tarot and psychology

Reevaluation and Letting Go

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

Fablemaker's Animated Tarot - Four of CupsToday’s draw is the Four of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of creating distance due to apathy or disinterest, meditation, or taking time to reevaluate one’s situation or emotions.

I hate to make two complaint posts in a row for my daily pulls, and yet today’s cards (not just the card of the day) are all about how I feel about this deck and my reevaluation of my feelings concerning it.

The thing is?  I love the artwork in this deck. It’s cute and colorful and beautifully done.  But the cardstock itself?  Ruins it.  The lenticular qualities make it damned near impossible to take a good picture… and that’s just the tip of the iceberg!

There’s the fact that the cards have no core to them (black, blue… whatever) which means that you can see *right through them* in the sunlight.  I don’t mind the thickness of the cardstock at all, but there’s also the fact that the finish on the face of the cards is mirror-like shiny. To the point that even the most minute scratches or wear show in glaring detail… and speaking of mirror like finishes?  Lots and LOTS of glare as well. This mirror-like quality also makes photographing the cards  even more of a nightmare. (Which is saying something, because a part of my work involves photographing shiny and shimmering jewelry, so I know how to deal with mirrored surfaces and glare.)

Fablemaker's Animated Tarot

SO… I’m disappointed.  I was so excited for this deck and excited to finally get a chance to work with it this month, but… no.  On reevaluation… it seems I’ll be selling it instead of using it.  I’m really sad about that, too, because I love the artwork. It just turns out that these particular issues are deal breakers for me apparently…. which is something I didn’t even know until today.

@Lionharts #TheAprilTarot Light My Fire Challenge Prompt
Question: Draw a card and use its message to create a daily mantra for the month ahead.

Four of Cups – Take a look within and examine how you truly feel.  Take action only after that moment of reflection.

DECK USED:  THE FABLEMAKER’S ANIMATED TAROT

@the_mystic_star’s April #MysticStarChallenge Prompt
Prompt for April 1st and 2nd

Fablemaker's Animated Tarot - The Tower, Two of Cups, Three of Pentacles, Six of PentaclesWhat card symbolizes my ‘Current Situation’ that is known to me?

The Tower Rx and Two of Chalices – Catastrophic issues that prevent you from bonding properly.  These cards are about this particular deck and my rant in my card of the day write up for today.  It speaks of the bonding issues being something not able to be resolved.

What do I need to do to better understand my ‘Current Situation’?

Three of Coins and Six of Coins –  Reach out to the community and be generous in doing so.  Someone will love this deck far more than you do… you just need to find it a new home.

Take Away:  Clearly this deck wanted to talk about the issues I have with it and how to resolve them. I’ve taken these suggestions to heart and listed the deck online to sell, then at a discounted price on the Tarotholics server for community members to take advantage of if they wish.

DECK USED: THE FABLEMAKER’S ANIMATED TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

My self kindness today was letting go of the deck that this post is about.  I’ve put it up for sale.

Adapting for the Goodness

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

Chubby Bun Tarot - Knight of WandsToday’s draw is the Knight of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of an active beta energy, personality, or person in the area of ones passions, drive, principles, and willpower. As with all wands, this isn’t about a physical thing, but rather about that inner spark of energy that “lights a fire under your ass” and “makes you tick”.

Did you know that sometime in the past few years, Kellogg’s has changed the ratio of breading to jelly in the top layer of their Pop Tarts?  You see, the only reason I know this is because I eat Pop Tarts in a very specific way that involves eating the sides first, then sliding the back of the Pop Tart off the frosting top so that I can save the jelly/frosting part for last (because that’s the best part).  Yet, sometime in the last few years, they’ve changed the thickness of the breading on the top of the Pop Tart, and the top and bottom no longer easily slide apart, as the top piece crumbles due to being too thin to take the pressure.

I mention this, because I discovered it today when I bought my first box of Pop Tarts in years…. and the expression on my face had to have been damned near identical to that of the bunny riding that horse in today’s card.

