tarot and psychology

A Friendly Greeting

/ Twist the Leaf / Leave a comment

Today’s meditation was ten minutes long, and was one of the #DailyCalm sessions with the @Calm app.  Although I enjoyed today’s meditation this morning, I can’t for the life of me remember what the session was about.

•    •    •    ◈    •    🌷    •    ◈    •    •    •

Floral Tarot - The HermitThe @GlitterbyInk #MayTag25 Challenge
Celebrating Our Community Prompt for May 3 : Friendly

Today’s draw is the Hermit card, which is traditionally a representation of inner exploration, self reflection, and healthy alone time.

Snowdrops are the first of the spring flowers to arrive. They come out eagerly before everyone else to announce that spring is on the way and pave the way forward for everyone else that then follows.

The flower on this card is actually a narcissus, probably in reference to the fact that it retreats into a bulb underground through winter to hibernate ’til spring. But, so too is the snowdrop that this card reminded me of on first glance. Its eager emergence after the time spent in restorative solitude an expression of friendly optimism for the spring months ahead.

The message in today’s card is that it’s okay to retreat into solitude for some much needed rest and healthy reflection. Just make sure that when you emerge that you are working to put on a friendly face and optimistic spin to what’s coming. Be open and look for the positive, and it will help others to do the same.

DECK USED:  FLORAL TAROT

#detarotjufmeitarotchallenge Tea With the Queens Challenge by @de_tarotjuf
Tea with the Queen of Wands : Creativity and Passion
Prompts for May 4 – 5

Oracle Reading with the Memento Homo Oracle CardsWhat in my environment motivates me to pursue my dreams?

Left Card – Trust. It takes a lot to trust someone with your safety and well-being. When you surround yourself with those you trust to do so, it allows you to be vulnerable in a way that opens you up to being honest about your dreams and gives you the bandwidth to pursue them with more vigor.

What can I do to bring more joy into my life?

Right Card – Play with abandon. Even if you feel you need to put on a front of composure or show a particular outward countenance… play anyway. Have some fun instead of internalizing that outward mask that is sometimes needed.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Silver Maple Key for Bouncing Back to Thrive
Omarolluk for Protection and Bridging Liminal Divides
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: MEMENTO HOMO ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I did the things I wanted to do today, instead of the things that were expected of me by others. That included playing with a few new decks I got in over the past couple of weeks, and taking a nap… oh, and having raspberry swirl cake for breakfast.

I Did a Thing!

/ Twist the Leaf / Leave a comment

Today’s meditation was ten minutes long, and was a self guided meditation focusing upon the “just make it exist first” graphic by @growthbyvisuals shared alongside the card for today.

•    •    •    ◈    •    🌷    •    ◈    •    •    •

Neuziet Tarot's Nine of PentaclesThe @GlitterbyInk #MayTag25 Challenge
Celebrating Our Community Prompt for May 2 : Optimistic

Today’s draw is the Nine of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of solitary satisfaction, a job well done, self-sufficiency, abundance, financial independence, and luxury earned through hard work.

It’s hard to remember at times that  accomplishment doesn’t have to be about perfection. Just the fact you created something or did something is enough.

When the cards say (as they often do) to “take a moment to reflect upon, appreciate, and/or celebrate our accomplishments,” they’re not talking about our big or perfect ones. The imperfect and small are just as important and need recognition as well.

“I did a thing,” no matter how small or seemingly insignificant holds just as much weight as “I created this perfect thing” does. The value, sometimes, is not in the results… but in the doing. Both in the fact that you are doing something, as well as the fact you are gaining joy or experience or knowledge during the task being done. So, “I did a thing” is absolutely valid, all on it’s own… whatever that thing may be or how it turns out.

DECK USED:  NEUZIET TAROT

#detarotjufmeitarotchallenge Tea With the Queens Challenge by @de_tarotjuf
Tea with the Queen of Wands : Creativity and Passion
Prompts for May 1 – 3

Oracle Reading with the Alchemy of the Spirit OracleWhat inspires my creativity?

