page of wands

🎨 Weekly Creativity Prompt – Page of Wands

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Prompt: “Pull the Queen of Cups card from your deck(s). Compare the imagery between the card provided below and the card(s) from your own deck(s). How would you read them differently and why?“

The Slow Tarot - Page of WandsSlow Tarot – The kid in this imagery looks so happy and so proud of all that he’s learning and experiencing on this camping trip of his. He’s set up a tent, lit a fire, and stands tall with a big smile on his face. This card is a reminder that we need to take pride in our adventurous spirit, new experiences, and accomplishments… even the beginner ones. Maybe… especially the beginner ones.

Page of Wands - Hong Kong Tarot, Anima Mundi Tarot, Tarot of the Hidden Realm

Hong Kong Tarot – Leaving the house vulnerable and unprepared while thinking you actually are?  This is a serious novice move. Yes, some time outside would be wonderful, but honestly? Umbrella in hand or not, clothes are important. Sometimes, we don’t learn these things until we try them and realize it, though. Remember to look for the better way in the things you experiment with. One’s first try is wrought with pitfalls, large and small.  Pay attention to them, and you’ll learn all the ins and outs.

Anima Mundi Tarot – The salamander is associated with the Wands (fire) suit because, at least according to legend, the salamander can pass through fire without getting hurt. Through this association, they represent a theme of resilience through conflict. In this card, though, the salamander is colorless. There are no reds and oranges of flame as would normally be seen in such a depiction on a Wands card. I would read this to mean that there is a lack of reaching for one’s potential.  A stagnancy that one needs to break free of in order to breathe “life” into their situation.

Tarot of the Hidden Realm – Pure joy.  That is what I see in the expression on this boy’s face, and in the spark of color that fills this card’s imagery. I would read this card as an encouragement towards enthusiasm and going after those things that make you feel excited and inspired.  Reject those things you don’t enjoy and dive into the ones you do.

DECK USED: SLOW TAROT, HONG KONG TAROT, ANIMA MUNDI TAROT, TAROT OF THE HIDDEN REALM

Confidence and Caution

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IMG_7630Today’s meditation was just over eighteen minutes long because I needed a little extra time in my piriformis stretching this morning.  The hike in the rain yesterday was just what I needed I wish I could have stayed out there for hours and hours on end.  But my muscles did not like the hard exertion in the cold rain, nor the sudden heat up of a shower that came after.  So… I’m a bit sore today.

The topic of the guided part of my meditation was about techniques in hearing criticism and dealing with being confronted with anger.  It was about finding a way (in this meditation it was about identifying instead of personalizing) to not soak in what is being said.  Not allowing it to be taken personally.

Tarot of the Little Prince - Page of WandsToday’s draw is the Page of Wands, which is traditionally a receptive omega energy in the area of one’s passion projects, drive, and inner spark.  Like all the wands, this isn’t about emotions or intelligence, nor eve where a person’s ambitions lie.  Instead, it is about the fiery spark of passion that creates your ambition.  That burning feeling of a spark within that drives us forward.   In the light of a receptive omega energy, this is often about learning something new that strikes your interest and passion, or exploring old passions that have come back into our lives for a breath of new life.

What stands out the strongest to me in the imagery of this card today is the walking stick and the approaching train. The figure in this image looks either highly distracted, or possibly blind considering that the walking stick looks an awful lot like one a blind man might use.  The train has steam billowing out of its chimney indicating it is moving full speed ahead.  The tilt of the man’s head indicates confidence in their progress, and yet the train is clearly coming.

The message in today’s card is about moving forward with confidence… and caution.  You need both in order to succeed.

DECK USED:  TAROT OF THE LITTLE PRINCE

LionHart’s As Above So Below Challenge Prompt
Moon Question: Where am I asked to listen to, or follow, my gut feeling?

Ride or Wait Tarot

I split this reading into two questions, because, at least for me? Listening to and actually following are two different things.  You can absolutely listen and decide to do things your own way while taking something else under advisement.  That is difference than actually following through on  information provided.

