tarot for self care

New Moon in Scorpio – November 2021

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Today is the new 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.  Today’s spread is brought to you by Ethony‘s Tarot By the Moon series.

New Moon in Scorpio Tarot Reading - Lux Ex Umbra Tarot

1. What do you need to face that you’ve been avoiding?

Knight of Swords – Your reckless energy expenditures. Where are you putting your time and energy that is not paying off? Here, we return to something that came up in a reading done yesterday.  That is to say… it’s time to stop wasting time playing games on your phone.  They aren’t giving you the rest you need, nor are they relaxing you at the moment.  They’re just allowing you to retreat when it would be far healthier to spend your time in other ways.

2. What secrets need to come into the light?

King of Coins – It’s time to go some financial reorganization. You’ve put it off for too long. Things that need to be attended to need to be actually dealt with. This includes telling L it’s time to get a job again (okay, so not until January, but it needs to be brought up so she has time to prepare), instead of pretending you’ve got that shit under control without her help.

3. What conversation needs to be had?

Two of Cups – More appreciation of loved ones, more “I love you” for Gid. You’ve slacked off in both of these of late. Although it’s true that your love and appreciation is there whether you express it openly or not, it’s something that they need to hear.

4. What do I need to forgive in myself?

Temperance – Moderation does not come easily to you in so many, many different ways.  If you enjoy it, it can become addictive. If you can punish yourself with it, it can also become addictive. It doesn’t really matter what it is as long as it can fill one or both of those prerequisites. You need to remember that it’s natural to slip up now and then. Just keep trying.

5. What shadow aspect requires integration?

Three of Coins – Why is asking for help so difficult for you? This is not the time of year for shadow work for you, but it is something you struggle with and need to be aware of, as not asking for help can easily become a form of self sabotage at this time of year.

DECK USED:  LUX EX UMBRA TAROT

Fun Can Be Soothing

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Today’s meditation was skipped once again.

Epic Tarot and How to Be a Wildflower DeckToday’s draw is the Ace of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of the seed (or in the case of the Wands suit, the spark) of new beginnings and the potential they hold in the areas of one’s drive, enthusiasm, willpower, motivation, and passions. This is less about whatever it is that creates the spark, so much as the spark itself as a light within you to drive you forward.

Combined with the affirmation card for today, what I see here is a reminder that inspiration and enthusiasm does not always have to be chaotic or filled with harsh energy. Some things can be approached with an eagerness that is gentle and temperate instead of wild and pushy. What things in your life do you love that aren’t a clamoring cacophony of demand in your life?

I have very few of these things in my own life. My inner dialogue is constant and often overwhelming, and very often loud and demanding. It leaves little room for things that foster peace that I might enjoy. That is something I need to foster more of in my life, and that is where I feel that ideally meditation should step in and fit the bill… except that I’ve been allowing the chaos to push it aside.

DECK USED:  EPIC TAROT AND HOW TO BE A WILDFLOWER DECK

Mr Lionharts’ #TheNovemberTarot Solitary Tarot Challenge Prompt
Question for November 3rd: Think of something good/nice you can do for yourself today. Draw a card (or cards) for feedback on your thoughts.

Jeu de Tarot BretonSomething Nice: Let’s stay away from the games on the phone today.

Reading Summary: It’s not going to be easy (Valet de Pique) but it will allow for you to nurture yourself in healthier ways that don’t close you off emotionally (Dame des Cœurs) and help get you back on track to the things you should be doing (Le Pape).

Take Away: This is about my addictive nature when it comes to things I enjoy… or can hide within. I have been using the games on my phone to hide from reality, to hide from my feelings, to hide from my thoughts.  To retreat… and yet not rest.

Learning to go back to dealing with things in a different way is going to be healthy for me, but not easy.  Necessary, though.

DECK USED: JEU DE TAROT BRETON

#DiscordTarotholicsNov2021 Challenge Prompt
Questions for November 3rd and 4th

Spellcasting Oracle Cards and Epic TarotWhat harsh truths do you prefer to ignore?
Prosperity, The Emperor atop Ace of Swords

You focus far too much on what is profitable, prioritizing it over new ideas that you may want to explore that aren’t filled with as much monetary potential.

