self help with tarot cards

Healing from Grief

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

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COTD01The @GlitterbyInk #DivineGoddess25 Challenge
Words and Wisdom Prompt for January 1 : Destiny

Today’s draw is the Temperance card combined with the affirmation “We can overcome the suffering of loss with renewed energy and the right balance.”

We are not meant to exist in a place of constant sadness and pain. It is not our destiny, nor healthy for us in the long term.

Today’s cards are a reminder that healing from loss takes time. Grief is a horrible experience, and it can feel like it stretches on forever and will never ease.

It can be difficult during these times not to curl up into ourselves and hide away from the world, and at the beginning, this is absolutely healthy.  Eventually, though, to emerge out of the cloud of sadness and suffering that grief brings us, we must step out of that secluded space we’ve made for ourselves and let others in.

The last step of the healing process is not one that we can do alone, but requires others and the world around us.  It involves finding a balance between the hurt and the joys that the world  still has to offer, and letting those joys begin to soothe away the pain.

DECKS USED:  TAROT OF THE HIDDEN REALM AND WOODLAND WARDENS ORACLE

#DiscordTarotholicsJan2025 Challenge
Prompt for January 1 : Do the 1st Quarter Spread

New Years Tarot Reading with the Mystical Tarot of the Saints, Shadows of the Middle Ages Oracle, Wishcraft Oracle

Year Ahead Theme : Temperance

Moderation is the name of the game this year.  Take care not to move too fast or go overboard in the grand scheme of things. Remember that even things that are healthy and good can turn bad for you if taken in excess.

Theme for January : Two of Cups

Together time. It’s been a long winter with an extended stretch of separation from those that love you and your emotions. Use this month to begin opening up to your emotions and connecting with those that have your well being at heart. Close relationships are the best to indulge in during this time.

Focus / Advice for January : Turtle

Stay focused on the themes of stability and protection right now. Take things slow and practice a modicum of care and caution.  There’s no rush, and no need to push.

Ray of Hope for January : Bubble Power

Have fun and seek a lighthearted perspective. This ties in with the need to take things slow this month.  Step away from work and breathe in some fresh air.  Enjoy rather than just plowing forward with determination.  It’s time to meander instead, and check out the wonder around you while you’re at it.

Theme for February : Queen of Coins

Stability is carried forward from January into February, and you are encouraged to foster those stability factors in your life this month, as well as share that stability with others.

Focus / Advice for February : Talisman

Hold close those things that help you to stay centered. Foundations can feel shaky from time to time, even when you have a stable one under your feet. Give yourself what you need to keep yourself sure footed and centered, otherwise you may find yourself scattered and out of sorts.

Ray of Hope for February : Aqua Luna

It can be difficult not to fall into feelings of scarcity, especially when tremors make your foundation feel even minutely unstable. Make sure you are reflecting on your blessings and connecting with a sense of gratitude for them, and it will help you in seeing that things aren’t as bad as they are feeling in the moment.

Theme for March : The Star

Hope and optimism is the theme for March, and will require you to take a conscious effort at leaning into those ideals and perspectives.  Don’t allow yourself to fall into dark pathways, but keep your chin up instead. Be positive. Be indomitable in your hope and optimism.

Focus / Advice for March : The Moon

Connect with your intuition and emotions, and allow yourself to let go of uncertainties. It is in exploring your emotions that you remove feelings of uncertainty surrounding them.  Don’t allow them to go unexplored and thus the uncertainty you feel concerning them to grow out of control.

Ray of Hope for March : Time Capsule

Root yourself in all that you are. In who you are. Take time to explore that in the present, instead of always looking ahead to a better you that you are wanting to develop into.  It’s okay to be in the present and like yourself in the now, while acknowledging that growth will come in time.

DECK USED: MYSTICAL TAROT OF THE SAINTS, SHADOWS OF THE MIDDLE AGES ORACLE, WISHCRAFT ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I helped Ms B take down the outside decorations on her house this morning so that my brain wouldn’t be constantly worrying she was going to get up on a ladder and attempt to do it while I am not around.

Finding the Positive for December 29 – 31

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Card of the Day Tarot Reading with the Christmas Tales Tarot, Christmas Cheer Tarot, and Yuletide Tarot

December 29 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Today’s card is the Five of Cups combined with the affirmation “You are not failing. Depression lies. Keep going.”