Where am I asked to listen to my gut feeling?

Queen of Wands and Four of Cups – Don’t allow your uncertainty over what’s going on with this holiday rush to dictate your actions and cause you to retreat into yourself. Instead lean into what you know and have experience with, and apply that to where you want to go.

Where am I asked to follow my gut feeling?

Two of Cups and Page of Swords – Learning new ways to connect with and communicate with others in a helpful way that creates unity and agreement. Expressing your emotions is not your greatest of skills, but there are other ways to build bonds and let people know that you care.

DECK USED:  RIDE OR WAIT TAROT

#DiscordTarotolicsNov2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: Cleanse This / Ground This / Release This

Druidcraft TarotCleanse – Seven of Pentacles – It’s time to declutter so that you can make sure that there is room for more sustainable long term growth. Mentally, this means keeping your expectations in check. Physically, this means pruning out a few things that are creating distraction.

Ground – Princess of Swords – Again, we look at your expectations. You need to make sure that you’re open to changes and open to new ideas, because things just can’t stay the same all of the time, no matter how much you’d like them to. Clever adaptation will serve you well.  Also, note that her feet are bare upon the ground, which is a reminder to make sure that you’re getting out to bond with nature.

Release – Four of Cups – Your lackadaisical attitude and lack of motivation to get on top of things needs to be let go. Don’t be so disenchanted by what’s not happening, but rather look for solutions and act upon them.

DECK USED:  DRUIDCRAFT TAROT

Heal & Transform November Challenge Prompt
Question: What blessings have I or am I blinding myself to?

Tarot of the Unknown

Reading Summary: The fact that I am bombarded with new ideas all the time (Ace of Wands) is not a bad habit or a disgrace and should not be viewed as a inconvenience (The Beast), but rather it is something I need to embrace (imagery in the Six of Cups).

Take Away: Writing down ideas so I didn’t feel like I’m losing them all one after another when I can’t act on them immediately was a brilliant idea that I can credit to Gid.  But the thing is?  I can write down ideas all damned day and STILL have more to go.  And more.  And more.  I want to do them all and it sometimes messes with me that I can’t.  It used to mess with me even more as I felt super bad when I couldn’t. 

The thing is?  I need to stop looking at this constant trickle of ideas as an inconvenience just because I can’t do them all right now, or might never get to all of them.  They’re still good and just think how drab and boring it would be without them.

DECK USED:  TAROT OF THE UNKNOWN 1ST EDITION

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question: What do I think makes a successful life?

Catharsis Tarot

Reading Summary: Trusted bonds with friends (Two of Cups) that help you through the uncertain times (The Moon), and the independence and autonomy (Chariot) to choose your own path forward (The World).

Take Away:  As much as a loner that I am most of the time?  Being alone… truly alone with no one to love or care about? Can be fucking miserable.  I don’t have this problem, and having those few people in my life that I cherish, and that cherish me in turn?  It makes life immeasurably better.

Independence and autonomy are something I feel extremely strongly about.  The ability to choose your own path and make your own decisions is important.  I really can’t imagine that a life could feel successful without this factor.

DECK USED:  CATHARSIS TAROT

Do What You Love

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Today’s meditation was ten minutes long and was one of the harp string meditations.  I didn’t extend my yoga/physiotherapy today, and so I didn’t extend my meditation either.  It was a relaxing process, and for once I didn’t have a lot of distracting thoughts dragging me off center again and again.  It was also nice that Miss Luna came to snug up beside me while I meditated today, which isn’t something she does usually during my meditation time. During this time she usually settles in at the foot of the bed a few feet from me instead.

Next World TarotToday’s draw is the Page of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of a receptive omega energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s drive, passion, and that inner spark in the soul that spurs on one’s interests and enthusiasm.

What stands out to me the strongest in the imagery of this card today is the little green leaf on the staff the figure holds, and the little green lizards.   This is in relation to the very apocalyptic looking surroundings they are in the middle off.  The environment is filled with litter, the bridge in the background appears dilapidated. And yet… there is life here. Not just in the figure that is front and center, but also the lizards that surround her, the sprigs of new leaves on the staff in her hand, and the small tattered looking flowers among the scattered rubble.

