positivity

Greasing the Wheels

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Today’s meditation was a ten minute long self-directed session focused on breathing exercises.

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Aquarian Tarot - Strength and Daily Truth OracleDaily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Strength card, which is traditionally a representation of inner strength, persuasion usually through means of compassion, influence and/or manipulation, and courage.

The Strength card has then been combined with one of the Daily Truth Oracle cards, which says, “When I take action, the motivation comes.”

It can be hard to get motivated sometimes. I think we all have those days.

Motivation is kind of like chronic pain, though. The more you move, the easier it gets. If you lay in bed doing nothing, the concept of getting up becomes heavier and heavier. You then linger longer and wallow a bit more.

If you can convince yourself to get moving, though, then it becomes easier to move (and motivate). The more you move, the easier it becomes. You just have to convince yourself to get going in the first place, and keep the ball rolling until it builds up a little momentum.  The joints get lubricated, and so do the mechanisms of motivation, all through movement.

Five… ten…. fifty more minutes dawdling in stillness isn’t going to make you feel better and won’t get you motivated to do more than you are motivated to do in the moment you’re now in.  Movement, though, will.

The message in today’s cards is encouragement to push yourself to get moving on those things you need to and want to do… and the things that maybe you’re not that enthusiastic about as well. Once you get moving, momentum will kick in and make things a bit easier one step at a time.

DECK USED:  AQUARIAN TAROT IN A TIN AND DAILY TRUTH ORACLE

@Lionharts #TheDecemberTarot Fruits of 2025 Challenge
The Seed Prompts for December 29th thru 31st

Tarot Reading with the Metanoia MarsielleWhat possibility is quietly gathering momentum beneath the surface of my days?

Queen of Swords – You have the ability to use your past experiences to advise and guide others. If you open yourself up to those that seek out your guidance, that is.   If you continue to close yourself off, though, all that good advice and help you could be offering goes to waste instead.

What inner signal becomes clearer when I stop trying to understand it and simply listen?

The Empress – You are more of a nurturer than you realize. You simply need to stop blocking that side of your nature and it will shine through. stop looking at it as a weakness, when in truth it makes you stronger.

What direction am I quietly ready to choose as I cross from 2025 into 2026?

Two of Cups – You are ready to invite in more collaboration on the things that matter with those that share the same vision and values that you do. This connection allows for a support system that you can trust, and they will trust as well.  You need simply to add a new (and healthy) mantra to your inner dialogue:  Together is better.

DECK USED: METANOIA MARSIELLE

#DiscordTarotholicsDec2025 Challenge
Prompts for December 27th and 29th

Tarot Reading with the Aquarian Tarot in a TinWhat needs to be purged and/or completed before the end of the year?

Eight of Swords and Judgement – Ease up on yourself and others. Your harsh judgements are blinding you to positive aspects that could be making things feel lighter and thus allow you to better align with the person that you some day want to become.

What last minute preparations for the new year need your focus?

The Hermit and Page of Pentacles – Some inner realignment towards your future goals is needed. It’s time to examine those things that are going to take time to accomplish, and do some soul searching to ascertain if they are still in alignment with your inner self and your chosen path.

DECK USED: AQUARIAN TAROT IN A TIN

Daily Self Kindness

I rested. I napped.  I took Robitussin.  I worked on giving myself the care I need to hopefully plow through my body’s succumbing to germs quickly, because I managed to catch the germs.

You Just Have to Ask

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

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The Yukika Tarot - Three of Stones, Three of Pentacles and Cats Against Anxiety CardsDaily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Three of Pentacles (Stone), which is traditionally a representation of teamwork, collaboration, working together, and themes to do with bringing in help and/or outside expertise in order to get something done.

The Three of Pentacles has then been combined with one of the Cats Against Anxiety cards, which says, “It’s all going to work out fine.”

Remember that you have resources beyond your own capabilities. Bring others in as a support system to help you, and not only will you get things done that felt impossible, but it won’t take as much out of you as if you tried to do it all on your own.

The message in today’s cards is a reminder that you are not alone in your endeavors, unless you force yourself to be. There are others around you willing an eager to help. You just have to ask.

DECK USED:  THE YUKIKA TAROT AND CATS AGAINST ANXIETY CARDS

@LightningWildflower December Arcana Challenge 
The Star Prompts for December 26th and 27th

Oracle Reading with The Theater of Life OracleWhat does peace feel like to me?

Shadow and Abundance – Enough abundance to help cast a light on my worries and fears, and allow me to see them as they really are.

