tarot and psychology

Don’t Close Your Eyes

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

Today’s meditation was skipped because I  napped instead… with a little bit of dawdling on my phone on the side.

IMG_4512Today’s draw is the Eight of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of turning a blind eye to important information, ignorance, the closed minded set of having a victim mentality, and allowing negative thoughts and inner narratives to take your power and dictate what you can’t do.

There are times that when we fuck up, it’s because we didn’t get enough information first, or even turned our eyes away from what we needed to know. This lack of knowledge then hinders us and can cause us to stumble or fall as a result.

Instead of being down on ourselves because we missed something, and having missed it we end up cutting ourselves on the swords of life… Remember that these moments and mistakes allow you to come back better and stronger the next time you were confronted with a similar problem.

DECK USED:  RETROSPECTIVE TAROT AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2021 Challenge Prompt
Topic: Do Spread 2

Children of Litha TarotWolf – How can I encourage my strength and bravery for hurdles yet to come?

Seven of Swords – Stand strong in what you stand for and where you’re values lie. Check in with your moral compass often, and pay attention when it speaks up instead of pushing the concerns aside or trying to mitigate them.

Owl – How can I learn to better trust my perception of the world and others?

Queen of Swords – You carry with you the lessons you’ve learned in the past, and in those lessons you possess knowledge that has been tried and tested. Don’t forsake that knowledge just because you want it to be wrong.

Stag – Where in my life can greater dignity create a stronger sense of integrity?

Ace of Swords – New ambitions can turn us all into fools at heart. When you approach new ideas and ambitions with dignity, you allow a measure of of balance and added integrity to that fool that resides within your heart.

Eagle – Why does good and successful leadership also require a modicum of grace?

Knight of Pentacles – Because anything worth doing is worth doing right, and takes time and attention to accomplish anything of great worth and do well at it. Grace gives you that added time and space to ensure those you lead are cared for along the way.

Salmon – In what direction have I been moving by instinct without realizing it?

Nine of Swords – Anxiety is high right now and a big part of that is habitual. In the past, you have used the adrenaline that your anxiety produces to light a fire under your ass for the approaching busy season.

Wild Goose – How have my past relationships and friendships taught me to be a better person?

Strength – They have taught me to see, better understand, and respect my personal strengths and how they can be used to connect with and help others.

DECK USED: CHILDREN OF LITHA TAROT

BekahMurphysMagic’s #IntuitiveHealingTarotChallenge Prompt
Questions for September 9th thru 14th

Retrospective TarotWhere am I facing blocks in my healing?

Knight of Cups – What we want doesn’t always align with what we need. Keep in mind that you just can’t always have everything you want, and that wouldn’t be healthy for you even if you could.

How do I address this blockage in my healing?

Three of Cups – Celebrate what you have and who you have it with. Put people first on your priority list, with joy as a close second.

Where am I facing blocks in abundance?

Five of Coins – You have no blocks in your abundance, but you do have scarcity issues. This is a perception of always never having enough and needing more. Keep in mind that self-fulfilling prophecies are a thing.

How do I address this blockage in abundance?

Four of Cups – Do what needs done to set it aside. This perception of scarcity is not helping you and can cause a great deal of harm. Better to set it aside than to let it disrupt all that you’ve built.

What is the current area in which my family needs healing?

King of Swords – We are all adrift due to the fact no one has taken the helm and set down the “law of the land” where family is concerned.

How do I heal my family in this area?

Four of Coins – Provide that stable base needed for everyone to balance upon. Be the raft in the ocean of uncertainty.

DECK USED: RETROSPECTIVE TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I’ve started making sure that I have my probiotic smoothie every day again, even on days like today where I’m unenthusiastic about it.  It’s weird how even the stuff I enjoy and brings me pleasure can at times be things that I feel so “meh” about. But only those things that are -good- for me, not all things.

Don’t Give Up

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

Today’s meditation was just over sixteen minutes long, and was the first installment of the Foundations III series on the Balance app.  The meditation today was focused upon body scanning, and although I usually enjoy body scan meditations, I was having a really hard time staying on task today for some reason.

Alice in Tarotland and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Tower card, which is traditionally a representation of chaotic restructuring, sudden catastrophic changes, and tearing down the old to make room for something new and different.

Remember all those moments in your life where you were certain that it was the end of the world, and that the world as you know it would never be the same again? Those are “Tower” moments, and they happen to everyone. It is a part of how we grow.

We become stronger by making it through these moments.  By surviving them and adapting to them, moving through them, and then beyond them. The  message in today’s cards is that when these moments happen, we need to remember that we’ve gotten through hard times before, and will again… and you will this time, too.

