tarot for self care

Inspired Curiosity

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

The Toro Tarot - Page of SwordsToday’s draw is the Page of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of a receptive omega energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s thoughts, intellect, logic, ambitions, and communication. This often translates into themes that have to do with learning new ways to communicate with others, beginning new educational pursuits, exploring new ideas, and seeking to sate one’s curiosity.

What I notice most strongly about the imagery in today’s card is the spark of fire that is included in the feathers scattered throughout the image.  To me, this leans into the Wands suit a bit, and brings a bit of that energy into this card’s message.

The message in today’s card is to allow those things that spark passion in you to stir up your curiosity and passion for learning new things.  Let yourself explore rather than sticking to the straight and narrow, and see where your curiosity can take you and the inspiration you might find there.

DECK USED:  THE TORO TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsApr2023 Challenge Prompt
Philosophical Question: What does it mean to live a good life?

The Toro Tarot and Species by the Thousands Crystal TarotReading Summary: To live a good life is to find what makes you feel stable and right (King of Pentacles) through discernment and willpower (Amethyst and Pyrite), and then use organization to accomplish (Flourite) that overtime.

Take Away: You need a goal. One that makes you feel seated and suited. A goal that makes you feel that there is something right and good that you are working towards, that is fitted to you and what you need.  These cards are saying that living a good life is about keeping your focus on that goal and working toward it over time.  Without a goal like this to focus upon, these cards indicate that your time is wasted.

I’m not sure I entirely agree that -everyone- requires this, although I think that in many cases, this is absolutely the case.

DECK USED: SPECIES BY THE THOUSANDS CRYSTAL ORACLE

@Lionharts #TheAprilTarot Light My Fire Challenge Prompt
Question: Where can I infuse more playfulness and curiosity in my approach to life?

The Toro Tarot - Wheel of Fortune, Five of Pentacles, Nine of WandsReading Summary: You need to accept that not everything can be stable all of the time, and choose to go with the flow (Wheel of Fortune) rather than sinking into despair when things are not going quite right (Five of Pentacles). In doing so you protect (Nine of Wands) your ability to be playful and the inner spark that spurs on your curiosity.

Take Away: The “where” in this reading’s question boils down to “in those places that feel like they’re falling apart when things aren’t going as planned”.  This “where” is then about your finances and your business, for these are the places where the wheel of fortune turning on its head can cause you to fall into a sense of scarcity and really sink into feelings of misfortune.

In order to infuse more playfulness and curiosity in to these areas, you need to feel safe doing so… and to feel safe requires you accepting that life is full of ups and downs, and that when you come upon one of those down times it doesn’t mean its the end of the world.

DECK USED: THE TORO TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I started doing research today on where I want to source a new lilac tree for my balcony to replace the one that died out there over the winter this past year.

The Value in Traditions

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

Lunalapin Tarot - The HierophantToday’s draw is the Hierophant card, which is traditionally  a representation of tradition and spiritual wisdom shared with others. It can also be an indication of institutions and conformity to expected norms.

The Hierophant card can be looked at in a variety of different ways.  I prefer to see it as a teacher… like a grandfather or wise woman teaching family traditions.  But, in this particular card’s imagery there is a great deal of Christian symbolism, which makes me lean into themes that have to do with conformity.

This is because in my experiences interacting with those that are very active in the church, there’s a whole lot of expected conformity among the group as a whole. An expectation that those involved must follow blindly, obey without analytical thought, and conform to certain prejudices and behaviors.  I’m not saying everyone in this demographic is that way, but it does seem the prevailing norm from an outside perspective.

And… probably not a surprise, but I’m not comfortable with that.  Neither are a lot of other people, apparently, because I run into people all the time in my interactions in the Pagan community of people that have left due to these issues, and rejected/discarded traditions just because it was expected of them to conform to them.

The thing is?  Traditions are great.  They create bonds in society and connections between people.  They carry the value of established history.  Today’s card is a reminder not to discard tradition simply because it’s expected of you to observe it.  Look for the value first.  Dive into the history and learn why these traditions are upheld.  It might even take shaking things up a bit to get to the answers you seek… but seek out the value first, then decide if they’re right for you or not.

DECK USED:  LUNALAPIN TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsApr2023 Challenge Prompt
Questions for April 3rd and 4th

Nakisha's OracleWhat kind of person do you truly want to become?

Solitary, Day, Fawn – Independent, hopeful, and filled with wonder while being protected and cared for. To possess the ability to allow others to do this for you without the fear of losing your independence and autonomy.

What do you need to focus on for self-care for tomorrow’s full moon?

Guide, Shore, Fire – Let go of the idea that you have to do everything yourself. Instead, embrace the new lessons you have been given on letting others help you.

The more you lean into these lessons, the better off you will feel later on down the line.  With the full moon in full swing, more people means more energy to put towards your goals.

DECK USED: NAKISHA’S ORACLE

@Lionharts #TheAprilTarot Light My Fire Challenge Prompt
Question: How can I best embrace and embody a more carefree spirit in the present moment?

