tarot as a motivational tool

Needing a Break Isn’t a Weakness

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Today’s meditation was skipped. I actually intended to meditate today, but that shit just didn’t happen.

Aquarian Tarot and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is The Chariot card, which is traditionally a representation of purpose, determination, strength of will, and active forward progress.

The things we need to do, the places we need to go. Sometimes we don’t feel strong enough to be able to push forward or plow through. Sometimes the world feels overwhelming and he fell into inside and unable to pull up they will power and determination to keep moving forward.

The message here today between the Thera-Pets card and The Chariot is that even during these times when we are feeling weak, strength still resides within us. Sometimes we must pause in order to get in touch with it, but it’s there. Even a marathon runner has to stop and rest eventually, and that doesn’t make you weak.

DECK USED:  AQUARIAN TAROT AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

Mr Lionharts’ #TheSeptemberTarot Rise and Fall Prompt
Questions for September 4th thru 6th

An Unfoldment of Consciousness Oracle and Tarot of the Thousand and One NightsWhat story has been unfolding for me this year so far?
Svaha!, The Emperor atop Ten of Swords

Letting go of the need to control every little aspect and facet of your journey, and finally beginning to embrace the new way of life you set out to begin transitioning into a couple years ago. Finally accepting the abandoning of old ways for something new and healthier not just physically and mentally, but spiritually as well.

What has 2021 been trying to teach me the past few months?
The Third Choice and The Empress

The year 2021 has been working on teaching you to open up your perspective to a wider and unbiased view of your growth and your needs. It can be difficult to see beyond habits and the “old way” of doing things. Even when a new idea is in sight, sometimes plotting the course to get there and not falling back on old habits can be a struggle.  This year has been helping you in seeing this new way and finding the path forward in a healthy and self-nurturing way.

How can I use this knowledge/awareness moving forward?
Loving Eye and Queen of Cups

Use this knowledge to help remember to treat yourself kinder, with a more nurturing and encouraging energy and narrative, than the abuse that you have used to motivate (and punish yourself for what had been perceived as weaknesses) in the past.

DECK USED: AN UNFOLDMENT OF CONSCIOUSNESS ORACLE AND TAROT OF THE THOUSAND AND ONE NIGHTS

Healer.Josephine’s #MindfulImperfectionTarot Prompt
Questions for September 5th thru 9th

Japanese Youkai Oracle and Aquarian TarotWhat has my perfectionism helped me avoid?

Mayoiga and Knight of Cups – You have a habit of becoming so focused on what you want to achieve that you lose track of what is truly important in life. Perfectionism forces a slower and more reflectful approach. With that reduced speed, there is then less stress put on the values of greed and excess.

How has my perfectionism limited me?

Kayori, Kijimuna, The Star atop Page of Rods – Perfectionism has made you so very conscious of every little action and thing you do that you sometimes forget others even exist around you, let along that they have their own motivations and feelings. This narrowed focus then limits your ability to connect with others in meaningful ways.

What part of me feels scared about not being perfect?

Yurei Kodate and The Sun – The part of me that still to this day seeks parental support, nurturing, and approval. Your inner child.

DECK USED: JAPANESE YOUKAI ORACLE AND AQUARIAN TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I can’t remember what I did for myself today. I guess we can count not getting the orders done that I need to ship out on Tuesday even though I don’t really have to do them so early.  I was tempted tho.

Living Without a Goal

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IMG_4361Today’s meditation was skipped, or at least I think that it was. I am playing catch-up and I’m pretty sure I didn’t meditate on the 3rd.  In fact, almost positive.

Transient Light Tarot and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is The Nurturer (Empress) card, which is traditionally a culmination of all the Queens of the tarot into a nurturing, earth based energy representing the sacred feminine, creative spark, and mother earth.

The clam with its pearl is the representation of the Empress in this instance, and I really connect with this representation.  The clam cradles a grain of sand, and over time under the pressure and protection of the clam, a pearl is formed from the calcium given to that piece of sand and built upon it in a form of shell.

The nurturing energy in the Empress is the focus of today’s message, and when combined with the Thera-Pets card, what we see here is encouragement. Encouragement that it’s okay to not know what the hell you’re doing every step of your journey through life. It’s okay to just be going through the motions, waiting for inspiration or purpose that doesn’t come.   Sometimes?  Just living in the moment is more than enough, and you don’t have to be on top of things 100% of the time.

