Transitioning from July to August

Homebound Tarot and David Wilson's Animal Oracle

Here and Now, I Am Death and Strategy – In the middle of change and strategizing the way forward. I am in a place where I am prepared to not just adapt, but find a way to flourish.  Logical thinking is necessary.  You can’t just “feel your way forward” in this.  (Details on this change are further explored in the “Relevant Shadows” portion of this reading.)

Leaving Behind The Fool atop The Lovers, Modest – Hesitation caused by naive concerns about our relationship. Finally letting go of the fear of returning to that place we were in years ago that I struggled with so much.

Focus Forward The Tower and Ornery – Change. You are stubbornly going to push this change that is shown in the “Here and Now, I Am” position. You know it’s the right thing for you, and anyone that tries to get in your way is going to find themselves confronted with unpleasant backlash.

Negative Influences Seven of Swords and Unbidden – Pay attention to those that come into your life uninvited and ask shit of you, or try to steal away your time, energy, or resources.

Positive Influences The Hierophant and Thaw – Work on opening up more to your guides. They are here to help you, teach you, and guide you upon your path.

Relevant Shadows The Devil atop Two of Cups, Power –  The themes that you explored this month concerning your inner adolescent, and how those scarcity feelings from that area of your life influence your present. This area needs more exploring, for you have the power to deal with it at this time. It is through spending time with this issue and working through it that the changes touched upon in “Here and Now, I Am” will manifest.

Lift From The Past  The Emperor, Fragile atop Predator – Don’t forget how safe and protected Gideon makes you feel. He is there to support you whenever you are feeling vulnerable and protect you from not just others that might target you, but from your own inner self destructive influences that lurk beneath those times when you are at your most vulnerable.

Future Event to Prevent or Overcome Six of Cups and Legend – Your mother. Her expectations. Her manipulation through the connection to your childhood.  The visit to see her has been postponed, but it’s coming.  Be ready.

Approaching Opportunity The Moon Rx and Searching – It’s time to start seeking out those things that make you feel stable and confident. As you build on the change that dominates the lion’s share of this reading, you need to start instilling more of these confidence building things into your life. Look to the “Relevant Shadows” and “Lift From The Past” sections of this reading to find these things. Your opportunity here lies in making peace with your inner adolescent and seeking out Gideon to help you in sorting through this theme.

Message from Spirit World –  Childhood stories are something you need to value as a learning experience.  Don’t lock them up inside and throw away the key.  Seek the lessons they have to teach you in order to defeat the fears and uncertainties that these experiences still spawn.

Message from Mind’s World – When you don’t get enough Gideon goodness in your life, it influences you negatively, allowing your mind to dip too deeply into the harsher side of things and your negative inner dialogue to become stronger.

Message from Known World –  Activities that you enjoy together are fare better for you than time spent alone on your own.  When you’re feeling vulnerable, allow yourself to step under Gideon’s wing.  Don’t retreat into yourself where you are putting yourself more at risk from either outside factors or your own inner demons.

Take Away – Apparently I am in a place to deal with this particular shadow from my inner adolescent, and I need Gideon’s help to sort through my feelings and how to deal with the situation.  When this topic first came up in the monthly challenge, I was surprised at how strongly it resonated.  The reading here indicates that I need to make sure I don’t just “set it aside” now that I’ve touched on it, but actually explore it deeper.

DECKS USED:  HOMEBOUND TAROT AND DAVID WILSON’S ANIMAL ORACLE

Who’s Goals Are Those?

Today’s meditation was skipped for orders day.  That said, I feel like I might do a bit of meditation before bed tonight.

Michelangelo Tarot and How to Be a Wildflower DeckToday’s draw is the Ten of Cups, which is traditionally about finding one’s emotional nirvana.

On the back of this affirmation card are the words “Look Within”. This, I feel, is a very apt match for the imagery in this particular Ten of Cups. The female figure in this card looks determined. She sees the value of the baby, even when the baby is behaving badly. But, look at the face of the male figure in the card. It is full of doubt and even a bit of trepidation. He has that “what the fuck am I doing here?” look about him that makes it clear this is not -his- version of happily ever after.

Combined, these cards are a reminder to look within yourself and what you really want in life. Don’t base your goals and dreams on what others want for you (or out of you). Base them on what you want and what you feel is important. Living your life for others makes the accomplishments you obtain feel empty and can result in looking back on your life with massive amounts of regret. Live the life you want, and you’ll be much happier.

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

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2021 Challenge Prompt
Questions for July 29th and 30th

Seawitch TarotWhere do I need to foster more joy and happiness in my life?
Prince de Épée and Four of Cups Rx

You need to start fostering joy, happiness , and enjoyment in your business again. You have spent too much time lately seeing your work as a chore instead of the creative endeavor and outreach of joy and happiness that it is. Because of this, your enthusiasm for encouraging the business to not just sustain but actually thrive and improve is suffering.

