Thundercats – Ho! *cracking up*

Today’s meditation was ten minutes long and spent doing spinal alignment work with a bolster and a couple or rubber balls.  I was going to do a meditation separately afterward, but it turned out that I needed the focus and breathing exercises that the meditation provided just to keep muscles relaxed and pliant during the process. This really goes without saying that my back hurts like a bitch today, and my hips too since I spent my meditation doing spinal work instead of my regular piriformis stretching.

Tarot of the SidheToday’s draw is Lion-O from Thundercats.  *Cracking up.*  Just kidding.  Although, this guy on the card definitely reminds me of that character.

Okay so… anyway.  Today’s draw is The Fool card, which is traditionally a representation of youthful exuberance, new beginnings, naivety and innocence.

What stood out to me the strongest when I first saw this card this morning (aside from the uncanny resemblance to Thundercat’s Lion-O) is the Great Glyph of the Sidhe is carved into the Fool’s chest.

As a child I used to use this glyph as the basis for my circle casting, and as my sister lit candles for the elements, I would spin and spin and spin through the center, trailing my toe along the ground to create the spiral moving ever outward and finishing off with the dividing line during the lighting of the candles for Diana and Faunus.

This symbol, like none other, reminds me of my childhood. Of magic circles and bonding rituals between myself and my sister. Of romps in the woods and hours spent among moss and lichen, cedars and ferns. The message in today’s card is to remember that youthful fun, remember the freedom and allow the joyful innocence of those times to rise up within me and swirl through my life within the here and now.

DECK USED:  TAROT OF THE SIDHE

#TarotForGrowthAugust Challenge Prompt
Topic: I feel like I’m struggling to see clearly.
Question: How can I begin building more trust in myself and my lived experience?

Magic Tarot

Reading Summary: Own what you’ve done and experienced in life (Queen of Wands), and don’t allow yourself to hide behind addictions (The Devil). Instead, take the brave steps forward in learning from your experiences (Knave of Swords).

Take Away:  One of my most destructive (and most prominent) bad habits is my urge to retreat into myself and away from others when I’m feeling vulnerable.  In doing this, I also close myself off to myself, boxing up those small and vulnerable parts so that they whither and starve.  This is not trusting in myself and my experience… it is picking myself apart into pieces and making those fragments “deal with it” on their own.

I am in the process of learning a new way, and I need to stay mindful during these vulnerable times to reach not for my past habits… but for my new and healthier methods instead.

DECK USED:  MAGIC TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsAug2020 Challenge Prompt
Philosophical Question: Are you more of a dreamer or a believer?

Tarot of the Dream EnchantressReading Summary: I am a grounded (Knight of Pentacles) dreamer (Page of Wands) that is open to possibilities (Ace of Cups).

Although I am a very motivated and grounded person as shown in the fact that the central card in this reading is in the pentacles suit, the Page of Wands and Ace of Cups bracketing this grounded energy speak of the fact that I am prone to flights of fancy and allowing my creative flow to take the reigns.

Take Away:  Regardless of my need for stability, I am open to a vast array of possibilities that go beyond the known world.  For me, seeing is not believing… feeling is.  And I am willing to follow those feelings wherever they lead as long as they feel right and entertain my inner spark’s interest.

DECK USED:  TAROT OF THE DREAM ENCHANTRESS

Lionharts #TheAugustTarot#ElementalChallenge
Question: How can I fully embrace the abundance meant for me?

Anthro Tarot

Reading Summary: The world is at my fingertips (The World), all I need to do is pick a direction (Two of Wands) and allow my inner spark and drive for manifestation to carry me forward (Page of Pentacles).

Take Away:  It doesn’t tell me what that abundance is exactly, but the answer to embracing it is simply in accepting that it’s there for me.  In doing that, I give myself permission to go for it, and begin the journey of moving in the direction to claim it for my own.

DECK USED:  ANTHRO TAROT

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question:  What do I need to change?

Hilda Tarot

Reading Summary: Be more generous (Ten of Pentacles) with my capriciousness and frivolity (The Fool) instead of letting my self-perceived shortcomings keep me down (The Devil Rx).