DECK USED:  ALICE IN TAROTLAND TAROT AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

The #ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge Prompt for the Sacred Grounds Tarot Club
Questions for September 9th thru 12th

Dream Symbol Oracle and Osho Zen TarotHow can I make life choices more consciously?

Teeth and Innocence – Don’t worry so much about what other people are thinking. Better to ask outright than guess, for when you guess (even in those times you are sure you know your right) your thoughts are not unbiased and will pollute the truth. Communicate openly and honestly, and make it clear you expect the same in return.

How can I take action for myself at this time?

Mushroom and Guidance – Lean into the advice and guidance of your spirit guides. They are there to help keep you healthy and happy, to ease you through difficulties and encourage your growth. To do this, you need to stay open to their messages.

How can I better grow from my mistakes?

Bee and Success – This message has been coming up quite a bit lately. Remember that mistakes are learning experiences that help you grow and do better moving forward. Take those lessons and carry them forward to improve upon future endeavors.

When i feel hesitant about refusing, how can I build the courage to say no?

Altar and Sharing – Take a moment to connect with why you are saying no, and explain your side of things. Open communication and allowing people to see things from where you stand is important in making uncomfortable refusals easier to deliver.

DECK USED: DREAM SYMBOL ORACLE AND OSHO ZEN TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2021 Challenge Prompt
Questions for September 11th

Zombie Diaries Oracle and Alice in TarotlandHow will your courage be tested this autumn season?

Hibiscus and Queen of Pentacles – It may be a struggle to tame your anxiety issues this Autumn. Make sure that you are making healthy choices concerning what you are eating and in the ways that you ground yourself. Anything less will only make things worse right now. Hiding behind unhealthy habits is not going to make things better.

How will your strength be tested this autumn season?

Petrified Tree and The Emperor – Impatience is not your friend. Make sure to keep in mind that things move at their own pace for a reason. With your life currently in transition between the relative quiet of the spring and summer months and the chaos of the late fall and the winter season, you need to ensure that you aren’t holding the reigns too tightly. The strength here is in patience and easing of your grip, instead of becoming too much the controlling dictator.

How will your faith be tested this autumn season?

Canal and The Tower – Shit happens. It’s a part of life. Do not allow the chaos and sharp sting of betrayal that sudden change can cause to make you lose faith in either yourself or your path. Stay afloat and ride out the shifting of the earth beneath your feet as bedrock moves and your world trembles. Keep faith that you can make it through, adapt, and turn whatever comes to your advantage.

DECK USED: ZOMBIE DIARIES ORACLE AND ALICE IN TAROTLAND TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

More naps. No cooking today either.  Just a day full of leftovers.  So pretty much a lazy day all the way around.

“What IF” is Not Truth

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

Today’s meditation was skipped for another dawdling relaxation on the bed.  Although I know I really need to get back into a regular meditation practice, I have to admit, it was nice just to do nothing for a bit.

Terato Tarot and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Two of Air (Swords), which is traditionally a representation of weighing one’s options and struggling with difficult decisions. Sometimes, it is also an indication that until we open our eyes to become unbiased, we will be unable to make the wisest choice.

Combined with the Thera-Pets card for today, what I see here is a reminder that our outlook is a choice.  Just as the harpy in the Two of Air card chooses which way his wings take him, we are just as able to choose how we see the world around us and react to it.

That includes if we choose to give our fears and worries weight, or accept them as fact when they are only “what if” projections of our mind.

Today’s cards are a reminder that anxiety tells of lies.  “What ifs” are not truths. Our fear lies to us, whispers insidiously in our ears and our minds, trying to convince us of horrible things to come. In order to defeat these lies, we have to make a conscious choice to see them as lies.  Only then will the lies step aside and allow us move forward without fear.

DECK USED:  TERATO TAROT AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

Mr Lionharts’ #TheSeptemberTarot Rise and Fall Prompt
Questions for September 10th thru 12th

Gods and Goddesses of Japan Oracle and Tarot by CaroAre my personal beliefs helping or hindering me?
Ame-no-Tokotachi-no-Kami and The Empress

Your beliefs, and most especially your individuality and creative spark, nurture your inner self. This nurturing then fosters your individuality and creative spark. The cycle is healthy and encourages growth and grounding as they work to continually balance each other out.

What am I asked to have faith in or keep confidence in?
Omoikane-no- Kami atop Tori-no-Iwakusufune-no-Kami, Strength

Yourself, and your ability to see beyond your own perspectives and help others to do the same. This is an inner strength you don’t even realize you are doing most of the time.

An encouraging message from the cards for me.
Minato-no-Kami and Seven of Cups

Instead of worrying and dithering over choices and opportunities, take a breath and clear your mind. Allow inner knowledge, and the natural flow of energy and life, to make these choices for you. You don’t have to control every little thing.

