self help

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?

Tarot Maddonni, Saltwater Reading Cards, Sea Melodies Cards

Earth – Five of Coins and Generosity – Instead of focusing on what you don’t have, stay focused upon what you do and share that with others. You will enjoy what you have more if it is shared instead of kept to yourself.

Air – Death and Dream – The emotional growth you are experiencing has great potential as long as you don’t let your mind pull you astray. Instead, allow your mind to focus on what you want, because the end of one thing opens up room for another to take its place. And you want to make sure you direct your focus and attention towards the outcome you want, rather than a return to what you’ve known thus far.

Water – The Hanged Man and Stillness – Take this week to wallow in where you’re at. A time to rest is a time to reflect, and that’s what needs to happen during this week of rest you’ve decided to give yourself.  Allow yourself room to explore where you’re at and become comfortable there.

Fire – Queen of Swords, Two of Wands, Ambition – During this time of reflection, don’t forget to give some thought to the direction you want to move in. Apply logic and careful, strategic consideration to the path you’ve chosen and make sure you allow room for your ambitions to flourish in or you will soon end up outgrowing your shell and again have to begin building yet another.

Waning – Tides (Cycles) – This week you will find yourself moving away from the oscillation between extremes that the tides of the ocean represent. As the water “sloshes” one way then the other in response to the moon’s draw, it rises to its greatest depths, and then retreats to its lowest of points again and again. Emotions and inner struggles can also have this type of cycle, but this week it will be important to focus on smoothing out the waves and allowing the tides of your inner self to settle and calm.

Waxing – Giant Clam (Harmony) – The guidebook for this deck speaks of the symbiosis between the Giant Clam and the algae that lives within its shell and feeds the clam the nutrients it needs to survive. Like this symbiosis, you need to remember this week that you are not in this life alone. You depend upon others and they depend upon you.  Allow that balance to flourish and be careful to not shut others out.

Take Away – This week needs to be about rest and recuperation, but also about looking ahead and plotting a course as well as inner reflection.  Taking this time away from work allows me time for these things, and I need to make sure that I’m not pushing them away and trying to hide from them.

DECKS USED: TAROT MADDONNI, SALTWATER READING CARDS, SEA MELODIES DECK

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?

New Palladini Tarot, Soulflower Plant Spirit Oracle, Tree Angel Oracle

Earth – The Hanged Man and Bleeding Heart (Independence) – It’s time to take a look at your inner workings and start seeing them from a different perspective. This softer side of you where emotions come from and where the heart rules, are not weak or as vulnerable as they feel.  They are simply under developed and need time to grow.  Do not forsake them for the hard outer shell of logic just because logic is the more comfortable and familiar fit.

Air – The Hierophant and Borage (Optimism) – Lighten up.  You don’t have to be so serious all the time.  People will still take you seriously even if you let loose and allow yourself to have some fun.   A little fun and some expressions of joy will also refresh your enthusiasm for teaching at those times when it feels like you’re dragging a bit in those areas of your life.

Water – The Empress and Campanula (Alignment) – This is an echo of yesterday’s Tarotholics reading.  It is an encouragement to be kind and supportive of yourself by looking at all that you have accomplished, and allowing yourself to take pride in your capabilities and the rewards of your hard work.  Let the knowledge of your accomplishments be a balm for the wounds your inner critic has wrought.

Fire – Four of Pentacles and Iris (Inspiration) – You are well entrenched within a place of stability right now.  Take this time to wallow in your creative spark and let your inspiration fly free. The business is slow but steady, your finances are in-hand.  Now’s the time to do some creative exploration and have a little fun.

Waning – Beech – You may have some trouble with concentration this week and struggle with distractions and memory.  It’s okay, just remember that this time is temporary and look at it as a time to set big decisions and heavy responsibilities to the side until things are back in balance again.

Waxing – Elm – Although concentration may not be your strong suit over the next week, communication will be. Not the inane conversations of small talk and passing conversations, but deep and connected communication is possible this week, including some of those profound word drops that seem to pop into conversations with people out of nowhere and change lives.  So make sure that you pay attention to what you say, and how you say it… be sure that you speak with empathy as well as an open heart and open mind.

Take Away – This week is an ideal time to distance yourself a little more than usual from your responsibilities and obligations.  Fill that time with endeavors that allow that inner spark within you to shine, and with people that are conducive to true depth of communication. Take some time for yourself this week… everything else will take care of itself.

DECKS USED: NEW PALLADINI TAROT, SOULFLOWER PLANT SPIRIT ORACLE, TREE ANGEL ORACLE

Transitioning from June to July

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

Brady Tarot and Nature's Wisdom Oracle

Individuality – High Priestess and Dragonfly – You are currently in a place of spiritual growth and transformation.  As you explore your emotions, you are transforming more than that small aspect of your life.  Like ripples in a pond, these changes spread outward into other areas.  Those ripples hold within them threads that tug and transform what lies beneath the surface of the water as well, allowing for permanent growth through a shifting within the subconscious and spiritual realms.

