tarot as a motivational tool

Drawing In Others to the Cause

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Today’s meditation was skipped (again).

Tarot of Japanese Poetry - King of SummerToday’s draw is the King of Summer (Wands), which is traditionally a representation of a projective alpha energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s passions, inspiration, motivations, principles, and values.

A great king lights a fire within those that he leads, creating passion and loyalty through not just power and determination, but a dream that can be shared with those around him.  He directs them to draw their focus to a single point… a goal, then leads them forward to achieve that which they’ve set their sights upon… that which he has set their sights upon.

Today, take some time to consider where you could inspire others.  What interests do you share with those around you that you could inspire others to join you in?  What goals could others be brought in on?

DECK USED:  TAROT OF JAPANESE POETRY

To Cull & Gather #VennoxesTarotChallenge Prompt
Questions for September 10th – OVERWHELMING EMOTIONS

Antiqua Anima Tarocchi Sola Busca and the Wisdom OracleHow can I best tap into my empathy?

Six of Batons and Bear of the Woods – Put yourself in their shoes so that you can feel things from their perspective instead of your own. Because you often have the confidence and independence to deal with so many situations, you can sometimes forget what it feels like to not have those qualities available to you.

What toxicity am I still holding on to?

Knight of Cups and Ocean’s Elixir – Your ex friends-with-benefits really did a number on your confidence and ability to lead with your heart. As a result, when emotions get involved, instead of moving forward you have a habit of shying away.

How do I take my well-being seriously?

Panfilio (The Magician) and Emotion’s Eye – Make sure you are paying attention to those things that make you happy so that you can be proactive in growing towards them instead of away from them.

DECK USED: ANIMA ANTIQUA TAROCCHI SOLA BUSCA AND WISDOM ORACLE

Mr Lionhart’s #TheSeptemberTarot Between Dusk & Dawn Prompt
Questions for September 10th thru 12th – ALIGNMENT

Tarot of Japanese PoetryWhat are my current thoughts and feelings based on?

Princess of Spring – You are in the process of learning about your emotions and becoming more emotionally intelligent. This means that there are a lot of times where your focus is on your feelings of the moment not just emotionally, but also logically as you try to puzzle out what you are feeling, how to express it in healthy ways, and how you are supposed to deal with it.

What is this manifesting for me?

Two of Spring – Closer connections and deeper relationships with others. By being more in touch with your emotions, you’re better able to connect with others on a deeper level than before.

What can use a restart and different approach?

Queen of Winter – How you view your relationship with your mother, and with how you reflect certain qualities of her in yourself.

How should I go about this {instead}?

Eight of Winter – Don’t turn your back on her perspectives or those qualities you share with her. They are part of what makes you who you are, and although it’s your choice how they are integrated, they won’t go away if you just ignore them.

How can I best align myself with my highest vibration for personal manifestation?

Ten of Autumn – Be aware of all you have already accomplished and grateful for it all. It’s not always about what more you want, but about celebrating what you already have achieved.

DECK USED: TAROT OF JAPANESE POETRY

Daily Self Kindness

I slept in this morning.  It was really nice to sleep in my own bed again.

Perception vs Reality

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

Tarocco Sopraffino - The Moon - La LunaToday’s draw is the Moon card, which is a representation of illusion, uncertainty, and the unknown.

Although there is no wolf in the imagery of this card, there is a wildness represented in the two canines baying at the winking moon.  It’s there as well in the crashing waves and I feel an interesting connection to the lobster appearing to sit on a plate on the ground today.

I recently learned that although today lobster is an expensive delicacy, it was once considered a poor man’s dinner and were once fed to prisoners, apprentices and slaves. When I think of this and I see the imagery on this card, it brings to mind the uncertainty that is sometimes associated with the Five of Pentacles.  That feeling of “where is my next meal going to come from” that can plague those with scarcity issues (real, or imagined).

Here, in the Moon card, it’s about imagined scarcity.  Where are you imagining scarcity where there actually is none?  Today’s card encourages us to examine these feelings and identify where we are blowing things out of proportion, providing a reality check for those moments when we think we are experiencing scarcity, when in reality it’s all in our head.

DECK USED: TAROCCO SOPRAFFINO

OwlandBonesTarot’s #BothSidesOfTheTarot Prompt
Questions for September 9th and 10th

Antiquitarian Tarot and Pythia Botanica OracleWhat is useful?

The Emperor atop The Hierophant – Your ability to combine your strengths in order to accomplish what needs done and empower others to do the same.

What is useless?

King of Cups – Don’t lead with your emotions. You are not suited for it. The journey in this area is too new for it to be considered a strength.

