self help

Transitioning from November to December

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This is a spread that I do at the end of each month to close out the month.

Edmund Dulac Tarot, Jeremy Miranda Cards

Individuality – Ace of Cups – You seek a new more positive path and sail the seas that take you in the direction of that which you seek. You are currently still hesitating, though, hiding in the shadowy shelter of the old way of doing things instead of taking the plunge full on.

Dependence – Six of Cups – You are trying to shed how things were done before. Not just in relation to how you work and deal with the responsibilities you take on, but also in how you see success and in the reorganization your priorities and values.

Creativity – Eight of Coins – Using your skills and abilities to assist in finding a sense of home and security. At this time you’re working hard and tapping in to everything you you’ve learned and know, all your creativity and expertise in order to find the security you seek that will set you up for the rest of the year.

Limitation – Two of Cups – The cold hard influence of your parents values and disciplines have made this progress harder than it needs to be.  They want you to share their values and in many ways you have.  Now that you are re-evaluating the balance of those values, placing joy higher on the list and responsibility a bit lower, that separation from their teaching is causing a cold dissonance that needs time to overcome.

Change – The Hermit –  The peace and serenity you gain through allowing yourself a touch of alone time helps you connect with your inner truth and the quiet voice of your intuition. It allows you to see the path that is right for you and you alone.

Sympathy – Four of Cups – Make sure when you take time for yourself that it is done in a productive way. Too many times you retreat into yourself and from everyone else both emotionally and physically. Even productive alone time can turn unhealthy if you linger for too long.

Luck – Eight of Cups – When you left home, you dove into a world of hurt on many different levels, and yet even through all the struggles and pain of that time, there was joy in the fact that you had gained your independence and freedom from tyranny. This joy existed even within the chaos and struggle, the pain and the fear. It is a part of you even now.

Power – Three of Swords – You can defeat encroaching forces of fear and depression with celebration and familial warmth. Embrace family and loved ones and allow them to pick you up when you’re feeling low or feel the darkness trying to slip in. They can help you, but you have to let them in.

Responsibility – Four of Swords – A future boon is coming in the form of rest and recovery and true peace. Right now you struggle and there’s so much to do, but remember that this is only a temporary thing.  Quieter times are coming and you’ll be able to enjoy some peace and rest soon enough.  It’s on the horizon and not that far off.

Message from Spirit World –  The new path you are on is providing you room for more joyous celebration and enjoyment of life as well as a more restful recovery and enhanced inner peace. Be kind to yourself.

Message from Mind’s World – Child-like imagination can take you to amazing places and awaken your creativity. Embrace the fanciful and let your mind wander a bit now and then. You don’t have to be so serious and studious all the time.

Message from Known World –  Too much work and not enough rest will leave you in a world of cold misery when you are left drained and alone. It’s important to stay connected and close with those you love and allow them to help you so that you can remain healthy not end up hurting yourself (and them) by trying to do too much on your own.

Take Away – There are a lot of warnings here about encroaching darkness and old habits trying to get a foothold. You need to remember to reach out to those you love for the emotional support you need to keep this darkness at bay.  If you can hold it at bay, your reward at the end of the holiday rush will be a rest and recovery that does not include the normal depressive sludge you usually need to wade through in January.

DECKS USED:  EDMUND DULAC TAROT, JEREMY MIRANDA CARDS

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?

Scorpio Sea Tarot, Edmund Dulac Tarot, Sacred Journey Oracle

Earth – The Sun and Consulting the Ancestors – Echoing back to yesterday’s reading about where joy resides, here we see The Sun in the earth’s grounding position. What would your ancestors say to you if they saw you working the way that you do?  Not your father, but your guides and those that love and support you on the other side.  Would they tell you to work yourself to the bone and neglect yourself in the process?

Stability and security are merely a foundation.  They are the safe and sturdy foundation on which you then dance joyously upon, safe in knowing each step of your dance will not be on crumbling stone, but sturdy ground.

Air – Ten of Cups and In the Clouds – Keep your chin up and make the effort to keep your inner dialogue positive.  Crappy shit happens and stress can be a killer, but if you can keep your mind focused on the positive it will help you in overcoming the darkness that tries to seep in.  And start taking some vitamin D.

