tarot for growth

Movement Over Stagnancy

/ Twist the Leaf / Leave a comment

Today’s meditation was an ten minute long #DailyCalm session from the @Calm app.

•    •    •    ◈    •    🎄    •    ◈    •    •    •

Christmas Cheer Tarot - 2 of Wands and Christmas Affirmation CardsDaily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Two of Wands (Candles), which is traditionally a representation of planning, decision making, looking ahead, and themes to do with progress.

The Two of Wands has then been combined with one of my Christmas Affirmation cards,  which says, “Just because you can’t find your happiness today, doesn’t mean that you never will.”

If you’re unwilling, it’s never gonna happen.

Even in the depression, there’s the need to keep a little ray of hope going that will keep you moving forward. For me, that’s the phrase “it’s temporary”.

If something is temporary that means that sooner or later it’s going to end, I’m going to come out the other side, and if I don’t keep up on the things that need to be done during this temporary time of discomfort, I’m going to have to play catch-up once I manage to crawl my way out of it.

During these times, I might not get as much done because I’m not really enjoying what I’m doing. Even then, though, keeping in mind that the slump is temporary keeps a bit of momentum going during the lull so that there’s not as much to catch up on later when I’m ready to start really moving again.

The message in today’s cards is that just because you’re not enjoying the day, the activity, or the experience that you’re currently going through, doesn’t mean giving up. Sure, slow down, but don’t stop. The unpleasant moment is temporary. Treat it as such so that when you come out the other side, you have plans and movement already on your side.

DECK USED:  CHRISTMAS CHEER TAROT TWIST’S CHRISTMAS AFFIRMATIONS

#DiscordTarotholicsDec2025 Challenge
Prompt for December 21st : Do Spread 3

Christmas Tarot Reading with the Christmas Cheer Tarot

Where do you need to practice more tolerance with others?

Six of Candles – Remember that you don’t have to fulfill other’s expectations, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to fight against them either. You can acknowledge them, and validate them with kindness and acceptance, without committing yourself and your energy to their fulfillment.

How can you foster more tolerance within your heart?

Two of Candles Rx – Keep in mind that even the best plans go awry now and then. It takes patience to adapt and keep going, so don’t get yourself so tied up in rigid plans that you can’t pivot when needed.

Where do you need to step up with your self-care over the holidays?

Queen of Candy Canes – Practice what you preach. You give good advice about self-care when speaking with others, but you need to make sure that you’re taking your own advice as well. Listen to that advice you’re giving others this holiday season, and take that advice to heart for yourself as well.

What do you need to focus on to keep your holiday cheer intact?

The Moon – Let others lead during times of uncertainty during this holiday season. Just as Santa lets his reindeer lead the sleigh through clouds and storms, you also need to allow others to lead sometimes when things feel uncertain or unclear.

How can you best respond to those that try to “stir the pot” this holiday?

King of Ornaments – Lead by example, and don’t allow them to upset your footing. Hold yourself above such pettiness and bullshit by grounding into your foundation.

How can you express your emotions with more love and kindness?

The Hanged Man – Consider how others best receive love. Not everyone’s “love language” is the same. Some people need different things than you do in order to feel loved. Make sure that you are paying attention to these differences, so that you can express your emotions in a way that communicates more clearly with them how you feel.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Acorns for Protection during New Beginnings
Foraged Branch covered in Parmeliaceae for a “Breath of Fresh Air”
Foraged Lodgepole Pine for Resilience, Growth, and Renewal
Scotch Pine Cones for Purging Negative Influences
Moss Agate Tree for Attracting Opportunities for Growth
Serpentine Dragon to Bolster Heart and Emotions
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: CHRISTMAS CHEER TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I let myself get pulled into some play today instead of doing the grumpy “stand alone in a corner” thing.

Emotional Validation

/ Twist the Leaf / Leave a comment

Today’s meditation was an ten minute long #DailyTrip session from the @Calm app.

•    •    •    ◈    •    🎄    •    ◈    •    •    •

Season of the Witch Winter Tarot - Queen of Cups and Christmas Affirmation CardDaily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Queen of Cups (Artisan of Winter Cups), which is traditionally a representation of a receptive alpha energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s emotions, relationships, creativity, and intuition. Among other things, this often translates into themes to do with emotional support and advice from a trusted party that is easy to talk to.

The Queen of Cups has then been combined with one of my Christmas Affirmation cards,  which says “Your feelings may sometimes be irrational, but they’re still important!”

