tarot and psychology

Stop, and Listen

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IMG_3101Today’s meditation was just over ten minutes long and I don’t really remember all that much about it.  I remember being awake for the whole thing, just not… whatever it was about.

That said, I really like the William James quote that came along with today’s meditation (seen on the right), and I would surmise from that quote that the topic of the meditation was about the interconnectedness between people, no matter their differences may be on the surface.

Nigel Jackson's Rose Tarot and Less Anxiety Affirmation CardsToday’s draw is the Queen of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of a receptive alpha energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s emotions, relationships, creativity, and intuition.  This often translates into emotionally supportive themes of nurturing  warmth and understanding coming from a place of authority.

The queen in this card has an almost zen posture, which fits really well with the affirmation card for today.  Both combined speak of the need to awaken your own Queen of Cups that resides within you and allow that energy to rise to the surface.  Not to be given to others, but rather to be directed toward yourself.

Sometimes, we forget to listen to our own feelings, and we forget how those emotions can effect us, our outlook, and our experiences.  It’s important to pause now and then and really listen to ourselves.  Our bodies and our inner dialog, and our emotions as well, for they all influence one another and you can’t get one in balance without balancing it with the others.

DECK USED:  NIGEL JACKSON’S ROSE TAROT AND LESS ANXIETY AFFIRMATION CARDS

The Sacred Grounds Tarot Club Prompt
Questions for July 4th thru 6th

Flower Medicine Oracle and Nigel Jackson's Rose TarotWhat should I be celebrating right now?

Oleander (strong boundaries) and Three of Swords –  You should be celebrating your accomplishments when it comes to the boundaries you’ve set for yourself and others. Boundaries are not always easy to uphold, but they help keep you safe, healthy, and happy.

How could I celebrate myself more fully?

Magnolia (nobility) and Knight of Coins – Allow yourself to move at a slower pace so that you can linger a while and smell the roses instead of always rushing ahead. Acknowledge that the journey is more important than the destination.

How can I celebrate my life more fully?

Sunflower (hope) and The Hierophant – Acknowledge that you are a role model to others. By showing what hope and optimism can do in your own life, you are showing others that it’s possible for them to do the same.

DECK USED:  FLOWER MEDICINE ORACLE AND NIGEL JACKSON’S ROSE TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2021 Challenge Prompt
Question: How does my inner child feel right now?

Nigel Jackson's Rose TarotReading Summary: Rudderless (Three of Batons Rx), but ready to go (Knight of Cups). They see what is possible, but feel stagnant and unable to get there (Ten of Coins Rx).

Take Away: I’ve been feeling a lot of that rudderless stagnancy rising to the surface lately, and I’ve been writing it off as just being that things with finding balance and following my emotional growth has been going slower than I’m comfortable with.

This reading indicates that feeling is shared with my inner child, and perhaps might even be originating from there, or at the very least, be encouraged through that inner child and their dissatisfaction with the slow pace things are going at.

This wouldn’t surprise me at all, for I think that this slower pace is a more mature route, but I have always been one to plow in and push push push until whatever needs done is finished, no matter how ragged I wore myself in getting there.  Slow is… just not all that easy for me, and nor is it easy for my inner child either, apparently.

DECK USED:  NIGEL JACKSON’S ROSE TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I’m working hard at trying to get myself to bed at a decent time tonight because J and I plan on going hiking early in the day tomorrow.

Building Confidence

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Today’s meditation was skipped again.

The Prismatic Tarot and Less Anxiety Affirmation CardsToday’s draw is the Eight of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of bailing on a situation out of frustration or disappointment, themes of abandonment or withdrawal, and moving on.

What stands out to me very strongly in the imagery of this card today is the moon in the sky at the top of the card.  This speaks to me of the fact that when you walk away from something, there’s always a hint of doubt and uncertainty involved.  It’s a natural part of the process.

The addition of the affirmation card for today provides guidance for these situations, providing a reminder that when you are treading into unfamiliar territory and dealing with the uncertainties of what you’re leaving behind, that it’s important to center yourself, and that breath work is an excellent way to do this.