Water – Three of Cups, The Ice Queen, Clandestine Escape – This week may feel like everything is working in sync, but watch out for the darker emotions just beneath the surface.  Don’t freeze them out or forget they’re there, or you may find them sneaking up on you unexpectedly when you’re not looking.

Fire – Five of Wands and The Butterfly Trap – You know that saying that when you fall off the horse, get up and try again? Here it is, literally before your eyes. Keep in mind that things are going to take some patience and a bit of a gentle touch this week if you don’t want to fall on your ass again and again.

Waning – The Actress – Step away from showing a brave face this week and give the genuine article to the world. Vulnerability sucks, but it’s necessary, even now during the hurried chaos of the holiday rush. Don’t hide behind a mask of composure and control.

Waxing – Mother Earth – Rising into power this week and in need of your focus is the need to make sure you are taking care of yourself. This doesn’t just include self care activities like soaking in the tub or doing your meditation, but also making sure that you’re getting out in nature, even if it’s just for an hour now and then.  Don’t forsake that connection, as it can help you in feeling more at peace and more in control.

Take Away – The take away here is that I need to make sure I focus on self care and fostering joy this week.  Right now the holiday rush is about building up that foundation that helps foster stability and security.  That stability and security is the building blocks that create the house of joy. Take care of yourself, love yourself, give yourself what you need, and be gentle with yourself.  Stay aware of lurking shadows and keep them at bay by leaning into optimism, but make sure you don’t forget they’re there… and sneaky.

DECKS USED:  SCORPIO SEA TAROT, EDMUND DULAC TAROT (TRIMMED NAKED), THE  JOURNEY 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?

Druidcraft Tarot, Druid Animal Oracle, Druid Plant Oracle, Animal Spirits Knowledge Cards

Earth – The Fferyllt (Temperance) and Horse – Not a time of pause or stillness, but a time of peace and motion.  There is a difference.  This week is a time of gathering when the energies of home and hearth, finance and resources are swirling within and around each other and building. Make sure that you ride this energy by gathering up what needs to be stocked up on, and preparing what needs prepared.

Air – Nine of Cups and Meadowsweet – Focus on the good stuff this week and let that negative inner dialogue fade back into the background until it is less than a whisper. You don’t have time for that nonsense right now, and there’s too much going right at the moment to worry about it. You are feeling good, and good things are coming your way this week. Be sure to appreciate it to the fullest.

Water – Two of Pentacles and Wolf – This week will bring a little discomfort as you work at keeping that balance and sustaining room for your emotions to have a place in the holiday rush process. This is a learning process, and that discomfort is natural.  Don’t wall off just because it feels different or uncomfortable. Instead, stay open to the lessons that need to be learned.

Fire – Prince of Pentacles and Hare – Even through moments of fear you have slowly plodded forward toward the goals you wish to reach. Now is a fast paced time of year, but that doesn’t mean that you have to allow your heart to race or push your plans forward any faster than you want to.  Allow your intuition to guide your direction.  And remember… filling orders quickly doesn’t mean everything else has to speed up too.

Waning – Fox – Set aside strategizing for the week ahead and instead use this time to try settle into the new rhythms that you’ll be working with for the next few weeks. Now is not the time to plot and plan but rather to adjust and adapt.

Waxing – Frog – Abundance is coming and it’s coming fast and hard.  One of the themes of the frog is fecundity and the appearance of the frog in this position is an indication of encouragement and a continued ramping up of creative endeavors, sales, and business over the next week.

Take Away –  Things are getting busy and it’s time to let go of some of the more administrative and strategic tasks of running a business to dive headlong into the creative process and production aspects. You’ve begun to feel the energy and rhythm of the busy season, and it’s natural to ride that wave.  Just don’t lose track along the way of the balance you’ve managed to achieve.  Don’t forsake your emotions or your self care, and be sure that you are turning your mind and attention towards positive themes and optimistic views.