The message in today’s card is that things change sometimes, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t enjoy the things you like, even if you have to adapt a bit to do so.

DECK USED:  CHUBBY BUN TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsApr2023 Challenge Prompt
Topic: Do Spread 1 – Focus on a relationship that is important to you, whether that relationship be a friendship, a family member, or a loved one.

Geeky Girl OracleWhat does this loved one need less of from you?

Thunderbolt – Sass. Resistance. Chaos and clash. He is feeling the need to snug you up close and curl protectively around you. Thus, he needs you to be more approachable right now.

What does this loved one need more of from you?

Weak – Communication about your fears, worries, and anxieties. He can’t help if you leave him in the dark and he doesn’t know what you’re going through.

What in this relationship is being entirely neglected?

Snow – Freedom and fun. I disagree with this one. Although our fun is not rambunctious and overtly joyful, I feel that we are each very much having fun in our relationship and the activities we do together.

That said, there is an element in this card that is being neglected in our relationship, and that is the ability to be free and unrestrained in our expressions of love and joy. There is good reason, though, as I’m not psychologically in a place to handle the drop that follows these unhindered expressions and the freedom that the drown gives me.

I don’t think it’s neglected tho, as we are discussing it and monitoring it… even if to that part of me that craves the drown it might still feel like neglect.

DECK USED: GEEKY GIRL ORACLE

@Lionharts #TheAprilTarot Light My Fire Challenge Prompt
Question: Where do I need to take a bold step forward in my life?

Chubby Bun Tarot - Six of Swords, Two of Wands, Queen of Swords, Six of Pentacles, Nine of SwordsReading Summary: Instead of running away (Six of Swords Rx) from your fears, continue to plot your course despite them (Two of Wands atop Nine of Swords). Just don’t get so driven that you forget to take care of yourself along the way (Queen of Swords atop Six of Pentacles).

Take Away: Sometimes when anxiety gets in the way, it can be really hard to get in contact with your ambitions and where you want to go with your life and goals. All you want to do is hide instead, but that course of action always leads to self-neglect, as well as neglect of your responsibilities.

A better course forward would be to keep moving and planning despite your fears.

DECK USED: CHUBBY BUN TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

Lots of protein for dinner.  Kielbasa sausages and cheesy scrambled eggs.

Lessons From the Past

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

The Botan Tarot - King of SwordsToday’s draw is the King of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of a projective alpha energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s intellect, education, communication, and instinct. Part of this also includes imagination, although that can also touch upon the Cups suit as well.

What really stands out to me in the imagery of this card today is both the wings he wears in his headdress, as well as the fact that the King is facing staring into the past (facing left).

This speaks to me of the fact that Kings don’t just speak and give direction. They must also listen. It is through listening to others and the past that we make wise choices on how to move forward. Today’s card is a reminder that through experience (both our own as well as that of others) we learn… and those lessons are our responsibility to carry forward with us into the future.

DECK USED:  THE BOTAN TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsApr2023 Challenge Prompt
Questions for April 1st

Materia Medica Oracle 2nd EditionWhat is the most valuable thing you can do for yourself this month?

Kava and Milk Thistle – Work at absorbing the fact that you can’t hide from your shit by using social media. (Scrolling on Instagram is enjoyable down time, but not productive.) Work at instilling more discipline to ensure you’re not using it as escapism and thus not getting anything done as a result.

What is the most valuable thing you can do for others this month?

Asheagandha and Mullein – Work on toning down your aggression a bit. You can accomplish just as much with a soft touch and a bit of sugar as you would with a baseball bat and some vinegar.  The aggression can be a bit off-putting to others.  It peaked a bit ago, but is still in the process of dissipating. Adding some conscious awareness to the process will help this go smoothly for you and everyone else too.

DECK USED: THE MATERIA MEDICA ORACLE 2nd EDITION

@Lionharts #TheAprilTarot Light My Fire Challenge Prompt
Question: What inner fire am I guided to ignite, nurture and honor this month?

