tarot for self care

New Moon in Libra- October 2021

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The day after tomorrow 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 about  unraveling balance, and brought to you by Sharron Basanti of Seeds of Shakti.

New Moon in Libra Tarot Reading - Ariadne's Thread Tarot

1. What aspect of my life is tipping the scales out of balance?

Eight of Wands – Impatience. Your desire for immediate gratification. This is something that we are all guilty of in one way or another, and you are no exception. These cards indicate that when you lean into your impatience, that in turn upsets the scales of balance in your life. 

2. How can I correct that imbalance?

Four of Pentacles – Work on being happier with what you already have. Sink into the present and be mindful of where you are instead of allowing yourself to constantly push forward or seek more.

3a. What unhealthy habits do I need to liberate myself from in order to find my equilibrium?

Temperance – Less impatience, more moderation. Focus on the spiritual connection you have with the earth and the world around you instead of allowing yourself to be distracted by a myriad of curiosities and interests.

3b. What unhealthy relationships do I need t liberate myself from in order to find my equilibrium?

Ten of Cups – You need to reevaluate your relationship with pleasure and what makes you feel complete. What are you searching for that you’re self-medicating to ignore or to only “sorta satisfy”, in the same way that a couple might have a baby in order to try and “fix” their relationship?

4. How can I create space for harmony to thrive and flourish in my mind?

Six of Swords – Start making healthy changes. Although baby steps definitely count, sometimes more than baby steps are needed.

5. Message from the Ancestors.

Knight of Pentacles – It’s okay to take things slow, as long as you keep moving.

DECK USED: ARIADNE’S THREAD TAROT

Identifying Potential

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Today’s meditation was skipped because J showed up just about the time I was lying down and told us we had to go right -then- in order to make the dinner reservations he’d made to use up the expiring gift card his boss gave him.  So yeah.  I went from lying down to meditate, to rushing into a tie and jacket ensemble so we could go eat fancy for free.

Witchy Cat Tarot and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Emperor card, which is traditionally a representation of responsibility, leadership, authority, and making decisions for the greater good.

Again (third day in a row?) the cards of encouragement today are all about expectations.  Specifically, the expectations that we put upon ourselves.  The demanding, perfectionist, even cruel expectations we demand from ourselves.

The thing is?  No matter how much responsibility we have, or how much we need to get done?  There’s always going to be room for improvement.  That doesn’t mean that we’re doing a bad job.  It just means that there’s always room for more growth.   So don’t look at that space we have yet to expand into and improve upon as a flaw.  It’s not a flaw… it’s potential.

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

Mr Lionharts’ #TheOctoberTarot #SeasonoftheWitchChallenge Prompt
Question for October 3rd

Persona 5 TarotEver mind the rule of three, what I send out [a card to represent what you need to focus on this month]

Three of Coins – Teamwork. Working together towards a common goal. As the preparations for the holiday rush start to come underway, it’s important to remember to work together instead of trying to take everything onto my own shoulders.

Through teamwork with L and Z, a great deal more can be accomplished and we can all feel involved in the process.

Comes back to me [draw three cards]

More of a sense of adventure in my work (Le Mat), and less overwhelm (Ten of Wands Rx) throughout the ups and downs that the future holds (La Roue de Fortune).

That teamwork allows me more rest, and more freedom to have fun instead of just slog forward.  There’s no longer a need to flirt with the edges of burnout on a continual basis, and although my enthusiasm is still recovering from the years of abuse doing just that, these cards indicate that I have an opportunity this year by working with L and Z, to get a little of that joy and adventure back.

DECK USED: PERSONA 5 TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsOct2021 Challenge Prompt
Topic: Do Spread #1
Question: How am I going to feel about where I currently live once the condo across the street is finished?

Witchy Cat TarotReading Summary: You’re going to feel like it’s time to move on (Three of Wands), which may not be a bad thing (The Sun) if you can find something that suits you better (Seven of Cups).