DECK USED:  TRANSIENT LIGHT TAROT AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

The #ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge Prompt for the Sacred Grounds Tarot Club
Questions for September 1st thru 5th

Interim Tarot Beyond BordersWhat helps me stay positive?

Eight of Swords atop Queen of Cups – Turning a blind eye to negative crap when able. Sometimes in doing this, you can turn a negative into a boon, as being distant from the issue allows for a less biased view and a more more perspective.

How can I appreciate all my talents?

Strength – You can better appreciate all of your talents by staying in touch with what works for you, and by working on  better understanding the influence you have on others.

What do I need in order to create success?

Three of Wands – Motivation. Sometimes enthusiasm lags, and that’s normal, but you’ll need to rekindle your enthusiasm and motivation to create success.

How can I shine in the world?

Four of Discs – Lean into your strengths allows you to shine more brightly in the world. Instead of stressing on all of the things you aren’t good at, focus on where you excel. You have a grounded and steady strength to share.

How do I inspire others?

Knight of Swords – You show others what it looks like to focus on your goals and go after them. To some, this makes you appear impulsive, but to others, they see success through determination and action.

DECK USED: INTERIM TAROT BEYOND BORDERS

Healer Josephine’s #MindfulImperfectionTarot Prompt
Questions for September 1st thru 3rd

Forest Fae Messages Oracle and Transient Light TarotHow did I first develop perfectionist tendencies?
Walk On the Wind and Five of Wands Rx

I first developed perfectionist tendencies through the inability to do anything right in the eyes of others, and constant influx between aggression and neglect that came as a repercussion of those failures.

How has my perfectionism kept me safe?
Green Witch and The Wheel

There is a sense of grounding and solidity that comes with things being done just right and just so. It creates a sense of stability in the uncertainty of an ever changing world.

DECK USED: FOREST FAE CARDS AND TRANSIENT LIGHT TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

Today was a driving day and I made sure to use a timer on my phone to make sure I ate every three hours instead of trying to push it to longer so I could save time and get more miles in.

Out of Proportion

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Today’s meditation was done in three parts.  I had a handful of client readings today and had to meditate (and eat) in between them as a sort of “palate cleanser” because they were quite entailed.

Black Lily Tarot and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Queen of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of a receptive alpha energy, personality, or person in the areas of one’s drive, passions, willpower, determination, and motivations.

Although the business is my creation and often the driving force behind my motivation, there are times when order days come around that I just don’t feel like it. That lack of motivation is like the serpent whispering in the Queen’s ear in the imagery of today’s card.

I hear that whisper today. And, like any time we aren’t looking forward to something, it creates the “dragging your feet mentality”. Everything seems bigger than it is, and more effort than it’s worth. This can happen even with the things we are most passionate about at times.

The Thera-Pets card is a reminder that even though we may feel unenthusiastic about it, responsibilities still need to be dealt with and aren’t as big or bad as we feel they are in the moment. And that once you get them done, you can then look back and see just how much our lack of enthusiasm has blown them out of proportion.

DECK USED:  BLACK LILY TAROT AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2021 Challenge Prompt
Questions for September 2nd thru 4th

Virtues of the Heart Oracle and Soulful TarotWhat still needs harvesting this season?

Amour and Nine of Cups – More time with Gideon. More time enjoying the world around you. More time steeped in gratitude, and mindful of the pleasure and enjoyment you reap from the people you love and the world.

What projects and energies are you taking with you into Autumn?

Projects – Solidarité and Temperance – Over the past few years, you have been working to learn to lean on others more, and delegate instead if taking on everything all on your own. This effort at moderating your energy burn by asking and allowing others to help you will continue to be an important theme through the autumn months.

Energies – Équilibre and Four of Pentacles – You need to focus on keeping your energy balanced and well grounded. With a solid foundation, that balance will be far easier to manage.

These next handful of weeks will be your last chance to spend some regular quality time in nature, and the temperatures are conducive to you getting out there and savoring as much of that time as you can. In doing so, you don’t just ground yourself, but connect with energies beyond yourself, allowing your intuition and inner spirit to flourish.

What is something new you should try?