There are a great number of things I would like to explore, but put on the back burner due to the lack of profitability. The message here is that I need to focus less on the money factor, and more on how fun or interesting exploring these other projects could be.  Add factors of enthusiasm, curiosity, and potential fun into the decision process instead of basing my decision fully on if I can profit from them.

What do I need to focus on for self-care for this new moon?
Grieving, The Empress atop The Star

Stop focusing on the freedoms and pleasures that have to be put on the back burner in the upcoming weeks. Instead, you need to be training your attention on nurturing yourself in all the ways you can, and fostering that connection with optimism that has been faltering of late.

DECK USED: SPELLCASTING ORACLE CARDS AND EPIC TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I got my flu shot today.

Make Room For Both

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Today’s meditation was not a triumph, but an effort all the same.  I did lie down, and I did try.  I couldn’t quite get my brain to shut the fuck up, nor could I manage to focus on my breath for more than a few seconds at a time, but I did make the effort for a good fifteen or twenty minutes.

Dragon Companions Tarot and How to Be a Wildflower DeckToday’s draw is the King of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of a projective alpha energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s intellect, education, aspirations, and communication. This often translates into themes that have to do with professional acumen, authority figures in the education sector, cunning strategists, and those skills that are often referred to as having a “silver tongue”.

The thing about the King of Swords is that the energy of this card is often measured and restrained. Like chess, each move made is thought out and planned. Strategy is often a theme involved here, and strategy requires forethought and planning.

The affirmation card then encourages us to “run free” which speaks of allowing yourself time to step away from this  more strategized and structured approach to life, and allowing the freedom to be spontaneous now and then.  To enjoy time away from this mindset, time to enjoy life and the world around you without needing to plot the course as you go.  Other than when hiking? I’ve always struggled in this area.  I’ve struggled at that mentality of freedom without plans and plotting and strategy.  Today’s cards are a reminder that these opposites can live in harmony.  You can give yourself both.  They may mix like oil and water, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make room in your life for both.

DECK USED:  DRAGON COMPANIONS TAROT AND HOW TO BE A WILDFLOWER DECK

Mr Lionharts’ #TheNovemberTarot Solitary Tarot Challenge Prompt
Questions for November 2

Secret Woods Cards and Tarot of the Mystic SpiralWhere am I asked to give space or make space for myself?

Performer and The Magician – It’s okay to seek approval. Stop looking down on yourself for this, and instead start seeing it as a useful tool to inspire.

How can creating space for this help me on my journey?

Empath and Judgement atop Knave of Cups – In letting others see your learning journey as you create what you want out of life while continuing to follow the guidance of your moral compass, you inspire others to try the same. It allows them to see what is possible and reach for their own dreams.

DECK USED: SECRET WOODS CARDS AND TAROT OF THE MYSTIC SPIRAL

#DiscordTarotholicsNov2021 Challenge Prompt
Question for November 2nd: Advice I need to hear at this time concerning my personal happiness.

Dragon Companions TarotReading Summary: Prioritize a more nurturing attitude towards yourself and things will flourish with less strife and struggle (Queen of Pentacles). You don’t have to push so damn hard (Temperance) and always be up in arms (Seven of Wands) to get where you want to go in life (The World).

Take Away: I can’t figure out why I equate trial and struggle with success, but this isn’t the only reading lately that has essentially told me “work smarter, not harder”.

“Smarter” includes caring for myself better so that I can put my energy into the things I want without feeling so drained during or after doing so.  It means giving myself those things I need to replenish my energy, my positivity, and keep myself uplifted.

DECK USED: DRAGON COMPANIONS TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I finally got some time with Gideon today.  We played going trick-or-treating, which is something I’ve been looking forward to doing with him for… at least two months.  It was so nice and the time with him was so… good.

Lenormand Reading – Monthly Key Spread

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Weekly Key Spread - Lumière Lenormand

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

Crossroads – There is no external guidance here, only an encouragement to follow your gut.  Make sure that you are checking in with your moral compass, and allow it to lead when you feel uncertain or like you are waffling.

