tarot for self care

Finding the Positive for December 16 – 18

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Christmas Storybook Tarot, Xmas Elf Tarot, Christmas Tale Tarot, and Christmas Affirmation Cards

December 16

Today’s meditation was skipped.

Nine of Cups – “Your kindness is the best present anyone could receive.” Strum up within you a wellspring of good cheer.  Sometimes it takes time by yourself to look over all that you’re grateful for and happy about, but we can’t sit there and wallow in all that goodness all by ourselves forever.  Make sure that you take that time… and then step out to share your happiness with others.  Let them know how you feel about them, and how grateful you are to have them in your life.

DECK USED: STORYBOOK CHRISTMAS TAROT AND CHRISTMAS AFFIRMATION CARDS

December 17

Today’s meditation was skipped.

Ten of Wands – “Self-care the crap out of yourself and you’ll get through this just fine.”  It can be hard when you’re feeling overwhelmed to make sure you are prioritizing your needs. Right now with everything so chaotic and busy, this is even more the case.  Today’s cards are a reminder that you -are- in fact overwhelmed, and need to give yourself a bit of self care and understanding.  In doing so, you bolster your energy, your resilience, and your mental health…. which allows you to keep going.

The finish line isn’t that far now.  You’re almost there.  Give yourself what you need in order to make the last leg of the journey.

DECK USED: XMAS ELF TAROT AND CHRISTMAS AFFIRMATION CARDS

December 18

Today’s meditation was skipped.

Queen of Cups – “You need to give yourself time to heal, no matter how long that ends up being.”  When scheduling your time off, do the self-kindness of making sure to give yourself a bit of extra time.  An extra thirty minutes at the coffee shop, an extra half hour early to bed or late to rise… an extra few days tacked on to the time off over Christmas.  Don’t cut it short out of the sense of responsibility you use to beat yourself into submission whenever you are tempted to “act out of line”.   Do something different and let yourself have that bit of extra time instead.

DECK USED: CHRISTMAS TALE TAROT AND CHRISTMAS AFFIRMATION CARDS

Winter Solstice 2023 – Yule

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The Winter Solstice is coming up on December 21st! This holiday is (in essence) the Pagan equivalent to Christmas. Fun fact… when Christmas was placed on December 25th, the church chose that day to coincide with the pagan holiday of Yule (because as most know, Christ was actually born in the spring, not in December).

Although many of us have been feeling like we’ve been in it for months, the Winter Solstice is the “official” first day of winter, and marks  its spot on the calendar not by its date, but by being one of only two days each year where the daylight and darkness are equal.  In my path, this holiday marks a day of hope for the future, and candles are lit to celebrate the return of the sun as it begins to now become more and more prominent with each day that passes and every day becomes longer as the nights decrease.

yule

Like with new moons and full moons, I usually do a spread to check in with myself and give myself some direction for the next couple of months for each solstice, equinox, and other Sabbats. This spread is an adaptation of my Self Care Saturday spread, so there are some similarities in how it is read. The focus of this spread, though, is not about Self Care, but rather about progress and my path. The time period is also longer, reaching through the next handful of weeks until the celebration of upcoming Imbolc at the beginning of February.

Winter Solstice Oracle Reading with the Seasons of the Witch Yule Oracle

As the Sun is reborn, what is being illuminated for me on the darkest day of the year?

Offerings – A realignment of values is asking you to spend some time examining your intentions and goals.  Having a clear focus and a path forward doesn’t happen automatically, it happens when transition is in play and you take the time to pin down where to go next.

What do I need to release and surrender to the Sun’s Fire?

Gatherings – Social obligations, especially those that feel like obligations, need to be set aside. If your social obligations are fun, or feel good?  That’s great!  But if they feel like a chore, it’s time to let those feelings of obligations, and the activities that come with those feelings, go.

With light beginning to return, what intentions should I set?

Mother Mary – Self care needs to be at the top of your priority right now.  Give yourself the care and understanding that you have been withholding over the past few months.  Now that the holiday rush is drawing to a close, it’s time to start plotting out how to incorporate self care back into your daily life again.

How can I hold space for the light to spread & strengthen my intentions?

Falling in Love – Spend time with Gideon and getting back the balance or rightness, comfort, and security that he contributes to your life.

What will manifest from my Winter Solstice intentions?