One of the biggest, most life-changing things that Gideon has ever said to me was telling me that my emotions and how I feel about something is valid, even if it doesn’t make any sense.

For someone who use logic and reason to ground themselves as much as I did back then, the irrationality of emotion was something that I really struggled with, and was part of the reason that I shoved my emotions away and disregarded them as irrelevant.

This one sincere nurturing concept offered to me with love, validated my emotions; regardless of the fact they so often don’t make sense and there is no logic behind them. This kind concept of understanding and acceptance helped me to better connect with my emotions and bestow that acceptance upon them myself.

The message in today’s cards is a reminder that it is okay that emotions don’t make sense. It’s okay that they’re irrational. The message in today’s card is that even when they don’t make sense or are irrational, these factors do not invalidate them. Your emotions are important to even when you can’t always make sense of them.

DECK USED:  SEASONS OF THE WITCH WINTER TAROT AND TWIST’S CHRISTMAS AFFIRMATION CARDS

#DiscordTarotholicsDec2025 Challenge
Prompt for December 20th : Draw a random card and use it to describe a quality about yourself that you love.

Oracle Reading with the Season of the Witch Yule OraclePerseverance – I am a survivor. No matter what obstacles are thrown my way or how many times it’s necessary to rebuild, I continue to survive and strive for those values, ideals, and aspirations that are important to me.

This need to continue on and strive forward has at times been disrupted by mental health issues, but even with those hurdles in my way, I continue to strive onward.

Hearth – I have deep roots. Not in the history built by previous generations, but rather through the hard work that I personally have put in and the stability created from that hard work.

These roots create stability not just for myself, but for those around me as well, providing a sense of safety, security, and warmth for all within my sphere.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Oak Branch with Moss and Lichen for Perseverance
Dried Rosebuds for Potential and Beauty Waiting to Unfold
Foraged Acorns for Protection during New Beginnings
Gneiss Stone for Patience in Moments of Discomfort
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: SEASONS OF THE WITCH YULE ORACLE

@LightningWildflower December Arcana Challenge 
Death Prompts for December 20th and 21st

Tarot Reading with the Season of the Witch Winter Tarot and Seasons of the Witch Yule OracleHow can I honor the end of one chapter without rushing to the next thing?

Five of Swords atop Eight of Wands Rx; Light – Despite the storm that rages and your need to be “Mr Fix It”, slow down and allow the lightning of the storm to illuminate that which has already come to pass.

Pause… and appreciate.  Stop, and celebrate. The secret of honoring the chapter that’s passed before rushing into the next thing is in the pause, and the choice to allow light to shine on your accomplishments and experiences.

What ways of being have I outgrown?

The Winter Lovers Rx and Dove Medicine – Once upon a time you always pushed yourself to achieve your (unreasonable) expectations and goals, no matter the cost or consequence to yourself. Over the past few years, you’ve begun to learn how to more often put your needs and self-care as a higher priority than progress, leaving behind those unreasonable expectations in an effort to be kinder to yourself.

Other elements included in this reading:
Deodar Cedar Cone for Fostering Clarity and Spiritual Connection
Foraged Parmeliaceae Lichen for a “Breath of Fresh Air”
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECKS USED: SEASONS OF THE WITCH WINTER TAROT AND SEASONS OF THE WITCH YULE ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I got the January challenge questions, spreads, and graphics finished a little early this month so there’s less pressure when the end of the month gets here.

Silence is Golden (or Can Be)

/ Twist the Leaf / Leave a comment

Today’s meditation was skipped.

•    •    •    ◈    •    🎄    •    ◈    •    •    •

Tarot Nefertari's Seven of Wands and Christmas Affirmation CardDaily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Seven of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of fighting for one’s beliefs, standing up for one’s principles, and confrontations that challenge one’s values.

Everything doesn’t have to be about you.

In an echo of a reading made the other day. This card and affirmation combo is a reminder that when you are together with loved ones in a gathering, you don’t have to be on the defensive.  In fact, in order to enjoy being there, it’s better that you’re not. It’s okay to just sit back and enjoy, instead of having to stand up and always be on guard to protect your own interests.

People are going to say dumb ass shit and believe stuff that you don’t believe in or agree with. That’s just how getting together with other people goes sometimes. There’s no need to leap into the fray or always state your opinion. Sometimes silence is the best answer you can give.

The message in today’s card and affirmation is a reminder to not engage. Accept, instead, that some people have shitty opinions and perhaps now is not the time to try and change their mind, nor make a big thing out of what’s being said. Sometimes silence can speak just as loudly as (or louder than)  speaking up.