Take Away:  This is yet another encouragement to have more fun.  Don’t allow my negative inner narrative and addictive impulses to keep me pinned down or tangled up.  Set myself free to be open with my sense of fun instead of keeping it to myself. It’s okay to look silly sometimes… it’s okay to have fun.   I seem to need this reminder a lot lately, and the cards are definitely following through on making sure I hear the message again and again.

DECK USED:  HILDA TAROT

Do What You Love

Today’s meditation was ten minutes long and was one of the harp string meditations.  I didn’t extend my yoga/physiotherapy today, and so I didn’t extend my meditation either.  It was a relaxing process, and for once I didn’t have a lot of distracting thoughts dragging me off center again and again.  It was also nice that Miss Luna came to snug up beside me while I meditated today, which isn’t something she does usually during my meditation time. During this time she usually settles in at the foot of the bed a few feet from me instead.

Next World TarotToday’s draw is the Page of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of a receptive omega energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s drive, passion, and that inner spark in the soul that spurs on one’s interests and enthusiasm.

What stands out to me the strongest in the imagery of this card today is the little green leaf on the staff the figure holds, and the little green lizards.   This is in relation to the very apocalyptic looking surroundings they are in the middle off.  The environment is filled with litter, the bridge in the background appears dilapidated. And yet… there is life here. Not just in the figure that is front and center, but also the lizards that surround her, the sprigs of new leaves on the staff in her hand, and the small tattered looking flowers among the scattered rubble.

This speaks to me of perseverance. Even when everything falls apart?  That inner spark within you will help you to survive, to carry on, and even to thrive under these conditions. This inner spark that lives within your soul is the seat of one’s adaptability as well as the source of life’s burning drive to survive at all costs.  Feed this inner spark the things you love to do… and it will turn into a blaze that will burn through adversity.

Do what you love.

DECK USED:  NEXT WORLD TAROT

#TarotForGrowthAugust Challenge Prompt
Topic: I feel like I’m struggling to see clearly.
Question: How would my life improve if I accepted that reality is inherently subjective and clarity is a myth?

Vivid Journey Tarot

Reading Summary: A crap load of misunderstandings (Five of Wands) and spurred on by clouded judgments (Judgement) making for feelings of defensiveness (Nine of Wands) that get in the way of positive relationships and good choices (The Lovers). Creating imbalance (Two of Pentacles Rx).

Take Away: When you accept that clarity is a myth, you stop striving for it. Yes, perfect clarity is unattainable because we are not omni-cognizant. But, that does not mean that we should not strive for perspectives beyond our own so that we can get a better idea of what’s going on and, as a result, obtain more clarity than we have when we are closed-mindedly willing to only look at our own view and our own perspective.

Once again, I think I missed the point of the question. I understand these questions are supposed to lead people to a healthier outlook, but all I see this question doing is leading them to a more close minded outlook and lack of perspective.

DECK USED:  VIVID JOURNEY TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsAug2020 Challenge Prompt
Topic:  Hold Tight / Let Breathe / Set Free

Alan Tarot - Il Tarocchi di AlanHold TightThe World – I need to hold tight to my path and the knowledge that each day is a new day.  Life goes through cycles, and with each cycle we learn and evolve, becoming more than we were before. My chosen path through these cycles is to improve… to become better.  Better at the things I do, better at my influence on others, better at being myself, and an all around better person.

Let BreatheKnight of Spades and Seven of Heart – I need to ease up on the idea that I always have to move forward and choose which direction to go in right away. So often we feel like every decision needs to be made right away, and that can feel overwhelming. It’s okay to move slow and mull over your choices before making a decision. Giving yourself some space by being a bit less impulsive in your decision making process is a good thing.

Set FreeThe Chariot – I need to let go of the idea that participating in any kind of conflict actually gets me somewhere. Things like blatant disrespect or perceived injustices can often cause me to get my back up. The thing is?  During these moments I want to jump in, in that moment, and give a bit of a verbal “smack down” for that kind of thing. But, that is rarely a wise choice and rarely gets you anywhere.

