#sacredselfchallenge

Strengthening Principles

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Today’s meditation was… well, I had every intention of meditating today, but that didn’t happen.  I really need to get back into doing this on a regular basis. Hell, even on a semi regular basis would be better than just skipping it all the time.  I’m not sure why I struggle with this but I need to try harder.

Lunaria Tarot and Thera-Pets Emotional Support CardsToday’s draw is the Seven of Quills (Wands) which is traditionally a representation of standing one’s ground, standing up for what you believe in against all odds, and fighting for those things that are important to you.

Sometimes it’s not about the odds, but rather about one’s values and principles. There are hills you just have to stand, and possibly die on in life and it’s important to stand strong in these moments and be true to yourself.

Combined with the Thera-Pets card for today, what I see here is a reminder that standing up for your values and principles isn’t just about outside influences and external attacks. Sometimes it’s our own inner dialogues and judgements that attack what we know is right and try to whittle away at our principles.  Other times it’s peer pressure playing off our insecurities.   Either way, it’s important to remember that we have our values and our principles for a reason, and stay in touch with what they are and why they are what they are.

By keeping in touch with these things we strengthen them, and that strengthening then helps us when these core parts of who we are come under attack.

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

The Sacred Grounds Tarot Club Prompt
Question: Cards to guide me towards total self love and acceptance.

Fine Line Tarot

Color Notes: Take the essence of the Queen of Pentacles and the Death card, and blend them together into the Page of Pentacles.

Reading Summary: By remembering to focus on fostering a nurturing and balanced attitude towards yourself and others (Queen of Pentacles) during times of change (Death), you will learn to accept yourself as you are and things as they come instead of always pushing so hard and judging yourself harshly (Page of Pentacles).

Take Away: So essentially I could have been handed Temperance and the Empress.  *Chuckles*  Well, not necessarily as it would have lost some of it’s nuance but still.   The answer here in how to lean into self love and acceptance is to be kinder to myself.  Kinder in how I view myself, how I judge myself, and how I treat myself… and practice more patience with myself.   These are not really things that I excel at

DECK USED:  FINE LINE TAROT

#DiscordTarotolicsApr2021 Challenge Prompt
Question: In what aspect of life do you need a new perspective?

Lunaria TarotReading Summary: You need to learn when to let go and move on (Three of Quills) from a plan that isn’t working (Three of Pens). Take control not by trying to force the plan to continue to work, but I stepping away and moving on to something else (The Chariot).

Take Away: Don’t hold on so tight.  There’s other ways to use my determination, energy, and intent than by plowing down a road that isn’t going anywhere or isn’t working.

Instead of being single focused on the path I think is the only right one, look around and seize control to change direction instead.  There’s always a better way if you’re willing to just ease up and take a minute to find it.

DECK USED:  LUNARIA TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

Instead of going to bed after I finished my orders as I had at first planned, I’m catching up on blog posts.  This self kindness is in the fact that I feel so much less weight, and so much better, when I don’t have a pile of posts to get through because of having put off posting for a few days.

Kindness… Not Just For Others

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Today’s meditation was skipped and for once I have no excuse.  I just plain didn’t feel like it and ended up fucking around a bit on my phone instead watching videos and IG clips.

Ideal Soulmate Tarot and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Empress card, which is traditionally a representation of sacred feminine energies, nurturing themes, and abundance.

What stands out to me the strongest in the imagery of this card today is that the Empress in this card is barefoot.  I think that this is a very important aspect and including it here shows the connection that the Empress has to the natural world.  She is both grounded, and at ease, comforting and warm.

When combined with the Thera-Pets card for today, what I see here is a message about self-kindness and care.  It’s all well and good to direct kindness and care to others, and wonderful to be accepted as a kind and caring person.   But we need to remember that kindness and caring needs to be directed toward ourselves as well.   Even when you might feel like you don’t deserve it, or feel like punishing yourself is more apt and comfortable.

Try harder to be kind to yourself.  Work harder at silencing the negative inner dialogue that picks you apart and tears you down, puts you in your place and… quite frankly, abuses you.  If you wouldn’t treat others that way, why would you treat yourself like that?  Instead, work at replacing that inner dialogue with something kinder, more understanding, and more accepting.

DECK USED:  IDEAL SOULMATE TAROT AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

The Sacred Grounds Tarot Club Prompt
Question: What beautiful aspect of myself am I ready to embrace?

Tarot of the Nymphs

Reading Summary: My ability to move through life’s winding pathways (Three of Mushrooms) with an attitude of gratitude (Nine of Sunflowers), and my willingness to show others the path to do the same (The Hierophant).

