🎨 Weekly Creativity Prompt – Envy in the Parking Stalls

Prompt: “Pull (at least) three cards from your deck and use them to write about the daydream of a vehicle of your choice. (ex: a train or plane, yours or your neighbor’s car, a city bus, etc.)

Golden Age of Romance Comics Tarot - The Sun, The Star, The Emperor, Two of Cups, Three of Wands, Six of Pentacles, Ace of Wands

Look at her over there tucked in her stall, all beautiful and eager and ready to go at a moment’s notice (Ace of Wands). She’s so clean and cared for, shiny and bright (The Star). I’d purr like a kitten too (The Sun) if I had an owner like hers (The Emperor). He really knows how to pamper her, going out of his way to provide for her needs (Six of Coins). We’d see the world together if he were mine (Three of Wands and Two of Cups).

DECK USED: GOLDEN AGE OF ROMANCE COMICS TAROT

Enjoying the Present

#DailyCalmToday’s meditation was just over ten minutes long and was a guided meditation with interval timer.  I’m still working on getting back the flexibility I lost by skipping my stretches for those couple of days.  I had not realized that in skipping a day or two it was taking so long to recover, but I’m definitely noticing now.

The topic of today’s guided meditation was about intentions, and about living in the present. It is about looking forward, all the while you keep your awareness in the present.  All too often, we get so wrapped up in plans for the future or the memories of the past that we forget that there’s a whole world for us to experience right now in this moment.  It isn’t just that “tomorrow is a new day” but every minute is a new day… a new lifetime… a new world.   Don’t forsake what you  have in the now for the things that are already dead and gone, or those that are not yet even a reality.

Madam Lydia Wilhelmina's Tarot - Six of CoinsToday’s draw is the Six of Coins, which traditionally is a representation of creating balance through generosity (or the openness to accept generosity from others).

What really stands out to me in this card today is the differences between the two highly coiffed ladies, and the more natural woman off to the left.  The ladies on the right make me think of the court nobility of centuries past with their white powdered skin and hair. The woman on the right feels to be below their station, as she is not so very “put together” as the other two, her skin tone and hair natural and indicating a lower station, no matter how lovely her dress may be.

And yet these women of higher station fawn over the other one, seeking to offer her what is needed to appear above her station and more on their level. The thing is, though, that the woman does not look all that thrilled with the offer.

And that’s today’s message. It’s okay to be happy with where you’re at, even if that’s not as well off as others around you. As long as you are happy, it’s okay to not be striving for more.  And if others don’t like that?  That’s their problem, not yours.

DECK USED:  MADAM LYDIA WILHELMINA’S TAROT

LionHart’s #TheOctoberTarot #SeasonOfTheWitchChallenge Prompt
Question
: I am curious and full of wonder when I…

Halloween Tarot

Reading Summary: Watching others steal off with ideas that don’t belong to them (Seven of Bats) and claim these ideas as their own inspirations (Ace of Imps), while leaving the other person bereft and full of anxiety about it happening again (Nine of Bats).

Take Away:  This is about being curious concerning other peoples motivations on why they do things that hurt people, and how they are able to go against the norms of what is clearly wrong for their own selfish reasons. The motivations that create this ability strikes at my curiosity and my fascination. Not because it is something that I idolize, but rather it’s something that I don’t understand and have a hard time wrapping my mind around. It makes me want to pick their brains apart and figure out how they work.

DECK USED:  HALLOWEEN TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsOct2020 Challenge Prompt
Philosophical Question
: Does fate exist?

Ghosts and Spirits TarotReading Summary: We are all bound fate (Chains)… but if we are open to finding balance within the give and take of the world around us (Six of Pentacles), we can gain more control over what we do and where we go while getting there (Queen of Wands).

Take Away: The answer given by the cards is that yes, fate does exist.  That life isn’t about what is fated for us, but about enjoying the journey in getting there.  It’s okay if not everything is under our control, as long as we relish those things that are and live the best life we can while striving to become better people along the way. 

For example.  If you know for certainty that you are to die at 78 years old in a tractor accident, does that mean that you should really spend every day between now and then focused upon what’s coming?  No…. it means you set that knowledge aside and enjoy every moment of every day between now and then so that you can say you lived a full and fruitful life once it’s all over.  Fate is not the path we walk, but simply a few landmarks along the way on our journey.

DECK USED:  GHOSTS & SPIRITS TAROT

#MysticStarChallenge October Challenge Prompt
Question
: How does yesterday’s message relate to my journey?