Dependence – Hermit, Hanged Man Rx, Orchid – You are currently in the process of finding healthier ways of using your alone time. Let go of the tendency to retreat into the self and close yourself off. Stop using your obsessions to self-soothe as it is not healthy.

Creativity – Nine of Horns, Justice, Lotus – You are currently seeking a balance of emotional fulfillment and awakening.  You’re struggling a bit with finding that balance because of impatience, and you need to make sure that you are keeping in mind that this is a process that takes time and will not be forced but rather progress naturally, much like the process of reindeer shedding antlers.

Limitation – Father of Roots and Jack in the Pulpit – Don’t get so wrapped up in what you have done that you forget to assess where you are and what’s coming.  In this time of change it’s important to stay open to possibilities instead of staid and stagnant in your assessments and focus.

Change – Magician and Luna Moth – Keep in mind that you already possess all of the tools and skills needed to continue along this path of growth you’re currently on.  Don’t allow darkness to creep in and create doubts or  unnecessary strife. Focus on the light and stay positive.

Sympathy – Ace of Feathers, Two of Roots, Hummingbird – These times in which you have allowed yourself to forsake your inspiration and creative spark, taking it for granted and leaving it behind to pour your energy into the drive of your responsibilities and obligations, have hurt you even if you haven’t taken the time to acknowledge it. These wounds linger and are a negative influence on your current growth and goals.

Luck – The World and Nautilus – You’ve gone through transitions in development before and know that these times of growth and change are a process that takes time. Organization and structure always makes you feel a bit more in control, and it would help in this instance as well if you let it.

Power – Eight of Feathers, Chariot, Pumpkin – Pay attention that you don’t get too comfortable and confidence in the pause of stability you currently find yourself in. Things can change in a heartbeat, and you need make sure you are prepared so that you can control the situation when it strikes.

Responsibility – The Tower and Iguana – Keep yourself open to communicating with those around you, even when things feel like a struggle.  Don’t close up, as the opportunity these events provides to you is about increasing your bond with others through communicating with them about what is going on when things feel chaotic, and allowing them in to help.

Message from Spirit World – Hurdles require a sense of optimism and confidence in your abilities.  Make sure your connection with others is strong.  Sometimes shit hits the fan fast, and it’s important to foster these connections and qualities in yourself so that you are prepared.

Message from Mind’s World –  You are slowly learning that closing yourself off blinds you to what’s going on around you and within you as well.  Staying open and aware, and grateful for what you have will better allow you to move through these transitions with grace and further your growth along the way.

Message from Known World – Stop limiting yourself by training all of your focus and attention on the physical world and the responsibilities that lie within it.  There’s more going on than what lies on the surface and in order to move through the growth and transitions in your life right now, you need to open yourself up more and give yourself a foundation of order and organization that will allow you to open up more fully while still feeling secure.

DECKS USED: THE BRADY TAROT, NATURE’S WISDOM ORACLE

The Fight for Justice vs Self Care

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A reading topic posted on one of the Discord servers that I’m a member of.  I was curious what the cards would say for this topic, so I decided to go ahead and give it a go.

The question is… The world is full of those we need to stand up for, and/or things that we need to continue to fight for ourselves. Spend some time with your divination tools meditating on how to balance fighting for justice with internal peace and self-care this week.

Tarot of the Animal LordsMyself – Knave of Chalices – You are currently going through a time of transition where you are in the process of learning about your emotions, how to live with and balance (instead of suppress and ignore) your emotions, and while doing so, experiencing a depth within your emotions that you’ve never experienced before.

The Fight for Justice – Five of Pentacles – If you want to continue upon your path of growth, this isn’t a good choice right now. Even if you are able to take the steps to allow others to support you on this path, you will need to close down that emotional growth to protect yourself, as keeping yourself open and vulnerable during conflict is a very bad idea.

Personal Peace & Self Care – Four of Wands – This path is not just the easier path, but the healthier path for you at this time. It offers stability and progress, as well as support from others that is both easily given by them, and easily accepted by you.

Balancing the Two – The Fool – Take the easy road. This is not usually the best choice for you, or the healthiest choice. But in this instance, it is. Allow the fighters to fight their fight, and take the time you need to grow and develop so that you can become a better and more capable iteration of yourself.

Clarifying Card (because surely my cards aren’t telling me to mind my own business) – Two of Pentacles Rx – Yep… That’s exactly what they’re saying. Mind your own business, or upset the apple cart… your choice.

DECKS USED:  TAROT OF THE ANIMAL LORDS

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?

