🎨 Weekly Creativity Prompt – Page of Wands

Prompt: “Pull the Queen of Cups card from your deck(s). Compare the imagery between the card provided below and the card(s) from your own deck(s). How would you read them differently and why?“

The Slow Tarot - Page of WandsSlow Tarot – The kid in this imagery looks so happy and so proud of all that he’s learning and experiencing on this camping trip of his. He’s set up a tent, lit a fire, and stands tall with a big smile on his face. This card is a reminder that we need to take pride in our adventurous spirit, new experiences, and accomplishments… even the beginner ones. Maybe… especially the beginner ones.

Page of Wands - Hong Kong Tarot, Anima Mundi Tarot, Tarot of the Hidden Realm

Hong Kong Tarot – Leaving the house vulnerable and unprepared while thinking you actually are?  This is a serious novice move. Yes, some time outside would be wonderful, but honestly? Umbrella in hand or not, clothes are important. Sometimes, we don’t learn these things until we try them and realize it, though. Remember to look for the better way in the things you experiment with. One’s first try is wrought with pitfalls, large and small.  Pay attention to them, and you’ll learn all the ins and outs.

Anima Mundi Tarot – The salamander is associated with the Wands (fire) suit because, at least according to legend, the salamander can pass through fire without getting hurt. Through this association, they represent a theme of resilience through conflict. In this card, though, the salamander is colorless. There are no reds and oranges of flame as would normally be seen in such a depiction on a Wands card. I would read this to mean that there is a lack of reaching for one’s potential.  A stagnancy that one needs to break free of in order to breathe “life” into their situation.

Tarot of the Hidden Realm – Pure joy.  That is what I see in the expression on this boy’s face, and in the spark of color that fills this card’s imagery. I would read this card as an encouragement towards enthusiasm and going after those things that make you feel excited and inspired.  Reject those things you don’t enjoy and dive into the ones you do.

DECK USED: SLOW TAROT, HONG KONG TAROT, ANIMA MUNDI TAROT, TAROT OF THE HIDDEN REALM

Dionysian Mysteries Oracle Reading

The #lucetseptembertarotchallenge Dionysian Mysteries Challenge
Questions for September 28th thru 30th – Death is Life

Tarot Reading with the Slow Tarot and Magickal Botanical Oracle

The Inner God – Which part of yourself would you like to recognize and strengthen more?

Death and Angel’s Trumpet – The go-with-the-flow energy in the face of change. Once upon a time you rode out change with ease and lackadaisical grace… these days that doesn’t seem to be the case. You wish to find that “easy” within you again and foster it to growth.

The New Beginning – What new opportunities await you after completing this challenge?

Knight of Cups atop Page of Coins, Calla Lily – An opportunity to begin establishing a return to balance between the spiritual and physical is on the horizon. Charge forward and embrace this eagerly as the opportunity arises. It’s a familiar path.

The Blessing of Dionysus – What blessing and message does Dionysus send you at the end of this challenge?

The Fool and Belladonna – Embrace enthusiasm and adventure.  Enjoy the beauty of hope and embrace having a bit of fun… but don’t lean too far into it, or it will turn against you.

DECK USED: MAGICKAL BOTANICAL ORACLE

Healthy Roots Need Grounding

Today’s meditation was a little over ten minutes long and focused upon directing warmth and kindness to the self, then loved ones, and then outward into the world.   It was nice to get back to the guided meditations and I found the practice very relaxing and a good way to start my day.

High Priestess - Slow TarotToday’s draw is the High Priestess card, which is usually an indication of intuition and the subconscious.   What I see in this card today is intuitive rather than traditional, though, because what really drew my eye in this card this morning was the tree that grows both apart from, and yet also through her.

I see a reminder that when things get chaotic, grounding yourself is important.  Too much chaos without that grounding must makes everything feel that much more cacophonous.

Grounding is good.  It’s a life skill that’s really important to my well being.  Today’s card is a reminder to do it regularly through this chaotic time of year.

(Interestingly?  The two figures in this card that are representing the High Priestess’ pillars make me think of the Gatekeepers in the Neverending Story. Remember those?)

DECK USED:  SLOW TAROT

Bonus Reading – #TarotForGrowthDecember

Question: What should I focus on as this year comes to a close?

Tarot of the Little Prince

Reading Summary: Staying centered, grounded, and self-possessed (Queen of Cups) will assist me in not just my own self-care, but in how I care for others (The Empress).  Remember that even when difficult choices are before me (Two of Swords), I have all the tools I need (The Magician) to make things work and make it through.

Take Away:  I managed to make (as in yes, actually make the jewelry pieces), process, and package 114 orders today as a part of catching up on what has piled up while I was away at mom’s house.   I’m only about 2/3rds of the way there, but I wouldn’t have made it as far as I have without that centered calm. I will get everything done, and I will keep up on orders… and I have what I need to do that, not just in the skills and supplies necessary, but also in the help (re: the red fox in the Two of Swords) I’m enlisting from L and J.

DECK USED:  TAROT OF THE LITTLE PRINCE

 

Strategy and Boundaries

Today’s meditation hasn’t taken place yet.  I plan on meditating during the drive later when it’s my sister’s time to drive.   Hopefully that will go well.  If it doesn’t, I’ll do it before bed once we get to mom’s.

Slow Tarot Today’s draw is a double without a jumper, which means that both of the cards came out together as one.  The cards in today’s draw are the Seven of Swords and the Knight of Swords.