DECK USED:  TAROT NEFERTARI

@Lionharts #TheDecemberTarot Fruits of 2025 Challenge
The Scythe Prompts for December 17th thru 20th

Tarot Reading with The Christmas TarotWhat am I ready to speak, manifest, or face without softening it?

King of Cups – This answer is not what, but where. You take a little bit more caution when you speak to people, and less so when you speak with your partner. He is the emotional support, strength, and leadership in your life that allows you to open up and not have to be so certain or supportive in your words.

He wants the real and unvarnished truth, even when you don’t have the words to express yourself properly. Therefore, you just say it however you can, and he then helps you translate it into something that makes sense. While others might take those words at face value, he will dig in order to truly understand, and help you understand as well.

What emotion from this year still needs space before it can let me go?

Four of Cups – You are still not back from the edge of having closed down your business and walked away from it. Your emotions surrounding the events that happened in autumn still cling on and make you wonder if it’s really worth it to keep going. (Although, if the message from Amalthea in the New Moon reading done earlier today is any indication, the answer is that it is.)

What small moment changed more than I realized at the time?

Queen of Cups Rx – Taking on that major depressive episode on your own in September is going to have some far-reaching consequences and effects. These emotional consequences are going to crop up later when you least expect it.

What has been growing beneath the surface, waiting for this moment to rise?

Three of Cups – You are being far more tolerant of spending time with others of late. This enjoyment and appreciation took time to build and should be enjoyed while it lasts.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Lodgepole Pine for Resilience, Growth, and Renewal
Foraged Parmeliaceae Lichen for a “Breath of Fresh Air”
Green Aventurine for Harmony and Balance of the Heart
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED:  THE CHRISTMAS TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsDec2025 Challenge
Prompts for December 18th and 19th

Tarot Reading with the Tarot NefertariWhere do you find the most joy in life?

The Emperor Rx – You find the most joy in life in those moments when you don’t have to be in charge.

In these moments you are able to think about yourself, put yourself first, and allow yourself to be vulnerable without having to worry how it will affect others. That provides you with a sense of freedom from responsibility that makes the world feel lighter.

What do you need to focus on for self-care for this month’s new moon?

Nine of Swords and Knight of Swords – Pay attention to how your fears are influencing your actions. Fear can cause us to act impulsively, rather than actually thinking things through as we should. Make sure you are pausing to reflect on what is driving your actions.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Rosebuds for Potential and Beauty Waiting to Unfold
Pine Tips Ceramic Impression for Longevity and Sustainability
Conch Shell Knot for Concentration and Clarity
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: TAROT NEFERTARI

Daily Self Kindness

I finished this blog post.

Shiny Digressions

/ Twist the Leaf / Leave a comment

Today’s meditation was skipped.

•    •    •    ◈    •    🎄    •    ◈    •    •    •

RWS Christmas Tarot - The MagicianThe @GlitterbyInk #DecemberDays25 Beyond the Solstice Challenge
The Archetype Prompt for December 18 : Luminous
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Magician card, which is traditionally a representation of capability, potential, resourcefulness, action, and manifestation. This often translates into themes having to do with being in possession of all of the skills, abilities, and tools necessary to reach one’s goals and accomplish one’s ends. It’s about being capable and skilled, resourceful and gifted with what is needed to get the job done.

Don’t be so set on your path and purpose that you lose sight of what really matters. There’s lots of bright and shiny prizes out there, luring you into the woods off your path.  The thing is, though, stepping off the path means you lose your way… even if you manage to gain that bright and shiny prize in the process.  Another bright and shiny will then come and draw you further from the path, and another… and another.

Today’s card is a reminder that we are capable of achieving all manner of great things, but it’s important that in choosing our goals we don’t lose sight of what truly matters.

DECK USED:  RWS CHRISTMAS TAROT

@LightningWildflower December Arcana Challenge 
Hanged Man Prompts for December 18th and 19th

Tarot Reading with the Tarot of the RenaissanceWhat belief or pattern am I ready to release?

Five of Wands Rx and Death – You don’t have to give up your sense of security in order to get along with change. Not all changes bad or will cause problems in your life. Sometimes the upheaval in moments of change is caused by your resistance, instead of the change itself.

What clarity will I gain by slowing down and staying in the moment?