Take Away:  I’ve dealt with a crapload of pain and struggles in life. I make the conscious choice to walk that path with gratitude, and to see each experience I have (including the bad ones) as a lesson to help me become better in some way.  I choose not to live in the mentality of a victim, but rather I see these experiences are a type of wealth. That wealth is something that I both cherish as well as consciously practice gratitude for on a daily basis.

I want to share this with others, and help them through their own struggles by sharing this perspective.  Sadly, not everyone is ready or able to see things from that perspective, but I try anyway because I care and I want to help where I’m able to do so.

DECK USED:  TAROT OF THE NYMPHS

#DiscordTarotolicsApr2021 Challenge Prompt
Question: How can you break free of the illusion that acting on new ideas is the only way to suss out the best from them?

Ideal Soulmate TarotReading Summary:  Moderation is needed (Temperance), or you end up with so many things on your burner at once that your time becomes fleeting and stolen away in too many directions (Seven of Swords). Ignoring the help available to you (Two of Cups Rx) is foolhardy and unhealthy (The Fool Rx). Instead of thinking you know everything (Page of Swords Rx) remember to keep your mind and heart open to new perspectives (Ace of Cups and Hanged Man).

Take Away: Sometimes. I fall into the habit of becoming too rigid in my thinking.  The encouragement here is about being more adaptive, and allowing myself to take things in moderation.  I need to remember that help from others is a good thing, and I need to take a step back and look at why I feel so threatened by the idea of writing ideas down to save them for exploration at a later date.

I could explore more with more help from others, but with both of the center cards very definitely and clearly insistent on being Rx, what I see here is more about looking at things differently and cherishing my time rather than throwing it away by stubbornly repeating old patterns.  An open mind and open heart are needed to find a new path in this area.

DECK USED:  IDEAL SOULMATE TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

It wasn’t really a kindness in the traditional sense, but I sent the entire day today working on taxes, and with each of the tasks on my list that I checked off, I could feel the weight of the pressure to get them done easing.  I didn’t get finished, but I expect that I will be able to finish up on Friday.

The You of Today

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Today’s meditation was skipped primarily because I’ve felt so much like I’m behind schedule or behind in what needs done that totally psyched myself out of doing it. The thing is?  It’s Tuesday. I don’t really have a crap load to do.  I mean, I really need to work on my taxes, but aside from that?  This is probably my most dependably least busy day of the week.

Quirky Creatives Tarot Deck and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Hanged Man, which is traditionally a representation of taking a pause to gain perspective, surrendering to the will of the fates/universe, and dealing with delays or stalling.

The imagery in this card depicts aerial yoga, and is very clearly about looking within, seeking peace, and finding a new perspective through those endeavors while the rising sun in the background is a clear indication of the positive outcome taking time to gain perspective can lead to.

When combined with the Thera-Pets card for today, what I see here is a message about looking at yourself differently.  Not as a “work in progress” or something to apologize for and “work on”, but instead as a valid and complete person in this moment.  This is about acceptance of self and the fact that in being human, we are all flawed.  Those flaws help us in being unique.

Is it okay to work on being a better person?  Of course!  But don’t discount who you are right now.

DECK USED:  QUIRKY CREATIVES TAROT AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

The Sacred Grounds Tarot Club Prompt
Question: How can I love myself more deeply?

Midori Tarot

Reading Summary:  Note that the figure in the coin as well as the Hermit are both not just facing the moon but seem enraptured by it, as do the lobster, the dog, and the wolf. Make sure that you’re not focusing too deeply (Ace of Pentacles) on your uncertainties (The Moon) during what is supposed to be healthy alone time (The Hermit).

Take Away:  Sometimes? It can be really hard not to focus on the things that make you feel inadequate or less than.  Hidden uncertainties and self doubt is often hard to combat. It’s important, though, to make sure you are paying attention to these tendencies, especially during times of rest, recovery, and self reflection. During these times you are more open and susceptible to negative inner dialogue sinking in deep and sticking. Being vigilant and careful not to let these doubts and uncertainties take center stage leaves room for more positivity and more self kindness.

DECK USED:  TAROT MIDORI

#DiscordTarotolicsApr2021 Challenge Prompt
Philosophical Question: Is personal growth required to live a good life?

Quirky Creatives Tarot DeckReading Summary:  Kindness (Nurturer of Records) and connections (Two of Mugs) are very important. Lack of growth can drag you down and thwart these things from flourishing (Eight of Pens).

Take Away: The cards here indicate that without growth, we stand still and stagnant, even in a state of discomfort caused by being held back. Life is about potential, and nurturing connections can clear these blockages and stagnation… allowing for forward movement.