How can I encourage that joy and happiness to flourish in my life?
Roi de Épée and Les Amouroux

Consider just how boring and lackluster life would be without your business to drive you. Sure, your home would be spotless and you’d get to explore a handful of projects that you’ve had to put off, but what happens when your house is no longer in need of more organizing and cleaning, and you have explored those back logged projects?

Boredom. That’s what. Listless boredom.

You need to acknowledge that the daydream of so much free time is unrealistic not because of financial reasons… but because it wouldn’t take you long to become bored out of your mind and stir crazy.

DECK USED: SEAWITCH TAROT

The Sacred Grounds Tarot Club Prompt
Questions for July 29th and 30th

Green Witch Oracle and Michelangelo TarotWhat is going to support me most with embracing the opportunities that the summer has for me?
Ten of Cups, King of Cups, Marjoram (Happiness)

It’s all about your emotions and tapping into them. Connect with the things and people that make you feel happy, complete, and secure. And, as echoed from your COTD activity for today, make sure that you are focused on what you need instead of allowing your focus to rest on what is expected of you.

How can I overcome the obstacles that I am facing to acknowledge and engage with these opportunities?
The Empress, Knight of Pentacles, Basil (Trust)

Trust what works. Nurture yourself. Get out in nature if only a little bit at a time. Good stuff can build up a little at a time the same way bad stuff can. That whole “nickel and diming” concept works both ways.  So give yourself small pleasures and moments.  Seek comfort.  Discover the differences that tiny positive influences can make when they build up over time.

DECK USED: MICHELANGELO TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I took time out on the balcony today with my plants.  I’m a little frustrated as all the heat has made some of my regulars (like the pansies and lobelia) die out this year. It’s just been too hot.  I did some pruning and dead heading, and then everyone got a good drink and fed.

Morning Bonus Read – Leo Season

Leo Season Tarot Reading - Napo Tarot

What is a major theme of Leo Season for me?

The Star – Hope and positivity. Reconnection with your spiritual self and your spiritual practices. It’s time to focus on these things and not worry  so much about what’s coming in the fall.  Enjoy the time you have left this summer and use Leo season to get back in touch with practices that you’ve let slide to the way side (such as your meditation practice and daily devotional).

How will this theme impact me?

Temperance – It will help you in your relationship with moderation, as well as your connection to what lies beyond yourself and your personal sphere.  You can’t expect to sustain that connection without doing the work involved that supports it.  By doing the work, you will reestablish the frayed edges of the connection you’ve been letting deteriorate recently.

How can I play with the world around me?

The Devil – Have some fun, dabble in a bit of mischief, and play devils advocate now and then. Tip people on their ear and make them think about what they’re doing and why they’re doing it.

How can I better express myself?

Ten of Disks Rx – Make sure you’re expressing to others what doesn’t make you happy and what needs to change. You can’t be sunshine and roses all the time.  Sometimes you have to point out the flaws and make sure that shit gets fixed up. Better to air out the dirty laundry than let it molder through inattention.

How can I harmonize my relationship with my ego?

Queen of Disks – Remember to be supportive and nurturing with others. Just like everyone else in the world, you sometimes end up a little too focused on yourself and your won shit and perspectives.  It’s not all about you.

DECK USED:  NAPO TAROT

Every Soul Is Unique

Today’s meditation was skipped again today. Not intentionally, but I once again fell asleep in the middle of it.

Fyodor Pavlov Tarot and How to Be a Wildflower DeckToday’s draw is the Hierophant, which is traditionally a representation of long standing traditions and those that teach them to others, as well as themes to do with spiritual wisdom and religious beliefs.

For me, the Hierophant is often about teaching, especially in relation to helping others find their unique spiritual path,  or helping them in finding their direction and stride upon that path.

One of the things that I have discovered in my own experiences in this area is that it’s often through our connection to something bigger than ourselves that inspiration and peace are found in our lives.

This isn’t true for everyone, but with most of those that I have helped in finding their personal path, that seems to have been universally true. It’s not about “finding God” or a specific deity, but rather about finding what clicks with them.  What beliefs about life and death and how things work that resonate most strongly for them, and realizing that it’s okay to pursue that path for themselves.

Today’s cards are a reminder that finding what works for -you- is important.  Tradition and conformity cannot outweigh the fact that we are all unique… and so are our souls and the path our souls connect with.

DECK USED:  FYODOR PAVLOV TAROT AND HOW TO BE A WILDFLOWER DECK

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2021 Challenge Prompt
Philosophical Question
: What is true beauty?

Tarot de Marseille Jean DodalReading Summary: Good memories (Six of Cups). A sense of satiation and security (Nine of Pentacles). Being able to support others in finding the same (Queen of Cups).