The Botan Tarot - Ten of Cups, Four of Swords, The Fool, Eight of SwordsReading Summary: True happiness (Ten of Cups) requires times of rest (Four of Swords). Its foolish (The Fool) to turn a blind eye to your needs (Eight of Swords).

Take Away: Work on developing a closer connection with your needs this month instead of ignoring them as you normally try to do.

This includes everything from the normal self care stuff like eating and sleep to more vague themes such as how much better you feel when your laundry is done, etc.

Only when you get in touch with the things that you need and allow yourself to have them will you be able to connect more easily with the day to day happiness you crave.

DECK USED: THE BOTAN TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I intentionally spent some time today chilling on the bed watching vid clips that make me laugh.  I also skipped the second half of my Month End reading instead of pushing myself to do it all.

Self Appreciation

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

Student Tart - Ten of PentaclesToday’s draw is the Ten of Pentacles, which is a representation of accomplishment and stability in the area of one’s finances, resources, health, home, and manifestations. It’s about having surpassed satiation and comfort, and moved on to “spreading the wealth” to make that stability not just one that is steady beneath your feet, but also the feet of others that stand with you.

Don’t take for granted how much you do for others. It’s not nothing, nor is it minuscule. You do a -lot- for others, and when you are unwilling to acknowledge your part in things and the sacrifices you make… others are encouraged to ignore them as well and take them for granted.

Appreciate yourself and all that you do… and others will as well.

DECK USED:  STUDENT TAROT No.6

#DiscordTarotholicsMar2023 Challenge Prompt
Topic for March 31st: Grab a spread of your choice you’re curious about… and give it a go!

Subject: My discontent with the newly constructed building across the alley.

The Geyser Tarot Reading with the Student Tarot No.6

What’s the basis of your discontent?

The Tower – You feel that the construction of the building behind your place has changed not just your view, but everything about the experience of where you live… and you definitely weren’t ready for it. You are not finding the changes and adjustments comfortable or pleasant.

What has caused this discontent?

Two of Swords and Queen of Pentacles – At the beginning of the construction, you made a difficult choice to do the “wait and see” thing instead of bailing ship and moving immediately. This is set you up to foster a mentality of sticking around and making it work, even if you don’t really like the end results.

What factors are contributing to you discontent?

Three of Swords and Six of Cups – You like the history of living where are you do. It brings you comfort to have the stability over time that you have developed here. You are just  disappointed in the new view out your windows, and the change they present, including lack of trees, changes in the light, and other subtle changes that add up overtime.  Not having any green out there to fasten your gaze on has pierced your heart and makes you feel adrift.

External factors affected by this discontent.

Queen of Wands Rx and Six of Wands – These feelings of discontent make it more difficult to foster motivation within yourself. You are seeking inspiration from others now more often than before, and less so from what lies beyond your home.

Possible outcomes if you ignore your discontent?

Page of Pentacles and Five of Pentacles Rx – You will continue to find increasing value in (and assistance from) others, but it’s going to be a slow road getting to a place where everything feels right and balanced again.

What area (in regards to the subject) needs your focus the most?

The Sun – Lean hard into positivity and optimism. Ignoring the bad shit (in this particular case) will benefit you far more than examining it. Get out in nature more for your fun. Just because the view doesn’t inspire you to step outside doesn’t mean you don’t need the fresh air.

An important piece of advice in regards to the subject.

The Emperor – You are in control and you always have choices, even when maybe you don’t like the choices available. Do what you know is best for both yourself and others, instead of sinking into selfishness and thinking only of yourself.

Internal factors affected by this situation.

Nine of Pentacles Rx – When you spend too much time, thinking about the situation and your unhappiness with it, you end up feeling “less than” and powerless, and in your mind your accomplishments are diminished.

Outcome; what happens if you interfere?

The Fool – You’ll find a new way to lift yourself up. It wouldn’t be the end of the world, but would absolutely involve starting over from scratch.