Twisted Tarot Tales

Reading Summary: There are going to be ups and downs in life no matter what you do (Wheel of Fortune), so you might as well enjoy yourself (The Sun), and take control to move yourself in the direction you want to go while doing the things you want to do (Queen of Wands).

Take Away:  The guidance on the 6th was to make choices that lift myself and others up while accepting that road blocks and hurdles are a part of life.  Today that message is related to my personal journey through a reminder that ups and downs happen and approaching them from a positive angle and go after my dreams.

DECK USED:  TWISTED TAROT TALES

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question: What do the Moon phases mean to me?

Dark Grimoire Tarot

Reading Summary: The down and up and back down again of energy (indicated in the contrasting energy between the Four of Cups and Three of Cups). Creating balance and moderation as we move through the phases again and again (Temperance).

Take Away:  The Moon’s phases are about the flux of energy that the moon goes through each cycle.  It reflects the cyclictic balance that life requires to be a positive and fulfilling journey.  Never too much downtime, never too much celebration and high energy…. instead the moon teaches us that there is room for both, and that both are needed and healthy.

DECK USED:  DARK GRIMOIRE TAROT

 

What Is Under My Control?

IMG_3333Today’s meditation was ten minutes long and focused upon allowing for your flaws and imperfections, because it is only in imperfection that perfection itself can be found. We all have flaws and things about ourselves that we’re not proud off or are embarrassed about.   The topic of today’s meditation was to say that it’s okay.

It’s okay to be flawed.  It’s what makes us human.   Yes, I believe that it’s important to strive towards being better.  But, it’s also important to accept that your flaws are not something to hate about yourself.  You can strive to be better while still accepting that your present self is okay.

So many people spend their lives unwilling to know themselves well and love and accept themselves for who and what they are.  They hide from their flaws, refusing to see them or choosing to not accept them and shaming themselves. This feels like such a waste of time to me. If there is truly something about yourself that you do not like… wouldn’t a better use of that time be to work at improving in some way?  Whether that be through change of whatever that “flaw” might be… or through your perception of yourself possessing it.

Six of Pentacles - Circle of Life TarotToday’s draw is is the Six of Pentacles, which traditionally is a representation of give and take, harmony, and charity in the area of one’s finances, resources, and the physical world.  The card speaks of finding balance between the haves and the have-nots.

Like most of the cards I’ve pulled so far for this deck, what I see in the imagery of this card is a bit different than the traditional meaning.   I love this about this particular deck, and about the Hush Tarot as well, actually.

There is a balance here.  A form of charity here in the imagery of this card, but to me the imagery feels more like protection.   Between the circle of rope that feels like a barrier you would make when casting a circle of protection for magic, to the robed figure bent over to two sleeping forms…. it all speaks to me of protection.

The message here is about caring for those that need your help, and protecting what’s truly important.  In the mess of everything going on right now in the world, I think that like many others, I have sometimes become distracted by all the different worries and concerns going on.  I fuss over finances and I focus on all the shit that’s falling apart both in my life and in the economy…. but the message here is to not focus so much on those things out of your control.   Instead, it’s time to focus on what you can control and let the rest go.

DECK USED:  CIRCLE OF LIFE TAROT

#TarotForGrowthMarch Challenge Prompt
Question
: How can I embrace those shadows with loving kindness? (Built off yesterday’s cards.)

Wildwood Tarot

Intuitive Interpretation: Try to embrace what you have while you have it. You’ll be back to your regular amounts of alone time soon enough. Take advantage of this added time with those you love, and involve them in your works. Allow them to influence your work (both of the mundane and magical varieties) with their joyous feminine energy.

Take Away:  Instead of chafing against the added contact, I need to keep in mind how fortunate I am to have people to love me and care for me, and allow me to care for them in turn.  Yes, I miss my alone time, but this is also an opportunity to become closer with L and Z, and one way to do that is to invite them to help me in activities such as my home business work as well as in my spellcraft and rituals.

DECK USED:  WILDWOOD TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsMar2020 Challenge Prompt
Question
: What are my strengths when dealing with others?

Tarocco degli Animali

Reading Summary:  There is a sense of control and balance (Two of Coins) in how I relate to others while providing them with a feeling of security (Six of Cups) and comfort (Six of Coins).  This ability doesn’t come from a place of brute strength, but from a more subtle but solid sense of inner strength (La Forza).

Take Away:  This is about being reassuring and providing a sense of stable security.

