#stctarotchallenge

The Haves, and The Have Nots

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#DailyCalm with the Calm appToday’s meditation was just over ten minutes long, and was another of the #DailyCalm sessions from the Calm app.

This particular session was based on a breathing exercise where it is observed what a bit of deep breathing can do for our nervous system and our body as a whole.  It involved breathing naturally for one minute, while counting one’s breaths (ten for me), and then spending a minute doing slow deep breathing, allowing the lungs to fill fully, then exhale slowly (four breaths in a minute for me).  Then, you repeat the first minute again, counting one’s natural breaths (this time I counted eight breaths instead of ten).

The activity demonstrates that by having done deep breathing, the body further relaxes and thus we breathe more easily when doing the natural breaths the second time.

The Forest Enby Tarot - Six of PentaclesToday’s draw is the Six of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of charity, generosity, sharing the wealth, and balancing the scales between the “haves” and the “have nots” in life.

Here in the imagery of this card, note that the receiving bowl is upright and open, seeking to be filled, while on the other end of the card coins encircle the purse filled to the brim with wealth.  This imagery depicts the “haves” and the “have nots” mentioned above, and speaks of the potential of generosity, if not the outright act.

Today’s card is a reminder to be open to generosity, and open to opportunities to be generous.  Know your limits, of course, and respect your own boundaries as long as those boundaries are healthy, but don’t close yourself off out of pride, pettiness, or excessive selfishness when there is so much good out there to give (and receive) in life if you’re open to it.

DECK USED:  THE FOREST ENBY TAROT

Mr Lionharts’ #TheAprilTarot Animal Guide Challenge Prompt
Question for The Hanged Man- Day 14

Formosa Tea Oracle and The Forest Enby TarotWhat can use a little break or some time to rethink before I move on?

At Present (Orchid Pouchog Oolong) atop Unique (Mint Ruby Black Tea) – More time spent in the moment is necessary. You have a unique ability to see those things others pass by and ignore, which is shown in your photography and in how you perceive the world. Take some time to sink into these minute details for a bit. The world will wait while you allow yourself this time.

Something I should be aware of or consider while I take my break?

Humor (Oolong Black Tea), Gentle (Milky Oolong Black Tea) atop Persistence (Iron Goddess Roasted Oolong) – Seek out the lightness in the world and within yourself. You are still climbing out of the pit and need to make a conscious effort to steer yourself toward the light and the positive. Seek out those things that make you smile, even (or rather, especially) when you’re not feeling in the mood for it.

DECK USED: FORMOSA TEA ORACLES AND THE FOREST ENBY TAROT

The Self Appreciation #STCTarotChallenge for April Prompt
Questions for April 13th and 14th

The Forest Enby TarotThis month I will commit to…

The World – …getting back on track with my path and my future growth and goals, while opening myself up to the world around me.

Much of my time in the depression involved closing ranks and withdrawing from the world. It’s time to unfurl and let the fresh air and joy back in.

Because?

Four of Pentacles – I need to reestablish a stable footing. During the depression when closed off from the world and all the joy the world has to offer, foundations start to wear and crumble, creating increased instability that can only be resolved by opening back up to let the good in.

I will work at no longer give my energy to…

Six of Pentacles Rx – …pouring my energy, time, and expense into things that provide no reward. During the depression there are habits that I have fallen into (like dawdling after stretching and yoga, spending too much time playing games on my phone, etc) that are not productive or particularly healthy in excess. Pouring my energy and time into these things takes away from places where I could better afford to direct my time and attention.

By?

Two of Pentacles – Focusing on balancing my time and energy better. There’s only so much time in a day, so when I while away some of it doing things that don’t benefit me in any way, that is time lost that cannot be put toward better pursuits.

DECK USED: THE FOREST ENBY TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I napped.  I really didn’t want to because Gid needed me to be here with him, but I was slow blinking and head bobbing and had to.  I feel better, but I also feel bad that I wasn’t there when Bandit passed.