There is a specific reason that these card of the day exercises are always focused on the positive. It’s a part of the mental health exercise that my therapist encouraged me to start a few years ago.

The problem is that when your brain resides constantly in a state of negative inner narratives and pessimistic views, it begins to hold sway your emotions and outlook on life, and can thus negatively influence your mental health. That is where my therapist comes into the picture, because I am absolutely one of those people whose brain lives in that negative space when left to its own devices.

This card of the day exercise is for self-care, and focuses on helping in seeing a more positive, optimistic perspective. When I started a few years ago, I really didn’t think it would help. In fact, I scoffed at the idea and was not at all enthusiastic about it.

Years later, though, there’s no arguing with the results. By pulling a card each day asking for “a positive message to carry with me throughout the day and offer perspective”, and taking the time to write out what that positive message is each day?  I have managed cut down on the number of depressive episodes I experience as well as shorten their duration.

This exercise doesn’t mean that the bad stuff isn’t still there, or that I ignore it. It just provides a positive touch of perspective to my otherwise pessimistic mind. It helps.

With the holiday rush over, it’s time to get back on the wagon. Today’s cards are a welcome back, as well as a reminder about what this exercise is all about.

I hope that in my sharing these daily cards publicly, it helps you too.

DECK USED: CHRISTMAS TALE TAROT AND SELF-MADE CHRISTMAS AFFIRMATION CARDS

December 30 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Today’s card is the Knight of Wands combined with the affirmation “I choose to see the magic and wonder in every moment.”

There is a reminder here about being enthusiastic in the pursuit of the things that you enjoy.  Don’t trudge through life with your enthusiasm flagging, but instead sprint forward eagerly like a kid with a sled in the snow. 

When you bring this enthusiasm into the every day, and apply it to ordinary moments, it allows you to see life through a lens filled with magic and wonder, rather than the sloop shouldered disregard that us adults often cast our gaze upon the world around us.

Don’t let fun, amusement, and moments of gaiety and laughter pass you by.  Dive in to experience and savor them instead.

DECK USED: YULETIDE TAROT AND SELF-MADE CHRISTMAS AFFIRMATION CARDS

December 31 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was skipped

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Today’s card is The Hierophant combined with the affirmation “You make the world merrier with your festive cheer.”

Okay, so… to be fair?  I’m not really the cheery type. This isn’t really a surprise to those that know me. I do, however, really love the holidays.  I love seeing everyone’s enthusiasm for decorating and making things look beautiful and festive.  I like seeing the traditions that take place, and how they differ from person to person and from family to family.  I find a great deal of joy in these things.

In the week following Christmas? I’ve actually been able to enjoy some of them too.  I’ve taken drives to look at the decorations that people still have out on display, and visited stores where I’ve taken pleasure in seeing the holiday frosted cupcakes, the decorations on last-minute sale, and enjoyed the more relaxed atmosphere of everyone -not- rushing around like spastic chickens with their heads cut off.

In doing these things, I’ve seen those around me also finding enjoyment in them… in getting to share them with me.

Today’s cards are a reminder that when traditions are shared? They take on meaning. Importance.  And an atmosphere of joy and enjoyment that touches everyone involved.  Traditions are important. They’re special, and they’re meant to be savored and enjoyed.

Happy New Year everyone!

DECK USED: CHRISTMAS CHEER TAROT AND SELF-MADE CHRISTMAS AFFIRMATION CARDS

📆 Transitioning from December to January

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Month End Lenormand reading with the Petit Lenormand Noëldine

Here and Now I Exist – Who you are now, in your entirety.

Anchor and Fox – You are finding yourself with the urge to avoid risk and take things slow with others. Although you are feeling stable and comfortable in who you are, you are currently feeling cautious about moving out of your shell, and feel the need to take things at a slow and careful pace.

The Slough – What is to be left in the past as you move forward.

Woman and Ship – The absent woman needs to remain absent. Although they are on their way, they are still at a distance and have been missing for some time. Now is not the time to welcome a return with open arms.

What Lies Ahead – An ideal state or ideal self you are seeking at this time.

Star and Man – A hopeful, positive, and optimistic outlook with a sense of self-possession and stability. Your dominant temperament is rising. Make sure you take these urges to a good place, and don’t let your negative tendencies smother them or turn them toward somewhere dark.

Limitations – Negative influences, opposition, or ill will.

