tarot as a motivational tool

Don’t Hurt Yourself

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

Today’s meditation was a self guided meditation that lasted about twenty minutes, and was in response to the rise of a panic attack and the efforts to head it off and ease it down before it got out of hand.  It consisted of boxed breathing and focusing on the space between the inhales and exhales.

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Tarot des Os Two of Pentacles and Halloween Affirmation Cards@GlitterbyInk #OctoberCauldron24 Prompt
Cauldron of Motion Prompt for October 10th : Amplify

Today’s draw is the Two of Pentacles combined with the affirmation “Your body is a good body, and it’s doing its best. Please be nice to it!”

I don’t usually like affirmations that are about “doing your best”, but I like this one. That is because while doing -my- best involves overextending myself, my body doing its best?  Is true regardless of whether I am trying to overextend it or not.  My body has limitations to it that can’t be ignored or bad things happen (like losing the feeling in my legs and ability to walk, for example).  Over extending that doesn’t involve my body is far easier, those boundaries far easier to break than the ones my body puts upon me.

The message in today’s cards is a reminder to balance physical requirements with other tasks.  Don’t push so hard your body breaks.  Instead, work on amplifying balance. Give yourself some down time to recover, and in the mean time do other things that don’t require so much physical exertion.  Go back to the physical exertion later after recovery, instead of plowing ahead and risking injury.

DECKS USED:  TAROT DES OS AND SELF-MADE HALLOWEEN AFFIRMATION DECK

@HealingThruTarot’s #httOctoberTarotChallenge2024 Prompt
Prompt for October 9th and 10th

Between the Worlds Shadowcasting With Bone and Curio Oracle and Tarot des Os - Four of Pentacles, Six of Swords, Eight of WandsCrystal ball glimpse of my near future.

Four of Pentacles; Pen Tip atop The Doll’s Arm – Your time to wallow in stability is quickly falling to the wayside. That sense of security is something you need. Make sure to prioritize your time well, or you’ll lose the opportunity to enjoy these things as things begin to pick up with your business.

Winds of change arising from deep within.

Eight of Wands atop Six of Swords; Gold Coin – The holiday rush is fast approaching. If you want to make it a successful one, turn your focus in that direction. Although not as amped up and ready for it as some years in the past, you have the ability to foster a greater sense of enthusiasm through focusing on the end results you seek.

DECK USED: TAROT DES OS AND BETWEEN THE WORLDS SHADOWCASTING WITH BONE AND CURIO ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I had a very expensive shrink appointment today, and chose to keep it instead of cancelling it, even though I’d just talked to her about three weeks ago.  I feel like the anxiety of the upcoming rush needed a bit of extra support.

Look a Little Closer

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Lost Hollow Tarot's Two of Cups and Halloween Affirmation Cards@GlitterbyInk #OctoberCauldron24 Prompt
Cauldron of Motion Prompt for October 9th : Nourish

Today’s draw is the Two of Cups combined with the affirmation “Ghosting what no longer serves me.”

The cards for today are asking for reflection. What in your relationship(s) no longer serves you? Is it the person as a whole? Or, as is more often the case, is it something you do out of obligation, or even habit, that is no longer really contributing to your sense of well being and happiness in the relationship?

A lot of times when we feel like a relationship is struggling (or we are struggling within a relationship) it doesn’t mean it’s time to move on, but that there’s some aspect within the relationship that isn’t working. When you figure out what that is, it can turn things around and nourish your relationship back to health. Well, at least as long as it’s a thing, and isn’t the person as a whole that’s the problem.

DECKS USED:  LOST HOLLOW TAROT AND SELF-MADE HALLOWEEN AFFIRMATION DECK

@Lionharts #TheOctoberTarot Season of the Witch Prompt
Question for October 9th: And as I move down this winding way, what can help me through the fray?

Fantasy Night Theater Tarot - Five of Wands, Eight of Swords, The MoonReading Summary: When uncertainty rises (The Moon), don’t ignore what’s going on outside yourself (Eight of Swords Rx). Remember that others are have their own agendas, just as you have yours (Five of Wands).

Take Away: Look beyond the conflict in question. During conflict, it’s important to always seek out others perspectives and motivations. This doesn’t mean losing sight of your own, but when people feel heard, they often become less aggressive in response.