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

Child – Look at the rush to come as something new and exciting instead of as something to dread the arrival of.  You may have done this before, but there’s always potential for new and better experiences with each year that comes.  It doesn’t have to be a repeat of the past.  Make the experience something shiny and new instead.

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

Snake – Your adaptability makes your creativity and magic shine. The fact that you are able to shift and adapt, changing your methods and the details of what you’re doing to adjust to external influences as well as changes in your own trajectory is a skill that elevates your magic, creativity, and manifestation powers.

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

Rider – The universe is ready to give you the burst of forward moving energy that you need to not just get things going, but ride out the rush that is coming.  Don’t worry about lagging behind or not having the energy you need, just focus on keeping that energy flowing on a positive trajectory in all the ways that matter.

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

Clover – Luck is on your side this month and you’d be wise to take full advantage of it while lady luck is shining her bright smile your way. Trust things will turn out okay… and they will.

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

Bear – Protective mama-bear energy is on the rise right now. Make sure that you are directing that aggression and protective instinct in constructive ways.

Emergence Pt 2: What are you expanding towards?

Man – Responsibility and strength. Stand strong in the storm to come, be steady and dependable for those around you.  Steer the ship forward using the advice above, and everyone (as well as everything) will fall into place.

DECK USED: LUMIÈRE LENORMAND

Healthy Renewal Needed

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Today’s meditation was yet again… skipped.  It’s an orders day so, that’s probably not much of a surprise.  Then again, with how much I’ve been skipping lately?  It’s probably not a surprise regardless.

Tarot of Sacred Realms and How to Be a Wildflower DeckToday’s draw is the Queen of Pentacles (same as yesterday), which is traditionally a representation of a receptive alpha energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s finances, resources, health, hearth, manifestations, and the physical world. The energy of this card is down to earth, and that of a nurturer.

As with yesterday’s cards, today’s cards are about getting out in nature. It’s something I need.  I need to feel the nurturing energy of the forest surrounding me.  I need to lie down on the wet moss and soak up that energy, let it sink in and spread throughout, saturating me with its cleansing gift in the way the rain saturates the soil.

I need to feel the freedom of this experience… and I need to find a way to do this that isn’t going to further inflame my right infrapatellar fat pad. There’s the rub, right?  First it was my left Achilles tendon, and now the right knee.  I still need to find a way to get that time in nature, though, and today’s card is a reminder that that time out in nature is important for my health and well being.

DECK USED:  TAROT OF SACRED REALMS AND HOW TO BE A WILDFLOWER DECK

Mr Lionharts’ #TheNovemberTarot Solitary Tarot Challenge Prompt
Question: On this very day, these are three things that I know to be true:

Bloodstone and EarthFlesh TarotI feel… The Empress atop Seven of Swords – A need to get out in nature (well hello there COTD). These cards are a reminder not to allow the treacherous whispers of my inner narrative to negatively influence my self-nurturing choices. Instead, lean into the nurturing as a balm to those wounds.

l am… Ace of Swords – A writer. A communicator. A wordsmith. Miscommunication happens to everyone now and then, and is a part of life. That doesn’t change these things that are a part of my nature.

I want to… King of Swords and Ace of Wands – Win. At everything. I’m a fast learner, and I have a habit of demanding quality from myself at any endeavor that strikes my interest and I put my energy into.  I’m demanding, discerning, and expect the absolute best from myself at all times because I don’t like to fail. This doesn’t mean I can’t take failure gracefully, but rather that I take even failure as a learning experience that will allow me to improve and do better.

DECK USED: BLOODSTONE & EARTHFLESH TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsNov2021 Challenge Prompt
Topic: Do the All Saints Day Spread

Tarot of Sacred RealmsA message that your Ancestors would like to give you at this time.

The Moon – “What is there to really be afraid of anyway?” It’s all in the angle of the jaw and the side-eye. The message here is to be brave and not worry so much about the “what if” scenarios and unforeseen issues that might or might not happen.

A message your Ancestors have been trying to convey that you have not been receptive to in the past.