Finding Balance Between the Two – Don’t buy into the lie that says you have to do it all on your own (Mandrake). Lean into Gideon to help you and make you stronger (Comfrey connected to King of Cups).

What’s bright in your life?

The Devil atop Knight of Pentacles – The slow and steady enjoyment of this things you take pleasure in. When you stretch these pleasures over time and take things at a slow pace, you not only avoid your addiction issues, but also spread that enjoyment out over a longer period.

What is dim?

Five of Wands – Conflict. There are better ways to share what you are passionate about and get your point across.

Finding Balance Between the Two – Not everything in your life needs to be shared (Hawthorn). It’s okay to pick and choose, weeding out what you want to share and letting go of the rest (Hyssop).

DECKS USED: ANTIQUITARIAN TAROT AND PYTHIA BOTANICA ORACLE 1ST EDITION

The #ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge Prompt by E Roebuck-Jones
Questions for September 7th thru 10th

Tarocco SopraffinoHow can I shine in the world?

Queen of Cups – Allow people to see your compassion and how much you care. Yes, it is a show of weakness, but it is also a show of strength.

How do I inspire others?

Judgement – They see your moral compass at work and admire it, and it then encourages others to become better people themselves.

How can I make life choices more consciously?

Strength atop Knight of Coins – Don’t allow taking your time to weaken your resolve. They are not mutually exclusive.

How can I take action for myself?

Nine of Swords – Confront your fears and worries instead of letting them eat at you. If there’s shit on your mind that you’re hesitant to bring up? Do it instead of letting it linger and fester.

DECK USED: TAROCCO SOPRAFFINO

Daily Self Kindness

We called a stop to the “hanging of heavy things” today that had been planned. I hurt too much, and both J and B were also in a good deal of pain.  Better to put it off for another time when we’re all feeling a bit better.

Contingency Plans

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

Tarot of the Lantern Path - Two of WandsToday’s draw is the Two of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of planning, decision making, looking ahead, and themes to do with progress.

In the imagery, the woman seems very enamored with her plans as she looks at the globe in her hands.  This intense focus begs the question of what she might be missing by being so intently focused on one thing.

All plans go awry now and then.  Today’s card asks us what we are doing to make sure that we are not stymied by when things don’t go as planned.  Are we so focused on the desired outcome that we haven’t made any contingency plans?  Are we prepared to adapt and be flexible? Or is any small unexpected stumbling block going to cause a major hold up or cause everything to fall apart?

DECK USED:  TAROT OF THE LANTERN PATH

OwlandBonesTarot’s #BothSidesOfTheTarot Prompt
Questions for September 7th and 8th

Black Cat Tarot and Tarot of the Secret ForestWhere could you splurge?

Nine of Coins – No need to splurge right now. You have all that you need.

Where could you save?

The Magician – Time, resources, energy, and effort. When you realize that you have all that you need , then there is no need to push yourself so hard for more.

Finding Balance Between the Two – All the new stuff in your life and foundation building your working on doesn’t have to be introduced immediately (Ace of Coins). It’s okay to have to work for it sometimes, save up for it, and take your time instead of always jumping on the “go” (The Magician atop Seven of Coins).

What brings joy?

King of Swords – Lots of knowledge.

What brings sadness?

The High Priestess Rx – Lack of knowing.

Finding Balance Between the Two – Get in close with those that possess the power/knowledge that you seek (Strength). This requires getting in touch with what you value, and what you don’t, so that you don’t go after knowledge that you don’t need or that would be useless to you (Six of Wands Rx atop Seven of Wands).

DECK USED: BLACK CAT TAROT AND TAROT OF THE SECRET FOREST (trimmed naked)

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2022 Challenge Prompt
Questions for September 8th thru 10th

Tarot of the Lantern Path and Haikyuu Fantasy TarotCreate – Two of Cups – Connections.

Evolve – Five of Swords – How you deal with confrontation.

Balance – The Star – Hope and optimism is needed for both of the above pursuits, and for your life in general as well, to create a sense of balance that you need. You lean too far into pessimism, and it is through consciously instilling optimism and hope that you are able to balance out those more negative tendencies.

What do you need to focus on for self-care for this full moon?

King of Cups, Eight of Wands atop Judgement – Get your ass in gear and spend some time with Gideon this full moon. He is in need of your attention to keep his outlook good, and you are in need of his to help in taming your inner demons.

What personal growth should you be directing energy toward at this time?