Unfortunately, there can’t always be a “meeting of minds”, no matter how much you’d like there to be. But, by putting effort into hear and understand where they come from, sometimes it can take some of the intensity out of the conflict as a whole.

DECK USED: FANTASY NIGHT THEATER TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsOct2024 Challenge Prompt
Question for October 8th thru 10th

Lost Hollow Tarot - Strength, Temperance, Seven of PentaclesHaunted: What troubles are haunting you right now?

Seven of Pentacles – Although the holiday rush is rapidly approaching, you are not getting done as much as you would like in preparation for its arrival. Neither are you rallying as readily as you’d like this year.

Trick: What illusion is allowing this problem to thrive?

Strength – Others do not need to be convinced to help out. The prep work and holiday rush is not all on your shoulders alone, and you can ask and receive help without the need for explanation or persuasion.

Treat: What can you do to resolve this problem?

Temperance – Go for the simple, easy approach. Set your efforts in this matter to a minimum and just ask. There’s no need to stew over what to say, nor put too much on your own shoulders.

DECK USED: LOST HOLLOW TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I woke up early and spent some time out in nature today on a hike before anyone else was up and ready to get going.  I also took the ibuprofen today before I needed it… because I knew I was going to need it.

The Improvement Factor

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

Today’s meditation was twelve minutes long and was one of the #DailyCalm sessions from the Calm app. It was done in the car, and I had a lot of trouble concentrating because the music was too loud and people were talking in the front seat. I may try to give it another try later this evening.

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Cryptid Tarot's Six of Wands (Crazy Critter of Bald Mountain) and Halloween Affirmation Cards@GlitterbyInk #OctoberCauldron24 Prompt
Cauldron of Motion Prompt for October 8th : Power

Today’s draw is the Six of Wands (Crazy Critter of Bald Mountain) combined with the affirmation “Have a spook-tacular day.”

Remember to take some time to please yourself today. It’s going to be a big one, with a lot of travel involved and visiting places that you don’t really enjoy.  It’s important to make sure that you find time to give yourself a bit of what you need, instead of just pushing forward because it’s expected of you by others.

By providing yourself with a bit of what you need, it will help the day go a bit better for you, and be more enjoyable over all.

DECKS USED:  CRYPTID TAROT AND SELF-MADE HALLOWEEN AFFIRMATION DECK

@Lionharts #TheOctoberTarot Season of the Witch Prompt
Question for October 8th: Omens, signs, symbology, what do I follow, what do I heed? {Draw two cards, one for something to follow, and one for something to heed}

Luis Royo's Dark Tarot and Void: The Frontier Game CardsWhat do I Follow – Ace of Cups and Fossil Theft – Follow your gut when it comes to who you trust and who you don’t put your trust in.

Sometimes your emotions are hard to understand, and your brain has a tendency to try and get in the way. It’s okay for them to weigh in, but don’t mistake them for the truth.  It’s your intuition that speaks the truth and its messages need to be weighed in as first priority.

What do I Heed – Knight of Cups and Moving Idol – Fall back on previous experiences that have taught you when to be wary. Take care not to let your enthusiasm convince you to disregard caution. Trust what you’ve seen, and don’t get too close.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Bay Leaf for Protection From Negativity
Dried Red Maple Leaf for Adaptability and Connection
Gneiss Wishing Stone for Patience in Unpleasant Situations
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: LUIS ROYO’S DARK TAROT AND VOID THE FRONTIER GAME CARDS

@HealingThruTarot’s #httOctoberTarotChallenge2024 Prompt
Prompt for October 8th : Wisdom from beyond the veil.

Cryptid Tarot - King of Cups (Loveland Frog), Page of Wands (Cactus Cat), Justice (Jackalope and Wolpertinger)Reading Summary: Your partner still has lots to teach you (King of Cups / Loveland Frog) not just about your emotions but also your passions (Page of Wands / Cactus Cat). You get out of your relationship what you put into it (Justice / Jackalope and Wolpertinger).

Take Away: You are encouraged to work on finding ways to better balance your time so that you can spend more of it with him.

This will allow you to get more out of your relationship as a whole, as you will always get out of your relationship with Gideon a reciprocation for what you are put in.