Vertical line symmetry between the first and second card connect the concept of moving on with the struggle of finding something suitable to move on to.

Green, lush and warm and absent from the previous two cards is verdant in the Sun card, indicating that if I can find that perfect fit (the color of the cups in the center card matching the sunflowers in the Sun) that joy will then be the result.

Take Away: NOT the fucking answer I wanted to hear damnit.

Something has changed since I asked this question about six months or so ago. Perhaps the plans for the building were adjusted between then and now or something. Whatever has changed, it has shifted the future outcome that was in the previous reading.

In this reading we see a high likelihood that I’m not going to be happy living here anymore once the building across the way is done, and that there will be a great deal of effort in finding something that will suit my needs to transition into.

I fucking hate moving.  I know this place is a bit small for my needs, but I’m not thrilled at the idea of moving. Who knows… maybe there will be further shifts between now and then.  I’ll just have to wait and see… and maybe just keep an eye on the kind of real estate coming available in my area.  You know, just in case.

DECK USED: WITCHY CAT TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I had the most amazing dinner.  Baked garlic and cheese shrimp, a mixed greens salad, medium rare steak tenderloin, twice baked potato, roasted vegetables, and a delicious ice cream cake dessert. Even the bread was spectacular. The food was SO good.  The bill was just a bit over $200, but we ended up paying about $15 each cuz of J’s gift card.  I’m so glad I went.

Self Care Saturday (On a Sunday)

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These Saturday readings are (not usually) bearing in on any one thing or event in my life, as the question used is asking for a more general outlook. This is a self care exercise, and is not meant as a predictive reading… although that, too, happens on occasion.

The question is… What do I need to focus for self-care through the week ahead?

Черное Таро, Oracle of Nightmares, Halloween Oracle

Earth – The Emperor and Imagination – Use your imagination this week to stay on top of things that are your responsibility. A bit of predictive projection about what is to come is not a bad idea right now.

Air – Queen of Wands and Illumination – Be sure that you are staying aware of your inner narratives this week and bringing to light what’s going on inside your head. Make it a focus… even your main focus wouldn’t be a bad idea this week. You need this awareness right now for things to go smoothly later.

Water – Wheel of Fortune and The Shadow – Be aware that with Gid going away soon, you’re going to have a lot of doubts and worries that’ll be running rampant this week. Lots of ups and downs as concerns that are usually not an issue now arise to screw with you emotionally. Keep in mind that this is a reaction to that upcoming vacation and not based in reality.

Fire – Eight of Pentacles and Disquiet – Don’t let restlessness push you into working yourself to death this week. This is very likely your last few days off until the end of December.

Waning – Hearth atop Lady de los Muertos – Be sure that you don’t let the changes going on right now as the transition towards the holiday rush slides into full swing draw you from your sense of comfort and security this week.

Waxing – Jack-O’-Lantern – Shore up on your protections and check your wards. Make sure everything is in place and ready for the “time of inattention” that the holiday rush can cause.

Take Away – I need to take this week to get as much recuperation as I can while I have the chance, and not allow my restlessness for the holiday rush cause me to take for granted this time. There is also a reminder here about staying positive, and staying aware of what’s going on in my head so that I can course correct any negative inner narrative going on instead of allowing it to get out of hand and drag me down.

DECKS USED: ЧЕРНОЕ ТАРО, ORACLE OF NIGHTMARES, HALLOWEEN ORACLE

You’ll Get There

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Today’s meditation was just over ten minutes long and was the fifth installment of the Foundations III series on the Balance app. It was a continuation of the Yoga Nidra technique, which I’ve mentioned before is a favorite of mine.  I’m not noticing a lot of difference between the different installments in this particular technique, but I don’t really mind since I enjoy the body scans.

Tarocco dell'Orror? and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Four of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of dejection, refusal of assistance, contemplative moments, meditation, and feelings of apathy.

Sometimes feelings of apathy come from anxiety.  You stress and worry and over time you feel this sense of disconnect because you just feel like it’s too much.  This is how it happens with me sometimes.  It gets to be too much and I shut down as a defense mechanism.

