTarot #SeasonOfTheWitchChallenge Prompt
Question: In what way am I suggested to protect my personal energy?

The Vampire Tarot

Reading Summary:  Grounded advance (Knight of Pentacles) and overcoming lack of joy in your entrepreneurial spark (Four of Wands Rx) through the sharing of that passion with others (Queen of Wands). It’s okay to feel, but don’t allow those feelings to mellow and stagnate (Queen of Cups… it’s about her face and how she’s holding the cup).

There is growth and advancement here in the inclusion of greenery both in the Queen of Wands and Queen of Cups.   Emotional influences blending with inspirational drive will allow for a breaking free of the cage you feel like you’re trapped in.  As long as you stay grounded, it’s okay to move slow.

Take Away:  Whether these cards are read left to right, or right to left, the key here in moving forward and continuing to grow in both my emotional wealth as well as my business requires some grounding, as well as slow but steady progress.  Don’t remain stagnant. It’s not healthy, no matter how appealing it might seem.

DECK USED:  THE VAMPIRE TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsOct2020 Challenge Prompt
Philosophical Question: How important is play in living a healthy and fulfilling life?

Dead Waite TarotReading Summary: Play is the music of life. Whether you’re on your own and singing to the sky (imagery of Queen of Swords), or with those you love and serenading them from the heart (imagery on Ten of Pentacles)… either way that joy of play is what clears away the smog (imagery in Death).

Take Away:  Clearly, it’s very important.  It’s the fresh air that clears away the stagnancy and cobwebs in our lives and allows us to look at ourselves and the world around us with fresh eyes.  Lack of play encourages stagnancy and lack of growth. 

DECK USED:  DEAD WAITE TAROT

#MysticStarChallenge October Challenge Prompt
Question: How does the message from the 19th help me with my greater purpose?

The Gothic Tarot

Reading Summary:  It helps me open my eyes (Eight of Swords) to the fact that I’m not allow and am receiving strength from others (Strength) that are near and dear to me and have my best interests at heart (Four of Wands).

Take Away:  My spirit guides are represented here by the Four of Wands, as they are with me all the time… from birth to death they will be there to help and provide a stable “home base” of guidance along the way.

The message on the 19th was that they are behind me 100% and are my cheerleading squad, there to cheer me on and give me strength. The message opened my eyes to this face, and that knowledge provides me with an undercurrent of strength that I didn’t have previously.

DECK USED:  THE GOTHIC TAROT

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question: What has most influenced my spiritual path?

Luis Royo's Labyrinth Tarot

Reading Summary: Learning about different traditions and adopting what has felt right for me (Seven of Swords).  Hardships along the way that have taught me strength (Five of Pentacles).  Following my gut concerning what is right for me… and what isn’t (Eight of Cups).

Take Away:  This is about the development of my independence and finding the path that is mine alone.  It’s about accepting that I have my own path, and that that path is directed by my intuition and moral compass rather than by what others think or feel is right for me.

DECK USED:  LUIS ROYO’S LABYRINTH TAROT

Frowns Can Be Infectious Too

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IMG_7104Today’s meditation was ten minutes in length and was another of the guided meditations with interval timer for my piriformis stretching.  I can’t honestly say that I paid all that much attention to the guided part of the meditation today, and it might be time to switch back to non-guided meditations for a bit since I seem to have toned out the voice entirely through a good part of the meditation.

The part that I did hear was about not allowing reactivity and/or anxiety to spur you into making impulsive decisions and snap judgements. Instead, in those moments, it is a time to pause and take a moment to process.

Madam Lydia Wilhelmmina's Tarot - The SunToday’s draw is is the Sun card, which is traditionally a representation of optimism, joy, playfulness, and positive opportunities. It’s about all those upbeat things associated with fun, positivity, and success as well as youthful exuberance.

