tarot and psychology

Inspiring Changes

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IMG_8792Today’s meditation was ten minutes long and was a guided meditation with interval timing for my piriformis stretches.    The topic of today’s guided meditation was about envy.

I don’t really remember much of the actual guided meditation. I just remember that  it was about looking beyond what people have to the people themselves. Life isn’t about things, but about people after all.

Heaven & Earth Tarot - The TowerToday’s draw is the Tower card, which is traditionally a representation of sudden and sometimes violent change.  This isn’t the calm and steady organic change that comes with the Death card, but rather it is sudden and without warning.

When I drew this card this morning, I had thought the message was about tearing down old to make room for new, and perhaps it still means that… although considering what went on today and the racial slurs that are currently spray painted all over my car?  I’m thinking this could very well have been a warning, regardless of the fact that the question was about being provided with a positive message to provide perspective.

Perhaps… the perspective here is that we need to do some renovations on our security in the building so things like this are less likely to happen. I’ve spent time speaking with the police, and going through security cameras, etc.  Maybe once things have settled down it’s time to call a security meeting and look at making some changes for the better.

Sometimes crap ass shit has to happen in order to light a fire under the ass of change.  That’s today’s message.

DECK USED:  HEAVEN & EARTH TAROT

LionHart’s Elements Tarot Challenge Prompt
Topic: Something I should know about my current passions/desires.

Magical Nordic Tarot

 Reading Summary: You’re going to have to move forward with patience (Knight of Pentacles) because you have a lot of conflict (Five of Wands) surrounding your feelings about the past (Six of Cups). Collaborative help from others (Three of Pentacles) will keep you moving forward and in control of your direction (The Chariot).

Take Away: This message is an echo of this morning’s bonus read.  It speaks of making sure I’m moving in the right direction by working with those I love and that want to support me.  It’s about allowing them to step in and keep me afloat when the influences of my past slip in to start screwing with my head and my heart. If I want to stay on track with my passions and desires, I can’t go it alone. I need the help of others to help keep me on track and healthy while I move forward at a slow and steady pace.

DECK USED:  MAGICAL NORDIC TAROT

#DiscordTarotolicJan2021 Challenge Prompt
Question: How can you bring more of what you want into your world?

Tarot of the DivineReading Summary: Be clever and “beg borrow and steal” (Seven of Swords) all the positivity and fun you can get (The Sun). It’s about going after what inspires you (Knight of Wands) with forethought and strategy at your back (Page of Swords).

Take Away: Go after the fun.  Focus on those things that really “light my fire” and get me going.  Use my mind, my wit, and the full force of my skills, abilities, and faculties to go after those things that have the potential to bring positivity and fun into my life.

The key here is twofold.  First, that I put myself “all in” to going after these things.  And second, that I focus on those things that truly foster my happiness and positivity.

DECK USED:  TAROT OF THE DIVINE

Morning Bonus Read – Authority Issues

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I had to adjust this topic a bit (the original prompt is at the end of this post), as I do not have the urge to look to external sources of authority to tell me what to do. In fact, I have authority and control issues that cause me to rebel against such controlling behavior from other parties. The prompt mentioned that there are so many external authorities that there is a struggle in knowing who to listen to, etc. I have very few “authorities” over my actions… in fact even my employers are more collaborators than any form of authority figures.

SO… for this prompt. I am going to use the one single authority figure that -is- a part of my life, and with whom I have found a balance between authority and independence that works. That would be my partner, Gideon.

Cabinetarium Playing CardsWhere in my life do I benefit most from having an authority figure in my life?

Six of Spades atop Four of Diamonds – In helping me stay grounded and away from those things that are most harmful to me. I am self-destructive. Those tendencies sometimes rise up and whisper insidiously in my ear at the worst of times. Gideon is there in those times to help me stay on the right path, and does so in a way that doesn’t make me feel the searing sting of rebellion… such as when he made the request that I stop drinking.

Where could I use a better balance between his authority influences and my own need for independence?

Seven of Hearts – In my struggles to find balance and harmony by making the best choices for myself that I can. I need to consult with him more during these times when I am confronting these choices and get his input.  Not so much to give him the choice instead of me making it, but to make sure that I have his perspective and input on what the best choices available to me are.

How can I begin establishing that better balance?

