Smoke & Roses Oracle

Exchange Rates

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Today’s meditation was about ten minutes long and was a self-guided meditation using breathing exercises while doing piriformis stretches and trying to ease some of the tension in my back.

Tarot of the Thousand and One Nights and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Six of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of the give and take of generosity and charity, and at times can also represent the hidden (and possibly nefarious) expectations of someone feigning altruism for their own ends.

I very much see that last part of the traditional meaning mentioned above in the imagery of this card, in the way that the wealthy individual’s body language leans into the other man. His kindness definitely appears to be expecting something in return.

And that’s where the Thera-Pets card for today steps in.  It is a reminder that not everything has to be give and take. We all deserve kindness and care, love and understanding. We should not have to bargain for them or barter for them. Today’s cards tell us to take a look at the dynamics in our relationships and ensure that they are healthy.  Do you have to pay a price for the love and affection that others should be offering freely? If so, perhaps it’s time to examine your own self worth and figure out why you’ve made this type of exchange as acceptable.

DECK USED:  TAROT OF THE THOUSAND AND ONE NIGHTS AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

The #ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge Prompt for the Sacred Grounds Tarot Club
Question: How do I make time for rest and relaxation… every day?

Tarot by CaroReading Summary: It is a conscious choice (Two of Swords) that you have to make in order to foster (Queen of Wands) your emotional health (Five of Cups).

Take Away: Your emotional health and well-being has been a major focus of the last few years, and being sure that you are making the right choices that further these goals is a part of that process towards better mental health. Sometimes this means making choices between what you truly want to do, and what you need either mentality or emotionally.

DECK USED: TAROT BY CARO

Healer Josephine’s #MindfulImperfectionTarot Prompt
Questions for September 27th thru 29th

Smoke & Roses Oracle and Tarot of the Thousand and One NightsWhat support does my body need in releasing hyper-vigilance and anxiety?
Bluebells atop Orange Lily, Nine of Swords

Stop looking at your body, the damage it has sustained, its limitations, and the chronic pain as an enemy. Be grateful for your mobility and all that you can do instead of looking at the worst case scenario at every turn.

What support does my heart need as I release rigid expectations, impossible standards, and harsh “shoulds”?
Helenium atop Freesia, Ten of Pentacles

Supportive friendships that will provide an ear when I need it are important. These friendships can help you to see see just how much you have in life, and that you don’t have to drive yourself so hard for more all the time, but instead need to spend more time focusing on what you have in the present.

DECK USED: SMOKE & ROSES ORACLE AND TAROT OF THE THOUSAND AND ONE NIGHTS

Daily Self Kindness

I had to cut my deck gathering short today and lie down due to a headache that just kept getting worse and worse, even after taking something for it.  It developed into a migraine and instead of pushing on, I marked the decks still to gather down to get later and laid down for a nap.

Stronger Than You Think

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Today’s meditation was skipped today because I wanted to nap before the housekeeper got here to work.  And then I wanted to nap after she left.  So… essentially I sacrificed meditation for sleep.

Serpent and the Peacock Tarot and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Nine of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of boundaries, resilience, hyper diligence, and protecting what is important to you.

Confession: I struggle with social anxiety. It has been a recurring issue for the past decade; ever since the home invasion. I don’t think it’s about the facial scar anymore, but there are times when just the idea of dealing with even one person is enough to send my insides quivering with nervous energy and make my muscles pull tight.

Today is one of those days… and it’s housekeeper day. Sometimes, I can hide away on these days and just put off social interaction for when I feel more able. Today is going to provide me with that opportunity, though.

I think that everyone probably has days like that. Days where you think that you can’t continue on and deal with what needs to be dealt with for the day. Days where you want to retreat into yourself and just not deal with anything or anyone.

Unfortunately, that’s not always possible. The Thera-Pets card for today is a reminder that even though you can’t always retreat, you will still make it through because you’re stronger than you think you are.

DECK USED:  SERPENT AND THE PEACOCK TAROT AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

Mr Lionharts’ #TheSeptemberTarot Rise and Fall Prompt
Questions for September 7th thru 9th

Roots & Wings Oracle and Cerise TarotAre my actions in alignment with what I want for myself?

Earth Mother and Ace of Cups – It’s a work in progress, but yes. As long as you continue to pursue your emotional growth, and ensure that you are both connecting with nature and using that connection to foster kindness towards yourself, you will continue to be in alignment with what you want for yourself moving forward.

Are my expectations aligned with what I can do right now?

Bound, The Magician Rx atop Five of Cups – No. Your expectations are far too ahead of what you are capable of at this time. This isn’t about putting yourself down for not being able to do more… It’s about having reasonable expectations of what this time in the present is for, instead of trying to push yourself into more than you are prepared for right now.

What (else/more) can I do in support of my goals/desires?

Held and Nine of Wands Rx – You need to accept that you are not as resilient as you want yourself to be. Be kind to yourself and understanding of your limitations. They are not weaknesses.

DECK USED: ROOTS & WINGS ORACLE AND CERISE TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2021 Challenge Prompt
Question: What helps you when you’re…

Smoke & Roses Oracle, Roots Oracle, Serpent and the Peacock TarotAngry – Fern (Rumohra adiantiformis) and Justice – Distraction. When you’re angry, you need a distraction to pull your attention away from what is pissing you off. Something to balance the scales back out from the imbalance that the anger creates. When you’re angry, your view is polluted and sent out of balance. You are no longer unbiased and you are unable to see others perspectives clearly… only your own. A distraction allows you time to calm down and regain a more unbiased perspective.

Sad – Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus), Holly (Illex aquifolium), The Moon – Often, your sadness is a byproduct of uncertainty. To deal with this issue in the moment, you are often helped by turning to the skills you have developed over time. By leaning into those things that you enjoy, you are able to sink into “the zone” and close out the world around you. This creative zone is a soothing balm that can help lift your spirits if what you’re working on is something that you really enjoy doing.

Needing to Relax – Ivy (Hedera helix) atop Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), The Star – Spiritual growth and development through your connection with nature. By taking time to connect with your spirituality and your connection to nature, and by allowing yourself to sink into that bond, you allow the earth to help refresh your spirit and create a stronger connection to your spiritual self as well as the world around you.

DECK USED: SMOKE & ROSES ORACLE, ROOTS ORACLE, SERPENT AND THE PEACOCK TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

After the housekeeper left, I allowed myself to have bit of a nap.  I also made sure to have my smoothie today, which will hopefully assist my stomach in behaving itself a bit better.