The problem is, in this “shut down” space? It’s so easy to fall into negativity and pessimistic habits.  It’s so easy to say “this shit just isn’t going to work” and decide to give up and not even try.  This can be especially the case when you feel like the world is trying to beat you down or is picking on you.

Today’s cards are a reminder to not let those feelings win.  To remember that this is temporary, whatever “this” actually may be.  The feelings, the situation, the problem, the trials… it’s temporary.  And you -will- get through it.

DECK USED:  TAROCCO DELL’ORROR? AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

PatriciaWestonWitch’s #wwpwHalloweenLenormand Prompt
Questions for October 1st and 2nd

Night Visions Oracle and Halloween Postcards TarotWhat do I need to sweep out of my life?
Curiosity and Temperance

Now is a time to let your curiosity and eagerness for life to flourish. Sweep away the hesitation and moderation in this area of your life, and let in all the wonder around you to dazzle and spark interest and energy in your life.

What message have my spirit guides for me today?
Temptation atop Message, The Lovers atop The Hierophant

An opportunity to learn something new is coming, and you’ll be very tempted to take them up on the offer when it arrives.

Make sure that you remember not to fill your plate too full and make yourself unhealthy as a result. As tempting as the offer is, consider if it is worth a decline in health and happiness to take that opportunity offered, or if it wouldn’t be better to set it aside and see if it comes back around for you again at a better time in your life.

DECK USED: HALLOWEEN POSTCARDS TAROT

The #EmbraceYourAlterEgo2021 Challenge for Sacred Grounds Tarot Club
Questions for October 1st thru 4th

Tarocco dell'Orror?Who am I?

Four of Coins atop Five of Cups – A pessimist with a fixation on stability and security.

Who is My Alter Ego?

King of Wands atop Six of Wands – Someone constantly driven forward by their passions and willing to lead the way to new and innovative ideas, but requires feedback from others to feel complete.

How do I see myself?

The Hermit atop Queen of Coins atop Seven of Wands – A champion of my own principles and values, with a heavy focus that is based on earthly delights and getting out alone in nature for restoration and replenishment.

How does my Alter Ego see themselves?

Page of Wands – Innovative and imaginative, with tons of great ideas to explore and new things to learn.

DECK USED: TAROCCO DELL’ORROR?

Daily Self Kindness

I let myself skip catching up on blog posts and played with Gideon and a friend in interactive storytelling RP instead.

Morning Bonus Read – Paying Attention

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The prompt for this reading came from one of my Discord servers and is as follows:
“Sometimes we become so busy that we may miss something, and that’s okay. It happens to us all. To help ourselves out, we could always use a moment to double check or give attention to detail.”

Voodoo Playing CardsWhat is something that has been on my mind lately that I have not given enough attention to?

King of Spades atop Queen of Clubs – The constantly cycling thoughts of needing to buckle down with my business and push forward for more growth.

This isn’t about considering doing what these thoughts are nagging me about, but the thoughts themselves and how they effect my outlook and life. By allowing them to constantly cycle through my mind as an inner narrative, they are not inspiring me, but rather they are raising my stress levels and causing anxiety.

Is this something I should tackle now?

Four of Diamonds – Hell yes. You need stability in your life right now, and these thoughts are highly destabilizing.

How could I tackle this now, if I need to?

Nine of Clubs atop Queen of Hearts – Set boundaries for yourself that address these thoughts, and ensure self kindness is being protected and prioritized.

How can I accommodate paying more attention to detail into my day today?

Ten of Hearts – Look at all you have and connect with what (and who) makes you happy. Practice gratitude for all of the love you have in your life.

Bonus: What is your favorite warm drink that brings comfort?

Hot chocolate with mini marshmallows. Not the kind made with water, but warm milk heated in a pan with Nesquik powder.