Three of Clubs – Work more closely with him and I will be heading in the right direction.  I understood this from the card that previously came out concerning balance and his input. I need that input.  Sometimes? I really suck at turning to him when I need to.  It’s stupid and a part of those self destructive tendencies.

Why do I need this outside authoritative energy in my life?

Three of Diamonds – To counteract the poisonous influences of my upbringing by providing me with support.  It’s something I can’t do alone but needs to be worked on together.

How does this authority figure in my life influence my self-care?

Queen of Spades – He works with me and supports my self care goals by being “all in” with helping me to make them happen. He does not lord over me but works with me so I do not get my back up and rebel against that authority, making that authority less offensive in his approach.

DECK USED:  CABINETARIUM PLAYING CARDS

Original Diviner’s Den Prompt: This week it was brought to my attention that I have trouble trusting myself to make good self care decisions– I tend to try to find some kind of external authority to validate my decisions on how much I should work, eat, rest, exercise, etc. The problem with this is that… There are SO MANY external authorities. This may not be an issue for you– if not, feel free to ignore or adjust this topic as necessary. But I know I’m not alone in this— if you would like, join me in my shadow work this week around this topic.
-Who/what do I look to as an authority on my daily choices (food, exercise, rest, worries, self care, etc)?
-Is there a healthier place to look to for those choices?
-What resources would I need in order to better trust myself to make self care decisions?
-This week, what is one self care choice I can trust myself to make well?

Look Around

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Today’s meditation was another of the skipped days.  This means that I did not meditate and unfortunately I can’t remember why.  It’s a Friday, oh…. OH.   It’s because I left early to drive up north and get back at a reasonable time.  So I skipped it. 

Bonestone & Earthflesh Tarot - Six of WandsToday’s draw is the Six of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of accolades and public recognition of success… whether the obtainment of them, or the need for them.

What stands out to me the strongest in the imagery of this card is that the guy in the card is putting on his own crown.  There’s no one else in the card, just the guy and his crown and his big ass ego crowing with pride. 

The message that I see in this card has to do with not forgetting to look down.  Sometimes, it’s easy to forget that your personal perspective is just that… your personal perspective. This means when you’re feeling good sometimes you forget that not everyone is feeling good, and when you’re feeling like crap, not everyone else is feeling like crap.

It’s easy to get wrapped up in your own perspectives and forget to look around, especially when things are feeling intense or your ego is beating at its chest in a show of pride.  The message today is a reminder to look around and pay attention, and remember that although you are never alone… your personal perspectives are unique to you and only you.

DECK USED:  BONESTONE & EARTHFLESH TAROT

#DiscordTarotolicJan2021 Challenge Prompt
Topic: Draw or write something free-form inspired by the card(s).

Pamela Coleman Smith RWS TarotThere was once an old crone that lived at the edge of a small village and helped the residence with their woes.  She made teas and tinctures, herbal blends and salves and all sorts of good things… and sometimes bad things too.  She knew the secrets of how to heal and how to kill, and she listened to the troubles of those in the town with quiet patience before dolling out her gifts to those that sought her out for her secret knowledge. (The High Priestess)

One day on her way into town, the old woman was nearly trampled by a man on a horse.  When the horse reared up and hooves flew through the air, the man shouted his curses at the crone, insulting her with disparaging words and blaming her for the near-miss instead of taking responsibility for his own carelessness and lack of control. (The Chariot)

The old woman tsk’d at the brash man that was so course with his words and insulting in his attitude. She shook her head as she apologized to the man and offered him a gift to soothe his anger and pride. She provided the man with a talisman charmed for success, promising that as long as he wore it he would win every battle. Snatching up the talisman from her grasp, he looked it over and slid it on as she spoke words of success and victory and always managing to obtain just what he needs… and as he rode away she whispered after him “just what you need… but no more”. (Five of Swords)

From that day forth, the man would indeed win every battle and every challenge he put himself to… and yet he would never manage to obtain what he truly desired.  There would be no wealth… no full pantry or full coffers, no fine home or beautiful steeds.  For with every win he would get just what he needed in that moment… and no more than that.

DECK USED:  PAMELA COLEMAN SMITH‘S RWS TAROT

Small Steps vs Grand Gestures

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Today’s meditation was… oh hell I dunno.  I’m behind in getting my posts up by a few days and I don’t really remember what the meditation was for the 14th.  I’m pretty sure it was one of the days I skipped it though, as I seem to have skipped an entire four days in a row if my timer app can be believed (which, it can). So… yeah. 