Fish and Book – Financial tomfoolery is afoot, and there are important lessons to be learned from an incoming experience that you are not going to enjoy. This makes perfect sense considering the building levy quickly approaching that you need to make time to see a financial advisor about this month.

The Boon – Positive influences, higher guidance, or divine intervention.

Key and Path – New avenues are about to land in your lap that you need to open yourself up to. Just because they aren’t the plan you had in mind doesn’t mean it’s not the right path for you. Don’t be stubborn. Be open minded and don’t allow yourself to get stymied by indecision or bullheadedness.

The Wound – An unpleasant past experience or event that is ripe for some support and healing.

Tree and Bear – There are those in your past that were meant to create a sense of stability in your life, but did not. This lack of stability from others when it was so sorely needed may have made you the fiercely independent person you are today, but has also had long reaching negative effects on your health.

Nostalgia – A positive past experience or event to acknowledge, reflect upon, and enjoy.

Sun and Moon – Take time to reflect upon those in your life that have helped you to sort through your emotions. They are the light that shines upon your moments of uncertainty, and help everything make sense. Be mindful to turn toward them instead of away.

A Warning – Something coming that can be prevented or overcome.

Letter and Mountain – Do not allow communication to stagnate between you and others. The longer you hold back and more you avoid dealing with communication issues, the more insurmountable those issues will begin to feel.

Empowerment – A future opportunity to work toward.

Mice and Birds – People talk and the assholes are restless. Make sure that you are paying attention to what’s going on around you, and any hint of whispers on the wind. You are not being paranoid, but instead need to be prepared to act quickly and decisively as soon as any issues arise.

Message from the Spirit World – In times when struggles approach and you feel held back or cornered in, be true to yourself and listen to what your gut is saying instead of the murmurs and whispers of those that seek to break your self-confidence.

Message from the Mind’s World – It’s okay for the softness within you to be on the retreat for a time. Know thyself. Know your needs and own them. Embrace the dominant side and have fun with it while it’s on the rise.

Message from the Physical World – Protect your health with time proven methods you’ve researched and developed over time. When you feel better physically, you feel better emotionally as well.

Take Away – There are warnings here about harmful rumors approaching and troublemakers trying to skirt along the edges. Be proactive and stay on top of these issues instead of putting them off until later.  Being decisive is needed in this area.

Take care of your physical health, and make sure that you are communicating openly with others about how you are feeling emotionally.  These two aspects of  your well-being are connected and work together.

Deal with the levy issue as soon as possible and don’t plant your feet in whatever plans you’ve been making in the back of your head.  That financial advisor has good advice to give and a  possible better route through the financial struggles to come than the ideas and worries that you’ve been percolating on.

DECKS USED: PETIT LENORMAND NOËLDINE

Finding the Positive for December 4 – 5

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The Storybook Christmas Tarot, The Christmas Tarot, and Christmas Affirmation Cards

December 4 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was skipped.

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The @GlitterbyInk #DecembersChild24 Challenge
Healing the Inner Child Prompt for December 4th : Wonder

Today’s card is the Lovers card combined with the affirmation “You make Christmas feel like a warm and cozy hug.”

This affirmation card triggers a specific memory for me.  Last year (I think it was last year?) Gideon gifted my sister with a weighted axolotl plushy, which she absolutely loves.  Because the ends of it’s long arms are weighted, she says when she snuggles with it she can wrap its arms around her, and it feels like a real hug. I also have a weighted plushy from him (a fox) that I snuggle with often, because it’s size and weight makes it feel somehow… more substantial than a pillow or regular stuffie. Mutually, when we snuggle with these plushies, we feel a miraculous kind of release and easing in our chests and solar plexus.

Which brings us to the message in today’s cards and the wonder prompt for today.  For when we find things that make us feel good and soothe us on the inside, it feels like a kind of magic. Something wonderful to wallow in for a moment, and return to again and again.

In life, there are times when we need that connection. Not so much to a person, but to that feeling of peace and soothing. Today’s cards are a reminder to return to what helps us in connecting with that feeling.  It’s important to untie the knots inside now and then, especially when stress in life is high.  Doing so is a healthy choice, and a kindness.  An act of self love that we all need from time to time.

DECK USED: THE STORYBOOK CHRISTMAS TAROT AND SELF-MADE CHRISTMAS AFFIRMATION CARDS

December 5 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was skipped.

