Seasons of the Witch Yule Oracle

Emotional Validation

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

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Season of the Witch Winter Tarot - Queen of Cups and Christmas Affirmation CardDaily 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 (Artisan of Winter 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 feelings may sometimes be irrational, but they’re still important!”

One of the biggest, most life-changing things that Gideon has ever said to me was telling me that my emotions and how I feel about something is valid, even if it doesn’t make any sense.

For someone who use logic and reason to ground themselves as much as I did back then, the irrationality of emotion was something that I really struggled with, and was part of the reason that I shoved my emotions away and disregarded them as irrelevant.

This one sincere nurturing concept offered to me with love, validated my emotions; regardless of the fact they so often don’t make sense and there is no logic behind them. This kind concept of understanding and acceptance helped me to better connect with my emotions and bestow that acceptance upon them myself.

The message in today’s cards is a reminder that it is okay that emotions don’t make sense. It’s okay that they’re irrational. The message in today’s card is that even when they don’t make sense or are irrational, these factors do not invalidate them. Your emotions are important to even when you can’t always make sense of them.

DECK USED:  SEASONS OF THE WITCH WINTER TAROT AND TWIST’S CHRISTMAS AFFIRMATION CARDS

#DiscordTarotholicsDec2025 Challenge
Prompt for December 20th : Draw a random card and use it to describe a quality about yourself that you love.

Oracle Reading with the Season of the Witch Yule OraclePerseverance – I am a survivor. No matter what obstacles are thrown my way or how many times it’s necessary to rebuild, I continue to survive and strive for those values, ideals, and aspirations that are important to me.

This need to continue on and strive forward has at times been disrupted by mental health issues, but even with those hurdles in my way, I continue to strive onward.

Hearth – I have deep roots. Not in the history built by previous generations, but rather through the hard work that I personally have put in and the stability created from that hard work.

These roots create stability not just for myself, but for those around me as well, providing a sense of safety, security, and warmth for all within my sphere.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Oak Branch with Moss and Lichen for Perseverance
Dried Rosebuds for Potential and Beauty Waiting to Unfold
Foraged Acorns for Protection during New Beginnings
Gneiss Stone for Patience in Moments of Discomfort
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: SEASONS OF THE WITCH YULE ORACLE

@LightningWildflower December Arcana Challenge 
Death Prompts for December 20th and 21st

Tarot Reading with the Season of the Witch Winter Tarot and Seasons of the Witch Yule OracleHow can I honor the end of one chapter without rushing to the next thing?

Five of Swords atop Eight of Wands Rx; Light – Despite the storm that rages and your need to be “Mr Fix It”, slow down and allow the lightning of the storm to illuminate that which has already come to pass.

Pause… and appreciate.  Stop, and celebrate. The secret of honoring the chapter that’s passed before rushing into the next thing is in the pause, and the choice to allow light to shine on your accomplishments and experiences.

What ways of being have I outgrown?

The Winter Lovers Rx and Dove Medicine – Once upon a time you always pushed yourself to achieve your (unreasonable) expectations and goals, no matter the cost or consequence to yourself. Over the past few years, you’ve begun to learn how to more often put your needs and self-care as a higher priority than progress, leaving behind those unreasonable expectations in an effort to be kinder to yourself.

Other elements included in this reading:
Deodar Cedar Cone for Fostering Clarity and Spiritual Connection
Foraged Parmeliaceae Lichen for a “Breath of Fresh Air”
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECKS USED: SEASONS OF THE WITCH WINTER TAROT AND SEASONS OF THE WITCH YULE ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I got the January challenge questions, spreads, and graphics finished a little early this month so there’s less pressure when the end of the month gets here.

Winter Solstice 2023 – Yule

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The Winter Solstice is coming up on December 21st! This holiday is (in essence) the Pagan equivalent to Christmas. Fun fact… when Christmas was placed on December 25th, the church chose that day to coincide with the pagan holiday of Yule (because as most know, Christ was actually born in the spring, not in December).