This speaks to me of perseverance. Even when everything falls apart?  That inner spark within you will help you to survive, to carry on, and even to thrive under these conditions. This inner spark that lives within your soul is the seat of one’s adaptability as well as the source of life’s burning drive to survive at all costs.  Feed this inner spark the things you love to do… and it will turn into a blaze that will burn through adversity.

Do what you love.

DECK USED:  NEXT WORLD TAROT

#TarotForGrowthAugust Challenge Prompt
Topic: I feel like I’m struggling to see clearly.
Question: How would my life improve if I accepted that reality is inherently subjective and clarity is a myth?

Vivid Journey Tarot

Reading Summary: A crap load of misunderstandings (Five of Wands) and spurred on by clouded judgments (Judgement) making for feelings of defensiveness (Nine of Wands) that get in the way of positive relationships and good choices (The Lovers). Creating imbalance (Two of Pentacles Rx).

Take Away: When you accept that clarity is a myth, you stop striving for it. Yes, perfect clarity is unattainable because we are not omni-cognizant. But, that does not mean that we should not strive for perspectives beyond our own so that we can get a better idea of what’s going on and, as a result, obtain more clarity than we have when we are closed-mindedly willing to only look at our own view and our own perspective.

Once again, I think I missed the point of the question. I understand these questions are supposed to lead people to a healthier outlook, but all I see this question doing is leading them to a more close minded outlook and lack of perspective.

DECK USED:  VIVID JOURNEY TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsAug2020 Challenge Prompt
Topic:  Hold Tight / Let Breathe / Set Free

Alan Tarot - Il Tarocchi di AlanHold Tight – The World – I need to hold tight to my path and the knowledge that each day is a new day.  Life goes through cycles, and with each cycle we learn and evolve, becoming more than we were before. My chosen path through these cycles is to improve… to become better.  Better at the things I do, better at my influence on others, better at being myself, and an all around better person.

Let Breathe – Knight of Spades and Seven of Heart – I need to ease up on the idea that I always have to move forward and choose which direction to go in right away. So often we feel like every decision needs to be made right away, and that can feel overwhelming. It’s okay to move slow and mull over your choices before making a decision. Giving yourself some space by being a bit less impulsive in your decision making process is a good thing.

Set Free – The Chariot – I need to let go of the idea that participating in any kind of conflict actually gets me somewhere. Things like blatant disrespect or perceived injustices can often cause me to get my back up. The thing is?  During these moments I want to jump in, in that moment, and give a bit of a verbal “smack down” for that kind of thing. But, that is rarely a wise choice and rarely gets you anywhere.

DECK USED:  ALAN TAROT

Lionharts #TheAugustTarot#ElementalChallenge
Question: Earth, I ground myself in you. What is your message for me?

Encore Tarot

Reading Summary: Instilling more joy and positivity (The Sun) will allow you to triumph (Five of Swords) in your work life (Eight of Coins).

Take Away: The message here is to remember that doing what you love is supposed to be fun.  Too often I get so wrapped up in the “work” side of things that I forget to truly focus on and appreciate the pleasure that my work gives me.  This includes not just my jewelry design business, but also extends to my work on the farm, at the nail salon, and even into my client readings as well.

DECK USED:  ENCORE TAROT

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question: How do I feel when I look inside myself?

Tabula Mundi Tarot in MinimaReading Summary:  Like an esoteric teacher that is also still learning (Hierophant on its side). Someone that walks their own path (Three of Wands), and has a lot of inner shadows (The Aeon Rx).

Side Note: My first impression of this deck is not particularly positive. The imagery feels chaotic and abrasive. I’ll continue to keep it in the rotation for the month, tho, as I need some time with it to get to know it a bit better.

Take Away:  The cards indicate that I identify with being a guide and teacher, but only when I feel that I am learning from others as much as I am giving to them in turn.  The cards indicate as well that when looking inside myself I can clearly see and feel that I have a clear path and direction to my life, but that my soul is clouded by shadows.