Honnêteté and Justice – When you don’t want to deal with something, you often just ignore it rather than opening your mouth and dealing with it. Although this method often works fine for you in general, don’t forget that sometimes you need to speak up and say your piece instead of remaining quiet.

DECK USED: VIRTUES OF THE HEART ORACLE AND SOULFUL TAROT

BekahMurphysMagic’s #IntuitiveHealingTarotChallenge Prompt
Question: How can I strengthen my intuition?

Black Lily TarotReading Summary: First, you need to remain steadfast in working through your current onset of depression (Ace of Pentacles and Three of Swords Rx). Then return to your emotional growth, seeking encouragement and guidance from those with more experience in this area (Six of Wands atop Queen of Cups).

Take Away: I feel like I’m getting a handle on the depression that was starting to creep in. I think that the shift of dosage in my meds definitely has helped in heading it off, but I know I still have a bit of work to do here. I also know that the depression muffles my intuition.

The cards here point out that as I grow emotionally, my intuition is along for the ride and growing as well. I need to continue on this journey, leaning on those with more understanding of what I’m learning and seeking their input not just in what I can do better or change, but also in pointing out what I’m doing right.

DECK USED: BLACK LILY TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I had L come home a bit early today to help me out in getting things done.  I also had her make two of the meals for today, which is also a huge help.  I get tired of cooking so much and was spoiled by Z being here for so long.

Morning Bonus Read – Virgo Season

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Virgo Season Tarot Reading - Symbolic Tarot of Wirth

What is a major theme of Virgo season for me?

King of Cups – Gideon. Virgo season is all about Gid. Spending time with him. Sharing with him. Allowing him to help in keeping you calm, centered, and in touch with yourself and your emotions. Letting him help keep you from diving into the mentality of the holiday rush before it’s actually begun.

How will this theme impact me?

Four of Wands – It will allow you to enjoy the time that you have left, giving you a focus on the pleasures of home and him for as long as possible before all must be forsaken to keep up with the rush.

How can I trust life’s ebbs & flows this season?

Four of Coins – Keep in mind just how stable your foundation really is. The ebbs and flows of life are not going to knock it out from under your feet, even if it sometimes feels like they might.

How can I improve my daily routines?

King of Swords – Work on what works for you. This involves being more steadfast in your routine. Lack of structure is not your friend, but strategy is.

A message from my digestive system.

The Magician Rx – “You have everything you need to make me work smoothly, so why aren’t you doing it?”

A message from my ancestors and guides.

The Wheel of Fortune – Life is going to have many ups and downs, but along the way you need to make sure that you’re still taking care of yourself.

DECK USED: SYMBOLIC TAROT OF WIRTH

The Boon In the Bad

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Today’s meditation was not guided, although I did actually meditate for once.  (Shocker, right?)  It was more of a relaxing in silence meditation with breathing exercises.  Just… enjoying the moment, the light through the windows, the quiet.

Tarot de Marseille of the New Incarnation and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Seven of Pentacles (7 de Deniers), which is traditionally a representation of slow growth, patience, and sustainability.

In the imagery of this card I see all of that, but I also see assistance through community effort leading, over time, to greater synergy and strength for the community as a whole.

The Thera-Pets card speaks of defeat, and there is a reminder here that trials and tribulations in life are not there to take you down, or take you out. They are opportunities for growth spurts. And over time, just as a child grows into adulthood, so too do we grow into something more (and better) than we were before with the benefit of these growth spurts. But, this  process takes time, and an openness to learn from our experiences. Instead of just discounting them as “something that happened to me”.

Carrying this theme forward into that extra message I see in the 7 de Denier’s imagery today, the stronger you become… the stronger those around you become. By discounting your experiences, you are not just weakening yourself and your potential for growth, but weakening those around you in the process as well.

Thus, when you take the time to sort through your experiences, learn from them, grow from them, and find strength in them… you strengthen not just yourself, but also those around you.

DECK USED:  TAROT DE MARSEILLE OF THE NEW INCARNATION AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

Mr Lionharts’ #TheSeptemberTarot Rise and Fall Prompt
Questions for September 1st thru 3rd

Rustic Oracle and W.S. TarotWhat is a major theme for me this month? (draw a major arcana card)

The Empress – Nurturing, grounding, and making sure that you’re getting what you need this month in the different aspects of your life. Now is the time to shore up on your rest and your strength.