DECK USED:  THE PRISMATIC TAROT AND LESS ANXIETY AFFIRMATION CARDS

Mr Lionharts’ #TheJulyTarot #TarotSuitsChallenge Prompt
Questions for July 4th thru 6th

Earthcraft Oracle and The Prismatic TarotKeeping this in mind can support me in my plans this week.

Forest Bathing and The Emperor – Be proactive in getting the self care that you need. Forest bathing is one of your absolute favorite activities, but are you being proactive in making sure you get what you need? Or are you putting it off and letting these opportunities to get out in nature get away from you?

What am I invited to create for myself?

Spirit of the North and The Fool – Don’t let your enthusiasm create impossible expectations. Stay grounded and remember that everything worth having is worth working (and waiting) for.

What should be cleared or dealt with before I begin to create?

Spirit Weaver and Page of Swords – Believe in yourself and your capabilities. If you really aspire for something to manifest in your life, you’re capable of forging that path forward. Just make sure you have the information and tools necessary before you take the leap.

DECK USED: EARTHCRAFT ORACLE AND THE PRISMATIC TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2021 Challenge Prompt
Question: Do Spread #1

The Prismatic TarotWhat needs to be left behind as I focus on further growth?

The High Priestess Rx – You need to let go of doubts pertaining to your intuition. That secret knowledge is always right, always there just for you, whispering in your ear from beneath your skin.  Those times you ignore it and second guess it, it never turns out well.  Let go of the hesitation.

What is in full bloom for me right now?

Knight of Wands – Inspiration and enthusiasm is at your fingertips, you just have to reach out and allow it to actually spark.  Once it does, there’s a good chance that if you aren’t careful it will carry you away, so work on keeping moderation in mind as you begin to explore.

Where do I need to direct my focus for further growth?

Ten of Cups – Focus on what makes you happy and what creates emotional bonds with others in your life.  It’s about now, and about those connections. Not everything can be about “some day”.  Make sure that today is weighed as more important, and that those with you in the now are a higher priority than future plans.

DECK USED:  THE PRISMATIC TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

Still in the catch-up train.  So I’m not 100% positive what my self kindness was for this day.

Perfectionism Is Not Your Friend

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Today’s meditation was skipped.  No excuses, I just didn’t get it done. 

The Master Tarot and Less Anxiety Affirmation CardsToday’s draw is the Eight of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of hard work, honing an expertise, and perfectionism.

The Eight of Pentacles in this deck is a very classic image, where the figure works hard to hone their craft and perfect their skills.

The thing is, though?  Perfectionism isn’t always a blessing or a virtue.  It can sure seem like it sometimes, but when you get stuck in the mindset that nothing is ever good enough and you can do better?  It can become extremely detrimental.

The affirmation card in today’s draw is a reminder of this dangerous pattern, and how sometimes we have to just leave things be and not push for more, or better. 

DECK USED:  THE MASTER TAROT AND LESS ANXIETY AFFIRMATION CARDS

Cosmic_Crow_Tarot’s #FreedomTarotChallenge Prompt
Questions for July 3rd and 4th

Ancient Animal Wisdom Cards and The Master TarotWhat do I depend on too much?

Hippopotamus and Six of Wands – Reassurance from outside sources.  Although it can be nice to hear good things from others, it’s important to let them feel good but not depend on them for your sense of personal value.  Nor can they heal old wounds.  Only you can do that.

What do I not depend on enough?

Dugong Tiger and Ace of Swords – So many ideas, and so little time. You need to lean more into that balance you’re trying to accomplish. Let that become a strength you develop over time and use to sort out your ideas.  You have the ability to prioritize wisely, if you’re willing to work at it and develop it.

DECK USED: ANCIENT ANIMAL WISDOM ORACLE AND THE MASTER TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

Again, I’m working on catching up and I just have no idea what my daily kindness was for this day.  I’ll start being able to add these again once I’m caught up.

Morning Bonus Read – Perspectives

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The prompt for this reading came from one of my Discord servers and is as follows:
“Sometimes an outside perspective is helpful. Do a divination reading about yourself from the perspective of someone else. Maybe ask a spirit or deity who cares for you what they see when they look at you.”

SINS Anima Playing CardsWhat do my spirit guides notice about my body?