DECK USED:  TABULA MUNDI TAROT IN MINIMA

Reassessment of The Familiar

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Today’s meditation was once again interrupted.  This time by my mother in need of technical support for both her computer, printer, and her iPad.  I managed to help her with two out of the three, so she was able to use the iPad to print what she needed.   But, I was unable to help her with the computer and she’s going to need someone to take it in for repair.  I think she needs a boot disk, and I am absolutely certain she doesn’t have one.

So… I will be including a meditation into my bedtime routine again tonight.

Maruco Animal Tarot - Page of WandsToday’s draw is the Page of Wands, which traditionally is a representation of a receptive omega energy, personality, or person in the areas of one’s drive, ambitions, passions, and innovations.  This often displays itself in themes involving inspiration, renewed enthusiasm, and an exponential potential for growth.

What stands out to me today in this card is the “posture of discovery” that the rabbit is portraying in relation to the wand in his hands… and the little rabbit head at the top of the staff that, to me, indicates a sense of familiarity and communion.  It also feels significant that the bunny is barefoot, as it conveys a certain amount of vulnerability.

The message in today’s card is that it would be a good idea to take a look at the every day and the familiar in my life.  These things can be taken for granted, but can in truth also be great motivators and refresh the spark of inspiration when given a chance.  The vulnerability aspect has to do with being open to that inspiration, instead of “keeping your head down” and trudging onward because that is often what feels safest.

I relate really strongly to this message today, as I spent a great deal of my day on the farm helping them restructure their planting and harvest plans for this year to adjust to the diminished demand for perishables due to the extremely diminished demand from the restaurant industry combined with  people’s reaction to the pandemic spurring their desire to stock up on non-perishables rather than purchasing fresh produce at the same rate as in previous years.

DECK USED:  MARUCO ANIMAL TAROT

#TarotForGrowthMay Challenge Prompt
Question: What fulfills me?

Tarot Mucha

Reading Summary: Whether my intuition is full on (High Priestess) or is being blocked by emotions or other issues (Page of Cups Rx), I am fulfilled by my efforts to help others (The Hierophant) to be proactive in moving forward upon their own path (Temperance Rx).

Take Away:  One of the things that greatly fulfills me is helping others find their path and move forward upon it.   Their paths are very rarely the same as my path, but that really doesn’t matter.  It’s about helping them find what works for them, which is something that I feel capable of doing even when my intuition is blocked… but most especially when it’s not.

DECK USED:  TAROT MUCHA

#DiscordTarotholicsMay2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: How can I improve upon the person I am now?

TaRat Rat TarotReading Summary:  Don’t allow the lack of alone time (The Hermit) to steal away (Seven of Swords) my commitment (Page of Cups) and enthusiasm for leaning into (Queen of Wands) the emotional growth I’m currently experiencing (Previous Reading).

The Queen of Wands and the Page of Cups hearkens back to a reading I did for myself with this same deck on May 5th, where jumpers gave me the exact same cards which landed in the exact same positions on the board when first pulled as they did today.  That reading was about allowing my emotional exploration and growth to have some free reign, and the repeat of these cards in today’s draw holds a message to remind me of that reading and build upon it with this one.

Take Away:  Yesterday I had a good deal of business themed readings.  This reading is a reminder not to allow what needs to be done for the business to distract me from the emotional growth and exploration I’ve made the decision to embracing.

DECK USED:  TARAT RAT TAROT

Celebrating Your Joys

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Today’s meditation was just over ten minutes long and extremely uncomfortable. This had to do with the fact that my muscles were so tight that I was very stiff to the point of some pretty intense pain. It did help my body normalize the pain a bit, though, which is always a good thing.

Page of Wands - Textured TarotToday’s draw is the Page of Wands, which is often a representation of that spark of creativity within the energetic passion of the Wands suit.

The message for me in this card is about finding what you love and reveling in it. It isn’t enough sometimes to just do what you love, sometimes you need to really relish it. Wallow in it, and celebrate it and the joy you find within it.

