tarot for self care

“What IF” is Not Truth

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Today’s meditation was skipped for another dawdling relaxation on the bed.  Although I know I really need to get back into a regular meditation practice, I have to admit, it was nice just to do nothing for a bit.

Terato Tarot and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Two of Air (Swords), which is traditionally a representation of weighing one’s options and struggling with difficult decisions. Sometimes, it is also an indication that until we open our eyes to become unbiased, we will be unable to make the wisest choice.

Combined with the Thera-Pets card for today, what I see here is a reminder that our outlook is a choice.  Just as the harpy in the Two of Air card chooses which way his wings take him, we are just as able to choose how we see the world around us and react to it.

That includes if we choose to give our fears and worries weight, or accept them as fact when they are only “what if” projections of our mind.

Today’s cards are a reminder that anxiety tells of lies.  “What ifs” are not truths. Our fear lies to us, whispers insidiously in our ears and our minds, trying to convince us of horrible things to come. In order to defeat these lies, we have to make a conscious choice to see them as lies.  Only then will the lies step aside and allow us move forward without fear.

DECK USED:  TERATO TAROT AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

Mr Lionharts’ #TheSeptemberTarot Rise and Fall Prompt
Questions for September 10th thru 12th

Gods and Goddesses of Japan Oracle and Tarot by CaroAre my personal beliefs helping or hindering me?
Ame-no-Tokotachi-no-Kami and The Empress

Your beliefs, and most especially your individuality and creative spark, nurture your inner self. This nurturing then fosters your individuality and creative spark. The cycle is healthy and encourages growth and grounding as they work to continually balance each other out.

What am I asked to have faith in or keep confidence in?
Omoikane-no- Kami atop Tori-no-Iwakusufune-no-Kami, Strength

Yourself, and your ability to see beyond your own perspectives and help others to do the same. This is an inner strength you don’t even realize you are doing most of the time.

An encouraging message from the cards for me.
Minato-no-Kami and Seven of Cups

Instead of worrying and dithering over choices and opportunities, take a breath and clear your mind. Allow inner knowledge, and the natural flow of energy and life, to make these choices for you. You don’t have to control every little thing.

Side Note: There is a prevalent theme here of individuality, new ways of thinking and seeing the world, and moving forward on life’s journey with confidence.

DECK USED: GODS AND GODDESSES OF JAPAN ORACLE AND TAROT BY CARO

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2021 Challenge Prompt
Question: What future growth should you be directing energy toward at this time?

Terato TarotReading Summary: Nurture yourself (The Empress), your curiosity (Page of Earth), and your connection with the earth (The Empress combined with Page of Earth). Allow these things to have a place in future plans (Two of Fire).

Take Away:  I need to make sure that as I creep closer to the holiday rush that I’m not forsaking my needs.  This includes the need to get outside and spend time in nature, as well as taking time for self-care and making sure that I’m being kind to myself moving forward.

Once the holiday rush gets here, all bets are off and I will be overwhelmed and drowning in far too much to get done in far too short of time. Until then, I need to give  myself all the care and kindness that I can in order to shore up my strength and resiliency for the knee buckling struggles and trials that wait for me within the last seven weeks of the year.

DECK USED: TERATO TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I took a nap even though I really didn’t want to. I wanted to spend more time with Gideon, but I wasn’t sure I could manage the whole evening without a bit of a rest.

The Instability of Fear

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Today’s meditation was skipped… unintentionally.  I sort of laid down to do the meditation and ended up dawdling on my phone and then dozing off.  So… I never actually made it to the meditation part, but it was relaxing regardless.

Cult of Weimar Tarot and TheraPets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Temperance card, which is traditionally a representation of moderation, taking things slow, and a  connection between the physical, emotional, and spiritual realms.

Although the woman in the imagery for today’s card has wings, she appears to have taken a pause to think and reflect rather than leaping first.  Sometimes, it can be important to pause and consider before reacting, and this can be especially important in times of anger, stress, or fear.

What I see in the message for today’s cards is that in times of fear, it’s important to not act rashly. Far better to take one’s time and get a good sense of the situation and surrounding influences, take a breath, and step outside of the fear and into a more rational space prior to committing to a course of action.