Other elements included in this reading:
Deodar Cedar Impression for Clarity and Spiritual Connection
Foraged Japanese Yew Sprig for Resurrection and Rebirth
Foraged Deer Rib for Connection through the Veil
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: CRYPTID TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I didn’t bother going into the casino today with J and Ms B.  I ate dinner with them then skipped out to be outside instead, then went straight up to the room to relax.

A Gentle Touch

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Diabolik Tarot's King of Wands and Halloween Affirmation Cards@GlitterbyInk #OctoberCauldron24 Prompt
Cauldron of Warming Prompt for October 7th : Align

Today’s draw is the King of Wands combined with the affirmation “I am as gentle as a ghostly touch.”

The cards for today are a reminder that leadership isn’t always about force. Compassion and grace are needed for a role of leadership to not just survive, but thrive. It can’t always be “because I say so” or you lose the passionate enthusiasm of those that follow your lead.

By leading with a gentle touch, you align others to your cause with stronger bonds and greater enthusiasm, for that gentle touch breeds loyalty in a way that impatience and brashness cannot.

DECKS USED:  DIABOLIK TAROT AND SELF-MADE HALLOWEEN AFFIRMATION DECK

@Lionharts #TheOctoberTarot Season of the Witch Prompt
Question for October 7th : So down the witches’ road I tread, what will unfold on the path ahead?

Catton Candy Nightmare Tarot - Five of Swords, Six of Wands, Six of CupsReading Summary: When you refuse to choose (Six of Cups Rx) your desire to people please (Six of Wands), you come out on top in the end (Five of Swords).

Take Away: This is another warning about people trying to get you to go against your nature, which is a warning that you have been getting from the cards quite a lot lately.  It is a reminder to stay true to yourself during these situations and interactions outside influence may come into play.

You win nothing by conforming to the standards of others, as they will use your desire to please against you if given the chance to do so.

Other elements included in this reading:
Conch Shell Knot for Concentration and Clarity
Foraged Japanese Yew Sprig for Resurrection and Rebirth
Foraged Mugo Pine Cone for Resilience and Longevity
Rose Quartz for for Gentle Kindness to Self and Others

DECK USED: CATTON CANDY NIGHTMARE TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsOct2024 Challenge Prompt
Question for October 7th : Jack-o-Lantern : What makes you smile and lifts your spirits?

Chestnut's Oddities DeckLois – Times when introspection steps in before reaction can take over. There is a feeling of triumph that brings a smile to your spirit that comes from sidestepping the expected response by taking a moment of introspection and not going with your first reaction. It sidesteps not just manipulation, but the pitfalls of what would otherwise become an untenable situation.

David – The trust you have in Gideon and how safe he makes you feel. For over sixteen years, he has proven to you again and again, that you can trust him to always have your interests, safety, and well being as his priority.  Over time, you have learned a deeper kind of trust with him than you have experienced with anyone else in your life, and that feeling of security makes your soul smile.

Clay – Seeing beneath the masks others wear. Although you are often oblivious to the most overt of hints communication-wise, you are skilled at observing others and sussing out their secret selves to see them for who and what they are. Your nature may make you try to make excuses for what you see, or try to give them the benefit of doubt regardless of what you know is true… but it’s in the knowing that you find a true sense of satisfaction.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Wood Fern for Exorcising Negative Influences
Foraged Silver Maple Key for Bouncing Back to Thrive
Desert Rose for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: CHESTNUT’S ODDITIES

@HealingThruTarot’s #httOctoberTarotChallenge2024 Prompt
Prompt for October 7th : How to infuse my magic with purpose.

Diabolik Tarot - King of Wands, Judgement, Knight of PentaclesReading Summary: Work slowly at advancing in your craft (Knight of Pentacles), and remember that what you put out there into the world (King of Wands) reflects back upon you and who you are (Judgement).

Take Away: There is value and truth in the phrase “Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.” This is true whether dealing with people, magic, or even your own needs and desires.

Take your time and do it right.

You can infuse greater intent and purpose into your magic by taking your time and making sure each step in the process is just right, rather than rushing through a half-assed job that could have been better if you gave yourself more time.

Other elements included in this reading:
Deodar Cedar Impression for Clarity and Spiritual Connection
Foraged Red-Stemmed Feather Moss for Attentive Understanding
Brass Compass Rose for Finding Direction

DECK USED: DIABOLIK TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I took a nap and played with Gideon, even though I really didn’t have a lot of time for either.  I just… needed it.