Although many of us have been feeling like we’ve been in it for months, the Winter Solstice is the “official” first day of winter, and marks  its spot on the calendar not by its date, but by being one of only two days each year where the daylight and darkness are equal.  In my path, this holiday marks a day of hope for the future, and candles are lit to celebrate the return of the sun as it begins to now become more and more prominent with each day that passes and every day becomes longer as the nights decrease.

yule

Like with new moons and full moons, I usually do a spread to check in with myself and give myself some direction for the next couple of months for each solstice, equinox, and other Sabbats. This spread is an adaptation of my Self Care Saturday spread, so there are some similarities in how it is read. The focus of this spread, though, is not about Self Care, but rather about progress and my path. The time period is also longer, reaching through the next handful of weeks until the celebration of upcoming Imbolc at the beginning of February.

Winter Solstice Oracle Reading with the Seasons of the Witch Yule Oracle

As the Sun is reborn, what is being illuminated for me on the darkest day of the year?

Offerings – A realignment of values is asking you to spend some time examining your intentions and goals.  Having a clear focus and a path forward doesn’t happen automatically, it happens when transition is in play and you take the time to pin down where to go next.

What do I need to release and surrender to the Sun’s Fire?

Gatherings – Social obligations, especially those that feel like obligations, need to be set aside. If your social obligations are fun, or feel good?  That’s great!  But if they feel like a chore, it’s time to let those feelings of obligations, and the activities that come with those feelings, go.

With light beginning to return, what intentions should I set?

Mother Mary – Self care needs to be at the top of your priority right now.  Give yourself the care and understanding that you have been withholding over the past few months.  Now that the holiday rush is drawing to a close, it’s time to start plotting out how to incorporate self care back into your daily life again.

How can I hold space for the light to spread & strengthen my intentions?

Falling in Love – Spend time with Gideon and getting back the balance or rightness, comfort, and security that he contributes to your life.

What will manifest from my Winter Solstice intentions?

Gratitude – More and more to be grateful for is on the horizon. Reconnect with appreciating the little things as well as the big ones.

Message from the Sun.

Self-Care – You can’t care for others and effectively reach for your goals if you aren’t caring for yourself. Your cup is currently empty.  Take the time and set the intentions needed to help yourself refill.

Message from the Minoan Goddess Amalthea.

Merriment – Savor the holidays and every day. Find things to cherish and enjoy on a daily basis.

DECKS USED: SEASONS OF THE WITCH YULE ORACLE

❤️ Self Care Saturday (On a Sunday)

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These Saturday readings are (not usually) bearing in on any one thing or event in my life, as the question used is asking for a more general outlook. This is a self care exercise, and is not meant as a predictive reading… although that, too, happens on occasion.

The question is… What do I need to focus for self-care through the week ahead?

Vintage Christmas Tarot and Season of the Witch Yule Oracle

Earth – Judgement – Don’t lose sight of the fact that this journey through the holiday rush may be short, but we’re looking at a longer picture as a whole.

Air – Six of Swords atop Two of Cups – This week is the transition out of the holiday rush into the lull that comes after. Make sure that you are leaning into those closest to you that you care about to help you through the change, and it will help you keep your head on straight.

Water – Page of Pentacles – Do what you can to make sure that the slow down at the end of the week doesn’t mess with your emotions. Remember that slow progress is still progress, and look to the Two of Cups above for advice on how to handle the disruption this shift in gears may cause.

Fire – Five of Pentacles Rx – Don’t panic and remember you are not destitute. When income slows down, scarcity issues, become a problem. Be aware of this, and work to mitigate your anxiety in this area.

Waning – Offerings – As the week goes on there will be less going out. Don’t strive to keep pushing out more than you’re able… Instead, take this time to rest and find your balance.

Waxing – Remembering – Towards the end of the week he will be visiting with family and then going to stay with Miss B for a few days. There are people lost in this household that will be remembered and mourned while you are there. Be sure to partake in these memories, as well as support others during this time.

Take Away – These cards are announcing the end of the holiday rush, and then transition that comes with that end. Things are going to slow down drastically over the next few days and by the end of the week it will be time to take some time off to spend with family and loved ones. Make sure that you are making efforts to cherish this time, instead of distracted and struggling under the shift of pace.