Lunalapin Tarot - Page of Swords, Ten of Swords, Three of Pentacles< Knight of WandsReading Summary: Let others help you with the things you are most enthusiastic about. Teaching them the ropes doesn’t mean they’ll stab you in the back.

Take Away: Yet another “you don’t have to do everything yourself” reminder.  Although you’ve done will at starting on this journy, there’s still a long way you have left to go.

Allow those you trust to actually help you. Teach them the skills they need to assist you in your passionate pursuits.

It’s not impulsive to trust those you are closest to with the secrets of your success and the skills used to further your goals. They won’t take that information and run as others might.

DECK USED: LUNALAPIN TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

My self kindness for today was staying in the car for most of the different store trips on the errands list for today and letting others deal with hunting down the things on the shopping list that needed to be purchased.

Mushroom Wisdom Lenormand Reading

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Mushroom Wisdom Lenormand Reading with the Thumbelina Lenormand

What qualities or characteristics make me unique?

Stork and Letter – Your ability to transform the hearts, minds, and lives of others with just a few profound words. This isn’t something that happens all the time, but it is pure magic when it does. These are moments that you don’t even realize are happening until someone comes back later to share with you their experience.

How can I work with others in mutually beneficial ways?

Ship and Stars –  You can inspire others to reach for their dreams and foster hope in their hearts, even when there is physical distance between you and them.  Never forget the power of your influence over others and use it to help lift them up, whether they are near to you or far away.

In what way am I being called to spread out and grow?

Man and Fish – Work at moving beyond gender roles in your thought processes.  You might do this in many ways already, but there are just as many ways that you are stuck in the quagmire of old systems and need to break free.

How can I live in unity with my surroundings?

Lady and Anchor – Connect with those women in your life that are there for the long haul and find a sense of stability in the fact that they are not just there for you, but aren’t going anywhere.

DECK USED: THUMBELINA’S LENORMAND

Reevaluation and Letting Go

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

Fablemaker's Animated Tarot - Four of CupsToday’s draw is the Four of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of creating distance due to apathy or disinterest, meditation, or taking time to reevaluate one’s situation or emotions.

I hate to make two complaint posts in a row for my daily pulls, and yet today’s cards (not just the card of the day) are all about how I feel about this deck and my reevaluation of my feelings concerning it.

The thing is?  I love the artwork in this deck. It’s cute and colorful and beautifully done.  But the cardstock itself?  Ruins it.  The lenticular qualities make it damned near impossible to take a good picture… and that’s just the tip of the iceberg!

There’s the fact that the cards have no core to them (black, blue… whatever) which means that you can see *right through them* in the sunlight.  I don’t mind the thickness of the cardstock at all, but there’s also the fact that the finish on the face of the cards is mirror-like shiny. To the point that even the most minute scratches or wear show in glaring detail… and speaking of mirror like finishes?  Lots and LOTS of glare as well. This mirror-like quality also makes photographing the cards  even more of a nightmare. (Which is saying something, because a part of my work involves photographing shiny and shimmering jewelry, so I know how to deal with mirrored surfaces and glare.)

Fablemaker's Animated Tarot

SO… I’m disappointed.  I was so excited for this deck and excited to finally get a chance to work with it this month, but… no.  On reevaluation… it seems I’ll be selling it instead of using it.  I’m really sad about that, too, because I love the artwork. It just turns out that these particular issues are deal breakers for me apparently…. which is something I didn’t even know until today.

@Lionharts #TheAprilTarot Light My Fire Challenge Prompt
Question: Draw a card and use its message to create a daily mantra for the month ahead.

Four of Cups – Take a look within and examine how you truly feel.  Take action only after that moment of reflection.

DECK USED:  THE FABLEMAKER’S ANIMATED TAROT

@the_mystic_star’s April #MysticStarChallenge Prompt
Prompt for April 1st and 2nd

Fablemaker's Animated Tarot - The Tower, Two of Cups, Three of Pentacles, Six of PentaclesWhat card symbolizes my ‘Current Situation’ that is known to me?

The Tower Rx and Two of Chalices – Catastrophic issues that prevent you from bonding properly.  These cards are about this particular deck and my rant in my card of the day write up for today.  It speaks of the bonding issues being something not able to be resolved.

What do I need to do to better understand my ‘Current Situation’?

Three of Coins and Six of Coins –  Reach out to the community and be generous in doing so.  Someone will love this deck far more than you do… you just need to find it a new home.

Take Away:  Clearly this deck wanted to talk about the issues I have with it and how to resolve them. I’ve taken these suggestions to heart and listed the deck online to sell, then at a discounted price on the Tarotholics server for community members to take advantage of if they wish.

DECK USED: THE FABLEMAKER’S ANIMATED TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

My self kindness today was letting go of the deck that this post is about.  I’ve put it up for sale.