The Sword – New ideas combined with a sense of balance. When there is no fairness, balance, or justice, you feel out of sorts and it will smother your creative spark and the impetus of new ideas. As new ideas are what your creativity thrives on, you need that balance to allow your creativity to be set free.

Reflect on a passion project. How can I make it grow?

Project – A wood burned casting tray made into the underside of my wooden reading tray with personally drawn design.

The Rainbow – Have faith that you will find the time to work on this project when the timing is right. You need time when you can slow down and really focus, which requires a number of different conditions to achieve. That time will come.

What energy do I bring into my work?

The Library – You bring into your work an openness to try new things, and the ability to know your worth in this area, regardless of being raised to think your efforts are worth nothing. Your work is all about things that you are good at and the exploration of those skills and abilities. This gives you a sense of worth that helps in rewriting the “not enough” narrative in your head.

Other elements included in this reading:
Bind Rune on Cedar for a Protected Home
Dried Rhododendron Leaf for Fostering Confidence
Rose Quartz for Gentle Kindness to Self and Others
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: ALCHEMY OF THE SPIRIT ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I spend a lot of time not listening to people today, and instead listening to the music or audiobook coming in through the bone conduction headphones hidden in my hair.

Self-Acceptance

/ Twist the Leaf / Leave a comment

Today’s meditation was twelve minutes long, and one of the #DailyTrip sessions in the @Calm app.

The session for today discussed how acceptance is our greatest tool toward growth and self-improvement. When we pause to understand our flaws and flawed reactions, and open ourself up to accepting that they are a part of who we are as humans, it allows those parts of ourselves to soften and become more malleable. It feels a bit counterintuitive, and yet this is how through acceptance of ourselves and forgiveness that change is facilitated.

•    •    •    ◈    •    🌷    •    ◈    •    •    •

Tarocchi by Michelangelo Rossato - The HermitThe @GlitterbyInk #MayTag25 Challenge
Celebrating Our Community Prompt for May 1 : Curious

Today’s draw is the Hermit card, which is traditionally a representation of solitude, self reflection and introspection, alone time, and inner guidance.

Even for an introvert like myself, spending time alone can be a blessing or a curse, depending on where your head is at at time time.

If we are in a mindset that allows our thoughts to run in circles around our mistakes, flaws, or these things that we don’t like about ourselves, then alone time becomes an unhealthy simmering of negativity.

On the other hand, alone time spent in self-exploration with a focus on curiosity, understanding, and acceptance allows for healthy solitude and eventual growth.

The theme of today’s card, meditation, and prompt combo is to remember that not all alone time is healthy or productive, and encourages us to discern the difference and choose our moments of solitude wisely.

DECK USED:  TAROCHI BY MICHELANGELO ROSSATO

#DiscordTarotholicsMay2025 Challenge
Prompt for May 1 : Do the Beltane Spread

Beltane Oracle Reading with the Apothecary Spirits Oracle

Dandelion: How can I use my inner strength to help me in healing old wounds?

Marigold – Instead of focusing on the pain of past experiences, explore their memories while working to recognize the gift that these experiences have offered you. Whether it has created within you a greater sense of independence, understanding of human nature, knowledge or skills you wouldn’t have otherwise developed, etc. these things are life’s offerings to you in appreciation and respect for what you went through. They are earned and hold great worth in and of themselves, but also in allowing you to see that those painful moments held value as well.

Bees: Where could I put in more effort to help my community?

Cayenne – Be bold and loud. Let your anger show when it stirs to the surface. In doing so you validate others and their own feelings, for not everyone is able to speak up as easily or freely as you can. You embolden others, in these moments, to share their own thoughts and feelings as well rather than staying quiet in the background.

Garnet: What do I need in order to foster a greater sense of self-empowerment?

Damiana – You need to be able to allow your vulnerability to shine through without shame or fear in order to foster a greater sense of self-empowerment. This not an easy task for you, and it is often done through the vulnerability that you offer to Gideon in the drown. Over time, he has helped you to see the submissive side of your inner self as a strength rather than as a weakness to be ashamed of.