DECK USED:  ALAN TAROT

Lionharts #TheAugustTarot#ElementalChallenge
Question: Earth, I ground myself in you. What is your message for me?

Encore Tarot

Reading Summary: Instilling more joy and positivity (The Sun) will allow you to triumph (Five of Swords) in your work life (Eight of Coins).

Take Away: The message here is to remember that doing what you love is supposed to be fun.  Too often I get so wrapped up in the “work” side of things that I forget to truly focus on and appreciate the pleasure that my work gives me.  This includes not just my jewelry design business, but also extends to my work on the farm, at the nail salon, and even into my client readings as well.

DECK USED:  ENCORE TAROT

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question: How do I feel when I look inside myself?

Tabula Mundi Tarot in MinimaReading Summary:  Like an esoteric teacher that is also still learning (Hierophant on its side). Someone that walks their own path (Three of Wands), and has a lot of inner shadows (The Aeon Rx).

Side Note: My first impression of this deck is not particularly positive. The imagery feels chaotic and abrasive. I’ll continue to keep it in the rotation for the month, tho, as I need some time with it to get to know it a bit better.

Take Away:  The cards indicate that I identify with being a guide and teacher, but only when I feel that I am learning from others as much as I am giving to them in turn.  The cards indicate as well that when looking inside myself I can clearly see and feel that I have a clear path and direction to my life, but that my soul is clouded by shadows.

DECK USED:  TABULA MUNDI TAROT IN MINIMA

Grounded Creativity

Today’s meditation was… skipped.  I know I should have done it and I even thought that I should do it.  But you know how sometimes we avoid doing things or procrastinate on them even when they are little tiny things that are super simple.  We don’t know -why- we procrastinate on them, but the urge to do so is nearly irresistible?   That was how my meditation ended up getting skipped today.

Tomorrow is a new day.

Tarot of the SidheToday’s draw is the Maker King (King of Pentacles) which is traditionally a representation of a projective alpha energy, personality, or person in the areas of finance, resources, manifestations, health, and the physical world.  This often presents itself as themes that have to do with authority figures with good solid financial sense, health authorities, etc.

What stood out to me the strongest in the imagery of today’s card when I first saw it was the vines that grow up beneath the anvil, creating the anvil’s base and swirling  to coil upon it as if to support and stabilize it.

This speaks to me of a sense of grounding and stabilization in one’s creative manifestations.  When you take an idea and apply passion to it… it then manifests into reality.  Sometimes, in order to take that step to manifest something from the insubstantial realm of ideas into a physical presence,  you need a little extra support… a little extra grounding.

I need a little extra grounding.

Everything feels better when I have that support and grounding in place.  Everything feels much more right when I’m well grounded… and that “everything” includes the creative process that swirls within me and allows me to take my ideas and passions… and turn them into something real in the physical world.

DECK USED:  TAROT OF THE SIDHE

#TarotForGrowthAugust Challenge Prompt
Topic: I feel like I’m struggling to see clearly.
Question: What role does fear play in my willingness to invalidate my personal experiences and perceptions?

Pride Tarot

Reading Summary: The instability of a world with so many ups and downs (Wheel of Fortune) can often cause me to doubt my strength (Strength Rx) and give rise to the urge to retreat (Four of Cups).

Take Away:  I’m not sure how this answer relates to the question asked, although the cards were extremely clear with me on what they were saying.  I’m just… not seeing the connection. Yes, fear of instability invalidates me, but I’m not sure it invalidates my experiences and perceptions…. unless it is in reference to the fact that I have -less- of them due to retreating from the world when my fear kicks in.  Oh… and there it is.

DECK USED:  PRIDE TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsAug2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: What do I need to focus on for self-care this full moon?

Odd Hand TarotReading Summary: Taking things slow (Knight of Pentacles) and with care (the spikes along the border of the Knight of Pentacles make me think of those nails that they put on the edges of rooftops to keep away birds). Allow yourself some impulsivity (Knight of Swords) as long as it doesn’t involve spending money (King of Pentacles).