It’s just as easy to be freaking out about scarcity issues when everything is fine as it is when everything’s falling apart.  Therefore, this isn’t actually about finding oneself in a particular situation that creates peace, but rather a feeling that everything is in-hand and abundant so that fears ebb and worries ease.

What wisdom from recent struggles can I share with others?

Attraction and Dream (both Rx) – Just because you like something or want something, doesn’t mean it’s for you. It can be hard to let go of the things that you think that you want, especially when those wants are disguising themselves as needs.

The truth of the matter is, though, that no matter how much you like something (or someone, for that matter) or want it in your life, sometimes it’s just not meant to be. Instead of continuing to struggle and hold on tight… let go and root yourself in the reality that perhaps what’s meant for you is being hidden by your stubborn insistence on holding on to what’s not meant to be yours.

Other elements included in this reading:
Scotch Pine Cones for Purging Negative Influences
Foraged Parmeliaceae Lichen for a “Breath of Fresh Air”
Conch Shell Knot for Concentration and Clarity
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: THE THEATER OF LIFE ORACLE

#DiscordTarotholicsDec2025 Challenge
Prompt for December 26th : What self-care is needed now to help you recover from the holiday season?

Tarot Reading with The Yukika TarotReading Summary: Convince (Strength/Barbarian) others to help support you and create stability for you (Four of Pentacles/Stone) when things feel like they are going sideways (The Tower on its Side).

Take Away: As your card of the day for today previously mentioned, you are not alone. You have others to support you through times when things feel unbalanced or like everything is falling apart.

Don’t allow yourself to take everything on your own shoulders when others can help you find your footing. Now isn’t the time to be stubborn, as the help others can provide will keep everything from toppling into an even bigger mess than things already are.

Other elements included in this reading:
River Rock for Resilience within Life’s Flow
Beech Pods for Realizations that Foster Personal Growth
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: THE YUKIKA TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I took a nap in the back of the car both on the way to our destination today, as well as on the way back from visiting.

A Little Light and Love

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Christmas Eve Tarot - Queen of Cups and Christmas Affirmation CardsDaily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Queen of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of a receptive alpha energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s emotions, relationships, creativity, and intuition. Among other things, this often translates into themes to do with emotional support and advice from a trusted party that is easy to talk to.

The Queen of Cups has then been combined with one of my Christmas Affirmation cards, which says, “Your friendship is the best gift during this frosty season.”

A little check-in is all that’s needed.

Sometimes replying to emails or text messages feels like it’s just exhausting. Sometimes reaching out, even with just a word or two, feels like too much.

Today is Christmas, though. Those you care about need to hear from you, even if it’s just a quick text, letting them know they’re on your mind. This, more than anything else, can help to bolster them and their emotions during the hard part of the day and of the season.

Today’s message is a reminder to reach out to loved ones and let them know you’re thinking about them today. This doesn’t mean you have to make a phone call that lasts an hour or even get into a text discussion. It can be a simple as writing “Merry Christmas” and sending it off. In doing so, you may be the light and warmth someone else needs in their life today.

DECK USED:  CHRISTMAS EVE TAROT AND TWIST’S CHRISTMAS AFFIRMATIONS

@aplacetodock #Yuletide Oracle Challenge
Prompts for December 23rd thru 25th

Oracle Reading with the Hello Winter OracleWhat do I like most about Christmas?

Festive Travels – Just because you’re not an extrovert, doesn’t mean that you don’t enjoy not being home for Christmas. By going elsewhere, other people take care of you instead of you having to take care of yourself. They cook for you, they give you a bed to sleep on, and take on all of the responsibilities of the holiday… which means you don’t have to.

What is the message for Santa, on his cookie plate?

Lucky Star – Safe travels for Santa! And for everyone else as well.

How can I invite in more comfort and joy?

Hanging In There – Remember that moments of discomfort are temporary, and that as mentioned above, there is nothing that you have to do to fix them. This is the one time of year where you do not have to play Mr. Fix-It, as everything is somebody else’s responsibility. Just sit back, enjoy the ride, and be responsible for yourself and your own actions.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Acorns for Protection during New Beginnings
Foraged Lodgepole Pine for Resilience, Growth, and Renewal
Scotch Pine Cones for Purging Negative Influences
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: HELLO WINTER ORACLE

@Lionharts #TheDecemberTarot Fruits of 2025 Challenge
The Seeds Prompts for December 25th thru 28th

Tarot Reading with the Christmas Eve TarotWhat moment from this year still echoes in me because it changed something I didn’t notice yet?