Swallow: Where do I need to more openly display my love and loyalty to others?

Rosemary – Memories are important. With so many of them fleeting in your head and often slipping through your fingers like grains of sand through a sieve, it’s important to revisit those ones that you can when you’re able.

When you walk down memory lane with others, you allow them to help you remember things that you have forgotten. This takes trust and openness, for you are trusting in their memories to refresh yours and not distort the truth. Within this process of helping to recount happy memories and joyful moments with you, it also creates new bonding experiences.

Malachite: How can I better use intention to bolster the abundance in my life moving forward?

Roses – Roses take a great deal of care in order to not just thrive but become abundant in blooms. So do relationships. Love, romance, and friendships do not just “happen” and will not thrive on their own without your participation. Lean into the intent to keep your friendships and loving relationships happy and healthy, and they will grow to be abundant like the roses in this card.

Goat: How can I best overcome obstacles before me at this time?

Wisteria – Cling tightly, but with a gentle touch.  It is through your connection with others that you find strength in moments when obstacles become too heavy to handle on your own. Lean into them.

Primrose: How can I add more of the exuberance of young love into my life?

Borage – Don’t allow your uncertainty, nor moments of fear, to hold you back. There is no energy or exuberance in stagnancy. It is in motion and courage that we find those lighter and happier emotions associated with young love. If you want to instill that energy into your life, it takes courage and the willingness to take a leap with alacrity, rather than standing still in uncertainty.

Other elements included in this reading:
Orange Aventurine Leaf for Pause and Reflection
Rose Quartz for Gentle Kindness to Self and Others
Green Aventurine for Harmony and Balance of the Heart
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: APOTHECARY SPIRITS ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

Bah, I worked all day today from the moment I woke up this morning to just before bed time, and I feel like I haven’t given myself a single self kindness today.  I suppose I would count making sure that I ate on time using the timer on my phone as one, though. So there’s that.

Energy Leaks and Replenishment

/ Twist the Leaf / Leave a comment

Today’s meditation was eleven minutes long, and was one of the #DailyTrip sessions from the Calm app.

The topic of today’s session was about what the neuroscientist Lisa Feldman Barrett calls the body’s “energy budget”. It delved into how our bodies only have so much energy to work with each day, and how even something that seems as simple as talking on the phone can at times leave us feeling drained due to what kind of budget our body has for the day and how much of it is spent in the conversation.

The session spoke upon how its important to take times of quiet and peace for yourself on days you are feeling tired in order to “top up” our energy stores, and how meditation can in this way be seen as a “dose of replenishment” for when feeling drained.

•    •    •    ◈    •    🐇    •    ◈    •    •    •

Gendron Tarot's Justice CardToday’s draw is the Justice card, which is traditionally a representation of balance, cause and effect, repercussions and consequences, give and take, and can often indicate the law or legal system.

Life is always about balance. You get what you give. This is true in all areas of life from how we act to how we treat ourselves, and even the little every day actions we take for granted. The universe seems to be built upon the premise of cause and effect… otherwise known as “balance”.

I feel that this is important to understand, as it effects so much in our lives including our own bodies and our energy levels. If we push and neglect our needs, then our bodies react by breaking down or running out of energy.  We are bombarded day in and day out by little energy leaks from the news, our phones, social obligations… even niceties.  It’s no wonder that we feel tired so often, and refreshed so rarely and fleetingly.

The card for today and meditation combined with it hold a reminder that we all need to do more to replenish our energy stores in order to combat all those little (and sometimes big) energy leaks in our lives. Whether that’s through creative pursuits, having fun, meditation, or just taking a few minutes to ourselves once in a while to breathe.

DECK USED:  GENDRON TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsApr2025 Challenge
Prompt for April 30 : Grab a spread of your choice you’re curious about… and give it a go!
@Lionharts #TheAprilTarot Equinox Threshold Challenge
Prompt for April 30 : The Huntress’ Mark Tarot Spread

The Huntress Mark Tarot Reading with the Bird King Tarot and Growing Oracle

What instinct within me is calling to be honored?