What is a minor theme for me this month? (draw a minor arcana card)

Four of Wands – Finding pleasure and contentment in home. This is not just about the place where you live, but also where your heart resides.

What energies are here to support me throughout this month?

Wheel, Two of Pentacles Rx atop Page of Cups – Don’t think that you can juggle your emotional growth at the same time as your other responsibilities right now. You need to choose, at least for September, to carry on with your growth and not worry too overly much about the rest just yet.

Fire and Death – As the month continues, you will be able to slowly begin to transition into the goals and ambition that you need in order to prepare for the holiday rush. There’s no need to jump in quickly, so don’t get ahead of yourself.

Lantern and Wheel of Fortune – Keep in mind that just because opportunities are there doesn’t mean that you have to jump at them. If they’re meant to be, they’ll come back around again during a time when you’re more ready for them and will have more room on your plate to fit them in.

DECK USED: RUSTIC ORACLE AND W S TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2021 Challenge Prompt
Philosophical Question: What is humanity’s biggest mistake?

Tarot de Marseille of the New IncarnationReading Summary: Forgetting that the world is full of joy (Le Sol Rx), and neglecting yourself and others as punishment (L’Imperatrice Rx) for mistakes and failures (5 de Baton imagery) instead of taking a moment to see what can be learned from the experience (Le Pendu).

Take Away: This answer, interesting enough, is an echo of the message in my COTD practice for today (and yesterday).  It indicates that humanity’s biggest mistake is not learning from our mistakes and failures, but instead shutting down anything positive you could gain from the experiences by focusing too deeply on the negative.

DECK USED: TAROT DE MARSEILLE OF THE NEW INCARNATION

Daily Self Kindness

I’ve been popping Ibuprofen and Imodium all damned day trying to get my headache and bowels under control. I’d say that neither of them are working, but I’m not willing to stop taking them to experience just what life would be like with out them… because if they -are- working and I’m currently experiencing the muffled version, god forbid what the full experience would be like.

Morning Bonus Read – Monthly Key Spread

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Monthly Key Spread - Tempus Fugit Lenormand

Key to Your Heart: What will Guide you to make decisions that are aligned with your heart and your truths this month?

The Whip and The Book – Make sure you are focusing on getting things in order and not screwing off or fucking around this month.  Although the work side of things is not yet upon you, it’s time to start getting your ducks in a row when it comes to making a plan, detailing out what needs to be done, and gearing up for the mindset needed to dive into holiday prep.

[Side Note: Whenever I see the whip and the book together, it makes me think of those teacher nuns with the rulers and the knuckle slaps? No, this is not something I’ve personally experienced, but it very much is what comes to mind when these two cards come together.|

Anchor: What will ground you in the face of anxiety, stress, overwhelm, and existential dread in general?

Feminine Energy – Look to the women in your life for support when you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed. L is still around and willing to help in any way she can, but you have to actually be willing to reach out and ask for that help.

Star Wand: What accelerates your magic, creativity, and manifestation powers?

The Letter – You need to make that list that you wrote about the other day. Fill it with your accomplishments, with what you’ve done to improve yourself and your life this year, what you’ve overcome, and the good decisions you have made.

Blessings from the Stars: The Universe has got your back – how will you be supported this month?

The Clover – Luck is on your side.  It might come as a “flash in the pan”, but good fortune will be there for you when you need it most.

One Trick Up Your Sleeve: A life saving idea or inspiration for any unexpected challenge or difficult moments?

The Fox – You were blessed with a quick and clever mind.  Use it. Pay attention to what’s going on around you, keep in mind the motives of others, and use your cunning mind to stay engaged… and you’ll be fine.

Emergence Pt 1: What is emerging within you / within your reality right now?

The Ring – Commitments and responsibilities are starting to rise up. Make sure you’re not taking on more than you can handle or end up painting yourself into a corner.

Emergence Pt 2: What are you expanding towards?

The Dog – A blast from the past is coming.  This isn’t someone with negative motives or motivations, but rather someone you knew and was a friend returning…. or rather, you are returning to their lives rather than the other way around (although it might feel as if they are coming into your life).

DECK USED:  TEMPUS FUGIT LENORMAND