I don’t see much of anybody having all that much fun int his photo.  One kid’s looking back at the eldest with black eyes like there’s a serious problem, and the other is in the process of trying to squirm off their seat. It’s a family photoshoot gone wrong, and I feel like the contrast between the card’s imagery and its traditional meaning is where the message lies in today’s card.

The message here is to not let other’s attitudes or a crap-ass time drag you down into a place of pessimism and displeasure. Everyone has seen the truly optimistic as they move through the sludge of a bad day.  They remain optimistic even in the face of road blocks and naysayers.  Take a page from their book and keep your head up and a smile in your heart.

DECK USED:  MADAM LYDIA WILHELMINA’S TAROT

LionHart’s #TheOctoberTarot #SeasonOfTheWitchChallenge Prompt
Question: A thought, dream, or hope I am asked to work on.

Tarot of Vampyres - The World and TemperanceReading Summary: The foundation of transformation and growth (The World) is patience and moderation (Temperance).

Take Away:  Transformation is the thought, the dream, and the hope in this reading.  I truly desire to change how I’ve been handling my work and responsibilities (vs.) my self care over the majority of my life. I’ve made a lot of big leaps this year in that direction. 

The thing is, though?  It is important to remember is that transformation doesn’t happen overnight. It’s something you work at a little at a time, adjusting again and again along the way.  And then one day you look back and realize you’ve made it to an entirely different place than the one you were in when you started.  

Even as I track my progress, I need to keep in mind that it’s okay to take my time.  It’s okay to backslide now and then, just as long as I catch myself and continue forward.  This effort is not a sprint but a journey and it’s going to take time and patience as I move along that path.

DECK USED:  TAROT OF VAMPYRES

#DiscordTarotholicsOct2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: What needs… revealed / concealed / discarded

XIII TarotRevealed – Knave of Cups – Sometimes when I express my emotions, I feel as if I’m speaking into a bucket. My own voice reverberates back at me, but that’s the only feedback I get.  I struggle with my emotions, even the good ones… even now.  I struggle with being in touch with them, with expressing them clearly, and with understanding them.  Sometimes I have no idea what the emotions I feel actually are or what the words are to express them. I know that this is a part of the learning process, but this is my confession.  My vulnerability on this path of emotional growth revealed.   I hate feeling lost and confused…. and sometimes on this journey, those feelings are the most overwhelming of them all.

Concealed – Seven of Wands atop Ace of Swords – I need to make sure that I’m fighting back against my negative inner dialogue as it tries to dig in and get a handhold.  Every time those fingers curl on the edge of that rocky shelf, I need to make sure I’m smashing them back.  This battle isn’t really something that needs sharing with others, as speaking what that negative inner voice is saying aloud will only give the words more power.  Instead, remember that it is important to pay attention and stay on the defensive with that pessimistic voice.  Be diligent and keep it in line.

Discarded – Six of Pentacles – You spend a massive amount of time throughout the year focused on others, giving your time to helping others and making time for others to come to you.  At this time when you’re moving into the holiday rush?  It’s just not the time for this sort of thing.  You need to be focused on yourself and your business and not worry so much about others.  You can go back to being your generous and giving self again after the holiday rush has come to an end.

DECK USED:  XIII TAROT

#MysticStarChallenge October Challenge Prompt
Question: What is the significance on my journey of the lesson revealed yesterday?

Twisted Tarot Tales - The Moon, Page of Swords

Reading Summary: Holy crap to the double moon cards. Your uncertainties and fears (double Moons indicating an overwhelming power in these concepts) can lead to misguided thoughts and bad ideas to get interjected in your learning process (Page of Swords… partially based off imagery).

Take Away:  Yesterday’s message was about staying focused upon and connected to my hope, to my spirituality, and to my progress through the transformation I’m working on, and not give up.

Fear, uncertainty, illusion, and confusion are all a part of changes and transformations. The thing is though?  If you give these concepts/feelings power they will take over and you will become lost in them.  The are them able to derail not just your trajectory on the path forward, but all of the progress you’ve made along the way.