I really hope that is true and is something that I provide for others, but I have very little ability to see myself through other’s eyes, and although I have the ability to examine multiple perspectives on a vast array of topics… I can’t seem to grasp the perspectives of others concerning myself.  Even the times when I’ve asked, I hear their perspectives… the good and the bad… and it’s really wonderful to hear but I can’t seem to see it myself when it’s about… myself.

DECK USED:  TAROCCO DEGLI ANIMALI TAROT

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question
: How can I continue to improve my intuitive messages?

Animal Totem Tarot

Reading Summary: Keep plugging away at it and stay focused on what I want while taking care to slip between the fingers of obstacles that try to get in my way.

Take Away:  My current journey for improving my intuition involves learning more about mediumship and how to control the ability that I discovered (unexpectedly) I possess last fall.   That said, in order to get to that point, I have a lot to learn first, including how to develop a stronger and more conscious relationship with my guides.

The cards indicate (much as a different reading on the same subject a couple months ago indicated) that it’s going to be a long road and take a lot of time and determination.  I can and will “get there”, but it’s going to take dedication and I need to watch out for pitfalls and road blocks along the way that could end up distracting me from my goal if I let them.

DECK USED:  ANIMAL TOTEM TAROT

 

Generosity

IMG_1991Today’s meditation was just over twelve minutes long, and was a meditation on fostering loving kindness for both yourself and others, including those that you don’t particularly like.

It spoke about how the practice isn’t so much used as a benefit for those that you dislike for whatever reasons, but helps us in our own feelings and in letting go of negativity through projecting of positivity upon ourselves and others.

I really enjoyed the practice, and it seemed to actually release a couple of tightly wound knots within my chest.  It’s definitely one I will revisit again.

Four of Coins - Efflorescent Tarot (Color Edition)Today’s draw is the Six of Coins, which is a often a representation of harmony in the area of finances, resources, the physical world, and manifestation.   This can often translate into themes of generosity, charity and acceptance of charity when needed, and the balancing of scales in the areas of wealth and fortune through sharing.

I think that the message of today’s card goes really well with today’s guided meditation. Although one is more of an emotional and spiritual theme, and the other based more on the earthly plane, they both speak of generosity.  Together they are a reminder that generosity is not just something that benefits others, but also that benefits the self.  It is healing to the inner self to give to others, and healing as well to be on the other side as the recipient of such gifts.

DECK USED: THE EFFLORESCENT TAROT (COLOR EDITION)

#TarotForGrowthJanuary Challenge Prompt
Question
: How is the universe inviting me to express gratitude for that? (Built off of yesterday’s reading.)

Golden Art Nouveau Tarot

Reading Summary: The King of Swords is bracketed on either side by resistance to change.

Take Away:  Don’t be such a stick in the mud.   Yesterday’s read on this topic was about going with the flow of my emotions rather than trying to close them out and allowing the more negative aspects of my addictions to take a step forward as a result.   The cards in today’s reading make it clear that expressing gratitude for the realization of how to go about this path isn’t in thinking about it or saying anything about it, but rather walking the walk and doing the hard parts like a boss while embracing this change.

DECK USED:  GOLDEN ART NOUVEAU TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJan2020 Challenge Prompt
Question
: How can you take advantage of it? (Built off of yesterday’s reading.)

Wheel of Fortune Tarot by Ivy Feng

Reading Summary:  I shouldn’t worry so much about my creative spark having been stolen away and going dormant as it was forced into submission by the fears and worries I was battling (Ten of Swords atop Seven of Swords).  It’ll come back stronger than ever (King of Wands) and with a vengeance (Eight of Wands) once I find my footing and my confidence starts to bolster once more (Nine of Pentacles).   Oh… look.  I read the cards backwards (realizes it after he’s typed it out).

Take Away:  That letter I received in the fall caused an internal mess that I didn’t even know was festering and growing under the surface all this time.  Over the past few weeks, it had gotten to the point that my creative spark suffered as a result and my creativity in my business became a bit of a chore rather than a joy.   These cards indicate that in having realized this process, to heal from this I need to recognize that things are stable and going to be okay.  I need to reestablish that sense of security, and by doing so my creative spark will find roots with which grow and flourish again.

DECK USED:  WHEEL OF FORTUNE TAROT BY IVY FENG

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge Prompt
Question
: How can I treat myself with compassion?

Prediction Tarot

Reading Summary: Take the time to celebrate (Four of Wands) my accomplishments (Seven of Pentacles) with others (Two of Cups) now rather than putting it off until later (The Chariot).