DECK USED: VOODOO PLAYING CARDS

Lowering Expectations

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Today’s meditation was skipped again cuz I overslept just a bit so I didn’t get on the road as early as I wanted to. I probably could have benefited from a bit of meditation tho before driving. I’ll remember that for next time.  That extra fifteen minutes in the house might be worth it if it helps my stress levels on the road.

Tarot Noir and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Five of Coins, which is traditionally a representation of financial disparity, scarcity issues, and other struggles, strife, trials, and tests in the area of one’s finances, resources, health, home, and manifestations.

The Thera-Pets card combined with the Five of Coins is all about doing what you can… and not pushing for more.  This is something that I had to learn financially last year, when the pandemic first hit and I lost all of my jobs except one.  I went from five part-time jobs and a thriving home business… to one part-time job and a home business that was doing well, but not growing as it had previously.  (Hard to grow a business selling pretty things when people don’t have money to buy pretty things, yeah?)

I had to make adjustments.  I had to lower my mortgage payment, and I had to lower my expectations of how long it would be before I could pay off my place.  I had to make spending adjustments, and shift the priorities concerning where money went, where I spent my money, and what got paid.

This was hugely stressful, and something that a lot of people went through when the pandemic hit. Unlike many people, I didn’t qualify for financial assistance.  I had to accept that… I’m not going to be able to do everything I wanted to do in the time table that I wanted to get it done in.   And that I could only do… what I can do.

Lowering expectations, especially expectations we place on ourselves is hard.  But no harder than the beating we give ourselves by keeping those expectations high and missing the mark.  So the message in today’s cards?  Make sure that your expectations that you set for yourself are realistic, then knock them back just a notch more, because they aren’t realistic and they aren’t reasonable, even if you think they are.

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

Mr Lionharts’ #TheOctoberTarot #SeasonoftheWitchChallenge Prompt
Questions for October 1st and 2nd

Creepy TarotAs above, so below, what will Samhain reap…

The closer you get to Samhain, the faster things are going to move, and the more control you’re going to be exerting (The Chariot) on making sure the things that you want to get done to be carried forward are getting done (Seven of Wands).

With a holiday rush right around the corner at this time, what we see here is a pick up in speed and the tenacity to plow through obstacles that might be in the way.

or sow?

Togetherness and teamwork with a jovial tone (Three of Cups) towards the goals we’ve set out as the three of us prepare and adjust for (Page of Wands) what will come in the days after Samhain.

Not more than a week after Samhain, the holiday rush will begin. As L, Z, and I slip in to the last minute preparation for the holiday rush, togetherness will be a key element in those preparations.

From today until Samhain, show me how it will begin.

Controlled chaos (King of Wands and Wheel of Fortune), and confidence (The Magician).

Over the month, these are the elements in life that will begin to pick up speed and strength. As more energy is poured into them, they will grow in strength and purpose.

DECK USED: CREEPY TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsOct2021 Challenge Prompt
Questions for October 1st and 2nd

Tarot NoirWhat is my relationship with my ancestors / ancestry at this time?

Nine of Coins atop Seven of Coins – You haven’t been given any real opportunity to explore your ancestry and ancestors. You’ve not really found this to be a hardship thus far, although there have been times your curiosity has been piqued.

That said, you have a good deal of skill in divination techniques that you’ve developed over a long period of time. Although there are many different avenues of exploration available, you’re happy to contact your ancestors through divination work, and be content with this method.

How can I improve my relationship with my ancestors?

Nine of Wands atop Le Diable – Use your addiction to your advantage in this area, but make sure that you’re setting up good boundaries in order to protect yourself and what you hold dear.

This is an encouragement to keep going with your efforts to contact and communicate with your ancestors through divination, and most specifically, the cards. But they are also a reminder that you need to make sure you have protections in place while doing so.

DECK USED: TAROT NOIR

Daily Self Kindness

I gave myself credit for doing a good job on my paperwork perfectly today when I went over the border and came back. Some of the paperwork is quite complicated and can be hard to get right, but I nailed it on the first try!