Temperance Rx atop King of Swords, Three of Cups Rx – There is no moderation needed when it comes to working towards improving your communication skills. Not doing so creates isolation that can be avoided by mastering communication with others, even when you are in authority positions.

DECK USED: TAROT OF THE LANTERN PATH AND HAIKYUU FANTASY TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I’ve decided that I need to get myself one of those sleep number beds.  They are fucking spectacular.  Not that I can afford it right now, but I’m definitely going to be looking into it.

Taking Things Too Far

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

Mountain Dream Tarot - Five of SwordsToday’s draw is the Five of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of conflict, tests, trials, or hardship in the area of one’s education, intellect, thoughts, logic, ambitions, or communication.

This card can often translate into themes that have to do with “winning at all cost”, and can be a reminder that sometimes the costs are just too steep.

The appearance of this card today asks where are you pushing too hard right now? What are you sacrificing in your effort to “win” or succeed?

Today’s card is a reminder that we need to be mindful of just how far we’re willing to go and what we’re willing to sacrifice.  Not just if we’re willing… but if we really should be going as far as we are considering taking it… or should we back off instead?

DECK USED:  MOUNTAIN DREAM TAROT

Mr Lionhart’s #TheSeptemberTarot Between Dusk & Dawn Prompt
Questions for September 7th thru 9th – CONTEMPLATE

La Flora Tarot and For Strange Women Botanical OracleWhat am I holding onto that is holding me back?

The Tower and Frozen Lilacs – What happened in the end of your last “relationship” continues to hold you back. It was violent, ugly, and painful. The destructive end to that friends-with-benefits relationship was definitely a surprise, and the after effects of it continue to linger.

How is this holding me back?

Ten of Pentacles and Clairvoyant – Being able to find a sense of security and stability in your accomplishments has taken a hit as a result of that experience. Finding your sense of stable footing and purpose was not so much a problem prior.

What can I do to rise above that which is holding me back?

Page of Cups and Roots – Continue to explore your emotions and dig deep for the hidden truths that will serve as an elixir to healing.

If I could change one thing for the better, what would you suggest I should change?

Six of Swords and Maidenhair Fern – Don’t rush into this. You need to slow down and take things at a more sedate pace for the changes that you want to happen to actually stick.

DECK USED: LA FLORA TAROT AND FOR STRANGE WOMEN BOTANICAL ORACLE

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2022 Challenge Prompt
Philosophical Question: What is humanity’s biggest mistake?

Mountain Dream Tarot - Queen of Wands, Knight of Pentacles, Nine of SwordsReading Summary: Humanity’s biggest mistake is in not worrying enough (Nine of Swords Rx) about taking things slow (Knight of Pentacles) and exploring one’s passions in depth (Queen of Wands).

Take Away: We rush through so many things, even those things that are meant to be slowly savored and enjoyed. This rushing to and fro is a mistake, as it means that humanity is missing out on the good stuff that comes with moving at a slower pace and truly savoring the present and our surroundings.

DECK USED: MOUNTAIN DREAM TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

Jer and I were both very tired at the end of the day today and decided that, instead of going back home, we would stick around and sleep over, then continue with getting stuff done tomorrow.

Interconnectedness in Life

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Today’s meditation was

Artist's Vision TarotToday’s draw is the Star card, which is traditionally a representation of hope, renewal, positive outlooks, faith, and the connection between physical, emotional, and spiritual realms.

There is so much going on in this card, yet, what stands out to me strongest in the imagery today is the house in the center and how the roof blends almost perfectly into the background.

So many aspects of our lives are interlaced with each other. How we feel physically can influence how we react emotionally. How we feel emotionally can have a direct influence on our drive and ambition. It is all interconnected.

Today’s message is about paying attention to those interconnected aspects of our lives. Explore how they influence each other and seek out the influences that inspire hope and optimism, as opposed to letting more negative themes flourish.

DECK USED:  ARTIST’S VISION TAROT

OwlandBonesTarot’s #BothSidesOfTheTarot Prompt
Questions for September 5th and 6th

The Essential Tarot and the Pythia Botanica Oracle v2Where could you give more?

Nine of Wands – You could stand to evaluate your boundaries, and shore them up a bit more. Make sure that your protections and wards are in place in your home, that you’re locking and using the katy bar on the door, and are otherwise being proactive in increasing your safety practices.

Where might you dial back?

Page of Cups – Although your emotional growth is important to you and so is your creativity, right now might be a good time to put more logic into action in your life rather than leaning into the emotional side of things.

Finding Balance Between the Two – Banksia and Larkspur – Be vicious about your protections and pour it on a little thick for good measure. Now is not the time to slack on such things, and leaning into the practical and logical will only assist you in this.