DECKS USED: VINTAGE CHRISTMAS TAROT AND SEASONS OF THE WITCH YULE ORACLE

Gifts of the Past and Present

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

IMG_E8168Today’s draw is the Ornaments card from the Seasons of the Witch Yule Oracle, with the quote “So it is, a remembrance of what once was and with what will be, A fragile beauty beaming upon thy.”

This card’s imagery reminds me of hand-me-downs.  Not clothes and things like that… but Christmas ornaments and candles.  In storage, I have bins of Christmas ornaments from the 20’s through the 60s.  Delicate glass balls and ceramic characters intricately hand painted, and beautiful ornaments carved of wood.  And candles…. so many candles. Not just tapers or votives made by family and friends, but detailed decorative candles covered in frothed wax, glitter, and holiday embellishments.

Some years? Not decorating for the holidays doesn’t bother me at all… other years I really long to go through those boxes, wander among memory lane, and appreciate the creativity of all those around me both of the past, and of the present.

Today’s card reminds me of these stowed away treasures, and of just how fortunate I am to have a culture of friends and family that appreciate creativity and the beauty of hand crafting items that can be passed down through generations.

DECK USED:  SEASONS OF THE WITCH YULE ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I’ve been doing a lot of breathing exercises today to help keep my anxiety under control.

Self Care Saturday (On a Sunday)

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These Saturday readings are (not usually) bearing in on any one thing or event in my life, as the question used is asking for a more general outlook. This is a self care exercise, and is not meant as a predictive reading… although that, too, happens on occasion.

The question is… What do I need to focus for self-care through the week ahead?

Winter Waite Tarot 2018 Edition, The Merry Christmas Oracle, Seasons of the Witch Yule Oracle

Earth – The Fool and Angel – Ground yourself this week in the knowledge and advice that your spirit guides have to offer. With the holiday rush at an end, now is the time to approach your relationship with these guides with fresh energy and a sense of newness.

Air – Nine of Swords atop Page of Pentacles, Sugar Plums – Don’t worry so much about where things are going next. Now is a time to take a breath, take comfort in a job well done, and look forward with hope. Don’t allow worries and anxieties to slide in and pollute the waters with negativity.

Water – Ten of Pentacles and Orange – Focus this week on how the time spent with people who truly love and care about you has helped to nourish and nurture you. Take tie to appreciate how this differes from other years past at this time of year, and recognize that good company makes for healthier emotional foundations.

Fire – Death Rx and Party – Take a break and have some fun. You don’t always have to be pushing forward and striving for better.  You’ve earned this time off and need to focus on savoring it and enjoying it to its fullest.

Waning – Family – In a few days, you will be headed back home, and Z will be headed back home as well. Savour the sense of family and closeness while you can, for by the end of the week it will be just you and L on your own once more.

Waxing – Ringing the Bells – Cleanse yourself of the bad habits and unhelathy behaviors you’ve been entertaining through the holiday rush. It’s time to let go of the neglect and the shortcuts, the mistreatment and ignoring of your own needs. Release it all, cleanse it from your life, and wash it away to clear the air for something healthier.

Take Away – This week is all about savoring the support and closeness of those that care deepest for you and you for them, and appreciating their presence in your life and how much they care. On top of this, there is encouragement to make sure that you are rooting your feet and finding balance in the wake of the rush instead of neglecting the need to return to a healthy dose of self-care.

DECKS USED: WINTER WAITE TAROT 2018 EDITION, THE MERRY CHRISTMAS ORACLE, SEASONS OF THE WITCH YULE ORACLE

Cherishing What Is Before You

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Today’s meditation was just about ten minutes long, and was just me and my breathing exercises along with some piriformis stretching.

Vintage Christmas TarotToday’s draw is the Four of Pentacles, which is traditionally about stability and gratitude (sometimes to excess, which can turn miserly) for what you have. This is a stagnant sort of appreciation that speaks of not reaching for more, but instead being focused on what you have in the now.

After running around all day yesterday getting things done, today is a day of rest. There is no plan to go anywhere or do much other than some chores around the house.