This can often be difficult, but the first step is recognizing you are in a mindset of fear in the first place.

DECK USED:  CULT OF WEIMAR TAROT AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2021 Challenge Prompt
Questions for September 9th

Sacred Nature Oracle and Tyldwick Tarot 2nd EditionYour Personal Pain

Lupine (Lupinus albus) and The Chariot atop Temperance – Anxiety caused by old habits and habitual thinking that going faster and more productivity is always better. The “PUSH” of unreasonable demands you’ve used to punish yourself, and force yourself to do more and more in the past, trying to slip in and reestablish itself in the present.

A Healing Action To Take

Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) atop Marigold (Calendula officinalis), Queen of Cups – Pay attention to what you truly need and allow that to carry you forward like a leaf riding the breeze. Being kind to yourself is a learning journey for you, and it’s okay to seek out others to help you stay on track.

Possible Positive Outcome

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) and Knight of Cups – The ability to more easily express your emotions and desires, both to yourself and others. This in turn can create within you a lighter and more open energy, free from fear and consternation.

DECK USED: SACRED NATURE ORACLE AND TYLDWICK TAROT 2ND EDITION

Healer Josephine’s #MindfulImperfectionTarot Prompt
Questions for September 11th thru 13th

Sibyls Oraculum and Cult of Weimar TarotHow can I feel safe being imperfect?
Strategy, High Priestess atop Three of Cups

See your differences not as imperfections, but as unique qualities to be celebrated and used to your advantage.

These qualities are something that can give you an edge, for although they are commonplace to you, they are often a mystery to others, providing you with an element of surprise that you would not otherwise have.

How can I be more open to making mistakes?
Synthesis and Hanged Man

Mistakes are learning tools, not failures. With each mistake that we make, we learn how to do better and be better… as long as we are open to these lessons.

Make sure to look for the lessons to be learned in these experiences, and absorb what you’ve learned that will improve upon both yourself as well as your goals.

DECK USED: SIBYLS ORACULUM AND CULT OF WEIMAR TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I dawdled in bed this morning after I got home from the farm.  Just relaxing and screwing around, watching YouTube videos, scrolling through Instagram, and playing my little Township farming game on my phone.

Morning Bonus Read – September

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Lonely Dreamer Tarot 2nd Edition - September Tarot Reading

What is the energy surrounding you this September?

Gradual change (Death) while taking care to remain seated and keep your emotional growth as the focus (Nine of Cups).

Although the holiday rush is on its way, it’s not here yet and I need to remain focused on settling into the emotional growth that I’ve made this year for the month of September, processing how far I’ve come and where I’m at now before diving into preparation for the holiday rush.

Small changes can be made along the way this month, but I need to make sure I don’t dive right in too early as it could damage the progress that I’ve made in my emotional growth.

What needs letting go from the previous months?

Shadow –  I’ve done a great deal of shadow work this year. But, it’s time to put that away now that fall is approaching. September allows me some time of adjustment to the things that I’ve learned, so that I can move forward with purpose as the season moves closer and closer to the holiday rush to come.

If I don’t let it go, it will make things more difficult in the months ahead.

As the seasons change, how can you best apply your focus toward your goals?

King of Swords – Have a plan, and stay focused. I know what I want, and I know it’s going to be a rough journey. Just stay focused on those ambitions and goals, and it’ll be fine.

How can you best bring more abundance in to your life?

Seven of Wands – Make sure to stay strongly rooted and connected with my moral compass and what I know to be right and wrong. Make good choices and don’t let others lead me astray with their contrasting values and their own goals. 

I was given advice recently that went against not just what I know to be right for me, but also against what my guides have been advising me on for months.

For a moment, because it spoke to my old habits and tendencies, I actually entertained it in my mind. I’m not sure if this is because it came from an external source, or because it was a temptation of old unhealthy behavior that would be so easy to fall back into.

That advice, of course, was it discarded… As it should’ve been. But this is a good reminder to be careful of repeats in the months ahead.

What influence will provide positive change this month?

King of Wands – It’s mine.  My goals, my passions. My desire, drive, and ambitions. Take the reins and set the pace. Remember that, in life and especially in the business, I am the captain of the ship. Be sure to delegate where needed to keep things running smoothly.

Message from Spirits and Guides.