What stands out to me in the Seven of Swords is the white cat looking on from the corner with an incredulous “really?” look to its expression.   This aspect of the card combined with it’s imagery as a whole speaks to me of strategy and a need to do better on the planning aspect of things.

Combined with the Knight of Swords, what I see in these cards is a reminder to use my time at my mother’s house wisely this week.  This is an extremely busy time of year and taking a few days off requires a lot of planning, but once I am IN those days off?  I need to use them wisely so that I can come back refreshed and charge ahead into the holiday rush with a clear head and all guns blazing.

Deck Used: Slow Tarot

Bonus Reading – #TarotForGrowthNovember

Question: Where would I benefit from setting clear boundaries?

Gravity Tattoo Tarot Reading Summary: Choosing who to share with and who not to (The Lovers) is extremely important when I am feeling a spark of emotion (Ace of Cups) tied into my new inspirations (Ace of Wands) and ambitious plans (Two of Wands).

Take Away:  I have mentioned that constant babble of my inspiration and ambition that always has tons of ideas tumbling around in my head.  What I haven’t mentioned is that there is an emotional element to these new inspirations.  I get attached to them, inspired by them, and this inspiration creates an emotional spark of enthusiasm and joy.  That spark sometimes makes me want to share these ideas with others.

But, sharing with the wrong people can put those emotions at risk, crushing the spark or causing other issues if those that I share with run off with the idea to do it themselves, or share it with someone else without realizing they might be giving my ideas to someone that will take them and use them as their own.   Enter the need for boundaries and good choices.

Deck Used: Gravity Tattoo Tarot

 

It’s Okay to Play

Today’s meditation was very nearly a nap, because it took place in the bathtub and it was very, very relaxing.   I did not fall asleep, but it was a hard thing.    I did learn my lesson, though.  If I am going to do the kind of meditation where I sink into a comforting and/or comfortable sensation?   Don’t do it somewhere I could drown.

The Sun - Slow TarotToday’s draw is The Sun card, which is all about warmth, positivity, and letting that inner child out to play.   The message in this card arriving during today’s draw is that I need to pay attention to ensuring I incorporate FUN into my life, even during the busiest of times.

Part of the reason for turning my hobbies into a business is so that I can play while I work.  And yet, there are times when I bear down so hard on my focus that I lose track of that part of things.   The sun card is a reminder that it’s okay to have some fun along the way.

Deck Used: Slow Tarot

Bonus Reading – #TarotForGrowthNovember

Question: Where do I need to take more action?

The Herbcrafters TarotReading Summary: Oak is a synonymous with strength and abundance, and when combined with the Seven of Earth, it reinforces the message of steady progress and sustainability that that card represents. There is bounty in the image, but it is bounty that is the product of hard work.

Chicory is a symbol of patience and perseverance.  In this card, it is joined with the Two of Air, which brings in an aspect of weighing one’s options and struggling with making important but difficult decisions.  The combination creates a sense of needing to wait before you make the choices necessary to move forward.

In the tarot, roses are often a symbol of balance and an offering of hope and new beginnings.  Combined as it is with The Empress card, there is a feeling of freshness and stability within the expression of this card.  There is also a symbolism of the rose hips, which represents the ‘bearing of the fruits of love’.  This theme  fits well with the fertility of the Empress card, and reinforces this aspect of the Empress.

Take Away:  The message in these cards is one of control and restraint in order to further one’s aspirations and ambitions.  Sometimes to achieve abundance, you have to be steadfast and strong, but not hard and ruthless.  In areas where I feel a need for that stability and comforting strength, it would be wise to take a pause to ensure I will be heading in the right direction, then set loose in that direction, moving forward while holding on to both the goals I wish to achieve, but also a nurturing respect for myself and my current needs.

In other words?  Find your ambition and goals…. take a moment to pause and find your footing and direction… THEN act, but do so consciously with awareness of not just those goals for the future, but the present as well.

Deck Used: The Herbcrafter’s Tarot

The Balancing Act

Today’s meditation was… well, okay.  Non-existent.  I didn’t meditate today.  With so very little sleep, I was worried if I did that I’d end up crashing.  I will be giving it a go once I head to bed tonight, but I don’t expect I’ll be awake for much of it.

Page of Wands - Slow TarotToday’s draw is the Page of Wands, which is a representation of a receptive omega energy in the area of one’s ambitions, passions, and drive.  This often comes through as themes concerning exploring one’s potential and sparks of inspiration.

I can’t remember what the message was for this card a few days ago when it surfaced, but what I’m feeling from this card today is an encouragement to remember the joy that comes with my business and craft instead of allowing myself to become overwhelmed.

At this time of year when things become chaotic and busy, it’s very easy for me to be swallowed up and lose track of the enjoyment aspect that is a part of this journey.   Today’s card is an important message to assist me in essentially surviving the holiday rush.

Deck Used: Slow Tarot

Bonus Reading – #TarotForGrowthNovember

Question: What cycle or journey is closing for me at this time?

Sasuraibito Tarot Reading Summary: Struggling with feeling overburdened (Ten of Swords) while telling myself I can handle it on my own (Knight of Wands).  Sometimes accepting support from others is okay (Three of Cups) while allowing collaboration (Three of Pentacles) to find a better way forward (Page of Swords).

Take Away: This is a message concerning my insistence that I can do everything myself and refusal to look outside myself for support and assistance in achieving my goals.  The holiday rush is going to force me out of this cycle by requiring me to look outside of myself for assistance in the chaos of the weeks ahead.

Deck Used: Sasuraibito Tarot