Queen of Swords Rx and The Emperor – By slowing down and staying “in the moment”, you give yourself the ability to step outside of your own opinions and role of leadership in order to better understand where others are coming from when they come to you for help.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Red Maple Leaf for Adaptability and Connection
Conch Shell Knot for Concentration and Clarity
Lace Agate for Increasing Inner Stability
Green Aventurine for Harmony and Balance of the Heart
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: TAROT OF THE RENAISSANCE

@aplacetodock #Yuletide Oracle Challenge
Prompts for December 18th and 19th

Tarot Reading with the RWS Christmas Tarot and Noel's Xmas LenormandWhat favorite things come in brown paper packages?

Garden, Five of Wands, Snake – As long as you don’t have to get involved in the whole thing, there are times when you really actually enjoy watching people hash out their differences. It shows you a deeper look into who they are and how they think. You just don’t want to be involved in the conflict, but instead watch from the sidelines.

What is the warning from the Grinch?

Clover, Wheel of Fortune Rx, Coffin – Not all bad luck is actually bad luck. Sometimes it brings an ending to things that need to be over, so that better things can bloom in their place. This is why it’s important to look for the boon, even in those things are all down hill and falling apart.

Other elements included in this reading:
Deodar Cedar Ceramic Impression for Clarity and Spiritual Connection
Beech Pods for Realizations that Foster Personal Growth
Conch Shell Knot for Concentration and Clarity
Shiva Shell Heart for Wisdom and Discernment
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED:  RWS CHRISTMAS TAROT AND NÖEL’S X-MAS LENORMAND

Daily Self Kindness

I weatherized my balcony today.  I don’t want to bring in the potted plants out there as it will require setting up grow lights.  Instead I winterized them in the hope they’ll handle any inclement weather and come out the other side okay.

Bolstered By Memories

/ Twist the Leaf / Leave a comment

Today’s meditation was skipped.

•    •    •    ◈    •    🎄    •    ◈    •    •    •

King's Journey Tarot Christmas Edition - Six of CupsThe @GlitterbyInk #DecemberDays25 Beyond the Solstice Challenge
The Archetype Prompt for December 17 : Fierce
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Six of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of nostalgia, joyful memories, childhood experiences, and revisiting the past in some way.

Nostalgia is a powerful thing. It can lift you up or it can tear you down. The memories that we decide to keep have the ability to give us a great deal of joy and strengthen confidence, or if we let them, they can create a mindset of trauma and victimization that can be hard to escape.

The message in today’s card and prompt combo is a reminder that we need to carry with us the memories that make us fierce and strong, bolstering us when we need that extra boost to get through the hard parts. Let go of those memories that can hurt us or discredit us or otherwise tear us down. The bad things that happened to us in our past teach us lessons, but they don’t have to be an ever-present open and infected wound that we poke and prod at.

DECK USED: KING’S JOURNEY TAROT CHRISTMAS EDITION

@LightningWildflower December Arcana Challenge 
Justice Prompts for December 16th and 17th

Tarot Reading with the Tarot Nova DeckHow can I align my decisions better with my core values? 

Four of Cups atop Three of Cups – Pause before you act. Even with others taking the lead, it’s always up to you to pause and have a little chat with yourself before you act. That moment of reflection is important, especially when you’re letting others take the lead.  It’s easy to just follow along, but connecting with what’s right for you needs to always take priority even during these moments when you’re stepping back from making decisions.

Where am I being asked to take greater responsibility?

The Hierophant and Knight of Cups – Make sure you are owning your actions and reactions. Don’t just write off your emotional reactions as something that happens. Having a bad day or a flare of temper is no excuse for behaving badly.  Remember that you’re on a learning journey with your emotional intelligence, and that requires you to look at things in a more responsible manner rather than writing them off as “that’s just what happened”. There’s a lot to learn from your emotional reactions.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Silver Maple Key for Bouncing Back to Thrive
Japanese Cherry Leaf as a Reminder of Life’s Fleeting Moments
Polar Bear Figurine for Perseverance and Strength
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: TAROT NOVA KIT

@aplacetodock #Yuletide Oracle Challenge
Prompts for December 15th, 16th, 17th and 20th

Tarot Reading with the King's Journey Tarot Christmas EditionWhat ancestor message is for this holiday?

Eight of Wands – Enjoy the slow down. Usually at this time of year, you’re so busy that you can’t even breathe and have trouble remembering to eat. The slow down this year is giving you an opportunity to enjoy the holidays more than you normally would have the opportunity to.

What task is delegated to Santa’s Elves?

The Hierophant – Let others dictate what holiday traditions to observe this year. Just sit back and enjoy the ride.

What glows from Rudolph’s shiny red nose?

Queen of Coins Rx – You don’t have everything in balance, and because of that, you are the one in need of nurturing this year. Expend less of your energy on nurturing others, and seek out those that are willing to spend their energy on you.