By focusing on the optimistic side of things and staying connected to your hope, spirituality, and the progress you want to make, it helps in keeping those more negative emotions and fears reigned in so that they don’t cause you to fall off track.

DECK USED:  TWISTED TAROT TALES

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question: How can I use Tarot and crystals together more effectively?

Luis Royo's Labyrinth Tarot

Reading Summary:  When you are in conflict over which stones to use in your readings (Five of Wands), lean into learning to communicate more effectively (Jack of Spades) as opposed to allowing aesthetic to weigh in (Six of Wands).

Take Away:  I regularly use crystals and stones in my readings.  Sometimes my personal readings, but always my client readings.  Sometimes?  It’s true that I have a little bit of a debate going on as I pick the stones.  “This one is more apt… but this one will look better with the cards and could also work.”   The thing is?  I could improve my use of crystals (and plant matter as well) in my readings if I let go of the aesthetic aspect and simply went with what will work best for the purpose needed.

DECK USED:  LUIS ROYO’S LABYRINTH TAROT

Letting Go of Apathy

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Today’s meditation was…. yes, yes.  It was skipped again. I’m playing catch up from taking a few days off and… well, it’s an excuse to be honest.  I just didn’t do it.   Tonight perhaps, or tomorrow is a new day.  But I didn’t fit it into my morning.

Madam Lydia Wilhelmina's Tarot - Five of CoinsToday’s draw is the Five of Coins, which is traditionally a representation of tests, trials, struggles, and hardships in the area of one’s finances, resources, health, home, or manifestations.

I definitely see the struggle and hardship in this card.  What I do not see that is often present in the standard Five of Coins (RWS, of course) is the representation of salvation… of help that is either being missed or ignored.  There are just children in tattered clothes and no shoes, clearly needy and alone.

The message here is about paying attention. If these children were adults on today’s city streets?  We wouldn’t even see them.  Hell, most probably wouldn’t even see them if they were children.  We’ve become so jaded and, in some cases, frustrated by the trials and tribulations of others that so many these days don’t even -see-  the poor and the homeless, the distressed or those in need.  They just aren’t there… even when they are standing right in front of you begging for their lives.

The message here is about paying attention, and making sure that your eyes and heart are open.  You can’t save the world, but sometimes even just a smile or a dime is enough to make someone’s life worth living another day.  Apathy kills the heart, let your heart breathe and grow by kicking apathy to the curb.

DECK USED:  MADAM LYDIA WILHELMINA’S TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsOct2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: Write something free form inspired by the cards.

Ritual Abuse TarotNine of Pentacles – There was once a rich old man who lived in a house all alone. He was very rich, and very lonely. Each day he sat on his balcony at the end of another long day and watched the sun set.

One day, a bird landed on the railing of his balcony. He watched the bird, and the bird appeared to watch him.  They sat in silence together and watched the sun set that evening, and then the bird came back again the next day, and the next after that.

Over time, he began starting up a conversation with the bird.  He would tell the bird about his loneliness and discontent, and the bird would sit silently and listen.  They would then watch the sunset before the rustle of feathers would indicate the departure of the bird into the night.

One day, the bird came, but was acting strangely.  The bird would not settle and seemed to be having trouble with its balance.  The old man got up from his balcony chair to take a closer look, and discovered that the bird had somehow lost its eyes.  Where once there had been deep brown, watchful eyes, now there was nothing but empty sockets.

Seven of Cups – The man felt bad for the bird, and thought perhaps it would be best to put the bird out of its misery.  He carefully picked the bird up and brought it inside, intent on snapping its neck and burying it in the garden.   But, throughout the night, he found that he couldn’t do it.  He thought about keeping it as a pet, but this also felt wrong as the bird had always been wild.

Finally he was so mixed up in the choices before him that he couldn’t decide what to do.  In his distress, he asked the bird “What should I do??” and surprisingly, the bird answered him.