DECKS USED:   DRUIDCRAFT TAROT, DRUID ANIMAL ORACLE, DRUID PLANT ORACLE, ANIMAL SPIRITS KNOWLEDGE CARDS

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?

Global Fusion Intuitive Tarot, ExtraOrdinary Oracle, Mirror of Mama Shamana Oracle

Earth – Seven of Diamonds atop Strength and Fuzzy Dice – It’s okay not to know everything that’s coming in advance. Remember that a part of strength is staying steadfast in moments of uncertainty. Your path is a long journey and there will be many times of uncertainty along the way, but with a foundation of your inner strength and conviction you will always be able to carry-on.

Air – Five of Clubs and Stray Sock – Standing up for what you believe and can sometimes make you feel very alone. Especially when you can’t manage to sway people to see reason, logic, or your own perspective. Don’t struggle in these alone times, but rather understand that this too is a part of your growth and brings meaning to your life. The universe has a plan.

Water – Eight of Clubs and Guestroom atop The Letter – It’s possible that this week you’re going to be feeling as if your emotions are trying to beat the crap out of you, or are going to fast for you to keep up with. These are the times that you need to reach out and get help. Don’t let the uncertainty swallow you up and create sleepless nights as a result.

Fire – Two of Swords and TV Dinner – Over the next week there will be a variety of different difficult choices to make. This isn’t the time to half ass things. Make sure that you’re paying attention and really thinking through your choices. This is about more than going with your gut.

Waning – The Elixir Witch and “No enemy can withstand a heartfelt cup of tea” – Although there are still some things you need to get done, like every year at this time of year, spellcraft needs to take a backseat at the moment. There’s just not enough time and not enough focus to continue on with it until after the holiday season has drawn to a close.

Waxing – The Crow Queen and “She is observing simply, she’s a witness” – Stay out of the business of the heartbreak of others right now. You have too much on your plate to be dealing with other peoples problems at the moment.

Take Away – This week might bring about worries about the future and a feeling of isolation, but remember that that is a feeling and it isn’t based in fact, just reactionary emotion.  Set aside the distractions that pull your attention from what needs done right now.  Everything else will wait while you put your all into what demands the lion’s share of your focus.

DECKS USED: GLOBAL FUSION INTUITIVE TAROT, EXTRAORDINARY ORACLE, MIRROR OF MAMA SHAMANA 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?

Scorpio Sea Tarot, Wild Medicine Herbal Deck, Wild Rituals Intentions Deck, Spirit Animals Oracle

Earth – The Hierophant and Vitex – Restraint is needed this week when it comes to your finances and your health.  Take some time this week to reassess your finances and make some adjustments.  Make sure when you see your financial advisor later this week that you discuss these reassessments and lean into that restraint for the time being. (Now is not the time to tip your mortgage payment back up to double payments.)

Air – Page of Cups and Mugwort – Anxiety and depression come from the mind, and they have a habit of trying to sneak in when you’re feeling vulnerable. You’re going to be feeling a bit tender footed this week and you need to make sure that you are doing your meditation to help in keeping your negative inner dialogue from disrupting your balance.

Water – Ace of Cups and Masculine Energy – You need to acknowledge over this week the progress that you have made with your emotional growth and new emotional intelligence.  Don’t discount the work you’ve done and the progress you’ve made. Keep in mind that you are strong and capable, and will be able to sustain yourself and support what you’ve accomplished through the holiday season’s busy times simply by acknowledging that the progress exists.

Fire – Six of Swords atop Three of Swords Rx, Feverfew atop Skullcap – It’s time to focus upon moving past your disappointments into a healthier and more productive mental space. You might end up feeling a bit under the weather this week and it’ll mess with your inspirational spark, but you need to examine whether this “under the weather” is truly a physical ailment… or possibly psychosomatic in nature.

Waning – Bear (Introspection) – Now is the time to focus on moving away from introspective pursuits that pull you into yourself and away from others. Going out in nature is healthy, but don’t pull away and retreat in other aspects of your life that would leave you susceptible to the negative effects of solitary time.

