student tarot v5

Stay the Path

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

Today’s meditation was ten minutes and forty eight seconds, and focused on the benefits of doing nothing.

This is, as you might imagine, a difficult topic for me. And a difficult task. To relax and take it all in rather than be active and productive is a struggle. I do understand the value in rest and recuperation, though, as well as the value in stillness and the mindfulness that it makes room for.

Today’s draw is the 15th card in the Major Arcana, the Devil card. This card is a representation of temptation, distraction, and a hedonistic mindset. As with all cards in the Major Arcana, this card’s focus is not on one specific aspect of the human experience, but rather on the big picture and one’s spiritual journey as a whole.

When this card appears, it is often a warning that you are being distracted off of your chosen path.

It’s appearance in today’s draw is a reminder to take care of myself. Here, while visiting at my mother’s, there are a lot of rich foods offered (and served) on a daily basis. There is also the ever-present temptation to let my inner deamons run amok.

The appearance of the Devil card is a reminder to stay on the path(s) I have chosen for myself, rather than allowing myself to be distracted and pulled off into the weeds.

Rise Above

/ Twist the Leaf / 3 Comments

Today’s meditation was ten minutes and fifty seconds, and focused on using eating as an exercise in mindfulness.

In other words, paying attention when you eat rather than just putting it in your mouth and not remembering that you did, or tasting the food, or not enjoying the food.

In the process of becoming more mindful while eating, you then become far more aware of the food that you’re eating and can often feel more satiated in the process, as well as introducing another area of enjoyment into your life.

Today’s draw is the Five of Pentacles, and the Six of Wands. Neither of them is a jumper, but instead they were stuck together when they Emerged from the deck.

The Five of Pentacles is a representation of trials, tests, harshness, and challenges in the area of resources, money, In the physical world. It can also represent a mindset of loss or lack.

The Six of Wands is a representation of Cooperation, harmony, and vitality in the areas of willpower, passion, drive, and the inner spark.

Together, the appearance of these cards speaks of rising above a mindset of lack and feelings that this is a time of need.

These cards are a reminder to count my blessings, rather than always looking at the world through the perspective of my glass being half empty.

This perspective is part of what makes me work so hard… But I need to remember that I am also very blessed in my life. Both of the people that I have in it, and in my situation as a whole.

No Offense Taken

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

Today’s meditation was ten minutes long, And focused on how to deal with criticism in a way that is excepting and calm, rather than taking immediate offense.

An interesting thing about today’s meditation is that I do my card draw before I meditate, and yet both the card and the meditation tie into each other very clearly today.

The guided meditation spoke on how it is important to listen, even when what you’re hearing is criticizing and negative. Even these messages from people sometimes have something you can learn from them, and take away on a positive note.

Today’s draw is the Five of Wands, which is a representation of trials, conflict, struggles, strife, and harshness in the area of one’s drive, passion, willpower, and inner spark.

The Five of Wands has made an appearance today to remind me that it’s OK to have differences of opinion, and to listen rather than trying to speak over other people or disregard their perspectives.

This is a good message for me today, as I don’t always get on well with my mother and her opinions and values.

The Five of Wands in today’s draw is a reminder that that’s okay. They are her values and perspectives, not mine. And in the end, it’s possible I might learn something new from just sitting back and listening to what she has to say with an open mind, rather than ignoring or taking offense.