Heaven & Earth Tarot - Seven of PentaclesToday’s draw is the Seven of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of delayed gratification, sustainability, and long term progress. Instant gratification this card is not, as all of the themes that this card has to do with involve waiting and the “long game”.

Again, what stands out to me the strongest in this deck is the words at the bottom of the card.   Not that I don’t find the artwork breathtaking, which I do… but the words say “Success Unfulfilled” which… seems a bit negative in connotation when the theme of this card is traditionally more about success being fulfilled over time.

Today’s card is a reminder to me that as I work through the orders that need to be done for shipping out tomorrow, I need to remember that this is the small work that growth is all about.  With every small bit of work, the progress becomes larger… and more.   And over time?  You find yourself at your goals and surpassing them.   But it takes time.   So take a breath and do the small work, and let things build over time.  Not everything has to be a grand gesture or massive action.

DECK USED:  HEAVEN & EARTH TAROT

LionHart’s Elements Tarot Challenge Prompt
Question: How can I best use my creative energy in support of my future self?

Occult TarotReading Summary: Lean your creative energy into your work (The Magician), and don’t allow yourself to be distracted by whims (Page of Cups Rx).

Take Away: When I’m not feeling particularly grounded, it’s really easy for me to end up distracted. Ideas and little side projects that catch my eye draw me away from my work, and then I struggle to get caught up with my work, etc.  It happens all the time.

The cards here indicate that if I want to use my creative energy in support of my future self, I need to make sure that I turn that creative energy back to my work again and again, taking the skills that I learn from those distractions and reinvesting them into my work.

DECK USED:  OCCULT TAROT

#DiscordTarotolicJan2021 Challenge Prompt
Question: What is a really great idea you had but then forgot about?

Garnet Witch's TarotReading Summary: Shifting how I balance my responsibilities (Two of Pentacles) so that I can let some of the weight and responsibility (Magician) die out (Death), and make way for more emotional exploration (Ace of Cups).

Take Away: I wouldn’t say that I forgot about it.  Just… that it got put on the back burner while I was plowing my way through the holiday rush.

The weird thing (and current struggle where this is concerned) is that now that I’m on the other side of the holiday rush, I can’t remember what I was doing that made it feel like I was getting somewhere on this idea prior to the rush’s arrival.

DECK USED:  GARNET WITCH’S TAROT

Do What Makes You Feel Good

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Today’s meditation hasn’t happened yet.  I got up early this morning to get on the road, because I had a special hike I wanted to do.  It takes two hours to hike to the lake and nearly 45 minutes to drive to the trail head.  So if I don’t start out early at this time of the year, I won’t make it back to my car before dark. And at this time of year? It’s definitely too damned cold to be hiking after dark, even if I’m familiar with the route.   So… I will do today’s meditation before bed tonight.

Bonestone & Earthflesh Tarot - The StarToday’s draw is the Star card, which is traditionally a representation of hope, optimism, positivity, successful beginnings, and spirituality.

What stands out to me the strongest in the imagery of this card is the eagle that emerges from the figure’s chest, and burst of light from the solar plexus.

What I see in this card is an encouragement to do what makes you feel good.  Do what is going to light up your inner spark and give you wings.

For me, this is seeking out fresh air and wet earth, trees clinging with moss and lichen, and bodies of water chilled by mountain temps.

I went hiking.  And it was fucking glorious.

DECK USED:  BONESTONE & EARTHFLESH TAROT

#DiscordTarotolicJan2021 Challenge Prompt
Philosophical Question: Are all emotions irrational?

Hieronymus Bosch TarotReading Summary:  The center vessel cards here are an indication of the two sides of one’s emotions.  One is irrational and always ready to follow one’s desires irregardless of the risk involved, and on the other wside we have the slow pace and reason of emotions brought about through consideration and depth.  Shallow… and deep.

The cards on the outer edges indicate what is needed to find balance in these emotions, and are linked to the cards through color connection. The birds align with depth, speaking of the nature of those emotions to drag you down if you are not careful with their unique seduction.   The Kings of the East on the other hand represent stability and forethought, which is something the impulsive and shallow emotions lack.