Gratitude – More and more to be grateful for is on the horizon. Reconnect with appreciating the little things as well as the big ones.

Message from the Sun.

Self-Care – You can’t care for others and effectively reach for your goals if you aren’t caring for yourself. Your cup is currently empty.  Take the time and set the intentions needed to help yourself refill.

Message from the Minoan Goddess Amalthea.

Merriment – Savor the holidays and every day. Find things to cherish and enjoy on a daily basis.

DECKS USED: SEASONS OF THE WITCH YULE ORACLE

Tarotholics Challenge Dec Spread 3

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#DiscordTarotholicsDec2023 Challenge Spread 3

Tarotholics Yuletide Oracle Reading with the Holiday Magic Oracle

Thistle – Mental Health / Wards – How can I ward off the blues that try to encroach as the holidays draw to a close?

Humble Beginning – You have not had a chance all holiday season to really enjoy the spirit of the holidays, the wonder of the beautiful decorations, etc. Now is the time to focus on the little things and enjoy them while you can. Some time outside also wouldn’t be remiss.

Garnet – Purification / Balance – How can I purify myself to help find a better balance for the new year ahead?

Graceful Moves – Let go of the jagged edges and rushed moments of holiday stress. The holiday rush amps you up, but as the new year approaches it’s time to let go of that energy and seek something filled with more calm and grace.

Yew – Rebirth / Protection – What practices need resurrected in my life to protect my personal well-being?

True Colors – It’s time to start listening to your needs again and putting yourself first. During the holiday rush, you are so focused on your business and what needs to be done self-care slides onto the back burner. It’s time to bring yourself and your needs back up the ladder of importance.

Diamond – Fearlessness / Imagination – How can my imagination foster more fearlessness in my life?

Being Guided – Your creativity and imagination guides you towards a lighter mindset and happier sense of being. Tap into that creativity and let it guide you towards the happiness and help you in fostering your efforts to use optimism and positivity to combat your depression and negative tendencies.

Holly – Fertility / Longevity – How can I create longevity in the fertile soil of my new endeavors?

Beacon of Hope – Make sure you are not listening to the nay-saying of your negative inner narrative. It’s through hope and forward, thinking that you find growth and success.

Emerald – Hearth & Home / Loyalty – How can a closer connection to hearth & home affect my sense of loyalty?

Authentic Voice – Connecting closely with others draws them closer to you and builds a sense of trust and loyalty between all those involved. That means that when you take the time to spend with those closest to you, in return that loyalty between you and them becomes stronger.

Peppermint – Mental Stimulation – What methods can I use to best stimulate my mind when I need a boost?

Relaxing Retreat – Take breaks when you need them, and even when you don’t think you do. Wearing yourself down clouds your judgment and clarity. Giving yourself the rest you need allows you to both boost your mental clarity as well as stimulate your enthusiasm.

DECK USED: HOLIDAY MAGIC ORACLE

Finding the Positive for December 13 – 15

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These Card of the Day readings are a mental health exercise (suggested by my shrink) used to help counterbalance my natural tendency toward pessimism, negative inner narratives, and depression. The request posed to the cards is, “A positive message to carry with me throughout my day and foster perspective.”

Finding the positive with the Christmas Tarot Major Arcana Deck, Christmas Tarot, Yuletide Tarot, and Christmas Affirmation Cards

December 13

Today’s meditation was skipped.

The Star – “Your speed doesn’t matter, forward is forward.” Faith bolsters us. Whether we are believing in ourselves, in the universe, or just -hoping- against all odds that things will change. It’s the carrot that pulls us forward even when we are struggling the most.

Today’s card is a reminder not to lose sight of that carrot.  You may have to move slowly and it may not -feel- like you are moving at all… but as long as you keep a glimmer of faith/hope in your heart, you’re still moving forward which means the potential for change and something better ahead is there.

DECK USED: CHRISTMAS TAROT MAJOR ARCANA DECK AND CHRISTMAS AFFIRMATION CARDS

December 14

Today’s meditation was ten minutes long, and was one of the Daily Calm sessions from the Calm app.

Three of Cups – “Depression Lies. There is no circumstance that is unchangeable. There is no situation that’s ever hopeless.”  Don’t allow the whispers of depression and negativity in your head to convince you that you are all alone. You are not alone.  That lie is depression trying to close you off from others so that it can eat you alive from the inside.  Seek out your friends and loved ones and allow them to help keep the darkness at a bit more of a distance. You don’t have to do this alone, and those closest to you have the potential to help lift you up and distract you from depression’s call if you let them.