So yes.  Growth is required to live a good life.  Without it comes stagnancy and boredom.

DECK USED:  QUIRKY CREATIVES TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I let Gideon help calm down my frenzy of anxiety earlier today instead of allowing it to keep on going throughout the evening.

Dropping The Ball

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Today’s meditation was skipped in preference for sleep and lolligagging a bit in a relaxation of quiet time alone.

Seventh Sphere Tarot de Marseille and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Six of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of moving forward into something better, but in doing so needing to also leave something behind.

Any type of growth requires release.  We have to make room for new and better things, and just like when you make room in your home for that new couch or coffee table by removing the old ones, so too must this be done when we grow and change.

These changes are for the best, but they can become difficult when you find yourself clinging to the comfort of the past.  This can stunt growth and create unnecessary baggage that is carried around with you like that storage unit full of old furniture you’re never actually going to use again but can’t seem to let go of.

Combined with today’s Thera-Pets card, we are reminded that setbacks and that baggage created by the comfort we take in the old in familiar is normal.  Sometimes it’s going to happen, and it’s important at those  times that you don’t look at yourself or the situation as a failure.  It’s okay to stumble, and it’s okay to drop the ball now and then.  There will be time to pick up the pieces and try again.

DECK USED:  SEVENTH SPHERE TAROT DE MARSEILLE AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

LionHart’s Sacred Self Divination Challenge Prompt
Question: What am I asked to have {more} faith in right now?

Inspirational Tarot

 Reading Summary: That my journey (Page of Cups) of emotional growth (Ace of Cups) won’t be destabilizing to other areas of my life (Four of Pentacles).

Take Away:  Emotions often feel to me like standing on sand in the rush of oncoming waves.  The sand is constantly shifting under your feet as the water swirls around your ankles, and there’s no stability on which to form a solid foundation.  You don’t build houses on shifting sand… you can’t even stand for long upon it without moving your feet to stay atop instead of sinking.  Sometimes, that means that this journey of emotional growth makes me feel vulnerable and destabilized.  The cards here are reminding me that this is a perception, and not reality.  That it is indeed possible to be in touch with your emotions and also have solid footing.

DECK USED:  INSPIRATIONAL TAROT

#DiscordTarotolicsApr2021 Challenge Prompt
Question: What illusion is clouding your perception?

Seventh Sphere Tarot de MarseilleReading Summary: That I need to pounce on new ideas right away (Ace of Swords atop Page of Swords) in order to carry them to fruition (Chariot) and suss the most out of them as possible (Strength).

Take Away:  I often fall into the mentality that an idea not acted upon becomes a lost idea. A lost idea that could be brilliant.  A lost idea that could be amazing.  Lost.

This is not the case, and I’m supposed to be writing my ideas down in order to help mitigate this feeling.  But I fall into times now and then where I stop writing them down.

The cards here are telling me that this does not mean they are lost.  If they are of true value and are meant to be?  They’ll come around again.

DECK USED:  SEVENTH SPHERE TAROT DE MARSEILLE TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I slept in even though it’s an orders day.  I’ll pay for it later tonight, but it was really nice to just relax for a bit while the girls were out and the apartment was (relatively) quiet. [That “relatively” is in there because… construction.]

Shedding Uncertainty

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Today’s meditation was skipped due to an overwhelming urge to get out of bed and find my pain pills.  GOD FUCK I hurt today.  Just sayin’ but damn.  So yeah… I didn’t meditate.  I did extra physio instead in an effort to ease some of the tension in my muscles.

Friends Tarot and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’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, imagination, and intuition.

There’s really no one aspect in particular in the imagery of today’s card that stands out to me today except when I look closer.  Then, what stands out is kind blue eyes and a self-assured smirk.

Before meeting Gideon (my very own King of Cups), I had a but of an odd relationships with the court cards in the Cups suit.  Perhaps I still do.   But what I see here in this card is kindness and confidence.  Strength through knowing oneself and knowing others, and being able to see the inner urges and drive that causes people to react as they do. The maturity to understand these things, and react to them in a way that is both strong and yet gentle.

Combined with the Thera-Pets card for today, what I see here is a gentle reminder to be kind and not allow uncertainty to get in the way and drag you down.

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

LionHart’s Sacred Self Divination Challenge Prompt
Question: What more can I personally do in support of my best self?

Tarot of Baseball

Reading Summary: Keep working on your emotional growth (Ace of Gloves atop Eight of Balls). There isn’t an “end goal” or a battle to be won (Five of Caps) and looking at your growth in this manner will only make a mess of things (Justice).