Take Away: No.  Not all emotions are irrational.  Sometimes they are… and sometimes those irrational emotions can be harmful without stability to help temper them.  Sometimes our emotions are brought about through thought and depth, but here too we run the risk of them being dangerous if we are allowed to sink too deeply. 

DECK USED:  HIERONYMUS BOSCH TAROT

Purefield.Healing’s Taking My Power Back Challenge Prompt
Question: What triggers me to give my power away?

Tarot de Marseille Anima Antiqua

Nine of Coins atop Eight of Cups – When I am in need of a break so that I can have some time to appreciate what I have.  If I’m not given that rest, it can create frustration and that frustration can then cause my power and control to begin to fray and slip through my fingers.

La Papesse atop Two of Coins – When I need time away from juggling to get in touch with my inner voices and intuition.  As above, this speaks of needing a break and not getting it.  In this case it’s not so much about being overburdened as it is about needing to step off the hamster wheel for a bit and take a cleansing breath.

Le Chariot Rx – When the world is moving too fast and I feel like I’ve lost control. Another form of overwhelm where I just can’t seem to catch those threads of fraying control and there is so much going on that I let them go rather than holding on.

Take Away:  What triggers me to let go of my power is being overwhelmed or worn down to the point that I need a break.

DECK USED:  TAROT DE MARSEILLE ANIMA ANTIQUA

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

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Today’s meditation was subverted for a nap.  Apparently I needed the sleep more than I realized, as I was going to be doing a guided meditation and as soon as I settled in place… I dozed right off to sleep.   I will try to meditate again before bed.

Heaven & Earth Tarot - Nine of SwordsToday’s draw is the Nine of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of anxiety, insomnia, and struggling with one’s inner voice and worries.

I’ve always loved this card in a wide variety of decks.  It’s one that I relate to greatly.   What stands out the strongest in the imagery of this card today is the astronomical symbols on the blanket covering the woman in the image.  Or rather, it’s the style of artwork that allows for some of those symbols to be so crisp and precise, and others to be blurred or indistinct.

I understand that this was an artistic choice, and one that was probably not intended to convey a message.  And yet, to me… it does.  It speaks of allowing yourself not to worry so much about the little things.   It’s about that phrase “don’t sweat the small stuff” because perhaps these details are so small that many wouldn’t even notice them… and perhaps so unimportant that some wouldn’t pay attention.  And yet to the artist?  These detail are very important and a conscious choice was made not to make them so minutely detailed that they took up the focus of the image as a whole.

There’s always lots and lots of things to worry about in life, but we need to make sure we don’t get so focused on the small stuff that we forget to look at the big picture and allow ourselves to get a good night’s sleep at night.  Let go of some of the small stuff and all those micromanaging inclinations… take a breath and relax.

DECK USED:  HEAVEN & EARTH TAROT

LionHart’s Elements Tarot Challenge Prompt
Question: What am I asked to do about elements within myself that don’t support my plans?

Mundane Magick Tarot

 Reading Summary: Go on your merry way (The Fool) after the things that light your fire (Pupil of Lighters), and don’t allow your responsibility to others (Forecaster of Coins) to overwhelmed you (Ten of Lighters).

Take Away:  This isn’t about ignoring those elements within myself that hold me back, but rather allowing my enthusiasm to overpower them and weigh that enthusiasm as having far more weight than the responsibilities that try to drag me down.   In other words… beware the burnout that can happen when you let those that depend on you become a burden instead of an asset.

DECK USED:  MUNDANE MAGICK TAROT

#DiscordTarotolicJan2021 Challenge Prompt
Question: What do I need to focus on for self-care during this new moon?

Future Vision Gem TarotReading Summary: Down moods and depression happens (Three of Swords). Use your strengths to rise above (Strength) and remember it’s only temporary (Wheel of Fortune).

Take Away: The whisper of my negative inner narrative has been flirting at the edges of my subconscious for about a week now.  The cards are a warning of the whispers that are trying to slip in and mess with my head.  They are a reminder than I am strong and I have tools at my disposal to help curb the coming depression into something more manageable.  They are also a reminder that these struggles are not permanent. They are temporary, and they will pass.

Depression often feels like it will never end, that you will never feel better and that this is feeling of depression is your existence for always.  Keeping in mind that it is temporary is an important part of making it through these times and to the other side.

DECK USED:  FUTURE VISION GEM TAROT