It’s about enthusiasm and the joyous celebration of how our passions enrich our lives… and is very much the lighthearted reminder I needed today to help counterbalance the weight of my anger and disappointment concerning yesterday’s events.

DECK USED: TEXTURED TAROT

#TarotForGrowthFebruary Challenge Prompt
Question: What is my relationship with my mind right now?

Circle Inner Animal Tarot

Me – Queen of Swords – Dignity and Strength

My Mind – Nine of Cups – The Happy Camper

Our Relationship – Four of Cups and The Star – Working well together as long as I stay open

Advice – Seven of Wands – Avoid feelings of defensiveness

Take Away – Don’t count your chickens before they’re hatched. I’m on solid footing, but even with my regular pessimistic outlook, I can sometimes be a bit too hopeful at times when my mind has already reasoned out a negative result or outcome.

DECK USED: CIRCLE INNER ANIMAL TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsFeb2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: Do Spread #1

Dixit Cards Daydreams Expansion PackReading Summary: Its time to start looking more closely at the spirit guide aspect of my practice, but during the early times of this new path, I need to tread lightly and with care.

My creativity will start to reawaken soon, and to foster that process, I just need to practice some patience for the time being. Just wait.

Take Away: I have always pretty much ignored my spirit guides. I knew that they existed and were out there to assist and protect me, but I’ve always just let them do their own thing and go their own way. This has always worked really well for me, and for them too it seems. But in the fall I had a n expert hat makes me feel like I need to start making more of an effort where they are concerned. The cards are telling me to take things slow and don’t be overeager in pursuit of that new connection and/or method of communication.

DECK USED: DIXIT CARDS DAYDREAMS EXPANSION PACK

Owl and Bones February Two Card Challenge
Question: Where to be free / Where to let your intuition guide you

Textured Tarot

Reading Summary: Now is a good time to research and work on getting my ducks in a row concerning the note administrative tasks of my home and business. Set my inner snake retentive organization freak free.

It’s going to be important to depend on my intuition when I start to feel like something is missing. The answers are not always clear cut to the naked eye and when you delve deeper, it will be you intuition that needs to lead the way.

Take Away: It’s tax season! Right… so I hate tax season, but it is an excellent opportunity to get organized and get all of one’s ducks in a row. I just need to remember not to allow all that organization and analytical thinking to shut down my intuition.

DECK USED: TEXTURED TAROT

The Balancing Act

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Today’s meditation was… well, okay.  Non-existent.  I didn’t meditate today.  With so very little sleep, I was worried if I did that I’d end up crashing.  I will be giving it a go once I head to bed tonight, but I don’t expect I’ll be awake for much of it.

Page of Wands - Slow TarotToday’s draw is the Page of Wands, which is a representation of a receptive omega energy in the area of one’s ambitions, passions, and drive.  This often comes through as themes concerning exploring one’s potential and sparks of inspiration.

I can’t remember what the message was for this card a few days ago when it surfaced, but what I’m feeling from this card today is an encouragement to remember the joy that comes with my business and craft instead of allowing myself to become overwhelmed.

At this time of year when things become chaotic and busy, it’s very easy for me to be swallowed up and lose track of the enjoyment aspect that is a part of this journey.   Today’s card is an important message to assist me in essentially surviving the holiday rush.

Deck Used: Slow Tarot

Bonus Reading – #TarotForGrowthNovember

Question: What cycle or journey is closing for me at this time?

Sasuraibito Tarot Reading Summary: Struggling with feeling overburdened (Ten of Swords) while telling myself I can handle it on my own (Knight of Wands).  Sometimes accepting support from others is okay (Three of Cups) while allowing collaboration (Three of Pentacles) to find a better way forward (Page of Swords).

Take Away: This is a message concerning my insistence that I can do everything myself and refusal to look outside myself for support and assistance in achieving my goals.  The holiday rush is going to force me out of this cycle by requiring me to look outside of myself for assistance in the chaos of the weeks ahead.

Deck Used: Sasuraibito Tarot