The bird told him that it wanted to make a trade.  That if the old man was wiling to give the bird one of his own eyes, then the bird would be able to see again and would be greatly rewarded for his sacrifice.  But, without eyes, the bird told him, that it would surely die either by flying into a tree or being prey to other forest creatures.

The man thought on this long and hard, considering what the bird had said, as well as what a good friend the bird had been to him for so long, coming each day to see the sunset.  If he gave up one of his eyes, he could still enjoy the sunset, and the bird would be able to as well.   It was a great sacrifice, but he didn’t want to go back to being so utterly alone.

In the end, he chose to sacrifice his eye to give the bird back its sight.  He remained still and silent as he allowed the bird to pluck out his eye and swallow it down.  His howls of pain were great, but when he settled and was able to take a breath once more, he opened his one good eye to find a beautiful woman before him. She had only one eye.. an eye the exact same shade as his own, and her smile was radiant.  Her raven like hair was beautiful,  like the wings of the bird that had been by his side each evening for so long, and  her touch as she tended to him gentle.

Nine of Cups – The beautiful woman patched him up and then helped to guide him out to the balcony once more, and together they sat to watch the sunset, the man’s heart finally at peace with his life and the company he keeps.

DECK USED:  RITUAL ABUSE TAROT

#MysticStarChallenge October Challenge Prompt
Question: How should I embrace my missed message?

Nicoletta Ciccoli Tarot

Reading Summary: Don’t close your eyes (Far Left Card) and ignore what’s happening (Center Left Card)… Keep your eyes open and aware (Center Right Card). It might be a little scary sometimes, but you need to be aware of what’s going on (Far Right Card).

Take Away:  This is about embracing messages from my spirit guides and acknowledging where they’re coming from… not specifically about the missed message from the other day.  It’s funny, because just before I pulled these cards I was thinking that we were beating that poor missed message to death, and then what comes up is not about that missed message at all but about paying attention.

And it’s true.  Some of the whole spirit guides stuff is a bit scary sometimes. But as the cards say, that doesn’t mean close my eyes and pretend it’s not happening.  It’s time to be open and aware instead of playing pretend that they’re not there, as I have in the past.

DECK USED:  NICOLETTA CICCOLI TAROT

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question: What do I need when I meditate?

Ghosts & Spirits Tarot

Reading Summary: A quiet place (Imagery in the Ten of Pentacles), with my intuition and inner knowledge (The High Priestess). And for everybody to just take a hike (Imagery in the Three of Wands Rx ) leave me alone for a bit (Imagery in the The Chariot).

This reading leaned deeply into the imagery of the cards and had very little to do with the actual card names.  I didn’t even realize the card names (or that they might fit the reading) until after I’d already taken down my summary notes.

Take Away:  Essentially, I need to be left alone so that I can meditate in peace, and to combine that peace and quiet that that time alone provides me with getting in touch with my deeper self and subconscious.  If I can’t sink into that deeper self, I can’t meditate because every little single noise or sensation will distract me again and again.

DECK USED:  GHOSTS & SPIRITS TAROT

Your Unseen Influence

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Today’s meditation was skipped because I dozed off.   What was supposed to be a ten minute meditation instead turned into a three hour nap.  Seriously.  THREE HOURS.  So… I was a bit ticked with myself and decided to hold off on the meditation until bed time just to make sure I didn’t end up dozing off again in the middle of the day.

Madam Lydia Wilhelmina's Tarot - Page of CoinsToday’s draw is the Page of Coins, which is traditionally a representation of a receptive omega energy, personality, or person in the area of finance, resources, manifestations, hearth and home, or health. This often displays itself as someone learning how to be responsible in these aspects of life, or learning a new skill associated with those aspects.