Take Away: Interesting. I was expecting this answer to be something about aesthetics, and yet that’s not what came up at all.

The answer here in these cards is that true beauty is about living well and helping others to do the same. It’s about cherishing the past, appreciating our accomplishments in the present, as well as valuing our connections to others.

DECK USED: TAROT DE MARSEILLE JEAN DODAL

Mr Lionharts’ #TheJulyTarot #TarotSuitsChallenge Prompt
Question for July 28th and 29th

Fyodor Pavlov TarotWhere, or in what way, am I asked to ground myself at this time?

Don’t let changes taking place in your life (Death) take away your sense of emotional satiation and security (Nine of Cups Rx). Think logically with a sense of confidence and strategy (King of Swords) about what’s happening, instead of allowing your emotions runaway with themselves to a bad place.

What am I guided to work on / towards during this current season?

Finding solid footing in the direction you want to go in (King of Wands) so that you can lead others down that path with confidence and the preparation associated with knowing where you’re going and how you’re going to get there (The Magician).

DECK USED: FYODOR PAVLOV TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

Quiet time with Gideon today.  It was really nice.   Relaxing.  Soothing.

Move Forward With Confidence

Today’s meditation was skipped, although not intentionally.  I fell asleep.

The Prismatic Tarot and How to Be a Wildflower DeckToday’s draw is the Three of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of of the first steps that come after planning turns to action. It is about looking ahead, direction, and progress.

Just sayin’, but there’s a whole lot of nekkid swinging in the breeze in this deck that I wasn’t aware of when I first bought it.  Not that I’m complaining, mind you… but just sayin’.

Anyway… the nudity in this card serves a purpose.  It speaks of an openness, an honesty, and a comfort within oneself.  This is a man that knows where he’s going and how he’s going to get there.  He is not lost, but rather stands confident as he looks forward into his future, facing it head on without fear.

Combined with the affirmation card for today, what we see in today’s cards is an encouragement to go after those things that truly call to you without fear of the judgements of others or worry over the potential for failure. Stand confident and strong, and reach for those things that you feel a true connection to.

DECK USED:  THE PRISMATIC TAROT AND HOW TO BE A WILDFLOWER DECK

Mr Lionharts’ #TheJulyTarot #TarotSuitsChallenge Prompt
Questions for July 26th and 27th

The New Chapter TarotWhat have I created for myself in the months leading up to now?

Inspiring myself and others (Queen of Wands) to spend more time together (Three of Cups).

This is something I’ve been working on both in my work as well as my personal life. Taking time off to chill with others, or working alongside them and making it fun.  In both cases, it’s new and different, but a part of growing into a healthier way of doing things and dealing with the balance between my personal life, work life, and responsibilities.

What am I currently manifesting for myself?

The opportunity (Ace of Disks) to use my influence and strategic thinking (King of Swords) to stand strong for those things I believe in (Seven of Wands).

This is because I am giving myself time to heal and recover instead of pushing myself so hard all the time. It provides more time for soul searching and connecting with my values, principles, and inner compass.

DECK USED: THE NEW CHAPTER TAROT

Cosmic_Crow_Tarot’s #FreedomTarotChallenge Prompt
Questions for July 27th and 28th

The Prismatic TarotWhy do I still feel like a prisoner at times?
Two of Swords, Ace of Cups, Page of Wands

I hate feeling as if I’m always having to choose between all the new creative interests that pop up in my life from one day to the next.  This new path of taking things at a more sedate and moderated pace is something I often feel I need to struggle against.

I understand that this is a healthier approach, and I accept that I don’t have the energy to pursue all the creative interests that flit through my mind and my life on a regular basis. It just… sucks sometimes.

How can I free myself of this feeling?
The Empress Rx and Wheel of Fortune

Throw nurturing myself and my needs out into the wind and instead dive back in to playing the “up and down” game of manic creativity and oppressive burnout.

Obviously, this is not a healthy choice, and that is the point.

DECK USED: THE PRISMATIC TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I made that amazing stewed tomato and garden herbs pasta dish again today.  It was amazing.

Morning Bonus Read – Invader Zim

Bagiue Lenormand

1. What to conquer

Mountain – Obstacles in your path.

2. What to question

Anchor – Where are you getting your stability from?

3. What to feed my soul

Cross – Your faith and belief system.

4. What to rage against

Clouds – Self doubt.

Side Note: This reading totally came off as a cheerleader chant. It’s almost hilariously succinct. I have never seen this cartoon/show so I have no idea how they talk or what the tone is concerning Invader Zim or the other characters in the show, but I sort of wonder if the cards are channeling their “tone” in the answers.

DECK USED:  BAGIUE LENORMAND