Side Note: There is a prevalent theme here of individuality, new ways of thinking and seeing the world, and moving forward on life’s journey with confidence.

DECK USED: GODS AND GODDESSES OF JAPAN ORACLE AND TAROT BY CARO

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2021 Challenge Prompt
Question: What future growth should you be directing energy toward at this time?

Terato TarotReading Summary: Nurture yourself (The Empress), your curiosity (Page of Earth), and your connection with the earth (The Empress combined with Page of Earth). Allow these things to have a place in future plans (Two of Fire).

Take Away:  I need to make sure that as I creep closer to the holiday rush that I’m not forsaking my needs.  This includes the need to get outside and spend time in nature, as well as taking time for self-care and making sure that I’m being kind to myself moving forward.

Once the holiday rush gets here, all bets are off and I will be overwhelmed and drowning in far too much to get done in far too short of time. Until then, I need to give  myself all the care and kindness that I can in order to shore up my strength and resiliency for the knee buckling struggles and trials that wait for me within the last seven weeks of the year.

DECK USED: TERATO TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I took a nap even though I really didn’t want to. I wanted to spend more time with Gideon, but I wasn’t sure I could manage the whole evening without a bit of a rest.

The Instability of Fear

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

Today’s meditation was skipped… unintentionally.  I sort of laid down to do the meditation and ended up dawdling on my phone and then dozing off.  So… I never actually made it to the meditation part, but it was relaxing regardless.

Cult of Weimar Tarot and TheraPets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Temperance card, which is traditionally a representation of moderation, taking things slow, and a  connection between the physical, emotional, and spiritual realms.

Although the woman in the imagery for today’s card has wings, she appears to have taken a pause to think and reflect rather than leaping first.  Sometimes, it can be important to pause and consider before reacting, and this can be especially important in times of anger, stress, or fear.

What I see in the message for today’s cards is that in times of fear, it’s important to not act rashly. Far better to take one’s time and get a good sense of the situation and surrounding influences, take a breath, and step outside of the fear and into a more rational space prior to committing to a course of action.

This can often be difficult, but the first step is recognizing you are in a mindset of fear in the first place.

DECK USED:  CULT OF WEIMAR TAROT AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2021 Challenge Prompt
Questions for September 9th

Sacred Nature Oracle and Tyldwick Tarot 2nd EditionYour Personal Pain

Lupine (Lupinus albus) and The Chariot atop Temperance – Anxiety caused by old habits and habitual thinking that going faster and more productivity is always better. The “PUSH” of unreasonable demands you’ve used to punish yourself, and force yourself to do more and more in the past, trying to slip in and reestablish itself in the present.

A Healing Action To Take

Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) atop Marigold (Calendula officinalis), Queen of Cups – Pay attention to what you truly need and allow that to carry you forward like a leaf riding the breeze. Being kind to yourself is a learning journey for you, and it’s okay to seek out others to help you stay on track.

Possible Positive Outcome

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) and Knight of Cups – The ability to more easily express your emotions and desires, both to yourself and others. This in turn can create within you a lighter and more open energy, free from fear and consternation.

DECK USED: SACRED NATURE ORACLE AND TYLDWICK TAROT 2ND EDITION

Healer Josephine’s #MindfulImperfectionTarot Prompt
Questions for September 11th thru 13th

Sibyls Oraculum and Cult of Weimar TarotHow can I feel safe being imperfect?
Strategy, High Priestess atop Three of Cups

See your differences not as imperfections, but as unique qualities to be celebrated and used to your advantage.

These qualities are something that can give you an edge, for although they are commonplace to you, they are often a mystery to others, providing you with an element of surprise that you would not otherwise have.

How can I be more open to making mistakes?
Synthesis and Hanged Man

Mistakes are learning tools, not failures. With each mistake that we make, we learn how to do better and be better… as long as we are open to these lessons.

Make sure to look for the lessons to be learned in these experiences, and absorb what you’ve learned that will improve upon both yourself as well as your goals.

DECK USED: SIBYLS ORACULUM AND CULT OF WEIMAR TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I dawdled in bed this morning after I got home from the farm.  Just relaxing and screwing around, watching YouTube videos, scrolling through Instagram, and playing my little Township farming game on my phone.

Morning Bonus Read – September

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Lonely Dreamer Tarot 2nd Edition - September Tarot Reading

What is the energy surrounding you this September?

Gradual change (Death) while taking care to remain seated and keep your emotional growth as the focus (Nine of Cups).

Although the holiday rush is on its way, it’s not here yet and I need to remain focused on settling into the emotional growth that I’ve made this year for the month of September, processing how far I’ve come and where I’m at now before diving into preparation for the holiday rush.