The imagery in this card is about family and the reminder here in the Four of Pentacles today is to appreciate this time with those dear to your heart. The message here is not to worry so much about what’s coming in the future, and instead be present in this day and this time with loved ones.

DECK USED:  VINTAGE CHRISTMAS TAROT

Mr Lionharts’ #TheDecemberTarot The Path Ahead Tarot Challenge Prompt

 Yule Oracle

See Only With Love – Ribbon (Elegance, Formality, Exclusivity) – Take tie this season to try to see your mother in another light. Changing her isn’t in the cards and she sees nothing wrong with her behavior, but you have the opportunity to shift your perspective and find a view that allows you to find peace with her and put to rest expectations you can’t possibly have fulfilled by her.

Speak With Love – Candy Cane (Sweetness, Strong Foundations, Drawing In Love) – Make sure that you are expressing to those around you how you feel about them.  Only the good, though. Focus on the good and let the irritations and other issues go for now.  Use this tie for bonding and pulling those who matter close instead.

Listen With Love – Ornament (Wishes, Ancestors, Beauty) – Now that the holiday rush is over it’s time to open yourself back up to messages from your ancestors and the guidance that they can provide you. Open your heart and your intuition, and allow them to help guidie you toward those things you really want in life.

Mind Boundaries – Bells (Purification, Warding Off Evil, Clarity) – Make sure that you are paying attention to the energy that others are directing your way, and deflecting the negative. Don’t ignore it and think that it will go away on its own, instead deflect and cleanse that negativity out immediately.

Be Kind – Pomegranate (Beauty, Fertility, Promises) – When you take the time to be kind over this season, it will be reciprocated in turn.  Like a smile creates another smie and thus spreads smiles onward through the world, kindness can also travel and spread in the same way, and in turn make the world a better place a little at a time.

Know Your Power – Hot Chocolate (Sympathy, Nourishment, Comfort) – You have the ability to provide comfort and nurturing to those around you with your grounded presence and energy. By spending time with those that are mourning their loss this year, you are giving them more than sympathy, but also support and a greater sense of stability that is currently lacking in their lives.

Be Balanced – Caramel Popcorn (Hiding the Truth, Irresponsibility, Material World) – Don’t allow the addictions that were getting out of hand prior to the holiday rush to step back in and progress as they had been.  The rush has given you a chance to renegotiate the tightness of those chains and find a better fit. Keep with that.

Honor Your Word – Elf (Assistance, Workmanship, Secrecy) – There are a few things from earlier this month that you need to get done now that the holiday rush is at an end.  Readings that need done, specifically.  Make sure over the next week you reach out to these people to get these promises taken care of.

Blessed Be – Christmas Tree (Abundance, Life, Immortality) – Don’t worry about the future right now.  It is bright and beautiful, and filled with promise. Focusing on the what-if scenarios and worrying won’t solve anything and will only hold you back. Focus on the good instead.

DECK USED: YULE ORACLE

OwlandBonesTarot’s #DecemberBones2021 Tarot Challenge Prompt

Vintage Christmas Tarot and Seasons of the Witch Yule OracleNaughty – King of Cups – Gideon is my personal King of Cups, and as such this card is encouraging spending some… naughty time with Gideon soon. We have been planning some pirates period-piece type roleplay for after the holidays and I have absolutely no doubt that naughty is sure to fill many of those hours.

Nice – The Sun – This is a reminder to look towards the light.  Have fun. Work on keeping an optimistic view as we move through the few weeks ahead.  The end of the holiday rush has a habit of dumping you into a bit of a drop, and the reminder here is that to couneract that effect, you need to work at staying positive.  It’s not going to happen on its own.

Clarifier – Merriment – Have fun! Both during your time with Gideon and on your own as well. Look for the joy and enjoyment in every little thing.  Stay focused on the fun so that the drag of the slump that the end of the holiday rush creates doesn’t pull you under.

DECK USED: VINTAGE CHRISTMAS ORACLE AND SEASONS OF THE WITCH YULE ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

Although I brought work along with me on this trip, I haven’t touched it. Not even today when we stayed home all day and relaxed.