Tarot of the Animal Lords, Nature's Wisdom Oracle, Secret Language of Animals Oracle

Earth – The Devil and Daffodil (Serenity) – Make sure you are fully aware of where your addictions lie and what influence they have on your life this week. There is a chance of the scales tipping to unhealthy if you’re not careful, and you can’t be careful if you don’t have your eyes open wide and aren’t paying attention. Make sure you are being honest with yourself about where you are and what you’re doing, and use that self awareness and truth to keep your actions and addictions in balance. In other words… it’s time to slow down a bit.

Air – The World, Two of Wands, Fish (Fearlessness) – You know the direction you want to go in here concerning your inner critic and internal dialogue. Don’t worry so much and keep your eyes trained on where you want to go because there’s better things to come if you can stay on track. This is a healthy transition that should be a celebration, not a time of trepidation.

Water – Knight of Wands and Iris (Messenger) – Bound forward, intrepid traveler.  Now is the time to seize your opportunity and make the most of it. Make sure as you bound forward to find things that bring you pleasure and joy, though, that you’re not leaving behind the emotional growth you’ve worked so hard to achieve.  This opportunity is not meant to bury and ignore the awkwardness of change, but to insert a bit more joy into your life along the way.

Fire – The Tower Rx and Mushroom (Caution) – Fear of change does not mean that you avoid change.  It means that you take care and caution as it happens.  It’s okay to dive into and indulge in the things that bring you joy and spark your enthusiasm, just make sure you’re not diving into them as a method of avoidance concerning the personal transformation you are going through.

Waning – Tree Frog – The time for sitting still has come to an end.  Set aside your procrastination and hesitation, set aside the contemplation on what you want to do and where you want to go.  It’s time to start moving along your chosen path rather than sitting still and thinking about it.

Waxing – Fairy Wren –  As you move away from the stagnancy of sitting still, gather up your passions and inspirations, your enthusiasm and your joy.  Use these emotions to carry you in the direction you want to go.  These things will help breathe fresh air into your life and support your forward movement along the path you desire to tread.

Take Away – It’s time to get inspired and move forward.   I’ve sat still and hesitated long enough.  The way to do this is to reach out to those things that spark my creativity and my enthusiasm.  Just make sure that in the process you don’t fall into the pitfalls of addiction or avoidance along the way.   These things are there to bring joy, energy, and enthusiasm… not to hide within.

DECKS USED:  TAROT OF THE ANIMAL LORDS, NATURE’S WISDOM ORACLE, SECRET LANGUAGE OF ANIMALS ORACLE

Self Care Saturday (On a Sunday)

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

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?

Self Care Saturday Tarot Spread

Earth – Page of Pentacles, Tower Rx, Home Is Where You Are – You don’t need a catastrophic mentality to keep things on an even keel. Make an effort this week to not see everything as “on the precipice of disaster”, but instead acknowledge that you have everything well in hand.  Untie some of your knots… because right now in this present moment there’s no fires to put out and no need to panic.

Air – Ten of Wands and Here We Are – The overwhelm has been building for quite some time as more and more “children of the corn” keep popping their heads up out of the field to grab your attention. None of these “children” really need your attention though, so stop letting them distract you.

Water – Five of Swords and Get On Your Feet – The fight is not yet over and now’s not the time to rest. In the position of Water, this message is about my emotional growth and not about my work or my ambitions.   The message here is that while I’m easing up on these other topics and endeavors, the work with my emotional growth will be ongoing.

Fire – Hierophant and Follow The Wind – In the New Moon spread shown in my previous post, you also had the Hierophant. There it spoke of the need to tackle head-on where you are feeling overwhelmed in your “roles”… and here with the “follow the wind” card there is a message of needing to let go.

I think I’m going to skip this month’s lesson, which I should be teaching on Wednesday of this week.   But honestly?  I’m just not feeling it and the cards in both of these spreads are saying to “let go” at this time rather than struggling when I’m not feeling it.

Waning – Generosity – It’s time to take that generosity with your time and attention, and turn it inward to yourself.  You give more of yourself than you realize, and you’re tapping yourself out.  Take the time you need to rest, recover, and regenerate.

Waxing – Introspection – As you move away from offering so much of yourself and your time to others, don’t fill that time and energy up with other external distractions.  Instead, take time to focus on yourself.

Take Away – Tell your inner critic to shut the fuck up, step away from the responsibilities that you can afford to ease up on, and take some time for yourself this week. Don’t allow bullshit worries created by your inner critic to distract you back into those things you’ve committed to easing up on… it’s a trick, and will just lead to overwhelm and burn out.

DECKS USED:  TAROT FOR DANDELIONS, SALMON ADVICE ORACLE VOL 3, CREATIVITY ORACLE