Take Away:  Practice some practical impulsivity… just do so with care.  It’s okay to slow down.   Those nails really stick out to me in that card today and warn of needing to watch my step both in my impulsive actions as well as in my finances. 

DECK USED:  ODD HAND TAROT

Lionharts #TheAugustTarot#ElementalChallenge
Question: Where can the element of Earth support me right now?

Tarot of Why

Reading Summary: The earth is not just a stabilizing force, but also a teacher (Hierophant). Spending more time in the earth’s embrace can help to teach me a better path to stability (Four of Pentacles) and how to not just experience joy, but embrace it (The Sun and the man’s hand that actually holds onto the sun in the sky).

Take Away:  I am happiest when I’m out in the woods.  This isn’t a secret, nor is it a surprise. But even beyond the forests and the trees, the earth is the element that is my greatest teacher in life, as well as my greatest of stabilizing forces.  I find joy in spending time with the earth, whether that is in the forests I love, tilling my boss’ fields, or just sitting in the park with my shoes off.  The energy that the earth provides is not just stabilizing, but lightens and brightens my soul.

DECK USED:  TAROT OF WHY

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question: What stops me from slowing down?

Hero Analysis for the Future #79 MHA Tarot

Reading Summary: What steals away (Seven of Swords) my ability to slow down, and keeps me overburdened (Ten of Wands), is my constant need/want for more (Page of Swords).

Take Away:  This is about my need to push.  It’s not my drive that is the problem, but rather a sense of insatiability when it comes to doing better and doing more.  It’s not healthy, and I know that… nor does it come from a healthy place.  And yet I continue to allow it to be a problem because it allows me to accomplish so much more than I would otherwise. 

It’s a bad (but very honest) excuse.

DECK USED:  HERO ANALYSIS FOR THE FUTURE #79 MHA TAROT

Taking Stock and Saying “Well Done”

IMG_5597Today’s meditation was a little over fifteen minutes long and was focused upon the mentality of being “enough”.   This is a mentality that I struggle with a lot, and I chose this topic for my meditation because of the graphic to the right, which I saw on IG.

I really like this graphic, and it speaks a lot to how I view helping others…. and being a teacher and guide as a whole.  No one is perfect.  Everyone has things to work on and different experiences that come together to create the whole that is them.  All these little things we learn along the way can be offered to others to help them, and teach them.

It is like when I take on a mentee I’m always sure to let them know that I don’t know everything, and that I will learn from them just as they learn from me. Growing and learning is about give and take.  It’s about sharing and an exchange.  It’s not a one way street.

Next World TarotToday’s draw is the Ten of Pentacles, which is a traditional representation of completion and fulfillment in the area s of one’s finances, resources, health, the physical realm, and manifestations.

Interestingly enough, I don’t see the Ten of Pentacles in the imagery of this card.  To me, it feels much more like the Nine of Pentacles and all that solitary pleasure one takes in their accomplishments.

That said, what really stood out to me in the imagery of this card today is the alignment between the purse that the woman holds and the arc of moon phases in the sky surrounding her.  It is as if she’s swung her purse in a cheerful arc and it left behind a trail of moon phases in its wake.

This aspect of the imagery and what I see within it speaks of allowing yourself to find joy in your accomplishments no matter the time or season. There’s no wrong time to look at how far you’ve come, take stock of your accomplishments, and give yourself a little pat on the back.

DECK USED:  NEXT WORLD TAROT

#TarotForGrowthAugust Challenge Prompt
Topic: I feel like I’m struggling to see clearly.
Question: What comfort do I get from from the belief that reality exists separately from my perception of it?

Anthro Tarot

Reading Summary: Lost opportunities (Ace of Pentacles Rx) due to an unrealistic singular view (Nine of Pentacles) that comforts only you (The Empress).

Take Away:  OK… First of all I don’t like this question and I disagree with it entirely. I tried to rephrase it to make it more palatable to me… but that didn’t work either, and this is clearly reflected in the response from the cards.