Page of Wands – If you aren’t getting satisfaction out of what you are doing, it’s time to try something new. (I think that I need to stew on this a bit.)

How to be more open to messages from your Ancestors in the future.

The Hanged Man – Listen closer and sit more with what comes through. Consider meditating after your readings instead of before, so that you can take that time to let their messages sink in.

How to honor and connect more strongly with your Ancestors going forward.

Nine of Swords – Prioritize their messages and your connection with them over your fears and anxieties. You blocked out your mediumship abilities for a long time out of fear. It’s time to release that fear.

DECK USED: TAROT OF SACRED REALMS

Daily Self Kindness

It was orders day, but I managed to take a very brief nap between getting home from the chiropractor and when the housekeeper showed up.

Transitioning from October to November

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Mio Im's Tarot and Oracle of Nightmares

Here and Now I Exist – Who you are now, in your entirety.

Ace of Wands and Caution – You are in a moment of limbo and it is holding you up in all areas of your life. There is burning awareness of the potential of what is to come, but it isn’t time quite yet, and that has left you antsy and out of sorts.

The Slough – What is to be left in the past as you move forward.

Two of Wands and Entrapment – Your time stuck in the planning phase of things is drawing to an end. There won’t be a chance for standing still for all that much longer. You should enjoy it while you can.

What Lies Ahead – An ideal state or ideal self you are seeking at this time.

King of Hearts (Pentacles) and Finale – At this time your eye is focused on one prize and one prize only. That prize is financial abundance earned by the end of the holiday rush, which then creates stability for the year ahead and a sense of security that you constantly crave.

Limitations – Negative influences, opposition, or ill will.

Five of Cups and Guilt – A good deal of your recent malaise is being sourced by your guilt. You need to examine what these feelings of guilt are about, and work on releasing them, as they are only dragging you down and are not a useful tool.

The Boon – Positive influences, higher guidance, or divine intervention.

Two of Swords and Liberation – Stop waffling! Step away from the things that are allowing you continue to hesitate and dither. (Hello, games on your phone.) This avoidance of decisive thought and action is the root of your lack of true rest.  Retreating into these pursuits is not rest at all.

The Wound – An unpleasant past experience or event that is ripe for some support and healing.

Judgement and Indecision – You need to stop beating yourself up for the opportunities missed and things left undone. This doesn’t equate with inaction, but rather with course correction. Do these corrections kindly instead of with derision.

Nostalgia – A positive past experience or event to acknowledge, reflect upon, and enjoy.

King of Swords and Confusion – Its okay to look back on how you dealt with things in the past, prior to the efforts to open up emotionally, and allow the crisp and concise purpose you had at those times inspire you.

A Warning – Something coming that can be prevented or overcome.

Five of Swords and Truth – Keep an eye out for liars trying to get ahead by dishonest means. Winning at any cost really does mean “at any cost”, and you don’t want to become collateral damage or a part of the fallout.

Empowerment – A future opportunity to work toward.

Knight of Cups and Illusion – Emotional clarity is coming. You will have an opportunity to better ingrain the emotional growth you’ve acquired and your practical mind in new ways in the days ahead.

Message from the Spirit World – There is emotional warfare going on that needs to be addressed.  Do not allow other’s determination to win end up creating false narratives for you and end up stabbing you in the back.  Do not allow their awareness of what you want in life to be turned into something that they can use to manipulate you.  Pay attention and make choices aligned with your moral compass while taking what others say with a grain of salt right now.

Message from the Mind’s World – Ground yourself in order to weather the storm that is coming. You have the ability to achieve the goals you have plotted and planned for, but you have to free yourself from the negativity first, and find steady footing.

Message from the Physical World – All of the inactivity and dithering you have been doing needs to be taken in hand.  Slice through these issues with your practical nature and allow what you want to happen and what you want to become to be a beacon to draw you forward through the fog.

Take Away – This reading is primarily guidance in finding the source of the struggle I’ve been going through the past week or so, and finding a more secure and comfortable place within myself to start off the holiday rush with.  Finding positivity and stability are important right now.

DECKS USED: MIO IM’S TAROT AND ORACLE OF NIGHTMARES