Waxing – Horse (Freedom) – Open your mind and heart to new paths and inspirations.  Although the cards above indicate inspiration might be in short supply, don’t allow your “under the weather” feelings to choke out the ideas that come through.  Explore them and enjoy them.

Take Away – Financial restraint. Make sure I’m meditating to counteract vulnerability and the negative effects of my inner dialogue. Keep in mind my progress and accomplishments, and take care of my health by delving into what may be behind when I’m feeling sick.

There doesn’t seem to be a cohesive message this week, but rather a handful of different smaller tips of things to keep in mind.

DECKS USED:  SCORPIO SEA TAROT, WILD MEDICINE HERBAL DECK, WILD RITUALS INTENTIONS DECK, SPIRIT ANIMALS ORACLE

Transitioning from October to November

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This is a spread that I do at the end of each month to close out the month.

Month End Tarot Check In - Skele-Tarot and Nicoletta Ciccoli Tarot

Individuality – King of Swords and Nascondino – Hiding from responsibilities and allowing a fog to swirl in and create confusion and panic where clarity is needed.  Fear follows and creates tension as you fear what you can’t see and what might pass you buy entirely without seeing you in turn.

Dependence – Hanged Man atop The Empress, Dolceamara atop Rose Red – In the grasp of the above mentioned situation, you have lost sight of your need for self care and your walls are trying to come up and close you off from others. This habit is not healthy for you, or for others either.  Don’t allow your walls to get so high that you can no longer see beyond them.

Creativity – Ten of Wands Rx, Mary Go Round, Hide and Seek – Less burden and a bit more fun.  A different path than the one you are used to walking upon. You’re trying to change.  Remember that this isn’t about changing who you are or the person others see, but about changing the habits that are unhealthy for you and exchanging them for something better.

Limitation – Three of Cups and [Unknown Title] – Your self flagellation for having a good time and taking care of your needs (social and otherwise). That negative inner dialogue has begun to spread out from your inner voice and influence your actions and emotions.  There is no need to punish yourself.  It will only set you back.

Change – King of Pentacles and Agata – Your guides and the cards are working together to comfort you over your financial uncertainties.  You should listen and lean into that comforting rather than stubbornly clinging to the worries you’ve been struggling with. Allowing that comforting to do its job and listening to the nurturing voice that’s trying to help you will allow for you to find solid footing concerning how you feel about your finances and resources.

Sympathy – Justice and Luck – Times in the past when you have been treated unjustly have been swirling around the outer edges of your awareness recently and causing a dimming of your inner “shine”.  This is a shadow that wants to rise up and needs to be soothed back into place with reminders that that time of powerlessness is in the past now.

Luck – Five of Cups and The Ice Princess – Remember when you were learning how to serve and your grip on the tray wobbled, all of the glasses on the tray sliding off to the floor except one? Even though they fell, none of them broke, and the one still on the tray didn’t even spill a little bit.  It was a triumph… even in the face of failure.  Sometimes we can wall ourselves off to those small triumphs, and you’re at risk of doing that now.  Make sure you don’t forget to celebrate the little things.

Power – Seven of Wands, Cuddle, Last Days – Feeling ganged up on and vulnerable does not mean it’s time to build up your walls and seclude yourself away from the rest of the world.

Responsibility – Two of Wands, Cowgirl, [Unknown Title] atop Blue Bird and The Fox – Grab a direction and run with it.  This message is an echo of a previous reading you did that said the same thing.  Essentially, put on your big boy pants and GO already.  Stagnation is not your friend.  I pulled clarification cards on this position, which then indicate a need for diligence and paying attention to your surroundings.

Message from Spirit World – Overcome your feelings of vulnerability not by closing yourself off, but rather by accepting comfort and allowing it to both ground and energize you.  Keep an eye out for predators.

Message from Mind’s World – Don’t poison yourself with old habits that you know aren’t good for you. It will close you off from being able to see “the full picture” and leave you forsaking positive activities for less healthy ones.

Message from Known World – All actions have consequences and repercussions.  Make sure that you are paying attention to what you do staying true to path and kind to yourself.

DECKS USED:  SKELE-TAROT AND NICOLETTA CICCOLI TAROT (MODIFIED)