Take Away:  I often have a habit of looking at things at a challenge with an end goal.  Even things that I shouldn’t…. like my emotional growth and delving into fostering my own emotional intelligence.  I’m still at the very beginning of this journey, and yet there are time when I fall into this mentality and have to check myself, remind myself that this is not a destination… it’s a journey.

DECK USED:  TAROT OF BASEBALL

#DiscordTarotolicsApr2021 Challenge Prompt
Question: Do Spread #3

Friends TarotYou – Ace of Cups – A carry over from the previous reading, here we see myself represented as the newly hatched egg of emotional growth.

Your Goal – Seven of Swords – Sneaky shit.  I’m not going to spell it out here because it’s just a wee bit on the side of illegal, but suffice to say the contemplation of this sneaky shit has been ongoing.

What’s holding you back? – Three of Wands – Lack of a definitive direction.  These goals go against the path I’ve chosen for myself and the moral compass that has directed my life from a young age.

Advice to overcome what’s holding you back – Three of Swords Rx – Don’t do it.  Find another way.  Nothing good can come from moving forward with “the thing”.  Instead, find a better way that is more in line with my path and my moral compass. Turn things around so that the blades slide out instead of sinking in deeper.

DECK USED:  FRIENDS TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I hung curtains today for my peace of mind.  It didn’t bother me much with the construction going on next door, until one of the drivers of the dump trucks waved at L through the window.   I then realized that shit was not quite as private as I thought it was, and with first construction workers and eventually apartments going up just across the alley from our windows, I feel it’s time.   So I hung curtains.  It was an ordeal and a huge pain in the ass (and back), but I’m happy with the results.

Not All Prizes Are Physical

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Today’s meditation was just over ten minutes long and was one of the guided meditations on the Calm app with an added interval timer for my piriformis stretching. I can definitely “feel it” that I haven’t been doing my hip flexor stretches recently.  Although things loosened up quickly, getting there was far more painful than usual.

The focus of today’s meditation was about learning how to focus on gratitude instead of the harshness of judgement.  It spoke on how it is through a practice that involves gratitude that we combat negative inner narratives that can often rise up to be directed at ourselves or others.

Twilight Rabbit Tarot and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Ten of Passions (Cups), which is traditionally a representation of emotional satiety, and euphoric contentment.  It is the card that speaks of having obtained one’s heart’s desire and wallowing in that feeling of completion.

A meadow full of happy bunnies wallowing in the grass and a message from the Thera-Pets cards saying it’s okay to be scared, you’ll get there anyway?   What I see here is a reminder to keep your eye on the prize.

Not the monetary prize.  Not the responsibilities and work…. but the prize your heart truly desires.  The wishes and dreams.  Make sure that you’re not forsaking these things, and don’t let your self doubts and fears swerve you from trying to obtain them.

DECK USED:  TWILIGHT RABBIT TAROT AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

LionHart’s Sacred Self Divination Challenge Prompt
Question: What is my biggest strength at this time {card 1}, and how am I asked to use it right now {card 2}?

Cute Cat Tarot

 Reading Summary: You’re a fast learner and damn good at the things you choose to put your effort into (Eight of Pentacles). Hold back on the “get it, get it” and do a little research first (Page of Wands). It will help you feel more connected to the process (The Star).

Take Away:  At the moment it’s more important to focus on learning and practice than going after anything concrete and taking actions to chase those dreams.  You need to feel more connected to your ideas, your creativity, and your interests.  Allow yourself the time to learn more, and hone your skills.  Then when you decide to act?  You’ll enjoy it more instead of feeling stress bred from a sense of disconnect.

DECK USED:  CUTE CAT TAROT

#DiscordTarotolicsApr2021 Challenge Prompt
Question: What gifts does the peak of the spring season bring with it for me?

Twilight Rabbit TarotReading Summary: Time with Gideon (King of Passions). As the spark of spring’s energy begins to shift (Death atop Ace of Clover), you will find yourself pushing for more of the time together you both enjoy (Jack of Clover).

Take Away: The peak of spring season and shift of energy extending into summer’s beginnings will bring with it a passionate enjoyment of time spent with Gideon on the things that we enjoy the most.  More time together. More time playing.  More time. 

It is important to not just pursue this time, working to make room for it whenever I’m able, but also to savor it mindfully and with a grateful heart.

DECK USED:  TWILIGHT RABBIT TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

Still playing a bit of catch up at the moment. Although… considering this was Monday, I’m pretty sure I didn’t do anything at all to be kind to myself other than ask for help from the girls in getting orders and packaging done.