Page of Swords – Learning a new path and new methods to achieve your goals can often be confusing. It’s okay to feel like you’re fumbling around in the dark sometimes… everybody does once in a while.

DECK USED: LONELY DREAMER TAROT 2ND EDITION

Individuality and Authenticity

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Today’s meditation was just over thirteen minutes and was the last session in the Foundations II series of the Balance app.  It was focused upon following the breath with the rise and fall of the chest and stomach as the focal point for the breath exercises.  I really needed the meditation today, as I woke up with anxiety and the meditation assisted me in getting it a bit more under control.

Tarot of the Master and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Eight of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of being held back due to turning a blind eye, not seeing what is right in front of you, and the ignorance of facts. It can also represent being held back by a victim mentality that blinds you to everything except your own situation and inner narrative.

One of the things that really stands out to me in this particular Eight of Swords is the fact that each of the swords is different. No two are identical.

Combined with the Thera-Pets card for today, the reminder here in today’s message is about authenticity and how each of us is unique and different.  And, just as you often turn a blind eye to other’s imperfections, accepting people with their failings and flaws, so too will they for you.

DECK USED:  TAROT OF THE MASTER AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

BekahMurphysMagic’s #IntuitiveHealingTarotChallenge Prompt
Questions for September 6th thru 8th

Language of Flowers Oracle and The New Immortal TarotWhat shadow needs healing so I can better connect with my intuition?
White Hibiscus (Respect) and Queen of Cups

You need to accept emotions as a natural part of life instead of something to be “dealt with”. They are a part of you that deserves the same understanding and respect as every other part of you.

Where am I facing blocks in my intuition?
Mexican Marigold (Vitality) and Nine of Cups

You are spending all of your energy chasing pleasure and contentment instead of on your spiritual development. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it is blocking you from any significant intuitive growth spurts for the time being.

How do I address this blockage in my intuition?
Snowdrop (Hope) and Ten of Cups

Keep doing what you are doing and it will all come together in the end. Your focus can’t always be on your spiritual and intuitive development. It’s both natural and healthy to have times when your attention is focused elsewhere.

DECK USED: LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS ORACLE AND THE NEW IMMORTAL TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2021 Challenge Prompt
Philosophical Question: What are the three major strengths of humanity?

Tarot of the MasterIX di Bastoni – Resilience and determination. Persistence.

Regina di Bastone – The ability to support others dreams even while we pursue our own.

I di Coppa – Empathy.

Take Away:  All three of these qualities combine in a way that helps in demonstrating kind and conscientious strength for ourselves and others.  This allows us all to grow both as individuals and a community.

These strengths teach us that we are strong on our own, and even stronger together, supporting each other to reach our goals and dreams.

DECK USED: TAROT OF THE MASTER

Daily Self Kindness

I drank just a little bit of caffeine tonight.  Just enough to give me a bit of a boost so that I could spend some time with Gid after getting home from a stressful and exhausting day visiting my aunt and assembling her new furniture.

Relationship Trauma (Daddy Issues)

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Cursed Auguries Tarot and Roots & Wings Mini OracleWhat wounds need healing from this relationship?

Knight of Swords and Balance – His impulsively savage treatment and painful words have set you off balance, and now, that balance is something you constantly seek and work to improve upon.

What basic truth / trust has been damaged?

Two of Wands and Transformation – That you don’t need to plan every little thing out for things to turn out okay. It’s hard to trust that if you don’t have your thumb on every little piece of the plan that things will still go as they should and to your benefit.

What is this trauma is holding me back from experiencing?

Two of Swords and Moon – The ability to be decisive without struggling with uncertainty. That uncertainty lies deep within and whispers.  You pretend it’s not there, and no one ever sees it… but it’s there beneath the surface and shows itself in how exact and precise you are in executing the decisions you’ve made.

Why it’s important to heal this trauma?

Page of Pentacles, Intuition atop Potential – it will help unleash your potential to grow into something better and greater than you are now, freeing your intuition in the process do that it will become easier to follow.

What are the first steps in healing this trauma?

Five of Pentacles, Vulnerability atop Perseverance – Remember that your feelings of scarcity are an echo of your past and not the reality of this moment. Those feelings compounded with your fears create a sense of vulnerability that makes it feel more reality based than it actually is.