What’s in?

Ten of Cups – Doing what you need to do to not just find happiness in your life, but to share it with others in your life that matter most.

What’s out?

Nine of Swords – Anxiety, discord, over-worrying, and stressing about shit you can’t do anything about.

Finding Balance Between the Two – Jasmine and Lilac – Focus more on them instead of yourself, and let them distract you from the negative inner narrative that sometimes wants to take control.

DECK USED: THE ESSENTIAL TAROT AND PYTHIA BOTANICA ORACLE v2

To Cull & Gather #VennoxesTarotChallenge Prompt
Questions for September 6th thru 9th – TURNING LEAVES

Artist's Vision TarotWhat part of me is changing?

Strength – You are learning to develop better social skills and emotional intelligence that are helping in making you a more compassionate person.

How can I shed gracefully what needs to be left behind in this process?

Ten of Swords – Don’t focus too hard on it, and thus end up letting it overwhelm you as a result.

Why is this change is important to me?

Three of Swords – You don’t enjoy revisiting the times when you are disappointed in yourself, and as a result you want to be a better person and do better as a whole.

How to I embrace this evolution?

The Devil – Allow yourself to feel enthusiasm for it, and lean into it in healthy ways. Watch out for those addictive tendencies of yours that try and take over and send you too far over the edge. Self-awareness is important.

DECK USED: ARTIST’S VISION TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

Todays self kindness is claiming a free night at the casino hotel in the newly renovated wing to rest and relax instead of trying to drive home exhausted tonight.

Out of Character Moments

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

Lonely Dreamer Tarot - Five of WandsToday’s draw is the Five of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of conflict, tests, trials, and struggle in the area of one’s passions, drive, determination, principles, values, and willpower.

In the imagery of this card, others watch on from the left while a man filled with determination and fervor prepares to beat on one fallen but still pushing towards rising. It reminds me of the saying “this is the hill you choose to die on”… meaning there are some things that we are closed minded about and will not change our minds no matter what, even if we’re wrong, and even if others try to force us.

The watching faces to the left and the abject violence of the man with the club also feel as if there is a warning here about acting out of character in the face of frustration in these types of situations, and the impression that such out of character acts can give others, no matter how right we may be.

The message in today’s card is to take care that you don’t go overboard or let yourself fall into acting out of character when trying to get your personal perspective across to another. Some people will refuse to see, even if you beat them over the head with it.

DECK USED:  LONELY DREAMER TAROT

The #ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge Prompt by E Roebuck-Jones
Questions for September 4th thru 6th

Dragons Tarot and Universal Dragon OracleHow can I work on building my confidence?

Knight of Wands and Protect Your Ideas – Put value into those things that you are passionate about by protecting them from others who might take them as their own. You gave away a lot to the world, but you don’t have to give away all your good ideas as well. Instill value in them instead.

How can I speak my mind more clearly?

Ten of Swords and Bliss – Communication struggles and troubles of the past that you have already overcome still hold you back. Remember that you already learned from these mistakes and the struggles that they created. There’s no reason that you will repeat them now that you have learned these lessons, so don’t let them dampen your enthusiasm and cause you to hold back.

What makes me “bulletproof”?

Seven of Swords and Research – You are clever, cunning, and a strategist at heart. Your methods are based in logic with a foundation in knowledge. Being able to circumvent subjective emotions and influences allows you to see things clearly and always come out on top.

DECK USED: DRAGONS TAROT AND UNIVERSAL DRAGON ORACLE

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2022 Challenge Prompt
Questions for September 5th and 6th

Lonely Dreamer TarotWhat are you ignoring that needs rooted out and dealt with?

Reading Summary: Your need to be in control (The Emperor) is getting out of hand and overwhelming you (Ten of Wands) . You need to make sure that you’re interests and passions remain fluid and open in order to be able to touch upon the joy that they can bring you (Page of Wands atop The Sun).

Take Away: Focus on being less rigid and easing your grip on your control of everything around you. There is more strength in flexibility and going with the flow than you will ever find in rigidity, and it opens the door for joy to flourish too.

What makes you feel…

Excited – Six of Swords – Opportunities to take the initiative to make life better for myself, or to help and/or guide others into doing the same.

Happy – Five of Pentacles Rx – Times when your sense of security flourishes, and your feelings of scarcity have faded into the background.

Calm – Six of Wands Rx – Independence. The ability to make your own choices and choose your own path. The knowledge you are able to stand on your own with confidence.

DECK USED: LONELY DREAMER TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I asked for help with orders today instead of doing it all myself.