The Magician Rx – This autumn was a time of powerlessness for you. There was little you could do and little you could say to make anything better. Instead, you just had to sit there and wait. There is more yet to be learned, understood, and explored from this period of time. It shifted something inside you that has yet to be discovered and will reveal itself in time.

Which part of my life feels different now not because it shifted, but because I did?

Four of Pentacles – You stability has been taken for a ride. Although the changes to your resources have not particularly changed overly much, your perspective on them has. You feel more insecure in the stability you’ve built than you did before.

What path no longer feels aligned with the person I became over the course of 2025?

Two of Pentacles Rx – Intentionally mistreating yourself and neglecting certain things in order to further others is no longer in alignment with where you are going as you move into 2026. You’ve found greater value in balance than you had before, and have committed yourself to putting in more effort to create and maintain balance in your life.

What space am I learning to hold simply because feels right, not because it’s expected of me?

The Fool – The learner’s mind and a willingness to seek out joy rather than disregarded it as unimportant.  Prioritizing these things makes life more interesting and enjoyable, something that you’ve discovered you want in your life and have thus decided to prioritize for yourself.

Other elements included in this reading:
Japanese Cherry Leaf as a Reminder of Life’s Fleeting Moments
Moss Agate Tree for Attracting Opportunities for Growth
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: CHRISTMAS EVE TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

We are postponing Christmas due to people being sick, and I made sure to express my opinions that it should be postponed more than just one day.  Not sure yet if it did any good, though.

Releasing the Weight

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Today’s meditation was an ten minute long #DailyCalm session from the @Calm app.

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Tarot of a Forest Witch - Seven of Feathers, Seven of Swords and Christmas Affirmation CardsDaily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Seven of Swords (Feathers), which is traditionally a representation of strategic thinking, “sneaky shit”, or getting away with something. It can also often be about taking only what one can carry.

The Seven of Swords has then been combined with one of my Christmas Affirmation cards, which says, “It’s all going to work out fine.”

Don’t worry too much on what isn’t getting done, what still needs doing, or what’s going wrong. Don’t allow these stresses, worries, and anxieties to steal away the joy that you could otherwise have right now.

Like a bride freaking out at her own wedding because one small thing went awry, this type of anxiety can ruin your day if you let it.

The message in today’s cards is an encouragement to let go instead of allowing small moments of discontent to ruin your whole day. Acknowledge that the bad thing happened and even that you’re disappointed… then let it go so that you can enjoy the rest of the day and all that it has to offer.

DECKS USED:  TAROT OF A FOREST WITCH AND TWIST’S CHRISTMAS AFFIRMATION CARDS

@LightningWildflower December Arcana Challenge 
Prompts for December 23rd thru 25th

Oracle Reading with the Winter Solstice Season OracleThe Devil: Where am I ready to reclaim my power?

New Year and Cocoa – As the new year approaches, it’s time to start reclaiming your happiness. This includes stepping outside of stagnancy when things get stale instead of lingering due to an illusion of comfort.

Recommit yourself to enjoying each day and those elements of each day that make that day better. Allow them to lift you up, rather than focusing on the negative or trying to hide from what’s uncomfortable.

The Tower: How do I usually respond to sudden change?

Eggnog – You have a tendency to respond to sudden change with revulsion and feelings of overwhelm. You duck and cover and refused to move, which opens you up to repercussions that movement would normally protect you from.

The Tower: What did I learn from a time in my life when things fell apart?

Snuggle atop Celebrate – Even times of recovery include movement. You learned the importance of getting those breaths of fresh air that you need to keep your equilibrium in check. Comfort can only take you so far before it binds you up and leaves you unable to move.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Rhododendron Leaf for Fostering Confidence
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: WINTER SOLSTICE SEASON ORACLE

#DiscordTarotholicsDec2025 Challenge
Philosophical for December 24th : Which is more important… love or trust?

Tarot Reading with the Tarot of a Fores WitchReading Summary: It all starts and ends with trust. The answer being all about stability, as all three cards pulled our acorns (Pentacles).

Love may eventually play a factor in one’s relationships with others, but it’s trust that builds love not the other way around. This is shown through the presence of both the Page and the Ace… which indicate great potential for growth. That said, it is the Nine of Acorns, and the stability presented there that is the foundation for that growth.

The Nine of Acorns presents as consistency and trust in the resources available to you. The cornucopia is not empty, after all, but full to overflowing.

Take Away: I’m not sure that these cards actually indicate that one is more important than the other. Love and trust are both very important. But, what these cards are saying is that trust is the building blocks of love, not the other way around.