What stands out most strongly in the imagery of today’s card is that the woman seems both quite sensual, and a bit cocky.  I have a hard time equating the pages of the tarot with “cocky” but I definitely connect the earthy sensuality of temptation and sex with the pentacles.

She is nubile and beautiful, and although her expression is a bit cocky, it also looks a bit tender. Like she is aware of her appeal, but doesn’t quite understand the power she holds… yet.  But she’s getting there.

The message in this card today has to do with that lack of self awareness… or rather, perhaps it is a lack of awareness of others, and the power and influence you hold over them.  Make sure to stay aware of that influence you hold, even when at times you may doubt it’s presence or it’s power.

DECK USED:  MADAM LYDIA WILHELMINA’S TAROT

LionHart’s #TheOctoberTarot #SeasonOfTheWitchChallenge Prompt
Question: I trust my intuition and I allow it to flow here.

Halloween Magick Tarot

Reading Summary: When I am protecting my home and values (Nine of Wands) from the outside world (The World), I am willing to go to great lengths to do so (Knight of Wands) with little moderation (Temperance Rx).

Take Away:  I trust my intuition and allow it to flow freely when it comes to anything that has to do with the protection of my home and loved ones, and the defense and strength of my values.

There have been too many times that my intuition has said something is coming, and if I had not listened could have resulted in disaster. I now have not even the smallest niggling of doubt when my intuition speaks in this area, nor even the slightest temptation in ignoring those impulses.  I dive in and do what needs done without question.

DECK USED:  HALLOWEEN MAGICK TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsOct2020 Challenge Prompt
Topic: Listen / Process / Release

Luis Royo's Dark TarotListen – Three of Swords – When your feelings are hurt? They’re trying to tell you something. At those times, instead of wallowing in how you are feeling, take some time to try to pick things apart and find the message hidden within the experience.

Process – Queen of Pentacles – One of the aspects of the Queen of Pentacles is finding that work/life balance that allows for providing for the home and family financially as well as in a nurturing role.  This is very similar to the type of balanced juggling that I have been trying to instill in my own life, and feel that I have found but is not “cemented in place” as well as I would like it to be yet.

Release – Ace of Wands – As I move into the holiday rush (which is only a few weeks away now and time is running down quickly), that spark of inspiration for new projects and ideas needs to be put on the back burner in order to train my focus more fully on what needs done and the overwhelm that is coming.  Something has to give at this time of year to make room for that overwhelming pick up in orders…. and this is one of those things.

DECK USED:  LUIS ROYO’S DARK TAROT

#MysticStarChallenge October Challenge Prompt
Question: What is my presently most influential Spirit Guide’s personality?

Catton Candy Nightmare Tarot

Reading Summary: Sneaky (Seven of Swords), controlling (Wheel of Fortune Rx), and willing to do what is needed to make me see the truth in the world around me (Eight of Swords).

Take Away:  Sometimes sneaky is also clever, and honestly?  As hard as I worked for so long to ignore the presence of my spirit guides?  It does not surprise me that the one in the foreground at the moment is both sneaky and controlling. After all, without that ingenuity? They wouldn’t be getting their messages across, would they? The goal is to make sure I’m not closing my eyes to reality, and I think that for the most part they’ve done a pretty damned good job.

DECK USED: CATTON CANDY NIGHTMARE TAROT

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question: What are my divination challenges?

Zombie Tarot

Reading Summary: Slow progress (Seven of Hazards) can be frustrating (Five of Cups). Although that frustration can make it hard to be kind to myself (Empess), I need to make sure I’m giving myself the grounding (potted plant in the Empress card) and love I need (Locked Heart Charm) or it will just continue to hold me back (Anchor Charm).

The lily charm sitting over the woman in the Five of Cups indicates that when I am feeling frustrated, I can often feel like I’m in the right in feeling that way and have a hard time seeing that the feeling is temporary and lacking in true wisdom.