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The @GlitterbyInk #DecembersChild24 Challenge
Healing the Inner Child Prompt for December 5th : Healing

Today’s card is the Four of Wands combined with the affirmation “Tis the season to be jolly. Fuck jolly.”

A few days ago, I had a COTD that encouraged seeking out the magic in the holiday season, even when it’s not your favorite part of the year.  Today’s card is a reminder that sometimes it’s okay to retreat when you need to… even when others hold expectations over you to not do so.

Healing takes time, and isn’t always convenient. Whether you find refuge in being home alone, or refuge in the embrace of family or friends… the cards for today are encouraging us that it’s okay to give yourself what we need. If that means celebrating?  Then celebrate.  If that means retreating and being a Grumpus over the holiday season?  That’s perfectly okay too.  The key is that whatever you choose, it is a healing process, and not just letting old wounds fester.

DECK USED: THE CHRISTMAS TAROT AND SELF-MADE CHRISTMAS AFFIRMATION CARDS
Note: This particular affirmation card was made from a Christmas Card gifted to me. I don’t know the artist’s name as it wasn’t on the card.

Finding the Positive for December 1 – 3

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Winter Magic Tarot, Snowland Tarot, Winter Waite Tarot, and Self-Made Christmas Affirmation Cards

December 1 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was skipped.

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The @GlitterbyInk #DecembersChild24 Challenge
Healing the Inner Child Prompt for December 1st : Nostalgia

Today’s card is the Devil card combined with the affirmation “Have an ice day and stay frosty!”

A lot of the cards in the affirmation deck I’m using this month hold a great deal of nostalgia for me. Not because the characters are familiar, but because I remember these corny little cards (like valentine cards kids exchange at school) that we used to have for different holidays.

It reminds me of feelings and fun and childhood moments of hope.  It reminds me of bushing hotly as I made little cards to give out because my parents wouldn’t buy the store-bought ones for me, and how fascinated I was with each of the little sayings on the store bought ones given to me on the day.

There’s danger in nostalgia, though.  The same danger that lies hidden in pretty much anything pleasurable. For  if you dip too far into it, you lose sight of reality.  You forget about the bad parts, just as if you lean too far into thinking about the bad parts of your past that you lose sight of the good parts.

Today’s cards, for me, are a reminder that too much of a good thing is no longer a good thing. Balance is important.  Take the bad with the good and vice versa in order to keep the scales balanced in your life and your memories based more solidly in reality.

DECK USED: WINTER MAGIC TAROT AND SELF-MADE CHRISTMAS AFFIRMATION CARDS

December 2 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was skipped.

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The @GlitterbyInk #DecembersChild24 Challenge
Healing the Inner Child Prompt for December 2nd : Magic

Today’s card is the Page of Swords combined with the affirmation “Have an elf-cellent holiday season!”

There is a lot of really amazing things happening this time of year.  Charity ramps up and kindness with it. There’s community events like parades and holiday bazaars. Gift giving and generosity rise.

It can be hard to enjoy, though, if you spend too much time in your head.  Doing so can separate you from the warmth of the season and the bits of fun that it has to offer.

I hear a lot of people that bitch about the music or the crowds, etc.  Fair.  We all have things we don’t like about the holiday season.  But what do you *like* about it?  And more important yet, what do you feel ambivalent about that you might actually like if you gave it a chance?

Today’s card (combined with the Healing the Inner Child prompt) reminds us to stay open to the joy and the fun that this time of year has to offer.  Don’t get caught up in the negative aspects, but reach for the positive ones to make these busy weeks ahead feel happier and warmer, lighter and more magical than they otherwise might.

DECK USED: SNOWLAND TAROT AND SELF-MADE CHRISTMAS AFFIRMATION CARDS

December 3 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was skipped.

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The @GlitterbyInk #DecembersChild24 Challenge
Healing the Inner Child Prompt for December 3rd : Curiosity

Today’s card is the Queen of Swords (landed on the table reversed) combined with the affirmation “There’s no need to be so hard on yourself, you’re managing as best you can.”

I have met a few people in my life that have a woe that I personally have a hard time understanding. I’ve been thinking about them a lot the last little bit, because I ran into another one just the other day.  These are people who have come to the belief that they have no true talent or skill. That they are a waste of space and time because they have nothing that they are good at, no hobbies or interests, nothing at which they shine.

And then… today’s cards brought to light an understanding of this mindset that I hadn’t considered before.