Six of Hearts – You’re working at finding better harmony. This isn’t an easy task, but you’re slowly becoming more accepting and more kind to yourself, and at finding a way to balance your wants and desires with your body’s needs.

What do my spirit guides notice about my mind?

Ten of Clubs – Overloaded. So many plans and ideas, so much judgement of self, so much inner dialog getting in the way and making you feel overwhelmed even when you’re not actually being overburdened at all.

What do my spirit guides notice about my heart?

Two of Diamonds – Your heart knows where it wants to be rooted, but you’re playing tug of war with it. It’s not a weed, stop treating it like one.

What do my spirit guides notice about my soul?

Six of Diamonds – You are generous with giving of yourself. Sometimes too much so. You offer so much of yourself to others that at times it can be unhealthy for you.

What do my spirit guides notice about my life?

Two of Spades – Two paths before you and you are stuck at the crossroads.  That stagnant feeling you’ve been feeling lately is a sign of this crossroads and the internal struggle you’re going through in trying to “pick a lane”.

What do my spirit guides notice about my problems?

Four of Diamonds – Stop bracing for impact. It does no good and only holds you back. This is  a habit from your youth, and you don’t have to worry anymore about that second shoe dropping… or the first one for that matter.  Take a breath and relax.

What do my spirit guides notice about my general relationships?

Three of Spades – You’re always far too prepared to be disappointed by others. It’s okay to have a little faith in people and not be ready for them to rip your heart out.  It’s okay to not expect the worst.

What do my spirit guides notice about my relationship?

King of Spades – There is a great sense of security, and you know where you stand. You know that your advice and opinions are heard and valued, and that submissives really steer the ship. You know that his support is not a burden to him, even if logically from your perspective it feels like it should be.

What advice does my spirit guides have for me?

Queen of Spades – Own your forthright nature. Own the qualities that make you your mothers son. Your sense of values and moral compass will assure that you don’t follow in her footsteps. Instead, you will use these qualities for the good of others, instead of for your own selfish desires.

What warning do my spirit guides have for me?

Four of Hearts – Stop stalling when you need to get things done that you’re not enthusiastic about. Just get them done.

DECK USED:  SINS ANIMA PLAYING CARDS

Restoration Is Important

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Today’s meditation was about ten minutes long and was a guided meditation from the Calm app combined with an interval timer for my piriformis stretches.

The focus of today’s meditation was about shame concerning our past experiences and traumas.  It was about how we carry this shame with us, and how it can eventually eat us alive… but that the solution is simple.  Sometimes, what is needed most, is just to be heard.  To speak our truth and be heard, understood, and cared about.  This is often why therapy can be such a good tool for people.  It gives you someone to talk to that is not about judging you, but hearing you and helping you.

Tarot at the End of the Rainbow and Less Anxiety Affirmation CardsToday’s draw is the Four of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of taking time to rest, recuperation after a trying time, and stillness for restoration and meditation on the events that have brought you to this place as well as where to go from here.

We all need rest. This is something that took me a long time to accept in myself.  I used to push myself hard, so hard.  Again and again I’d push myself to burn out, give myself just enough recovery that it would let me push forward again.

These cycles just brought me deeper and deeper into exhaustion.  I was not treating myself or my body well, and after a time, it became to rebel against this treatment.  Now, I’ve learned that I need that rest.  Everyone needs rest.  And it’s only through caring for your body and  your needs, that you can then continue forward and achieve your goals.

DECK USED:  TAROT AT THE END OF THE RAINBOW AND LESS ANXIETY AFFIRMATION CARDS

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2021 Challenge Prompt
Questions for July 2nd & 3rd

Oracle of the Essences 2nd Edition and Tarot at the End of the RainbowWhat inner injury from my childhood needs healing?
Pink Pepper, Cassia, Ace of Coins

Being constantly told that I’ve never enough just the way I am and that no matter what I tried it was never going to be good enough.

How can I begin working on healing that injury?
Birch, Grapefruit, and Two of Swords

Don’t allow what was said then hold so much weight, take a deep breath and let us roll up all that pain and discontent that this experience still has for you… then exhale it out. This is something that you’re going to have to consciously put time and attention into in order to eventually be able to choose to let go of.