Small changes can be made along the way this month, but I need to make sure I don’t dive right in too early as it could damage the progress that I’ve made in my emotional growth.

What needs letting go from the previous months?

Shadow –  I’ve done a great deal of shadow work this year. But, it’s time to put that away now that fall is approaching. September allows me some time of adjustment to the things that I’ve learned, so that I can move forward with purpose as the season moves closer and closer to the holiday rush to come.

If I don’t let it go, it will make things more difficult in the months ahead.

As the seasons change, how can you best apply your focus toward your goals?

King of Swords – Have a plan, and stay focused. I know what I want, and I know it’s going to be a rough journey. Just stay focused on those ambitions and goals, and it’ll be fine.

How can you best bring more abundance in to your life?

Seven of Wands – Make sure to stay strongly rooted and connected with my moral compass and what I know to be right and wrong. Make good choices and don’t let others lead me astray with their contrasting values and their own goals. 

I was given advice recently that went against not just what I know to be right for me, but also against what my guides have been advising me on for months.

For a moment, because it spoke to my old habits and tendencies, I actually entertained it in my mind. I’m not sure if this is because it came from an external source, or because it was a temptation of old unhealthy behavior that would be so easy to fall back into.

That advice, of course, was it discarded… As it should’ve been. But this is a good reminder to be careful of repeats in the months ahead.

What influence will provide positive change this month?

King of Wands – It’s mine.  My goals, my passions. My desire, drive, and ambitions. Take the reins and set the pace. Remember that, in life and especially in the business, I am the captain of the ship. Be sure to delegate where needed to keep things running smoothly.

Message from Spirits and Guides.

Page of Swords – Learning a new path and new methods to achieve your goals can often be confusing. It’s okay to feel like you’re fumbling around in the dark sometimes… everybody does once in a while.

DECK USED: LONELY DREAMER TAROT 2ND EDITION

Individuality and Authenticity

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

Today’s meditation was just over thirteen minutes and was the last session in the Foundations II series of the Balance app.  It was focused upon following the breath with the rise and fall of the chest and stomach as the focal point for the breath exercises.  I really needed the meditation today, as I woke up with anxiety and the meditation assisted me in getting it a bit more under control.

Tarot of the Master and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Eight of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of being held back due to turning a blind eye, not seeing what is right in front of you, and the ignorance of facts. It can also represent being held back by a victim mentality that blinds you to everything except your own situation and inner narrative.

One of the things that really stands out to me in this particular Eight of Swords is the fact that each of the swords is different. No two are identical.

Combined with the Thera-Pets card for today, the reminder here in today’s message is about authenticity and how each of us is unique and different.  And, just as you often turn a blind eye to other’s imperfections, accepting people with their failings and flaws, so too will they for you.

DECK USED:  TAROT OF THE MASTER AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

BekahMurphysMagic’s #IntuitiveHealingTarotChallenge Prompt
Questions for September 6th thru 8th

Language of Flowers Oracle and The New Immortal TarotWhat shadow needs healing so I can better connect with my intuition?
White Hibiscus (Respect) and Queen of Cups

You need to accept emotions as a natural part of life instead of something to be “dealt with”. They are a part of you that deserves the same understanding and respect as every other part of you.

Where am I facing blocks in my intuition?
Mexican Marigold (Vitality) and Nine of Cups

You are spending all of your energy chasing pleasure and contentment instead of on your spiritual development. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it is blocking you from any significant intuitive growth spurts for the time being.

How do I address this blockage in my intuition?
Snowdrop (Hope) and Ten of Cups

Keep doing what you are doing and it will all come together in the end. Your focus can’t always be on your spiritual and intuitive development. It’s both natural and healthy to have times when your attention is focused elsewhere.

DECK USED: LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS ORACLE AND THE NEW IMMORTAL TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2021 Challenge Prompt
Philosophical Question: What are the three major strengths of humanity?

Tarot of the MasterIX di Bastoni – Resilience and determination. Persistence.

Regina di Bastone – The ability to support others dreams even while we pursue our own.

I di Coppa – Empathy.

Take Away:  All three of these qualities combine in a way that helps in demonstrating kind and conscientious strength for ourselves and others.  This allows us all to grow both as individuals and a community.

These strengths teach us that we are strong on our own, and even stronger together, supporting each other to reach our goals and dreams.

DECK USED: TAROT OF THE MASTER

Daily Self Kindness

I drank just a little bit of caffeine tonight.  Just enough to give me a bit of a boost so that I could spend some time with Gid after getting home from a stressful and exhausting day visiting my aunt and assembling her new furniture.