Let Yourself Feel the Feels

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

Chubby Bun Tarot - Page of CupsToday’s draw is the Page of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of a receptive omega energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s emotions, relationships, creativity, and intuition.

Connecting to your emotions isn’t always easy.  Sometimes, it’s far easier to shut them away and not deal with them, especially the negative ones.

The thing is?  When you do this, you close yourself off to connecting with others.  Sometimes it’s better to acknowledge what’s in the cup and get it out there.

Let others see what you’re feeling, and then sort out the chips as they fall.  This is today’s lesson in learning about my emotions and feelings… and it aligns with the card pulled today, for this card is all about that journey of learning about one’s emotions… and about how other’s emotions work as well.

DECK USED:  CHUBBY BUN TAROT

Mr Lionharts’ #TheAprilTarot Animal Guide Challenge Prompt
Question for Justice – Day 13

Bix TarotIf my karma would be a card, what would be my karma card right now?

King of Wands – You are owning your journey, owning your path, and owning all that motivates and inspires you.  There is no shirking away from these things. You’re willing to own them, and let others see that you’re doing so.

How can I positively work with my current karma?

Use it as a motivation to move past (Knight of Swords) the painful shit that’s happened (Ten of Swords) instead of lingering to wallow in it (Four of Swords Rx). The King of Wands is about passion and progress.  There is no room for past regrets.  Accept them and own your mistakes, then continue moving forward.

DECK USED: BIX TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsApr2022 Challenge Prompt
Philosophical Question for April 13th: Is personal growth required to live a good life?

Carrot Cards and Chubby Bun TarotReading Summary: The path of one’s life (The Path) will take you through many conflicts of principles and values (Five of Wands). It’s what you do with these conflicts that matters, you can use them to draw people together (The Many Rabbits), or split them apart.

Take Away: The answer here is yes. Personal growth is needed to live a good life, although conscious choice towards personal growth may not be, as these cards indicate that it’s more about our connection with others than about our inner selves and mindful movement towards being better people.

Question for April 14th: What kind of person do you truly want to become?

Reading Summary: You want to become the kind of person that helps guide others (The Hierophant) to a sense of safety and security (The Safe Burrow) by pulling the wool from their eyes and help them see the truth of their difficult situations as well as the path forward from it (Eight of Swords).

Take Away: These cards speak of those moments in my life where I seem to say something that unintentionally resonates with others, opening their eyes and allowing them to see themselves and their situation with new clarity.  I like when this happens and I’m able to help people in this way.  It feels good to know that I’m able to do this for people, even when it’s unintentional or at times when I don’t even realize it.  I want to continue to be the kind of person that can do this for others.

DECK USED: CHUBBY BUN TAROT AND CARROT CARDS

Daily Self Kindness

I did a lot of purging of my own feelings, and then helping talk others down from theirs today.  In both cases, I feel that it was good for me, even if it cut into time that Gid and I would normally do other things.

Taming the Beast

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

Sakura Spring Tarot - StrengthToday’s draw is the Strength card, which is traditionally a representation of one’s inner strength, skills at persuasion, and using compassion to help influence others.

In the maiden and the tiger that are depicted in today’s card, we see this inner strength and persuasion in the happiness the tiger shows as it is petted by the woman. There is no tension, as she has tamed the beast and soothed its soul.

Sometimes, we all need help in finding that soothing.  When we have someone in our lives that can provide us with that, it can help us through troubled times and gives a nurturing comfort element to what can be struggling and chaotic times.

Today’s card is an encouragement to recognize those that help ground you and give you that sense of peace, taming the inner storm and helping calm to replace it.

DECK USED:  SAKURA SPRING TAROT

Mr Lionharts’ #TheAprilTarot Animal Guide Challenge Prompt
Question for The Hermit- Day 12

The Phantom Fauna Oracle and Sakura Spring TarotWhat can help me {better} understand what I’m currently dealing with?

The Mouse/Anthurium and The Puffin/Tulip – Gideon.