DECK USED: ORACLE OF THE ESSENCES 2ND ED AND TAROT AT THE END OF THE RAINBOW

The Sacred Grounds Tarot Club Prompt
Questions for July 2nd and 3rd

Tarot at the End of the RainbowWhat message does July have for me?
The Chariot and Seven of Swords

Look at that smile on the leprechauns face! July is offering me the opportunity to reconnect with my values and principles, to examine them and choose wisely so that I can make sure that I continue on the path that I want to continue on as I move forward into the future. My future and direction upon my path are in my own hands. I need to ensure that my actions are compatible with the direction I wanna go in.

What challenges is July going to bring me?
Five of Swords atop Ace of Wands, Three of Swords

Disappointment over not being able to go after all of my different ideas and passionate pursuits. Lots of prioritizing will be needed and I’m going to have to leave some things behind in order to shine in the things that I end up prioritizing.

DECK USED: TAROT AT THE END OF THE RAINBOW

Daily Self Kindness

I’m sort of playing catch up at the moment, so I don’t actually remember what I did for myself back on this day.  I should have written it down at the time, but I didn’t and now I’m not sure.

A Work In Progress

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Today’s meditation was skipped because it’s an orders day.

The New Chapter Tarot and Less Anxiety Affirmation CardsToday’s draw is the Fool card, which is traditionally a representation of new beginnings, rebirth, innocence, naivete, blind trust, optimism, and unrealistic expectations.

What really sticks out to me in these cards today, though, is not in the Fool card, but rather it’s in the words “nothing is ever enough for a mind always striving for more” in today’s affirmation card.

I fall into this trap again and again, whether it’s with my emotional growth, my business, my financial stability… it seems that at the root core of everything, I am always striving for more. Pushing for more. Demanding more from myself than might be expected from others.

I have not figured out how not to push. I have yet to discover how to simply be still in the now without fighting to move forward and accomplish more. The Fool card here is a reminder of this folly that I can’t imagine I am alone in struggling with.  It’s a reminder that we are all pieces of work in progress, always in progress.  There’s no need to push.

DECK USED:  THE NEW CHAPTER TAROT AND LESS ANXIETY AFFIRMATION CARDS

Mr Lionharts’ #TheJulyTarot #TarotSuitsChallenge Prompt
Questions for July 1st thru 3rd

Hedgewitch Botanical Oracle and The New Chapter TarotWhat major energy am I invited to work with this month?

Dogwood (Cornus florida) and Death – It’s time to change up your wards. Whether they’ve been tapped early through extra challenges to their protections, or you’ve shared enough information on them to leave you vulnerable, it’s time.

What major energy is here to support me throughout the month?

Burdock (Arctium lappa) – You excel at being stubborn. Use that to your advantage.

How can I best embrace and work with this available energy?

Cohosh (Actaea racemosa) and Four of Wands – These cards echo back to the first question. You need to make new defenses and wards for your home and all that you hold dear. It’s stressful, but this needs to be done throughout the month. Start changing things up, and refresh everything a bit earlier than normal with new methods in place in order to both protect and ensure stability and peace in your home life.

DECK USED: HEDGEWITCH BOTANICAL ORACLE AND THE NEW CHAPTER TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2021 Challenge Prompt
Question: How can I better connect with my inner child?

The New Chapter TarotReading Summary: By looking inward (The High Priestess) and not allowing your more solemn nature and self destructive tendencies (The Hermit Rx) to stand in the way of seeing life as an adventure (The Fool). Stop pushing so hard to move on and move past everything (Ten of Swords Rx).

Take Away: To connect with my inner child on a deeper level I need to spend more time looking inward at what makes me tick and what uncertainties and hidden motivators are lurking in my subconscious.

I also need to take time to look at life in a more optimistic and positive light, and use that perspective to set aside destructive tendencies.

All this pushing I’m doing is fear and an effort at avoidance so that I don’t have to deal with these things or look too closely at things that make me uncomfortable.

DECK USED: THE NEW CHAPTER TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I took a nap when I got home from the farm today, even though it’s an orders day.