The Value of Experience

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

Today’s meditation was just under ten minutes long, and was one of the #DailyTrip sessions on the Calm app.

I really liked this one. Okay so it wasn’t easy and was just a bit uncomfortable, but at the same time? I liked it all the same, because it spoke to values that I work very hard to embrace and provided a way to incorporate those values into my meditation practice now and then to try and become more comfortable with him.

Those values, incidentally, were based off a Shinzen Young quote that says “Our job is to love the unlovable.”  I like that.  The session spoke about how sometimes, love doesn’t mean making yourself vulnerable to others or even forgiving them their trespasses and forgetting to take caution.  It means that even though these elements are there, your heart is still filled with love for them as flawed human beings.

This was not an easy session by any means, but it really felt… good, and I enjoyed it.

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Hellow Tarot's Six of Wands and Halloween Affirmation Cards@GlitterbyInk #OctoberCauldron24 Prompt
Cauldron of Warming Prompt for October 6th : Ignite

Today’s draw is the Six of Wands combined with the affirmation”With every challenge you meet, you gain experience. Every day you’re leveling up.”

The message in today’s cards is an encouragement to ignite within you the passion to experience adventures and try new things. Don’t let fear of failure hold you back, or a lack of confidence become an obstacle.

Whether or not you succeeded, you gain experience either way. This experience is more valuable than the accolades of success ever could be, and last much longer.

DECKS USED:  HELLOW TAROT AND SELF-MADE HALLOWEEN AFFIRMATION DECK

@Lionharts #TheOctoberTarot Season of the Witch Prompt
Question for October 6th : From today until Samhain, how or where should I begin?

All Hallows Eve Tarot and the Lost OracleReading Summary: Begin by continuing to offer stability and support (Queen of Pentacles) to those that need it, while taking care to separate yourself from those you simply aren’t prepared to deal with (Eight of Cups). Be proactive, but take care to reflect on who is deserving of your time, energy, and effort before you begin (Nascent).

Take Away: Don’t waste you time and energy on trying to foster stability in areas that are undeserving of your effort.  If the apple is rotten, don’t bother picking it. Let it fall.  After all, you can only carry so much, so make sure you are filling your basket with the good ones.

Other elements included in this reading:
Roots and Branches Bamboo Plaque for Interconnectivity in Life
Foraged Red Alder Cones for Support in One’s Endeavors
Foraged Red-Stemmed Feather Moss for Attentive Understanding
Citrine for Energy Lift (easing the weight of heavy energies)
Desert Rose for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: ALL HALLOWS EVE TAROT AND LOST ORACLE

#DiscordTarotholicsOct2024 Challenge Prompt
Prompt for October 6th : Do Spread 1

Autumn Tarotholics Tarot Reading with the Hellow Tarot

Bat – What is ending at this time that needs your awareness and focus?

The Devil atop Trick or Treat – Stay vigilant that you are not being manipulated by those things you need in your life. Even things like your need for fairness and balance can become a liability for coercion under the right circumstances.

Calendula – Who is a loving constant in your life that needs a bit more recognition?

Eight of Cups Rx – Those that stick around even when things are difficult or frustrating are a loving constant in your life and in need of more recognition for their staying power. After all, you really aren’t all that easy to live with at times.

Owl – What do you need to know right now to trust that you’re on the right path?

Ace of Wands – Creativity is your calling, and is why you get so excited and inspired again and again for new creative endeavors.  It is an integral part of who you are and although you may have fallow times, it will always rise back up again.

Rose – What memory from your past needs revisited to guide you in your future safety?

Queen of Pentacles – This card reflects back to the reading done for Lionharts today (previous reading to this one). It says that you are and have always been a supporting role in others lives, and is a reminder to be judicious in where you allow that energy to go.

Black Cat – Where is conformity more of a risk than independent thought?

The Magician – You do not conform well and trying to do so corrupts your ability to achieve your goals and manifest what you want out of life.

Wormwood – While the veil is thin this month, what in your life needs protecting?

Two of Pentacles Rx atop The Tower – Chaos has a tendency to create imbalance. Make sure that you are staying detached enough to see where balance is needed even during chaotic situations.

Raven – Where can sating your curiosity lead to the resurrection of something you’ve lost?

