#MayTag25

Finding the Positive for May 5 – 7

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Avalon Revelation Tarot's The Empress, The Avian Tarot's King of Swords, Orc Alien World Tarot's The Hanged Man

May 5 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was ten minutes long, and was one of the #DailyCalm sessions from the @Calm app.  The session for today was in regards to the difference between sympathy and empathy, and to be fair?  Although I very clearly understand the difference between the two? I  have a hard time seeing empathy as the better of the two.

They presented sympathy as being perceived as “pity”, and empathy as being perceived as “I’m on your side”.   The thing is? I was always taught and understood myself that sympathy was a kindness of letting another person have their experience while you lend support, whereas empathy is making their trauma “all about you” and thus not giving them what they need.

I dunno.  Now I’m a little confused on which is the better route in such situations. Does my sympathy (instead of using empathy) come off as cold and distant?  I’m not sure.

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The @GlitterbyInk #MayTag25 Challenge
Celebrating Our Community Prompt for May 5 : Insightful

Today’s draw is the Empress card, which is traditionally a representation of the nurturing, female strength and empowerment without losing that “softer side” in the process, abundance, fertility, the divine feminine, and Mother Earth.

I’ve connected this card with the song that I woke up with stuck in my head this morning, which was “Not in the Mood” by I’MIN & Daryl Kim.   This combo between the song and the Empress reminds us that it’s healthy to set limits and boundaries in our lives to protect our peace and nurture our sense of well-being. In order to nurture a feeling of abundance in our lives, sometimes we have to learn to say “no”.

Today’s combo says that it’s okay to say “no”.  It’s okay to protect your own sense of well-being and abundance by choosing to use your time and energy to nurture yourself instead of expending it all on other sand their needs.  In fact, maybe? Some of us need to practice saying “no” more often.

DECK USED: AVALON REVELATION TAROT

May 6 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was skipped.

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The @GlitterbyInk #MayTag25 Challenge
Celebrating Our Community Prompt for May 6 : Motivating

Today’s card 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, intellect, education, ambitions, and communication. This often translates into themes that have to do with someone that has a way with words and is able to use those skills to lead others to their way of thinking, as well as those that are in authority on intellectual topics such as professors, doctors, etc.

In the guide for this deck, one phrase (“Vulnerable and strong enough to let go of control”) really stuck out to me stronger than the rest.

Logic dictates that you cannot take care of or lead others if you are not taking care of yourself first.  This is why if there’s a problem on airline flights they tell you to put your own mask on first before helping others with theirs. What help are you to anyone else if you aren’t in any condition to do so?

Today’s card and it’s associated Andean Condor speaks of the need, in moments of stress or trouble, to rise above the situation and see things from an analytical viewpoint. Are you in any condition to step in now? Or would you be better served by standing back, letting go of control, and tending to your own needs first, then stepping in later if still needed?

Lean into taking care of yourself first… and you will find yourself not just better capable of taking care of others by doing so, but more motivated to engage as well.

DECK USED: THE AVIAN TAROT

May 7 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was ten minutes long, and was one of the #DailyCalm sessions from the @Calm app. The topic for today’s sessions rested on how it’s often our thoughts about our emotions that cause the most damage, as opposed to the emotions themselves. For example, our thoughts of when in the grip of severe depression often circulate about how it will never end, when in truth, like everything else in life, the depression is temporary.

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The @GlitterbyInk #MayTag25 Challenge
Celebrating Our Community Prompt for May 7 : Joyful

Today’s draw is the Hanged Man, which is traditionally a representation of taking a pause, considering alternate perspectives, relaxing into difficult situations, surrender, or letting go.

The cards are being very persistent lately on the “wait and watch” messages, it seems.

Look at the expression on the face of the figure in the card, though. This entanglement makes it clear that they didn’t wait and watch, and that fate took things into their own hands to make them do so whether they wanted to or not.  There’s humor and a hint of bashfulness in that expression, speaking of humility and the ability to laugh at oneself when you pause to actually get a look at your screw ups.

The message in today’s card isn’t just “continue to wait and watch” on my personal situation. It’s that when things go awry? You can instill more joy into your life by looking for the humor in the situation you find yourself in and how  you got there.