Negative possible outcome if you do nothing.

Left Side – You could very well end up making a choice that leaves you continually disappointed, stagnant, and disconnected from your inner spark, so that you feel like you’re going nowhere… and in truth aren’t going anywhere fast.

Positive possible outcome if you do nothing.

Right Side – In sinking into stability and fostering that in your life, you create happy memories for yourself and others that can stave off of feelings of scarcity.

Take Away – Everything lies in the hands of the Sun card and ensuring you don’t focus on the negative aspects of these changes. The more you focus on them, the greater your discontent will grow. Focus on the good instead and let it guide you.

DECK USED: STUDENT TAROT No.6

Daily Self Kindness

Gideon and I played again today. I’m enjoying our new characters and having a lot of fun with the story…. both of them actually. Although, I’m definitely craving the intimacy aspect and the drown, even if I know it’s probably not a good time for that yet.

So Much To See

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

The Teddy Bear Tarot - Knight of PentaclesToday’s draw is the Knight of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of an active beta energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s finances, resources, health, home life, and the physical world. This often translates into themes that have to do with taking bold actions and making positive progress in these areas.

Look at that wide eyed stare on the elephant that our knight rides in this image.  So much to see… why not move a little slower just to take it all in… right?

The message in today’s card is just that.  When you move too fast, you miss out on a lot of things and a good deal of detail passes you by without notice.  Instead, try slowing down and looking around a bit more. There’s more to see if you are willing to open your eyes and look a little closer.

DECK USED:  THE TEDDY BEAR TAROT

@lucet.in.aurora.tarot’s #lucetinauroraMaartTarotChallenge Prompt
Prompt for March 29th: Props you love to use in your tarot readings.

My Spellwork Table

I use forest detritus, crystals and stones, sigils, and other items in my readings, to communicate themes and direct energy. The detritus rotates out from season to season as I bring things back to the forest to return them to the earth and pick up new things to take their place.

The collection of other items I use is a constantly growing and changing collection that primarily lives on my spellwork table. Sometimes neatly organized… and at other times a chaotic mess, as you see here.

@Lionharts #TheMarchTarot Wander Lust Challenge Prompt
Question for March 29th: What can I lovingly embrace moving forward?

The Teddy Bear Tarot - The Devil, Nine of Pentacles, The Hierophant, Knight of SwordsThe Hierophant and Knight of Swords – Impulsivity is the death of tradition. Work on balancing your need for a rooted path with your more impulsive desires. Such balance will allow you to pounce when ambition calls for it without damaging the long held traditions that are important to you.

Nine of Pentacles atop The Devil Rx – Use mindful gratitude to combat your addictions when they begin to become destructive and unhealthy.

Take Away – These are both about your spending, and making sure that you balance your finances in a way that allows you to buy the supplies you need for your business and pay your bills, as well as spend on the things that you want to spend on without negative repercussions.

There is a need for moderation here that you will need to embrace in order to make sure that you can be fulfilled on both sides of this coin.

DECK USED: THE TEDDY BEAR TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

Once again, this is another catch-up post.  I know that I played with Gideon today, though, and that was fun.

Doing Too Much Lenormand Reading

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Doing Too Much Lenormand Reading with the Dreaming Lenormand

Why do I have so much to do?

Ring and Key – Because you feel that the key to success lies in the responsibilities and obligations you pile up on yourself. Thus you continue to pile on more and more of them in order to push yourself towards the success you want to achieve.

What prevents me from lightening my load?

Lily and Book – Past experience has shown you that this method works again and again.  You worry that that means it’s the only method that will and struggle to see past what this past research/experience has taught you.

What would it be like if I did less?

Rider and Birds – At least at first, it would feel like you are losing your grip on the organization and order that you’ve worked so hard to build in your life.  In time, this chaos would become the new norm tho, and you would learn to adapt to it and continue moving forward.

DECK USED: DREAMING LENORMAND