In my opinion if you are unwilling to look outside your own perspective and see the world from the eyes of others and from their perspectives as well as your own, then you are closing yourself off and being close minded. I feel like this question encourages that close mindedness. I do not believe that seeing clearly means cutting out other perspectives and narrowing your view. I feel the seeing clearly requires seeing beyond your own personal perception of reality in order to see the whole picture.

Perhaps I missed the point of the question?

DECK USED:  ANTHRO TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsAug2020 Challenge Prompt
Question
: Do Spread #1

Spark and Pen TarotSeeds SownSix of Swords – Over the spring and summer, I’ve been working on shedding a lot of bad habits and other negative influences on my physical body like overworking myself and eating less junk every day.

The ChaffThe Chariot – My impatience is a big problem when it comes to most goals, and it’s no different in this case either. In this reading, the Chaff is my impatience. Discarding that impatience and accepting that I’m not going anywhere fast will make room for the type of growth I want to happen. Change takes time.

The HarvestNine of Swords – In order to prepare for the harvest to come I need to make sure that I’m staying on top of my mental health. Falling into a depression or creating a situation where anxiety rises into play will only set me back on my physical goals… not to mention my goals in other areas as well.

DECK USED:  SPARK AND PEN TAROT

Lionharts #TheAugustTarot #ElementalChallenge
Question: How can I best work with the energy available to me at this time?

Tarot Del Fuego

Reading Summary: Take your time (Knight of Cups Rx) and make good choices (Seven of Cups) that will lead to triumph instead of defeat (Five of Swords).

Take Away:  The energies outlined yesterday weren’t particularly pleasant. If you want to change the trajectory of that energy, you’re going to have to think clearly and really examine every choice available to you. This is a theme of strategization (Google says this is a word, but I’m still not sure), instead of just being reactionary.

DECK USED:  TAROT DEL FUEGO

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question: How can I get better at stopping to smell the roses?

Sacred Rose Tarot

Reading Summary: Practice at slowing down (Knight of Wands Rx), and adding a little bit of youthful enthusiasm (Six of Cups) to the effort. It doesn’t have to be solitary (The Hermit Rx), and you need to remember that just because you’re taking time for yourself away from everything doesn’t mean that the world’s gonna fall apart because you’re not there to hold it together (The Tower).

Take Away:  Lots of reminders to slow down and be mindful in the cards today.  In this case, that slowing down is meant to encourage me to find youthful fun in the process of taking a look around and time to smell the roses.  It’s about putting away the guilt and sense of driving obligation and responsibility so that I can be lighthearted in my enjoyment of the moment.

DECK USED:  SACRED ROSE TAROT

A Sharp Mind Is A Horrible Thing To Waste

Today’s meditation was just over ten minutes long, which included the extended piriformis stretching that I’ve been including with my changed up routine for my yoga/physiotherapy practice.   The every other day schedule is definitely helping quite a lot, and my meditation today was both relaxing and refreshing.   Although I didn’t fall asleep during the meditation this time?  I did decide to take a nap directly afterward.  I just felt so relaxed that it seemed… perfect.

Tarot of the SidheToday’s draw is the Dreamer Queen (Queen of Swords) which is traditionally a representation of a receptive alpha energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s education, intellect, logic, and communications. As indicated by the word “alpha” mentioned in the previous sentence, this card is an indication of strength and authority in these areas, without the projective qualities that the King of the suit would possess.

There are two things in the imagery of this card that stood out the strongest to me today when the card was first flipped over.  The first was the harsh edges and sharp angles of the queen’s visage.  This is often the case when depicting the Queen of Swords and is indicative of the Queen’s sharp mind and potentially sharp tongue.   The second thing that stood out in this imagery was the little feathered creature sitting in her hand who she appears to be conversing with.  The small creature is soft and delicate, and comes to her for her strength and those sharp edges that it does not have naturally itself.