DECK USED: ORC ALIEN WORLD TAROT

Exploring Awe in the World

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Catopia Tarot - Page of CupsThe @GlitterbyInk #MayTag25 Challenge
Celebrating Our Community Prompt for May 4 : Generous

Today’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, or intuition. This often translates into themes that have to do with emotional growth, second chances relationships, or exploring one’s creative pursuits.

I am currently reading “Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life” by Dacher Keitner, which scientifically explores the emotion of awe, what it is, and how it is triggered in others. With the fireworks going off in the background of today’s card, I can’t help but associate it with the stories of people’s accounts with the feeling of awe that are shared in the book, and the association made that it is awe that then inspires wonder, which is essentially awe with curiosity mixed in.

Although I didn’t have a name for this emotion  until now, I experience both of these emotions often when I am out in nature. The experience of awe, and corresponding spark to my curiosity and imagination, are a part of why being in nature is so refreshing for me and creates for me that sense of the sacred.

The message in today’s card is an encouragement to see out moments of awe. Be fascinated. Be curious. Let your imagination be awakened and have free reign for a bit. Too often, we neglect these things, and over time life then becomes boring and drab.

Sometimes to reawaken awe and it’s corresponding emotions within us, we need to be proactive in seeking it out. So, be proactive. Big or small, unique or everyday… be kind and generous to yourself and you’re well-being by making the choice to go find yourself a little bit of awe today.

DECK USED:  CATOPIA TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsMay2025 Challenge
Prompt for May 4 : Do Spread 1

Tarot Reading with Tarot Yoga and the Animal Spirit Oracle

What positive quality do I have that others admire?

Phoenix and Knight of Cups – You are a survivor at heart, and no matter how many times life has knocked you down or driven roughshod over you, you continue to rise again with unflagging character and your creative spark still intact. You have not allowed these experiences to turn you bitter or change your character, but rather used them to grow and better understand the value in moments of hardship.

What positive quality do I wish I had that I admire in others?

Polar Bear and Five of Swords – Knowing when to give up is a quality that you wish you had more of. You are stubborn to a fault and at times this means you keep fighting for a cause even past the point of no return. Being able to identify when to step back is a skill you admire in others and want for yourself.

What step(s) can I take now to work toward developing that quality in myself?

Robin and Six of Pentacles

  • Work on being more generous with yourself when it comes to giving yourself moments of joy.
  • Connect with optimism and positivity in a way that allows you to see beyond the moment of conflict more easily so that you don’t have to fight for it quite so hard.
  • Remember that it’s okay to give people the benefit of the doubt, but only until it starts to hurt, and then it’s time to let go.

What step(s) can I take to make the positive qualities I already have shine brightly?

Rhino and Temperance – Continue to work on achieving a bit more consistency in your meditation practice, rest when you need to rest, and train your focus upon putting more time and focus into those things that help you to connect with a sense of calm and stability.

Other elements included in this reading:
Pressed Pansy Flowers for for Hearing the Heart More Clearly
Foraged Wood Fern for Exorcising Negative Influences
Selenite Tree of Life for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: TAROT YOGA AND ANIMAL SPIRIT ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I *might* have had raspberry swirl cake and chocolate chip cookies for brunch today.

A Friendly Greeting

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Today’s meditation was ten minutes long, and was one of the #DailyCalm sessions with the @Calm app.  Although I enjoyed today’s meditation this morning, I can’t for the life of me remember what the session was about.

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Floral Tarot - The HermitThe @GlitterbyInk #MayTag25 Challenge
Celebrating Our Community Prompt for May 3 : Friendly

Today’s draw is the Hermit card, which is traditionally a representation of inner exploration, self reflection, and healthy alone time.

Snowdrops are the first of the spring flowers to arrive. They come out eagerly before everyone else to announce that spring is on the way and pave the way forward for everyone else that then follows.

The flower on this card is actually a narcissus, probably in reference to the fact that it retreats into a bulb underground through winter to hibernate ’til spring. But, so too is the snowdrop that this card reminded me of on first glance. Its eager emergence after the time spent in restorative solitude an expression of friendly optimism for the spring months ahead.

The message in today’s card is that it’s okay to retreat into solitude for some much needed rest and healthy reflection. Just make sure that when you emerge that you are working to put on a friendly face and optimistic spin to what’s coming. Be open and look for the positive, and it will help others to do the same.