How can you be more open to the healing of this trauma?

Page of Cups and Hope – Stay in touch with your emotions and positive in your outlook. Don’t shut your emotions down just because they are uncomfortable or unpleasant to deal with.

Advice from the spirits and guides.

Three of Cups and Sun – Chin up! Stay positive and look to others to help lift you up and keep you aloft emotionally.

DECK USED:  CURSED AUGURIES TAROT, ROOTS & WINGS MINI ORACLE

Stronger Than You Think

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Today’s meditation was skipped today because I wanted to nap before the housekeeper got here to work.  And then I wanted to nap after she left.  So… essentially I sacrificed meditation for sleep.

Serpent and the Peacock Tarot and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Nine of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of boundaries, resilience, hyper diligence, and protecting what is important to you.

Confession: I struggle with social anxiety. It has been a recurring issue for the past decade; ever since the home invasion. I don’t think it’s about the facial scar anymore, but there are times when just the idea of dealing with even one person is enough to send my insides quivering with nervous energy and make my muscles pull tight.

Today is one of those days… and it’s housekeeper day. Sometimes, I can hide away on these days and just put off social interaction for when I feel more able. Today is going to provide me with that opportunity, though.

I think that everyone probably has days like that. Days where you think that you can’t continue on and deal with what needs to be dealt with for the day. Days where you want to retreat into yourself and just not deal with anything or anyone.

Unfortunately, that’s not always possible. The Thera-Pets card for today is a reminder that even though you can’t always retreat, you will still make it through because you’re stronger than you think you are.

DECK USED:  SERPENT AND THE PEACOCK TAROT AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

Mr Lionharts’ #TheSeptemberTarot Rise and Fall Prompt
Questions for September 7th thru 9th

Roots & Wings Oracle and Cerise TarotAre my actions in alignment with what I want for myself?

Earth Mother and Ace of Cups – It’s a work in progress, but yes. As long as you continue to pursue your emotional growth, and ensure that you are both connecting with nature and using that connection to foster kindness towards yourself, you will continue to be in alignment with what you want for yourself moving forward.

Are my expectations aligned with what I can do right now?

Bound, The Magician Rx atop Five of Cups – No. Your expectations are far too ahead of what you are capable of at this time. This isn’t about putting yourself down for not being able to do more… It’s about having reasonable expectations of what this time in the present is for, instead of trying to push yourself into more than you are prepared for right now.

What (else/more) can I do in support of my goals/desires?

Held and Nine of Wands Rx – You need to accept that you are not as resilient as you want yourself to be. Be kind to yourself and understanding of your limitations. They are not weaknesses.

DECK USED: ROOTS & WINGS ORACLE AND CERISE TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2021 Challenge Prompt
Question: What helps you when you’re…

Smoke & Roses Oracle, Roots Oracle, Serpent and the Peacock TarotAngry – Fern (Rumohra adiantiformis) and Justice – Distraction. When you’re angry, you need a distraction to pull your attention away from what is pissing you off. Something to balance the scales back out from the imbalance that the anger creates. When you’re angry, your view is polluted and sent out of balance. You are no longer unbiased and you are unable to see others perspectives clearly… only your own. A distraction allows you time to calm down and regain a more unbiased perspective.

Sad – Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus), Holly (Illex aquifolium), The Moon – Often, your sadness is a byproduct of uncertainty. To deal with this issue in the moment, you are often helped by turning to the skills you have developed over time. By leaning into those things that you enjoy, you are able to sink into “the zone” and close out the world around you. This creative zone is a soothing balm that can help lift your spirits if what you’re working on is something that you really enjoy doing.

Needing to Relax – Ivy (Hedera helix) atop Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), The Star – Spiritual growth and development through your connection with nature. By taking time to connect with your spirituality and your connection to nature, and by allowing yourself to sink into that bond, you allow the earth to help refresh your spirit and create a stronger connection to your spiritual self as well as the world around you.

DECK USED: SMOKE & ROSES ORACLE, ROOTS ORACLE, SERPENT AND THE PEACOCK TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

After the housekeeper left, I allowed myself to have bit of a nap.  I also made sure to have my smoothie today, which will hopefully assist my stomach in behaving itself a bit better.