Other elements included in this reading:
Carved Sandalwood Antler for Confidence and Quiet Strength
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: TAROT OF A FOREST WITCH

Daily Self Kindness

I watched a movie. As in, just relaxed and watched a movie without doing a bunch of other stuff at the same time.

Anchor in the Storm

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Winter Waite Tarot 2021 Glitter Edition - King of Cups and Christmas Affirmation CardsDaily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the King of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of a projective alpha energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s emotions, relationships, emotional intelligence, creativity, or intuition. This often translates into authority figures that are emotionally supportive and understanding, possessing both compassion and strong leadership qualities.

The King of Cups has then been combined with one of my Christmas Affirmation cards, which says, “Like a snow globe shaken up, life can settle into something beautiful.”

What, where, or who is your emotional anchor? When things get out of hand, is there something you reach for or someone you reach out to that helps you to find perspective and keep your emotions in check so that they don’t fly out of control?

For me, this is my partner, Gideon. He is my anchor in the storm that keeps me from being tossed around by the turbulence of my emotions. The key to this, though, is that I have to actually reach out to him to get this benefit from him. Sometimes I forget… and sometimes I am reluctant due to misguided pride or other unreasonable expectations placed upon myself.

The message in today’s cards is a reminder to use your anchor wisely during holiday turbulence (and the rest of the year). Reach out to it or them when needed instead of stubbornly insisting you can do it yourself. Life is far more beautiful and pleasurable when you reach out for help when you need it… especially when emotions are involved.

DECKS USED:  WINTER WAIT TAROT 2021 GLITTER EDITION AND TWIST’S CHRISTMAS AFFIRMATION CARDS

@Lionharts #TheDecemberTarot Fruits of 2025 Challenge
The Scythe Prompts for December 21st thru 24th

Oracle Reading with the Holiday Magic OracleWhat boundary will shape my energy more than any goal I set next year?

New Heights – Knowing when it’s okay to move on a new opportunity or advance on a current project, versus when it’s time to rest and recover.

These boundaries and awareness can help you to not push yourself when you need this time of recovery, as well as not to sink into stagnancy at the end of recovery instead of getting back up and moving again.

What personal vow am I ready to uphold or make without hesitation?

Thoughtful Act – Vow to show your appreciation more; not just for others, but also for yourself. Express your gratitude. Allow yourself to show just how much their presence in your life means, and just how much you value yourself. This might not be your strong suite, but is a promise you can make without hesitation or reservation, as it aligns with both your path and personal growth.

Which old version of myself is ready be released with gratitude?

Simple Pleasures – That long-in-the-tooth part of yourself that is too busy to truly appreciate the small things, and therefore takes them for granted. When you’re too busy and always striving for more, your anxiety and your adrenaline kicked up to a high level. That then causes you to miss out on the small and lovely things in life.

Which emerging version of myself is ready to take the lead from here?

Magical Spirit – The version of yourself that appreciates those around you more, and is willing to come together with them to show that appreciation. This includes appreciating yourself more, for you also need to celebrate your own accomplishments.

Other elements included in this reading:
Japanese Cherry Leaf as a Reminder of Life’s Fleeting Moments
Foraged Lodgepole Pine for Resilience, Growth, and Renewal
Rose Quartz for Gentle Kindness to Self and Others
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: HOLIDAY MAGIC ORACLE OF CHRISTMAS

#DiscordTarotholicsDec2025 Challenge
Prompt for December 21st thru 23rd

Tarot Reading with the Winter Waite Tarot 2021 Glitter EditionWhere should you direct your focus this week to foster your understanding towards others?

Page of Pentacles – Patience is going to be key this week, as is remembering that you don’t know everything. Listen more, speak less. Pay attention to not just what’s going on around you, but also what is right in front of your face.

How can you better foster your relationship with friends and loved ones?

The Magician – Set the tone. Be helpful, but don’t allow others to dictate your own actions, thoughts, ambitions, or goals. Even when you’re sitting back to watch instead of taking an active role, continue to be yourself instead of one of the sheep.

What could you be more grateful for?

Six of Swords – Consider fostering more gratitude for the fact that you can step out and get a breath of air when you need it. You can also walk away from the conversation instead of allowing it to continue. Be sure to eep these things in mind through the week ahead.