Take Away:  These cards (and charms) indicate that they are referring to my spirit guide efforts.  I want a stronger and more conscious connection with my spirit guides and it’s something I’ve been trying to develop since the beginning of the year.  Although I have found some success in the effort, it has been minute progress through very small, barely imperceptible steps.

The guidance in these cards is to make sure that I don’t allow that frustration to take over and ruin what small progress I’ve made or convince me to give up.  The smart play is to continue on and make sure that I’m being kind to myself along the way concerning the pace I’m moving at.

DECK USED:  ZOMBIE TAROT

Enjoying the Present

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#DailyCalmToday’s meditation was just over ten minutes long and was a guided meditation with interval timer.  I’m still working on getting back the flexibility I lost by skipping my stretches for those couple of days.  I had not realized that in skipping a day or two it was taking so long to recover, but I’m definitely noticing now.

The topic of today’s guided meditation was about intentions, and about living in the present. It is about looking forward, all the while you keep your awareness in the present.  All too often, we get so wrapped up in plans for the future or the memories of the past that we forget that there’s a whole world for us to experience right now in this moment.  It isn’t just that “tomorrow is a new day” but every minute is a new day… a new lifetime… a new world.   Don’t forsake what you  have in the now for the things that are already dead and gone, or those that are not yet even a reality.

Madam Lydia Wilhelmina's Tarot - Six of CoinsToday’s draw is the Six of Coins, which traditionally is a representation of creating balance through generosity (or the openness to accept generosity from others).

What really stands out to me in this card today is the differences between the two highly coiffed ladies, and the more natural woman off to the left.  The ladies on the right make me think of the court nobility of centuries past with their white powdered skin and hair. The woman on the right feels to be below their station, as she is not so very “put together” as the other two, her skin tone and hair natural and indicating a lower station, no matter how lovely her dress may be.

And yet these women of higher station fawn over the other one, seeking to offer her what is needed to appear above her station and more on their level. The thing is, though, that the woman does not look all that thrilled with the offer.

And that’s today’s message. It’s okay to be happy with where you’re at, even if that’s not as well off as others around you. As long as you are happy, it’s okay to not be striving for more.  And if others don’t like that?  That’s their problem, not yours.

DECK USED:  MADAM LYDIA WILHELMINA’S TAROT

LionHart’s #TheOctoberTarot #SeasonOfTheWitchChallenge Prompt
Question: I am curious and full of wonder when I…

Halloween Tarot

Reading Summary: Watching others steal off with ideas that don’t belong to them (Seven of Bats) and claim these ideas as their own inspirations (Ace of Imps), while leaving the other person bereft and full of anxiety about it happening again (Nine of Bats).

Take Away:  This is about being curious concerning other peoples motivations on why they do things that hurt people, and how they are able to go against the norms of what is clearly wrong for their own selfish reasons. The motivations that create this ability strikes at my curiosity and my fascination. Not because it is something that I idolize, but rather it’s something that I don’t understand and have a hard time wrapping my mind around. It makes me want to pick their brains apart and figure out how they work.

DECK USED:  HALLOWEEN TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsOct2020 Challenge Prompt
Philosophical Question: Does fate exist?

Ghosts and Spirits TarotReading Summary: We are all bound fate (Chains)… but if we are open to finding balance within the give and take of the world around us (Six of Pentacles), we can gain more control over what we do and where we go while getting there (Queen of Wands).

Take Away: The answer given by the cards is that yes, fate does exist.  That life isn’t about what is fated for us, but about enjoying the journey in getting there.  It’s okay if not everything is under our control, as long as we relish those things that are and live the best life we can while striving to become better people along the way. 

For example.  If you know for certainty that you are to die at 78 years old in a tractor accident, does that mean that you should really spend every day between now and then focused upon what’s coming?  No…. it means you set that knowledge aside and enjoy every moment of every day between now and then so that you can say you lived a full and fruitful life once it’s all over.  Fate is not the path we walk, but simply a few landmarks along the way on our journey.