What drives inspiration? Curiosity does.  It’s the spark of fire that gets inspiration started and us moving to explore whatever has caught our attention.  And what kills curiosity? Internally directed negativity.  It is the voice within us that tells us we can’t do something, that we’ll suck at it, that it’s a waste of time. That inner voice may have been created by someone else, but by the time we get to the point where we believe we are talent-less and without merit?  It’s playing on repeat in our own heads.

The key to breaking this pattern comes in turning to that negative voice and saying “fuck you, I’m doing it anyway”.  Not worrying about if you’re good or not and just sating that curiosity anyway. Letting yourself have fun with it, play with it, and mess things up.

Even when you -know- you might fail, it’s in doing it anyway in order to gain experience and just -see- what happens.  Because if you don’t do that?  You can’t learn.  And if you don’t learn?  You never find those things you enjoy and are good at.  And yes… sometimes that negative voice in your head is going to whisper away in the background those things you don’t want to hear, but the idea is to not listen.  To have some fun.  To let your curiosity flourish.  Experiment and explore.

Then… our of nowhere?  You might just some day you just might surprise yourself by ending up being good at something you once were bad at… or good at something you didn’t ever even consider you might be good at.   That’s how you find where personal talents lie and those things that you enjoy.  Dive in, and have fun… and don’t worry so much about if you’re good at it or not.

DECK USED: THE WINTER WAITE TAROT REVISED EDITION (2019) AND SELF-MADE CHRISTMAS AFFIRMATION CARDS

Finding the Positive for November 18 and 19

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The Storyteller's Tarot, Dark Reflections Tarot, and It's Going to Be Okay 2024 Day-to-Day Calendar by Kate

November 18 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Today’s card is the Ten of Coins combined with the affirmation “These overwhelming difficulties will pass with time. There will be life after this.”

The affirmation for today is a reminder that hard times are temporary. When combined with the Ten of Coins, the reminder takes on new meaning as it promises that there is good ahead, if you’re only willing to wait through it and keep moving forward. Sometimes it can feel like the bad stuff is never ending, and there’s a reminder here, too, that even in those times we need to try and acknowledge the good.  Even if it’s the fact that something tastes good, smells good, or feels good like a good food, hugging a stuffie, or a moment alone in the shower.

It’s hard to acknowledge these things when everything feels like it’s falling to shit. It’s hard to -see- them at all when you’re feeling at your worst, let alone see that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. That’s what these reminders are about.  They are a reminder that even when you can’t see the light up there ahead in the dark?  It’s there.  It really is there; you just have to keep going to find it.  And those tiny pleasures along the way?  They’re there to help you take the next step… and then the next.

DECK USED: THE STORYTELLER’S TAROT AND IT’S GOING TO BE OKAY 2024 DAY-TO-DAY CALENDAR BY KATE ALLAN

November 19 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was skipped.

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@GlitterbyInk #November24Challenge
One Word Book Title Prompt for November 19th : Mindset

Today’s card is The Hermit card combined with the affirmation “It is better to handle life alone rather than stay with others who mistreat you.”

It can be hard to let go. Even when we know it’s what’s best for us. This is true not just for when it’s things that we partake in that are unhealthy, but especially true when it has to do with people in our lives.  Most especially when it has to do with people in our lives we feel obligated to or dependent upon.

Its that obligation and/or dependence that holds a lot of us back from taking steps to make our own lives better, along with a healthy dose of fear of the unknown (and for some, fear of being alone).

Truth be told, though? Being alone isn’t really that bad. Especially when the alternative is unhappy togetherness, unhealthy connections, or abuse.  It’s all in how you look at it.  If you look at yourself as incomplete without another there to complete you, then sure, being alone is horrible.  But, if instead, you turn your perspective to one of love and acceptance of yourself and self confidence in yourself and who you are?  Alone is not so bad. It lets you spoil yourself as you like, enjoy the things you enjoy, and experience the things you want to explore.

This is true whether you are in a relationship or not. It’s true whether you are simply spending a day on your own, or living alone long term.  It’s all in how you look at things, and how you approach that time alone, on whether it’s something healthy and happy… or a fear that holds you back and traps you in an  unhealthy situation.

DECK USED: DARK REFLECTIONS TAROT AND IT’S GOING TO BE OKAY 2024 DAY-TO-DAY CALENDAR BY KATE ALLAN