Take Away:  Yesterday, while I was working my ass off on the overflow of unexpected orders, you reminded me to take pride in my work.  Although I didn’t realize it until you  said something, it was something I really needed to hear.   It’s something I need to hear more, because although I have a very hard time accepting anything I do is “good enough”?  Hearing it from someone I love and care about helps.  A lot.

DECK USED:  PREDICTION TAROT

Finding Balance During Change

Today’s meditation was just over ten minutes long, and although I can’t remember what the focus of the meditation was, I do know that it was really helpful in relaxing me a bit.  I did the meditation after the soak in the bath, and it helped a lot in keeping my anxiety from causing too much discomfort. Enough that I was able to take some ibuprofen and a short nap afterward.   And, although I sort of feel like I wasted the couple of hours involved there, it also managed to get rid of my headache.

Tarot of the Little Prince Today’s draw is a double without a jumper, which means both cards dropped out of the deck together as one.  The cards in today’s draw are the Four of Wands and Six of Pentacles.

When I look at the cards in today’s draw, what I see is an encouragement to find the fun.  This is not off of traditional meanings of the cards, but rather it is from the imagery itself.

I think, especially when I have been drowning in work for so long that that sense of overwhelm starts to feel normal, it is important to remember that that is not all that life is about.  It’s just a temporary whirlwind, and not permanent.  Soon, though. In the next few days there will be a shift from that chaos and bustle to a slow down and time to breathe.  It’s at that time I will need to remember to interject some fun into life to help offset the discomfort of adjusting back to the ‘normal’ of the rest of the year.

DECK USED:  TAROT OF THE LITTLE PRINCE

Bonus Reading – #TarotForGrowthDecember

Question: How can I release that regret as I move into the new year? (Build off of yesterday’s reading.)

The Marigold Tarot

Reading Summary: I need to remember to stay centered emotionally while receptive to what I’d experienced in the fall and allowing it to grow (Queen of Cups), and at the same time stop pretending that everything is okay because I’m going to end up hanging myself yet again next year if I don’t (Ten of Cups).  The fruits of my labors will come whether I’m overloaded or not, but it will be better if I take on what I can handle (Seven of Rings) instead of putting so much on my plate that I feel overwhelmed throughout the year.

Take Away:  It’s time to look at managing my time better.  This is pretty much a reiteration of yesterday’s reading concerning finding a better balance between my administrative tasks and my creative spark.  The cards are telling me to keep my feet on the ground and be realistic.

DECK USED:  THE MARIGOLD TAROT

 

Trial By Fire… The Aftermath

Today’s meditation was ten minutes and twenty seconds, and focused on moving forward after struggle or loss.   This is an interesting topic for today, because the card that I’d drawn before meditation is a fitting correlation to this subject.

The guided meditation spoke of there being two different types of people that are displayed best by children.  There are those that build a sandcastle, then cry when the sea comes to tear it down and wash it away.  Then, there are those that watch the sea come to wash it away and begin to build again once it has retreated.

There is also a third type, though.   My type.    When the sea came to steal my sandcastles?  I cheered.  I thought it was the most AWESOME part of the entire process, that reclaiming by the sea.   And even now?  I have the same reaction.  I may not cheer… but inside I am dancing and laughing as I see the sea drag through the sand that’s been sculpted with such care.

I’m not sure -why- I have this reaction, but it is very much something that comes with within.   Perhaps that is why I do not find the Tower card so intimidating.

Today’s draw is the Six of Oak (Pentacles), which is a representation of harmony, vitality, and cooperation (as well as “humanity issues” and limitations) in the area of resources, finances, manifestation, and the physical world.

I usually see the Six of Pentacles in the tarot as a bountiful harvest card. It’s all about what comes after the five. Fives are filled with tests, struggles, and strife… and yet, when we get to the six, the storm is over, light shows on the horizon, and there is now bounty to be had and harmony to savor.

And that is what I see in this card.  I see a tree that has been through much, with dried bark and broken parts.  And yet, it has weathered the storm and still grows.  It produces leaves and nuts, offering its nourishment to the world.

This message is one of hope and encouragement for the trip that’s now looming on the horizon.  It speaks of the struggle I will no doubt go through (considering where I’m going and who I will be visiting), but it speaks as well of the time after.  It speaks of the light on the horizon at the end of the storm, and my resilience to get through the hard times and come out the other side still strong and resourceful.

Deck Used: Stolen Child Tarot