This card’s appearance today and the imagery upon it is here as a reminder that there is another aspect to the Queen of Swords beside the one that my mother so often represents. There is also the confidant and counselor the listener… The person you go to when you need help to sort out your mind and your thoughts. I want to focus on embodying this aspect… and not the one that my mother presents on a daily basis.

DECK USED:  TAROT OF THE SIDHE

#TarotForGrowthAugust Challenge Prompt

Topic: I feel like I’m struggling to see clearly.
Question: Why do I struggle to trust my own perception of reality?

Stunning Tarot

Reading Summary: Because I know I can be biased (imagery in the Seven of Wands) by my accomplishments and my goals (Ten of Pentacles) as well as by my desires (Ace of Wands).

Take Away:  I work very hard to keep myself as unbiased as much as I possibly can in nearly all things, and I work hard to take in as many perspectives as I can in order to accomplish this.  But I’m still human… and I can’t be entirely unbiased no matter how much I wish to be.  My awareness of this makes me always doubt if my personal perception is the truth… or simply one perspective of an array of many.

DECK USED:  STUNNING TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsAug2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: What do I need to prepare to harvest in my life during the month ahead?

Luminous Void TarotInitial Reading Summary: Letting go of some of my defenses (Nine of Wands Rx) and some of my personal investment of time and attention to  monetary matters (King of Discs Rx). Instead, spend some time focusing on turning that investment of time and thought towards Gideon, my relationships, and finding a steady seat for my emotions (King of Cups).

Secondary Reading Summary: The Tower flipped out and slid under the King of Cups as I was setting the deck down. Instead of adding to the reading above, it created a second reading attached to the first which involved the King of Cups and the Tower by themselves. This second reading feels like a possible upcoming event (The Tower) in Gideon’s life (King of Cups), which will require directing extra focus in that area during the upcoming harvest season (relating back to the first reading).

Take Away: I need to set aside some of the things I normally am so focused on to free up some time and attention that will need to be directed toward emotional support of others.

I’ve discussed this secondary reading with you in IMs already, and I will pull cards tomorrow to see if I can suss out more details concerning what the Tower portends, and what actions might be able to be taken to avert and/or cushion it’s arrival.

DECK USED:  LUMINOUS VOID TAROT

Lionharts #TheAugustTarot #ElementalChallenge
Question: What is the general energy available to me this month?

El Gran Tarot Esoterico

Reading Summary: Lack of inner wisdom and insufficient esoteric knowledge (High Priestess Rx) leading to self defeat (Five of Swords Rx) because I’m too busy charging after my passions (Knight of Wands).

Take Away:  OK… I’m going to have to work on adjusting my trajectory on this one, because this is definitely not a direction that I want to go in right now. I need to make sure I’m paying close attention to what the cards have to say this month and listening for the inner whispers of intuition that will assist in guiding me in a better direction.

DECK USED:  EL GRAN TAROT ESOTERICO

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question: How can I slow down in life?

Gypsy Palace Tarot

Reading Summary: Continue to focus on your emotional growth (Page of Cups) instead of attacking yourself with negative judgments (Judgement) about what you’re not doing (Knight of Swords Rx).

Take Away:  Emotional growth is not a waste of time.  Focusing on that growth is not  wasting time.  Improving yourself and allowing yourself the freedom to explore this new experience is not a waste of time.   Stop telling yourself these things are wasting time.

DECK USED:  GYPSY PALACE TAROT

Vulnerability and Trust

Today’s meditation was ten minutes long and… I did it twice.  I was actually trying to fall asleep, as for some reason I was having a lot of difficulty in that area this morning.  I didn’t manage to fall asleep during either of those meditations, although they were very relaxing.  And I did eventually manage to fall asleep for a few hours some time after that.  I’m still feeling a bit sleep deprived, but much better than earlier before the nap.

Cosmos Tarot and OracleToday’s draw is The Magician card of the major arcana, which is traditionally interpreted as (essentially) “the man with all the tools”.   The card is about confidence and resourcefulness. The Magician is about having the tools necessary to do whatever needs done, and the skill to wield them as needed along the way.

