My Garden Deck

Cut And Run? Maybe Not

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

Today’s meditation was just over twelve minutes long and was one of the Calm app’s guided meditations.  As usual, I combined that with an interval timer for my piriformis stretches, and I included extra forearm flexor stretches as well as my arms have been feeling a bit tight lately.

The focus of today’s meditation was a bit weird today.  I didn’t really understand it.  It was about posing the question “what is this?” into your meditation, but not directed toward any one thing.  More to open up a sense of curiosity and linger in it?

I’m not sure if this is something I’m capable of doing without having a target for that curiosity, and I feel that I didn’t really manage to do the meditation properly, although I did manage to meditate regardless by focusing on my breath and the waterdrop tones that I had playing in the background.

Cent Proverbes Tarot and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Six of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of moving on to a better place not due to frustration or irritation (that would be the Eight of Cups), but rather in the seeking of something healthier and better than what you’ve left behind. This makes this card’s theme one of transition and change, and leaving one’s baggage behind to begin anew.

What I see in the imagery of this card today is fear and escape, which fits well with the theme of the Six of Swords.  In the imagery we see a home, perhaps a vineyard or farm, that has been taken over by militia men.  The owner sees what is happening and is fearful, he seeks to slip away and sneak off… escape the chaos before things go from bad to worse.

Combined with the Thera-Pets card for today, the message that I see in these cards is that it’s important to evaluate when it’s time to cut and run, and when to stand your ground and ride it out. Don’t underestimate your strength in these moments, and if something is truly important to you, don’t run from the responsibility or the conflict that might come from standing your ground in those moments.

DECK USED:  CENT PROVERBES TAROT AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

The #httSelfImprovementTarotChallenge Prompt
Question: Where do I need to be more nurturing to myself?

My Garden Tarot

Reading Summary:  Lots of earth, lots of grounding (Queen of Coins), lots of nurturing (The Empress)… take your time (Temperance)

Take Away:  I need to step away from trying so hard to balance everything and give myself some forest bathing time.  Temperance, earth, and grounding, when combined together?  100% equals forest bathing.  Not a hike where you push your body and work hard… temperance.  A slow meander, some quiet alone time.  Perhaps some time lying in a bed of moss watching cedar fronds sway and clouds shift above them.  Regardless.  Where I need to be more nurturing is in allowing myself more time to get out in nature, and truly take my time and savor my time there.

DECK USED:  MY GARDEN TAROT

#DiscordTarotolicsApr2021 Challenge Prompt
Philosophical Question: What is Divinity?

Cent Proverbes TarotReading Summary:  Individual (Nine of Pentacles). Guidance (Three of Wands). Wisdom (King of Swords).

Take Away: In these cards, Divinity is something that is unique and different for each person, and yet universally something that provides both guidance and wisdom when needed.

Although each and every person may experience Divinity differently, what we see here is that beneath all of those different opinions and experiences, there is a universal truth in that guidance and wisdom remains when all the differences are rinsed away.

DECK USED:  CENT PROVERBES TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

Late night super hot play session with Gideon.  No more need be said.

Endings Sometimes Hurt

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

Today’s meditation was skipped because I couldn’t convince anyone (even the cat) to leave me alone.  Every time I tried to get a few minutes of peace, someone was popping in to ask a question, lick my ears, or complain about something. I finally just gave up and said fuck it.

My Garden Deck and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Ten of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of painful endings, coming to the end of a painful or uncomfortable journey, and taking a pause to acknowledge that you’ve lost and then pick yourself up and try again.

It’s the latter that I see represented here in this particular imagery, with the person that lies beneath the pinning tips of the sword also represented walking away from that experience.  It is a reminder that bad shit happens, but the strong carry on from it and continue moving forward.

Combined with the Thera-Pets card for today, the message that I see here in today’s cards is that sometimes endings hurt.  Sometimes?  They really hurt.  But there’s a light at the end of the tunnel of all that pain if you just hold on and keep your focus trained ahead.   Take a breath, learn what you can from the experience, and carry the knowledge forward as you keep going and move beyond the ending and the pain.

DECK USED:  MY GARDEN DECK AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

The #httSelfImprovementTarotChallenge Prompt
Question: What lights my soul on fire?

Future Ancestor Tarot

Reading Summary: Creating opportunities (Two of Seeds) for others to grow and manifest what is right for them in their lives (Eight of Cups). In this endeavor there is an element of nurturing energy that I put towards these things as I give gentle nudges to help people to grow and make the choices that are best for them (Listener of Seeds).

Take Away: I was actually surprised to see this come up as the answer to this question.  There are a few different things I thought might come up, but this wasn’t at the top of the list.  Not that I don’t take a great deal of joy in helping others in this manner, as I absolutely do and it’s a part of the reason that I do tarot readings for others.  It brings me a great deal of joy to help people find the path that’s right for them. 

DECK USED:  FUTURE ANCESTOR TAROT

#DiscordTarotolicsApr2021 Challenge Prompt
Question: Where in your life do you need to direct more gratitude?

My Garden DeckReading Summary: It’s the ones around you that you hold dear (Two of Cups) that help create the security and stability of your home life (Ten of Coins) and encourage you foster connections with not just them but the world around you as well (The Star).

Take Away:  I need to remember and acknowledge more often that I am not an island unto myself.  The people in my life are my support system, my encouragement, my cheerleaders, and often my inspiration. 

I often take these people for granted.  Perhaps we all do from time to time.  Hopefully not so much that they feel neglected, but I’m sure that they could absolutely benefit from me directing a bit more gratitude their way.

DECK USED:  MY GARDEN DECK

Daily Self Kindness

Honestly, after I passed out at the grocery store, I wasn’t feeling completely up to RP.  I’m glad that I did it anyway though, as it helped me find my center again and get comfortable in my own skin after the glucagon shot.