Other elements included in this reading:
Black Spruce Needles to Boost Self-Confidence and Positive Thinking
Dried Rosebuds for Potential and Beauty Waiting to Unfold
Dried Purple Heather Flowers for Independence and Luck
Carved Bamboo for Positive Outcomes
Conch Shell Knot for Concentration and Clarity
Desert Rose for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: WINTER WAIT TAROT 2021 GLITTER EDITION

Daily Self Kindness

I pulled a few of the decks for January to be prepared for when I get back after my stay away.  That way I’m not struggling to get them pulled when I return home, and it can be a bit more of a relaxed return as a result.

Emotions are Fluid

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Today’s meditation was an ten minute long #DailyCalm session from the @Calm app.

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The Visionary's Tarot - Page of Swords and Christmas Affirmation CardsDaily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Page of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of a receptive omega energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s thoughts, intellect, logic, ambitions, and communication. This often translates into themes that have to do with learning new ways to communicate with others, beginning new educational pursuits, exploring new ideas. and seeking to sate one’s curiosity.

The Page of Swords has then been combined with one of my Christmas Affirmation cards, which says, “These painful feelings aren’t permanent. There are better times ahead.”

You know, I never actually considered a lack of inspiration or lapse in creativity as something that is a painful feeling. And yet, today’s cards to bring this to the fore for me, and highlight the fact that there is actually pain involved in these moments of slump.

It’s the sensation of missing something vital. A piece of me that drives my ambitions and allows me to see the world around me as beautiful. That creative spark within me provides these things, and when it sputters and struggles to catch flame, I’m a bit surprised to discover upon reflection that feel that lack as an actual internalized wound.

The message in today’s cards is the repeat of a message that I have gotten several times of late. That is… It’s temporary. Discomfort is temporary. Sadness is temporary. Uncertainty is temporary. Our emotions are always moving and flowing and shifting beneath us like sand under waves.

That means that these unpleasant moments we find ourselves in are temporary by nature. Sometimes the key is to just wait it out, other times playing an active role can help us learn how to emerge from these times a bit quicker. There’s nothing wrong with being proactive about it.

DECK USED:  THE VISIONARY’S TAROT AND TWIST’S CHRISTMAS AFFIRMATIONS

@aplacetodock #Yuletide Oracle Challenge
Prompts for December 21st and 22nd

Oracle Reading with the Yule OracleWhat is rocking around the Christmas tree?

Fig and Cinnamon – You can be protective without aggression. Consider the power that resides in silence. Within silence there can be warmth and support, comfort and care… there can also be a statement never spoken with more than a glance or an expression on one’s face.

Silence is a tool. Use it to your advantage by exploring it’s power and the unique language it presents, rather than jumping in with words.

What message comes from the fireplace embers?

Candles and Reindeer – Bank your fire instead of letting it leak out into your disposition this holiday season. You will gain more by staying warm and inviting… and learn a lot more about those around you as well.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Acorns for Protection during New Beginnings
Mandala Disk Charged for Serenity and Balance
 Carved Rhyolite Leaf for Facilitating Calm Transitions
Raccoon Figure for Problem Solving and Seeking Knowledge
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: YULE ORACLE

@LightningWildflower December Arcana Challenge 
Temperance Prompt for December 22nd : How can I move toward a greater sense of equilibrium?

Tarot Reading with The Visionary's TarotSummary: Stop trying to jump at every opportunity that comes along (Ace of Pentacles Rx). In doing so, you are overwhelming yourself (Temperance Rx), which is in turn causing stagnancy (The Hanged Man).

Moment of Reflection: Why was the Temperance card the one that came out, instead of the Ten of Wands? This is because we are talking about the potential for overwhelm, instead of an actual present predicament of overwhelm.

Take Away: It used to be that any opportunity that dropped in your lap, you jumped on, picking it up and inserting it into your life.  When you were younger and had a crapload of energy, not to mention were ignoring your personal needs and self-care?  This was fine, as you could just keep plowing forward.

Now, though, it’s not the same any longer.  You aren’t the same any longer.  The consequences of acting in this way now are much steeper, as you don’t have as much energy and you are trying to take better care of yourself.  You don’t bounce back as easily, which means you can’t juggle as many projects and responsibilities as you once could as your recovery time after doing too much becomes longer and longer.

In order to maintain equilibrium, moderation is needed.  You just -can’t- continue to jump on every opportunity that comes along, no matter how much you want to. The cost and consequences of doing so end up setting you back far more than the boons involved.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Rosebuds for Potential and Beauty Waiting to Unfold
Foraged Lodgepole Pine for Resilience, Growth, and Renewal
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: THE VISIONARY’S TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I told Ms B we wouldn’t be coming on Tuesday, since we’ll be coming up there on Wednesday to spend the night, then staying for a little over a week.