🌕 Full Moon in Libra – April 2023

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On Wednesday is the full moon, and like all new moons and full moons, I did a spread aligned to the moon’s current themes as a part of my recognition of the moon’s cycle and influences upon us.

Full Moon in Libra Tarot Reading with The Textured Tarot

What does my mind need for healing and balance?

The High Priestess Rx atop Seven of Wands – Less action and reaction prior to checking in with your intuition. Not taking that moment to check in with your intuition is more often than not how you end up putting your own foot in your mouth.

What does my body need for healing and balance?

The Magician – Apply what you know. It will help you achieve your goals rather than being complacent. This isn’t any one thing, but rather that you already know you need certain things in order to function at higher efficiency, and you are not applying them to yourself at this time. These tools and methods are there to help you… so use them.

What does my soul need for healing and balance?

Five of Cups Rx – Avoid the traps of a pessimistic viewpoint. It may be your natural inclination, but pessimism drags you down, and you need things that lift you up and help you see the more positive aspects of life instead.

What self-care act am I being called to take?

Eight of Wands Rx – Stop pushing yourself to go faster and do more. You need to find a slower pace that allows you to take care of yourself instead of pushing your needs aside in order to get more done more quickly.

What is my major lesson right now?

Page of Cups – You are still learning how to understand your emotions and take care of yourself emotionally. This lesson is far from over and it’s a major lesson in your life right now that needs your attention. This doesn’t mean it’s your only lesson, but it’s definitely the major one at the moment.

Full Moon advice from the Minoan Goddess Amalthea.

Page of Wands – Use the peak energies of the spring and the full moon to reconnect with your passions and  inspiration. That creative spark still lives within you and is ready to be rekindled.

DECK USED: THE TEXTURED TAROT

Adapting for the Goodness

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

Chubby Bun Tarot - Knight of WandsToday’s draw is the Knight of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of an active beta energy, personality, or person in the area of ones passions, drive, principles, and willpower. As with all wands, this isn’t about a physical thing, but rather about that inner spark of energy that “lights a fire under your ass” and “makes you tick”.

Did you know that sometime in the past few years, Kellogg’s has changed the ratio of breading to jelly in the top layer of their Pop Tarts?  You see, the only reason I know this is because I eat Pop Tarts in a very specific way that involves eating the sides first, then sliding the back of the Pop Tart off the frosting top so that I can save the jelly/frosting part for last (because that’s the best part).  Yet, sometime in the last few years, they’ve changed the thickness of the breading on the top of the Pop Tart, and the top and bottom no longer easily slide apart, as the top piece crumbles due to being too thin to take the pressure.

I mention this, because I discovered it today when I bought my first box of Pop Tarts in years…. and the expression on my face had to have been damned near identical to that of the bunny riding that horse in today’s card.

The message in today’s card is that things change sometimes, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t enjoy the things you like, even if you have to adapt a bit to do so.

DECK USED:  CHUBBY BUN TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsApr2023 Challenge Prompt
Topic: Do Spread 1 – Focus on a relationship that is important to you, whether that relationship be a friendship, a family member, or a loved one.

Geeky Girl OracleWhat does this loved one need less of from you?

Thunderbolt – Sass. Resistance. Chaos and clash. He is feeling the need to snug you up close and curl protectively around you. Thus, he needs you to be more approachable right now.

What does this loved one need more of from you?

Weak – Communication about your fears, worries, and anxieties. He can’t help if you leave him in the dark and he doesn’t know what you’re going through.

What in this relationship is being entirely neglected?

Snow – Freedom and fun. I disagree with this one. Although our fun is not rambunctious and overtly joyful, I feel that we are each very much having fun in our relationship and the activities we do together.

That said, there is an element in this card that is being neglected in our relationship, and that is the ability to be free and unrestrained in our expressions of love and joy. There is good reason, though, as I’m not psychologically in a place to handle the drop that follows these unhindered expressions and the freedom that the drown gives me.

I don’t think it’s neglected tho, as we are discussing it and monitoring it… even if to that part of me that craves the drown it might still feel like neglect.

DECK USED: GEEKY GIRL ORACLE

@Lionharts #TheAprilTarot Light My Fire Challenge Prompt
Question: Where do I need to take a bold step forward in my life?

Chubby Bun Tarot - Six of Swords, Two of Wands, Queen of Swords, Six of Pentacles, Nine of SwordsReading Summary: Instead of running away (Six of Swords Rx) from your fears, continue to plot your course despite them (Two of Wands atop Nine of Swords). Just don’t get so driven that you forget to take care of yourself along the way (Queen of Swords atop Six of Pentacles).

Take Away: Sometimes when anxiety gets in the way, it can be really hard to get in contact with your ambitions and where you want to go with your life and goals. All you want to do is hide instead, but that course of action always leads to self-neglect, as well as neglect of your responsibilities.

A better course forward would be to keep moving and planning despite your fears.

DECK USED: CHUBBY BUN TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

Lots of protein for dinner.  Kielbasa sausages and cheesy scrambled eggs.