DECK USED: THE CHRISTMAS TAROT AND CHRISTMAS AFFIRMATION CARDS

December 15

Today’s meditation was skipped.

Nine of Pentacles – “You are NOT unworthy. You deserve peaceful days.”  Take some time today to sit back and look at how very fortunate you are, and how far you have come. You have built a life for yourself and accomplished much.  It’s okay to take some time to really appreciate and enjoy these things,  instead of always looking ahead and striving for more.

DECK USED: YULETIDE TAROT AND CHRISTMAS AFFIRMATION CARDS

Tarotholics Challenge Dec Philosophical Questions

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#DiscordTarotholicsDec2023 Challenge
Philosophical Questions for December 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th

Tarotholics December Philosophical Questions Oracle Reading with the Hello Winter Oracle

Is it worse to fail at something or never attempt it in the first place?

Wrapped Up – It’s worse to never attempt in the first place. When you attempt you move forward, even when you don’t feel like you do, and even when you feel like you’re failing. If you don’t attempted in the first place, then you remain stagnant and never progress or grow.

What holds you back from doing the things that you really want to?

Package Deal – All or nothing thinking often holds you back from doing the things that you really want to do. It’s that mentality within your inner narrative that says that you have to accomplish it all at once and be good at it all right from the start.

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

Perfect Timing – It may not be “wrong” to act okay if nobody ever knows about it, but it definitely doesn’t accomplish anything. Better to let it out when the time is right than let it fester and grow within you until you feel like screaming.

Which is more important… love or trust?

Being Yourself – Trust is more important. When you foster trust in those around you, it often builds into love over time. Whereas, without trust or with broken trust, love is often irreparably damaged.

DECK USED: HELLO WINTER ORACLE

Finding the Positive for December 10 – 12

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These Card of the Day readings are a mental health exercise (suggested by my shrink) used to help counterbalance my natural tendency toward pessimism, negative inner narratives, and depression. The request posed to the cards is, “A positive message to carry with me throughout my day and foster perspective.”

Vintage Christmas Tarot, Winter Magic Tarot, Winter Waite Tarot Glitter Edition, and Christmas Affirmation Cards

December 10

Today’s meditation was skipped.

Three of Cups – “Here’s  friendly reminder that the negative voice in your head is not you; you are actually completely delightful.” It has been pointed out to me that I’ve been being a serious ass lately. It was meant as a joke, but the ring of truth in it hit me in the face.  I’d asked someone close to me to pick up after themselves before going to bed last night, with the warning if I came out into the living room in the morning to find the dirty dishes still in the livingroom, I was going to be extremely upset.  They retorted back that I’m always upset, so what’s the difference?

The thing is?  It was said in a good-natured, teasing manner but… they were also right. I’ve been letting my fears and worries, as well as my inner criticism and cruel prodding of my inner narratives, get to me.  And, it’s showing.  It’s showing in how I interact with others.

Today’s card speaks of making sure to be are aware of these types of issues, encourages working harder not to listen to that negativity that holiday stress causes to rise up from within, and take care of how it comes out in interactions with others.

DECK USED: VINTAGE CHRISTMAS TAROT AND CHRISTMAS AFFIRMATION CARDS

December 11

Today’s meditation was skipped.

Two of Pentacles – “Stop calling yourself garbage. You are a shimmering star. You are amazing!” Just because you might be struggling a bit with finding your balance right now doesn’t mean that you suck at it or are failing.  Balance is hard. Just because it seems like it should be simple and easy doesn’t mean that it is.  Just because you’re struggling doesn’t mean you suck.

DECK USED: WINTER MAGIC TAROT AND CHRISTMAS AFFIRMATION CARDS

December 12

Today’s meditation was skipped.

Two of Swords – “You will rise above the ashes. You will find a way to become whole again.” Like so many others this year, your profit is down compared to years past, regardless of what the talking heads say about the “economy” having recovered. This kind of thing means you are going to have to make some hard decisions… but it doesn’t mean that this is the end of the line. You will make those decisions, and you will adapt to keep going, just as you have always done during hard times.

DECK USED: WINTER WAITE TAROT GLITTER EDITION AND CHRISTMAS AFFIRMATION CARDS