The symbolism in the animals (mouse and puffin) and plants (anthurium and tulip) speak of a combination of innocence, adaptability, long term relationships, and deep love.

When I am in subdrop (as I am now), I feel very small and vulnerable, and it is through my relationship with Gideon that I find shelter and strength during these moments. The mouse card is a representation of that subdrop and my feelings during, while the puffin is a representation of our love and relationship.

In what way can {more} time to myself be a good thing?

The Bat/Daffodil and The Duck/Magnolia – It can provide me time to explore new ideas and perspectives with grace and dignity. Essentially giving me time to process things fully, instead of feeling rushed and perhaps missing important details as a consequence.

DECK USED: THE PHANTOM FAUNA ORACLE AND SAKURA SPRING TAROT

The #ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge Prompt by E Roebuck-Jones
Question for April 12th and 13th

Sakura Spring TarotHow confident am I in making decisions?

Ten of Pentacles and Five of Wands – You are very confident in making decisions, but you are willing to take time and listen to everyone’s input before making up your own mind in what’s best.

Am I confident in naming my boundaries?

Seven of Wands and Two of Wands – Yes, you have no problem making it clear where you draw the line and standing strong in your boundaries. Your “sense of direction” upon your path is unerring because of this. You know where you want to go and your boundaries are in place to help you plot the course and stick to it.

DECK USED: SAKURA SPRING TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I spent time with Gideon today, even if that time was interrupted by tummy troubles.  It helped my day feel more cohesive and settled by having spent that time with him.

Good Stuff Lies Ahead

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#DailyCalm from the Calm AppToday’s meditation was just over eleven minutes long, and was another of the guided #DailyCalm from the Calm app.  The topic of today’s guided session was about acceptance of ourselves and others.

This is something I struggle with. Accepting others? Easy for the most part.  But accepting myself is more difficult, especially when it comes to my injuries and mobility issues. Sometimes, when I skip my meditation?  I think I am punishing myself. And I know that sometimes when I do my meditation and push my stretching too far that I am as well.

Radiant Tarot - Two of SwordsToday’s draw is the Two of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of making plans, plotting a course, preparation and looking ahead, and making decisions for one’s future.

I realized last night that I just have today’s orders day to get through, and then I’m off for a few days.  I didn’t realize it until just a few hours ago, and I’m SO relieved.

The card here today is a reminder of the plans I have for the days ahead, the good stuff that’s coming, and that I need to look at all that good stuff and look forward to it instead of grumbling about having to work today.

DECK USED:  RADIANT TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsApr2022 Challenge Prompt
Questions for April 11th and 12th

Oracle des MedeoresWhat illusion is clouding your perception?

Croisée des Chemins and Réconciliation – You need to remember that every decision does not need to be made right this moment. And, that every decision you make right this moment will not matter in the future.

How can you break free of the illusion?

Confusion/Doute and Réponse déjà en Soi – When in doubt, let go of logic and listen to what your intuition is telling you. The logical mind has limits that your intuition has the key to breaking free from. But you have to be willing to set that logic and reasoning you tend to lean into aside and go with what you feel in your gut instead.

DECK USED: L’ORACLE DES MEDEORES

The Self Appreciation #STCTarotChallenge for April Prompt
Questions for April 11th and 12th

Radiant TarotI will continue to…

Nine of Cups – …practice appreciation and gratitude in my life. It’s important to acknowledge those things that I enjoy and appreciate them instead of taking them for granted.

By?

King of Pentacles atop Ace of Pentacles – I can practice this appreciation and gratitude by focusing on all the opportunities I have been given and all that I have built out of those opportunities.

I am grateful for…

The High Priestess – The guidance my intuition provides. The knowing that comes from that intuition, and the trust I have in that knowing that allows me to act on it without hesitation.

And this helps…

Judgement – ..keep me on the straight and narrow concerning the type of the man that I want to become, and how I will feel about my life at the end of my journey.

DECK USED: RADIANT TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I took a break today to nap a bit, which was nice.  Especially nice since it was an orders day.