DECK USED:  GHOSTS & SPIRITS TAROT

#MysticStarChallenge October Challenge Prompt
Question: How does yesterday’s message relate to my journey?

Twisted Tarot Tales

Reading Summary: There are going to be ups and downs in life no matter what you do (Wheel of Fortune), so you might as well enjoy yourself (The Sun), and take control to move yourself in the direction you want to go while doing the things you want to do (Queen of Wands).

Take Away:  The guidance on the 6th was to make choices that lift myself and others up while accepting that road blocks and hurdles are a part of life.  Today that message is related to my personal journey through a reminder that ups and downs happen and approaching them from a positive angle and go after my dreams.

DECK USED:  TWISTED TAROT TALES

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question: What do the Moon phases mean to me?

Dark Grimoire Tarot

Reading Summary: The down and up and back down again of energy (indicated in the contrasting energy between the Four of Cups and Three of Cups). Creating balance and moderation as we move through the phases again and again (Temperance).

Take Away:  The Moon’s phases are about the flux of energy that the moon goes through each cycle.  It reflects the cyclictic balance that life requires to be a positive and fulfilling journey.  Never too much downtime, never too much celebration and high energy…. instead the moon teaches us that there is room for both, and that both are needed and healthy.

DECK USED:  DARK GRIMOIRE TAROT

 

It’s Good Not To Be King

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IMG_6920Today’s meditation was ten minutes long, and was one of the guided meditations with interval timers for my piriformis stretches.

The topic of today’s meditation was about taking time to let in the beauty and the  majesty of the world.  To take it in and appreciate it, and allow it to calm you.   It was about how sometimes? Even when we feel like we need to act, and act right now, that it’s better to wait and watch, and allow things to unfold at their own pace.

This can be really hard, yeah?  But the key in today’s guided meditation was that if we can find beautiful and peaceful things to focus on, it can help us in allowing that space instead of jumping into the fray.

Madam Lydia Wilhelmina's Tarot - King of WandsToday’s draw is is the King of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of a projective alpha energy in the area of one’s inspiration, passion projects, drive, and that inner spark of curiosity and invention. This often translates into themes that have to do with authority figures or leadership energy that leads the charge, stirring up those beneath them to  lead them into the fray of whatever passionate interest is the focus of the time.

What stands out to me in the imagery of this card today is the pumpkin that is impaled upon the wand that the skeleton king holds.   The pumpkin as the drawing on a sugar skull on it, and reminds me of a head on a pike.

What I see in this imagery is that sometimes?  Sacrifices have to be made for progress to happen for the greater good.  Sometimes?  Things or people get left behind.  Not because it’s fair or even right… it’s neither.  But when you’re the king?  You have to think of the greater good.  Sometimes that means that things aren’t fair for everyone, and sometimes it means that things that feel wrong happen just to make sure the greater good thrives.

Today’s card is a reminder of why I despise being leader and try to avoid that when I’m able. It’s a reminder of how happy I am not to be those things, and how much comfort and relief I get from that fact.

DECK USED:  MADAM LYDIA WILHELMINA’S TAROT

LionHart’s #TheOctoberTarot #SeasonOfTheWitchChallenge Prompt
Question: How can my inner magick support my journey?

Gothic Horror Tarot

Reading Summary: You are the ruler of your own domain (King of Pentacles) and are skilled at the running of it (Eight of Pentacles) because your inner compass keeps things balanced (Justice).

Take Away:  I recently came to realize just how unique each home and household is.  How in the ecosystem of a home and those that live within it, certain knowledge that is unique to that ecosystem is spread between it’s members.  Things like preferences in foods and brands, differences in bathroom times and daily ablution periods, how quickly things run out and how they deal with these things. 

How smoothly these things are run and how well this information is shared is dependent upon those involved and whoever the “head” of that ecosystem is that keeps things running smoothly.  In my home, that person is me.  My need for organization and desire for a sense of security is a part of the magic of who I am, and applying this to my home and those within it helps us all move more comfortably upon our journey, and feel more safe with each step that is taken.