DECK USED:  FLORAL TAROT

#detarotjufmeitarotchallenge Tea With the Queens Challenge by @de_tarotjuf
Tea with the Queen of Wands : Creativity and Passion
Prompts for May 4 – 5

Oracle Reading with the Memento Homo Oracle CardsWhat in my environment motivates me to pursue my dreams?

Left Card – Trust. It takes a lot to trust someone with your safety and well-being. When you surround yourself with those you trust to do so, it allows you to be vulnerable in a way that opens you up to being honest about your dreams and gives you the bandwidth to pursue them with more vigor.

What can I do to bring more joy into my life?

Right Card – Play with abandon. Even if you feel you need to put on a front of composure or show a particular outward countenance… play anyway. Have some fun instead of internalizing that outward mask that is sometimes needed.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Silver Maple Key for Bouncing Back to Thrive
Omarolluk for Protection and Bridging Liminal Divides
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: MEMENTO HOMO ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I did the things I wanted to do today, instead of the things that were expected of me by others. That included playing with a few new decks I got in over the past couple of weeks, and taking a nap… oh, and having raspberry swirl cake for breakfast.

I Did a Thing!

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Today’s meditation was ten minutes long, and was a self guided meditation focusing upon the “just make it exist first” graphic by @growthbyvisuals shared alongside the card for today.

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Neuziet Tarot's Nine of PentaclesThe @GlitterbyInk #MayTag25 Challenge
Celebrating Our Community Prompt for May 2 : Optimistic

Today’s draw is the Nine of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of solitary satisfaction, a job well done, self-sufficiency, abundance, financial independence, and luxury earned through hard work.

It’s hard to remember at times that  accomplishment doesn’t have to be about perfection. Just the fact you created something or did something is enough.

When the cards say (as they often do) to “take a moment to reflect upon, appreciate, and/or celebrate our accomplishments,” they’re not talking about our big or perfect ones. The imperfect and small are just as important and need recognition as well.

“I did a thing,” no matter how small or seemingly insignificant holds just as much weight as “I created this perfect thing” does. The value, sometimes, is not in the results… but in the doing. Both in the fact that you are doing something, as well as the fact you are gaining joy or experience or knowledge during the task being done. So, “I did a thing” is absolutely valid, all on it’s own… whatever that thing may be or how it turns out.

DECK USED:  NEUZIET TAROT

#detarotjufmeitarotchallenge Tea With the Queens Challenge by @de_tarotjuf
Tea with the Queen of Wands : Creativity and Passion
Prompts for May 1 – 3

Oracle Reading with the Alchemy of the Spirit OracleWhat inspires my creativity?

The Sword – New ideas combined with a sense of balance. When there is no fairness, balance, or justice, you feel out of sorts and it will smother your creative spark and the impetus of new ideas. As new ideas are what your creativity thrives on, you need that balance to allow your creativity to be set free.

Reflect on a passion project. How can I make it grow?

Project – A wood burned casting tray made into the underside of my wooden reading tray with personally drawn design.

The Rainbow – Have faith that you will find the time to work on this project when the timing is right. You need time when you can slow down and really focus, which requires a number of different conditions to achieve. That time will come.

What energy do I bring into my work?

The Library – You bring into your work an openness to try new things, and the ability to know your worth in this area, regardless of being raised to think your efforts are worth nothing. Your work is all about things that you are good at and the exploration of those skills and abilities. This gives you a sense of worth that helps in rewriting the “not enough” narrative in your head.

Other elements included in this reading:
Bind Rune on Cedar for a Protected Home
Dried Rhododendron Leaf for Fostering Confidence
Rose Quartz for Gentle Kindness to Self and Others
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: ALCHEMY OF THE SPIRIT ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I spend a lot of time not listening to people today, and instead listening to the music or audiobook coming in through the bone conduction headphones hidden in my hair.

Self-Acceptance

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

The session for today discussed how acceptance is our greatest tool toward growth and self-improvement. When we pause to understand our flaws and flawed reactions, and open ourself up to accepting that they are a part of who we are as humans, it allows those parts of ourselves to soften and become more malleable. It feels a bit counterintuitive, and yet this is how through acceptance of ourselves and forgiveness that change is facilitated.