King of Cups atop Ten of Cups Rx – Don’t forget that Gideon is your happy place. Delving into time with him can help spark your sense that everything is right in the world.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Lichen for Perseverance
Foraged Silver Maple Key for Bouncing Back to Thrive
Conch Shell Knot for Concentration and Clarity
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: HELLOW TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I picked up food on the way home from the salon instead of making myself something at home. It just felt like one too many things and not enough spoons to get it all done.

Focus on Self Care… Not Guilt

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Gothic Moon Tarot and Halloween Affirmation Cards@GlitterbyInk #OctoberCauldron24 Prompt
Cauldron of Warming Prompt for October 5th : Focus

Today’s draw is The Sun card combined with the affirmation “It’s okay to just float along. It’s okay to just be.”

Stop barraging yourself with guilt for taking the time you need to rest. Instead of focusing on everything that you’re not getting done, train your attention to taking care of yourself for a bit.  You may be able to succeed running on empty, but that success will be hollow and you won’t enjoy it.

It’s Saturday.  Take a break.  Breathe.  Push the guilt aside and just enjoy.

DECKS USED:  GOTHIC MOON TAROT AND SELF-MADE HALLOWEEN AFFIRMATION DECK

@Lionharts #TheOctoberTarot Season of the Witch Prompt
Question for October 5th : As the universe, so the soul, how can I let my magick flow?

Bats Blood Ink OracleReading Summary: When you are starting to think that you’re getting sick (Plague), don’t let it sneak up on you and take you by surprise (Jack). Instead, start taking care of it right away (Chicken Soup) and encourage others to do the same (Ed’s Head).

Take Away:   Just as when you are sick that it smothers your physical energy, so too does it muffle your magic and abilities.

The scratchy feeling eyes, the extra tiredness.  The headache that you’ve had the past couple days and the occasional sneezes?  Don’t ignore this.  It’s a warning to jump on taking care of things now to mitigate the impact of getting sick.

Make sure you are resting, hydrating, and taking your vitamins as well as the immune booster.  Let those around you know that you think you’re getting sick so that they can also take preventative measures.

Other elements included in this reading:
Serpentine Dragon to Bolster Heart and Emotions
Moonstone for Emotional Stability
Rainforest Rhyolite for Facilitating Calm Transitions
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: BATS BLOOD INK ORACLE

#DiscordTarotholicsOct2024 Challenge Prompt
Question for October 5th : Window Candle : Where do you need to lean into the light (positivity/optimism)?

Gothic Moon Tarot - Five of Cups, Ace of Wands, The StarReading Summary: You have not been keeping up on your positivity practice of late (The Star).  In doing so, you are giving that natural inclination towards pessimism a chance to thrive (Five of Cups) and allowing it to dampen your enthusiasm for the world around you (Ace of Wands).

Take Away:  As a previous Card-of-the-Day recently advised, it won’t work if you don’t work it.  Make sure that you are staying on top of the positivity and optimism practices that help you counterbalance those negative inclinations.

You have a natural inclination towards negativity and pessimism that is unhealthy for your mental health. When allowed to go unchecked, it has a tendency to pull you into depression.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Douglas Fir Bark for Strength and Resiliency
Gneiss Wishing Stone for Patience in Unpleasant Situations
Citrine atop Growth Mandala for Encouraging Lift (easing the weight of heavy energies)
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: GOTHIC MOON TAROT

@HealingThruTarot’s #httOctoberTarotChallenge2024 Prompt
Prompt for October 5th and 6th

Angelarium Oracle of the FallenGifts to resurrect this season of the witch.

Penume – In your writing, you find the freedom to share yourself with others without fear, allowing them to get close enough to get to know the real you. Make a conscious choice to live in the moment, and savor the connection with others that your writing allows you to experience.

What troubles lurk in the shadows?

Sachiel – Coercion is sly and surreptitious, insidious in how it slips in unnoticed and roots itself in the soil of your life when you are not looking.  Make sure that when you are following the advice of others or allowing others to influence you, that these people have your best interests at heart.  There is a viper lingering in the grass that you are mistaking for a garter snake.

Other elements included in this reading:
Conch Shell Knot for Concentration and Clarity
Foraged Red Alder Acorns for Determination and Confidence

DECK USED: ANGELARIUM ORACLE OF THE FALLEN

Daily Self Kindness

I didn’t put an alarm on for my nap. I was hoping some extra rest might get rid of my headache. No such luck, but it was worth a try.