DECK USED:  GOTHIC HORROR TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsOct2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: Forgive / Accept / Honor

Luis Royo's Labyrinth TarotForgive – Nine of Pentacles – Forgive myself for wallowing in a sense of security.  It’s been really nice to feel like everything’s taking care of itself for a while and like it’s not on my shoulders to push myself hard as I can. It’s hard to feel like it’s okay to feel that way, though. I have a lot of guilt around letting myself wallow in it for a bit, especially as I try to get myself back in gear now to prepare for the busy season ahead.

Accept – Knight of Wands – Accept that it’s now time to get your ass up and get a move on.  Unfortunately, that more relaxed time I’ve been enjoying has come to an end.  It’s a bummer, because I’ve just started to enjoy it, but now it’s time to accept that I need to plunge into my work.  My creative business will not run itself, and requires a certain amount of preparation to function properly and run well during the holiday rush.

Honor – Ten of Cups atop Jack of Wands – I need to honor what I have learned through how I’ve invested my time over the spring and summer. I’ve put a lot of time and focus on exploring my emotional intelligence and growing my understanding of my own emotions over the spring and summer.  I’ve found that I need a bit of rest to find emotional fulfillment, and just how important emotional fulfillment really is.  These things that I have learned are very important lessons that I want to honor by carrying forward into the future with me.

Luis Royo's Labyrinth Tarot - Five of SwordsWhat does it mean to honor what I need in order to feel emotionally fulfilled?

The Five of Swords indicates that you need to appreciate how far you’ve come, how much you’ve done, and protect these things.

This protection is not about building walls or anything so stagnant.  It’s important to remember that  emotions do not thrive when closed up and walled off.  So using that type of method that you have often used in the past is not going to work this time around.

Instead, you need to look at a more active style of defense and protection by carrying these things that you have learned with you as you move forward and holding them close as you without suffocating them.

DECK USED:  LUIS ROYO’S LABYRINTH TAROT

#MysticStarChallenge October Challenge Prompt
Question: How does my Spirit Guide card relate to my card for the month?

Terrestrial Tarot, Carnival at the End of the World Tarot, Trionfi della LunaReading Summary:  With the emotional growth that I have been exploring over the spring and summer (Ace of Cups) has also come lessons about how stepping back from pushing myself so damned hard (Temperance) can lead to a stronger sense of emotional fulfillment and completion (Ten of Cups).

The Sun of my Spirit Guide and the Hierophant of my month’s card are providing the path forward (Two of Wands) that will allow me to preserve and foster what I have learned so far on my journey of emotional growth.

Take Away:  It is an indication that my Spirit Guide is trying to support me and the growth I’ve managed thus far, as well as the perseverance of what I’ve learned as I move into what is hands-down the most stressful part of my year each year.

DECK USED:  TRIONFI DELLA LUNA, TERRESTRIAL TAROT, CARNIVAL AT THE END OF THE WORLD TAROT

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question: How can better connect with my spirit guide mentors?

Golden Age of Horror Comics Tarot

Reading Summary: Tap in to what you know and are skilled at (Eight of Pentacles), combined with your childhood experiences (Six of Cups). Examine how you can see this connection differently (The Hanged Man).

Take Away:  The message here is about looking a gift horse in the mouth.  The thing is?  Many of my greatest skills come from those in my past.  The experiences and the skills passed down to me that I have utilized to get myself where I am?  These are also from the same individuals in my past that I have spent a good deal of time resenting and avoiding. My guides are, in some cases, a piece of my past.  They were there then, either in living form or in the ethereal plane… they’re here now too.  They have always wanted what is best for me… so maybe it’s time to let go of some of those resentments and discomforts.

DECK USED:  GOLDEN AGE OF HORROR COMICS TAROT