Furthering Your Goals

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#DailyCalm with the Calm appToday’s meditation was just over twelve minutes long, and was another of the #DailyCalm sessions from the Calm app.

The topic of today’s meditation was about worry, and how there is good, productive worry that allows us to sort things out and act on what’s bothering us, but also unhealthy unproductive worry where we stew over things that we have no control over. It spoke about how to tell the difference, and how the mindfulness aspect of meditation can help us in breaking the pattern of unhealthy worry.

PlusPeace Tarot - Page of SwordsToday’s draw is the Page of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of a receptive omega energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s thoughts, education, logic, ambition, and communication.

I feel like there is direction in this card far more than in the traditional imagery of the Page of Swords.  The sword in this card appears to point the way forward to greater heights, and that is where the message in this card lies.

Sometimes when we find ourselves ready to move forward and find our footing, we forget to connect what we’re learning to our overall life goals.  The reminder here is to make sure that you are doing that.  How is what you’re learning and the path you’re choosing to explore going to carry with you down the road?  Will it make you a better person?  Will it improve the condition of your life or those of others?  Is it frivolous and fun?  Does it have a purpose?

DECK USED: PLUSPEACE TAROT

Mr Lionharts’ #TheAprilTarot Animal Guide Challenge Prompt
Questions for…

PlusPeace Tarot and L'Oracle Guérison de l'ÂmeThe Chariot – Day 10

What good opportunity is available to me right now?

La Lémurie – Your ancestors and guides have knowledge far beyond anything you could hope to learn in your own. Don’t be shy about reaching out to the to seek out knowledge or hesitant to acknowledge their influences in your life, for they are a part of your foundation.

How can I make the most out of this good opportunity?

L’Éveil – Give them the opportunity to rise up and speak to you. They are there waiting for your attention and acknowledgment, and eager to help.

Strength- Day 11

What awareness can help me overcome something?

La Claircognizance – The awareness that your intuition will not steer you wrong and can be trusted implicitly… blindly, without need to sort things through first. Where this knowledge comes from is not as important as shat you do with it and the trust that you put in it.

How can I grow within my strengths or personal powers?

L’Humiliation – Do not allow others judgements, jealousies, envy, or nay-saying words and actions to cause doubts to rise or to cause you to silence your abilities. You know yourself best and there will always be those who reject what they can’t (or refuse to) understand.

DECK USED: ORACLE GUÉRISON DE L’ÂME AND PLUSPEACE TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsApr2022 Challenge Prompt
Topic: Do Spread #2
Question: How will my physical health and the plans that depend on it play out in the next two weeks?

PlusPeace TarotReading Summary: You are hale and healthy (King of Pentacles). Stay on the same path you are on, and continue to protect yourself with strength and determination (Knight of Wands), and you will be able to reunite with those visiting just fine when the time comes (Two of Cups).

The connection of orange and red is strong between the King of Pentacles and the Knight of Wands, speaking of the solidity of the King carrying forward into the Knight.  The blue is then absent from the Knight, but reflects from the King of Pentacles into the Two of Cups.  This connection speaks of continued stability in the relationships with others through the continued stability in your own health.

Take Away:  The message here is to keep doing what I’m doing.  I’ve been taking the immunity boosters ever since J tested positive for Covid, and I need to continue taking them as well as making sure I avoid exposure so that plans over the next couple weeks will go smoothly when Ms B comes to visit.

DECK USED: PLUSPEACE TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I am once again playing catch-up with posts, and I can’t for the life of me remember what my self kindness was for this day.

Heading For Brighter Skies

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#DailyCalm from the Calm App - Steve Jobs QuoteToday’s meditation was fourteen minutes long, and was another of the #DailyCalm sessions on the Calm app. This session was a bit longer than normal, but oddly felt shorter.  I’m not sure why.

Today’s meditation was about intuition, and about how when we look within our selves at who we are and who we want to become, it can help guide us forward even (or perhaps especially) during times when we are feeling at a loss.