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Tarocchi by Michelangelo Rossato - The HermitThe @GlitterbyInk #MayTag25 Challenge
Celebrating Our Community Prompt for May 1 : Curious

Today’s draw is the Hermit card, which is traditionally a representation of solitude, self reflection and introspection, alone time, and inner guidance.

Even for an introvert like myself, spending time alone can be a blessing or a curse, depending on where your head is at at time time.

If we are in a mindset that allows our thoughts to run in circles around our mistakes, flaws, or these things that we don’t like about ourselves, then alone time becomes an unhealthy simmering of negativity.

On the other hand, alone time spent in self-exploration with a focus on curiosity, understanding, and acceptance allows for healthy solitude and eventual growth.

The theme of today’s card, meditation, and prompt combo is to remember that not all alone time is healthy or productive, and encourages us to discern the difference and choose our moments of solitude wisely.

DECK USED:  TAROCHI BY MICHELANGELO ROSSATO

#DiscordTarotholicsMay2025 Challenge
Prompt for May 1 : Do the Beltane Spread

Beltane Oracle Reading with the Apothecary Spirits Oracle

Dandelion: How can I use my inner strength to help me in healing old wounds?

Marigold – Instead of focusing on the pain of past experiences, explore their memories while working to recognize the gift that these experiences have offered you. Whether it has created within you a greater sense of independence, understanding of human nature, knowledge or skills you wouldn’t have otherwise developed, etc. these things are life’s offerings to you in appreciation and respect for what you went through. They are earned and hold great worth in and of themselves, but also in allowing you to see that those painful moments held value as well.

Bees: Where could I put in more effort to help my community?

Cayenne – Be bold and loud. Let your anger show when it stirs to the surface. In doing so you validate others and their own feelings, for not everyone is able to speak up as easily or freely as you can. You embolden others, in these moments, to share their own thoughts and feelings as well rather than staying quiet in the background.

Garnet: What do I need in order to foster a greater sense of self-empowerment?

Damiana – You need to be able to allow your vulnerability to shine through without shame or fear in order to foster a greater sense of self-empowerment. This not an easy task for you, and it is often done through the vulnerability that you offer to Gideon in the drown. Over time, he has helped you to see the submissive side of your inner self as a strength rather than as a weakness to be ashamed of.

Swallow: Where do I need to more openly display my love and loyalty to others?

Rosemary – Memories are important. With so many of them fleeting in your head and often slipping through your fingers like grains of sand through a sieve, it’s important to revisit those ones that you can when you’re able.

When you walk down memory lane with others, you allow them to help you remember things that you have forgotten. This takes trust and openness, for you are trusting in their memories to refresh yours and not distort the truth. Within this process of helping to recount happy memories and joyful moments with you, it also creates new bonding experiences.

Malachite: How can I better use intention to bolster the abundance in my life moving forward?

Roses – Roses take a great deal of care in order to not just thrive but become abundant in blooms. So do relationships. Love, romance, and friendships do not just “happen” and will not thrive on their own without your participation. Lean into the intent to keep your friendships and loving relationships happy and healthy, and they will grow to be abundant like the roses in this card.

Goat: How can I best overcome obstacles before me at this time?

Wisteria – Cling tightly, but with a gentle touch.  It is through your connection with others that you find strength in moments when obstacles become too heavy to handle on your own. Lean into them.

Primrose: How can I add more of the exuberance of young love into my life?

Borage – Don’t allow your uncertainty, nor moments of fear, to hold you back. There is no energy or exuberance in stagnancy. It is in motion and courage that we find those lighter and happier emotions associated with young love. If you want to instill that energy into your life, it takes courage and the willingness to take a leap with alacrity, rather than standing still in uncertainty.

Other elements included in this reading:
Orange Aventurine Leaf for Pause and Reflection
Rose Quartz for Gentle Kindness to Self and Others
Green Aventurine for Harmony and Balance of the Heart
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: APOTHECARY SPIRITS ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

Bah, I worked all day today from the moment I woke up this morning to just before bed time, and I feel like I haven’t given myself a single self kindness today.  I suppose I would count making sure that I ate on time using the timer on my phone as one, though. So there’s that.