I just have to say… I love this card’s imagery.  I love the Satyr helping the little lamb to get out of the tree’s branches.  It shows both gentleness and kinship, but also strength and surety.

The lamb, specifically, caught my eye today.  And the hands of the ram.  There is kindness and capability in those hands, and an aching vulnerability in the visage of the lamb.

The message in this card is to trust in the one you know can help you.  Trust in the one that has the strength and the gentleness and the loving care to help you.

Today’s message is about trust, and about putting yourself into the caring hands of the one you trust when you are feeling vulnerable.

DECK USED:  COSMOS TAROT AND ORACLE

#TarotForGrowthJuly Challenge Prompt
Topic: 
I’m struggling to maintain motivation.
Question
:  What single, small change can I introduce into my routine that would most benefit my goals moving forward?

Star Seeker Tarot

Reading Summary: Despite my fears and anxieties (Nine of Swords) , continue to make a conscious daily choice (Two of Swords) to grow and move forward (Seven of Pentacles).

Take Away: Sometimes it’s not about the things we do, but the thoughts we keep. When feeling vulnerable, it can be hard to stay open and continue to advance on one’s desires and goals. Sometimes the biggest and best thing we can do is make sure we are checking in with ourselves and making sure to stay open… make sure that walls are not coming up and closing you off. The message here is about mindfulness and self awareness.  It is a small change with a huge and important impact on the long term growth you seek.

DECK USED:  STAR SEEKER TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2020 Challenge Prompt
Topic: 
Free Day!  Pick a spread you’ve been curious about and try it out.

The Fifth TarotWhat doubts need confronting?

I was raised to always seek perfectionism from myself.  To demand it.  Directing my energy into this idealism has become not just a habit, but a compulsion that creates self doubt concerning my skills and abilities.

What ideal needs releasing?

Let go of the expectations of what your mother could be or should be.  You want a new start and a relationship filled with love and support, but this is not who she is and it never will be.  Expecting this from her is futile.  Her heart is not open, nor is it the bud preparing to bloom… instead, it is the withered bud folding in on itself.

What do I need in order to accept my present self?

Patience, tranquility… and most of all, alone time. This isn’t about self reflection as it is about finding peace and allowing time for all that you have learned and discovered to sink in and settle into calm waters.

DECK USED:  THE FIFTH TAROT

#OwlandBonesJuly Challenge by Owl and Bones Tarot
Topic: 
invest:  time // money // love // patience

Wheel of the Year Tarot

Invest TimeAce of Wands – In developing new skills and passionate pursuits. I recently ended up putting the wood burning project I’d been practicing for on the back burner. Perhaps it’s time to pull it back out and play with it a bit more. Some more exploration and experimentation is in order and could be fun.

Invest MoneyQueen of Pentacles – Literally… invest money.  Tuck some of that cash that you’re making right now away to replenish what’s been used over the past few months.

Invest LoveThe Hierophant – Sometimes being a guide to others and teacher requires applying a bit of loving understanding. In this case, I need to take time to make sure I’m investing a bit more love and kindness than is my normal into my client readings.  Someone desperately needs to hear it.

Invest PatienceQueen of Cups – In yourself and others. Compassion is important, and a part of compassion is allowing space for people and providing them with room to speak their truth. Being a good listener is an extremely important part of interacting with others.

DECK USED:  WHEEL OF THE YEAR TAROT

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question:  How can I maintain my creative flow?

Wild Unknown Tarot

Reading Summary: Give less weight to your mothers influence (Mother of Swords Rx), give more weight to Gideon’s influence (Father of Cups)… and have confidence in your hard won skills (Eight of Pentacles).

Take Away:  The crap blocks my creativity most strongly is the shrinking, constricting pain that happens in my stomach whenever my mother’s claws manage to tear a chunk out of my insides.  Your comfort… your influence… your love is the balm to that pain and those wounds.  You lift me up and remind me that I am good and capable and more than just meagerly talented but innovative and skilled in my craft.

DECK USED:  WILD UNKNOWN TAROT