What is my Silent Night candle Christmas wish?

Six of Cups – What you want more than anything is to end up with some positive memories to carry forward with you into the future. You struggle with memory, and need others to keep things fresh or you have a tendency to lose them. You want memories you can hold on to and enjoy in future trips down memory lane with others that you share them with.

Other elements included in this reading:
Pressed Pansy Flower for Hearing the Heart More Clearly
Bird Figurine for Fostering Hope, Positivity, and Renewal
Deer Figure for touching base with Tenderness and Vulnerability
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: KING’S JOURNEY TAROT CHRISTMAS EDITION

Daily Self Kindness

Left to head back home a bit early today, and that’s a very good thing since the road out to get onto the highway was already flooded and they were getting ready to close it down.

Smaller Than They Appear

/ Twist the Leaf / Leave a comment

Today’s meditation was an eleven minute long #DailyTrip session from the @Calm app.

•    •    •    ◈    •    🎄    •    ◈    •    •    •

Tarotgazing Deck - Nine of SwordsThe @GlitterbyInk #DecemberDays25 Beyond the Solstice Challenge
The Archetype Prompt for December 16 : Bold
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Nine of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of nightmares, anxiety, insomnia, and negative thoughts and inner narratives.

Fortune favors the bold, or so they say.

That means even when you’re scared or worried or plague by anxiety… you still move forward and keep going. When you remain still and entertain these fears and anxieties, it allows them to grow and become bigger and bigger, taking over more and more of your life.

The message in today’s card and prompt combination is a reminder that your fears are not as big as you think they are, but you actually have to confront them in order to prove that to yourself.  If you don’t?  Then they’ll just continue to grow and grow in your mind.

DECK USED:  TAROTGAZING DECK

@Lionharts #TheDecemberTarot Fruits of 2025 Challenge
The Magician Prompts for December 16th

Tarot Reading with the Winter Waite Tarot 2019 Revised EditionA turn of the tide

The Fool – Consider the ways in which you have been foolish or naïve this year, and consider how you can shift this mindset into safer territory. There are better places to allow that foolishness and naivety full reign.

A part to play

Eight of Pentacles – Try looking into at how you can instill fun and play into your work without losing the responsibility aspect in the process. They don’t have to be mutually exclusive.

A truth that can’t hide

Queen of Cups – You need more nurturing than you’re getting, and you may need to provide it for yourself if no one else can step up fill that gap (or get past that natural resistance you have to accepting it in the first place). This is why you continue to crave “mother energy” in your life.

A choice to weigh

Four of Cups – Do you really want to be alone, or is it just what you’re used to? You’re never going to be an extrovert, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t take comfort in the presence of others and enjoy their company when it’s offered.

Other elements included in this reading:
Wood burned Bear for Strength and Fostering Protective Instincts
Foraged Lodgepole Pine for Resilience, Growth, and Renewal
Scotch Pine Cones for Purging Negative Influences
Rose Quartz for Gentle Kindness to Self and Others
Citrine for Energy Lift (easing the weight of heavy energies)
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: WINTER WAITE TAROT 2019 REVISED EDITION

#DiscordTarotholicsDec2025 Challenge
Prompts for December 16th and 17th

Tarot Reading with the Tarotgazing DeckHow can you better connect with your intuition and decrease self-doubt?

Four of Swords; Ten of Vessels atop The World – Everything feels better and works better when you get the rest you need. That includes your intuition. You are able to move forward with greater certainty when you have an appropriate amount of rest under your belt and hope in your heart.

Philosophical Question: Is a “wrong” act okay if nobody ever knows about it?

King of Coins and Ace of Staves – These cards first and foremost ask you to define “wrong”. They ask… who decides?

Beyond this, they also speak of keeping in mind that when you start a journey, it’s usually best to start on the right foot. What you build from these beginnings is growth from a seed planted at the start. Thus, when you start with a “wrong” act, the seed that the foundation of what you are growing will be corrupt, and the foundation will not be as strong as that otherwise could be.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Parmeliaceae Lichen for a “Breath of Fresh Air”
Dried Red Maple Leaf for Adaptability and Connection
Conch Shell Knot for Concentration and Clarity
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED:  TAROTGAZING DECK

Daily Self Kindness

I took a nap.  I also officially switched my packaging processing company so that I don’t have to travel north to ship out my orders any longer.  The company will disperse them to ship from different locations along I-5 for me (a stalker precaution that I’ve been doing myself up until now).