Four of Wands and Energy – The desire to savor, or even celebrate, the time spent at home is an instinct within you calling out to be honored. That moment when you step through the door and take a sigh of relief as you take your shoes off is a moment that needs to be leaned into and acknowledged, savored and enjoyed. Focus on letting the bad parts of your day slough off at the door, so that you step through into your home with a greater sense of peace than when you’re outside of it.

How do I close the distance to what I seek?

The Lovers; Freedom atop Differences Rx – There’s always going to be differences of opinion concerning what you should be doing with your spare time. The great part is that it’s your spare time to do with as you please, so make sure that you were doing things that are good for you during this time… and not for others. Your spare time needs to be about you.

What lasting imprint will my pursuit leave behind?

The Magician and Worthiness – Working on these boundaries concerning your spare time will help you in combating those feelings of “not enough” that you often feel in relation to what you provide for others. It will help you develop the tools you need to see yourself as worthy of your own self-care and good regard, creating a better balance between the energy expended on others and what you keep for yourself.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Silver Maple Key for Bouncing Back to Thrive
Serpentine Dragon to Bolster Heart and Emotions
Ammonite for a Sense of Stability During Times of Change
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: BIRD KING TAROT AND GROWING ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

This is a catch-up post, which means I have no idea what my self-kindness was on this day.

Finding the Positive for April 27 – 29

/ Twist the Leaf / Leave a comment

The Stained Glass Tarot, The Moon Witch Tarot, Once Upon a Time Cards, Magical Messages Cards, and Prophesies Foretold Hades Tarot

April 27 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was skipped (cuz I fell asleep).

•    •    •    ◈    •    🐇    •    ◈    •    •    •

Today’s draw is the Eight of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of hard work, expertise through practice, honing a skill, quality craftsmanship, handicrafts, and manifestations through skill and hard work. The card is often the embodiment of the “practice makes perfect” adage.

Needing to “buckle down” and work when we just aren’t feeling it can make the work we’re doing seem miserable and endless. It can even at times erase from our awareness the value that the work holds and why we’re doing it in the first place.

Today’s card combo reminds us that there’s good in the work we do, otherwise we wouldn’t be doing it. The message here is an encouragement that during these times when we are feeling less than enthused with our work, we try to focus on the good that is coming from the work, rather than on our discontent.

DECK USED: PROPHESIES FORETOLD: A HADES TAROT AND MAGICAL MESSAGES CARDS

April 28 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was eleven minutes long, and was one of the @DailyCalm sessions in the @Calm app.

•    •    •    ◈    •    🐇    •    ◈    •    •    •

Today’s draw is the Queen of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of a receptive alpha energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s resources, financial stability, health, home, labors, manifestations, or other aspects of the physical realm. This often translates into a supportive or nurturing energy or entity in the areas of one’s health, home, and financial responsibilities.

Only allow into your life those things that support your dreams.

Dreams are one of those things that help us to look forward to the future. They are the fertilizer to our growth and happiness. They are not silly, or stupid, and when things or people come into our lives that try to influence us into thinking that they are? Those are the things and people that have no business being in our lives in the first place.

Nurture your dreams by kicking these things and people to the curb. In doing so, you are supporting yourself and those dreams of yours, and living true to yourself in the process.

DECK USED: MOON WITCH TAROT AND ONCE UPON A TIME CARDS

April 29 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was eleven minutes long, and was one of the @DailyCalm sessions in the @Calm app.

•    •    •    ◈    •    🐇    •    ◈    •    •    •

Today’s draw is the King of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of a projective “alpha” energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s thoughts, intellect, education, ambitions, and communication. This often translates into themes that have to do with someone that has a way with words and is able to use those skills to lead others to their way of thinking, as well as those that are in authority on intellectual topics such as professors, doctors, etc.