Tons of Luck Tarot - Eight of WandsToday’s draw is the Eight of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of expediency, action, and alacrity. It can also be an indication of air travel, which is what is depicted here in the imagery of the card in this deck.

The imagery in this card makes me think of more of a Six of Swords theme with a bit of The Sun mixed in for good measure. It’s about moving away from troubles and into brighter days and brighter skies. Leaving behind darkness to seek out the pleasure of sunshine and good times.

Today’s card is a reminder that I’m on the way out of my depression and need to focus on the light and on the climb instead of on what I’m leaving behind.

DECK USED: TONS OF LUCK TAROT

Mr Lionharts’ #TheAprilTarot Animal Guide Challenge Prompt

Angels Among Us Oracle and Tons of Luck TarotQuestions for…

The Empress- Day 6

How can I create {more} abundance for myself?

The meaning of Archangel Jeremiel in this deck is the equivalent of the Judgement card in the tarot. This card speaks of examining one’s life and how far we have come, looking at all that we have done, and ascertaining that which we want to improve within ourselves and who we want to become.

Archangel Jophiel in this deck is similar to the Sun card in the tarot, and encourages focusing our attention on the positive, while leaning in to optimism and those things that bring us joy.

To create more abundance in your life at this time, the message here is that where we place our attention and focus is important. The more we focus on the positive, the more positive things are then invited into our lives.

What part of me can use a little bit of TLC today?

Merlin – When one manifests new things and experiences into the world, they then in turn change the world. You have lost touch with the true magic of your craft. It’s time to remember why you create, why you manifest the beautiful things you do and then send them out into the world. Remember that money is a byproduct, but should not be where focus lies or the goal of these endeavors.

The Lovers – Day 9

How am I currently treating {my relationship with} myself?

In this deck, the meaning of the Jesus card is about forgiveness and compassion. In the wake of the darkness and harsh judgements of the depression. You are now at a place where you are beginning to give yourself the compassion and forgiveness needed to heal and recover from that time of darkness, as well as the transgressions against yourself that took place during that time.

In what area or way am I asked to make choices in support of myself?

Saint Brigid in this deck appears to be the equivalent of the Queen of Wands in the tarot. She represents the inner fire within us all and our passions. These energies need to be stirred up in your life now that you are rising out of depression’s pit and finding the light again.

Side Note – There is an underlying message here in the vibrant amber glow connecting Archangel Jophiel, Jesus, and Saint Brigid that reinforces the message in the first prompt for today. It is an encouragement to connect more deeply in a spiritual level with my jewelry design and allow that connection to lift me up and bring more joy into the process.

DECK USED: TONS OF LUCK TAROT AND ANGELS AMONG US ORACLE

The Self Appreciation #STCTarotChallenge for April Prompt
Questions for April

Tons of Luck TarotThis year so far has prepared me for…

The Sun – Having served your time in the journey down into depression’s pit and in the climb back out again, this year so far has prepared you to truly appreciate being in the light once more and reiterated for you just how important gratitude, positivity, and optimism is in making life worth living.

Now I…

Nine of Wands and Strength – …can go forth with strength and awareness of not just what I need to protect myself against (the cloying grip of negativity and the depression that it can then pull me into), but also how to do so effectively.

This spring I will make a habit of…

The Magician atop Biased Rx – …not taking my abilities and unique skills for granted. I am aware of just how harsh and dark my inner critic can be, and the damage its pollution can cause in my mind and life. I will remember that I have all of the skills, abilities, and tools I need to manifest whatever I want into reality.

This will allow…

Seven of Cups atop Wheel of Fortune – …me to turn my dreams into reality and seize control of my times of good fortune, as well as find the boon in times of bad luck as well.

DECK USED: TONS OF LUCK TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

Play with Gideon tonight really helped me with the tension I was starting to feel. The subdrop is coming… or well, it’s here even if it’s in the early stages. This time with Gideon helped in easing those feelings a bit.