Stop discounting your abilities in sorting out issues and strategizing solutions. You have been using that clever mind of yours all of your life to stay on top of things and adapt from one moment to the next, piling on experience that only adds to your abilities.

There is no need to be modest, let alone disparage yourself. Instead, allow yourself to feel the confidence that hs been well earned. Lead with it, not just with others but yourself s well. When you trust in yourself, your experience, and your knowledge, others trust in you as well.

DECK USED: THE STAINED GLASS TAROT

Dreams of the Past

/ Twist the Leaf / Leave a comment

Today’s meditation was skipped.

•    •    •    ◈    •    🐇    •    ◈    •    •    •

The Naked Truth Tarot's Nine of Pentacles and Once Upon a Time CardsToday’s draw is the Nine of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of solitary satisfaction, a job well done, self-sufficiency, abundance, financial independence, and luxury earned through hard work.

The dreams that we had for ourselves earlier in life should not be what we now use as the standard against which we measure out current selves, life, and accomplishments.

Whether those dreams are realistic (or, more likely, unrealistic), easily obtainable, or pie in the sky, they were in essence merely ideas on where we thought we would go.

Life is done through living… and life happens while we are living it. Therefore plans change and new ideas replace old ones. We adapt and react and plot our course one step at a time along our path… not at the beginning with rigid focus. There needs to be room for the unexpected, for curiosity, and for growth.

Today’s cards remind us not to measure how far we’ve come by an impossibly rigid past idea, but by our accomplishments made along the way.

DECK USED:  THE NAKED TRUTH TAROT AND ONCE UPON A TIME CARDS

#DiscordTarotholicsApr2025 Challenge
Prompt for April 27th : Do Spread 2
Question for April 26th : What do you need to focus on for self-care for this month’s new moon?

Tarot Reading with The Whimsy Tarot and Insight Enlightenment Cards

Reading Summary: The figure in the Justice card correlates with the patiently waiting figure with cross legs in the Anchor card. In the Anchor card to the figure looks a bit impatient, and bored, in the Justice card, the figure is content. The speaks of a need to not just “wait and see”, but to do so with faith while holding your impatience at bay.

In the Hierophant card, the chaos of the heads reflects strongly with the chaos of clouds and spherical figures around the person waiting in the Anchor card. This is a reminder that you have the tools necessary to combat the chaos of thought that comes with standing still when you actually want to move. Use meditation and other breathing techniques in order to combat your need to do something at this time.

The color in the background for the Three of Pentacles connects with the color in the background on the title of the Anchor card. Don’t let your friends jump the gun either. They may think they’re helping, but you all need to wait together at this time.

Take Away: Instead of focusing on what needs to be done and taking an action to do it, at this time you need to focus on working on your patience and encouraging those around you to work on their as well. Use the tools at your disposal such as meditation and breathing exercises to help you keep your brain in check while holding back. An overactive imagination will take you for a wild ride if you let it. Don’t let it.

Other elements included in this reading:
Conch Shell Knot for Concentration, Clarity, and Determination
Yellow Aventurine Dragonfly for Confidence During Change
Rose Quartz for Gentle Kindness to Self and Others
Desert Rose for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECKS USED: THE WHIMSY TAROT AND INSIGHT ENLIGHTENMENT CARDS

#DiscordTarotholicsApr2025 Challenge
Prompts for April 28th and 29th

Oracle Reading with the Wild Woodland OracleTheme Card – Follow your dreams

What area of your life is requiring too much sacrifice?

Courage and Focus – You are putting too much focus and effort into getting where you want to be or where you think you need to be. Not everything has to be a struggle to be a value.

What would be a better option or path?

Magic and Desire – Let yourself believe that good things will come to you even when you aren’t breaking your back trying to achieve them. Life often has a way of manifesting for you what it is you want most or need most, plays it on your path to accept, rather than it being something you worked toward.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Wood Fern for Exorcising Negative Influences
Rose Quartz for Gentle Kindness to Self and Others
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: WILD WOODLAND ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

This is a catch-up post, which means I have no idea what my self-kindness was on this day.