tarot for self care

Second Harvest 2026 – Autumn Equinox

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Today is the Autumn Equinox.  This is considered by many to be the first day of Autumn, and is one of only two moments in the year when the sun is exactly above the Equator, and thus day and night are of equal length.  Like Halloween is a time when the veil between the land of the living and the realm of the dead is thin, this holiday (as well as its cross-point in the spring) are times when the veil between our world and that of the Fae is at is thinnest… and it is when I personally experience more interactions with them than any other time of year.

Mabon, the Second Harvest

In my path, the Autumn Equinox is also known as the Second Harvest (also called Mabon), and is a day that marks the transition of the growing season into full harvest.  After this day, the darkness of night begins to overtake the sun’s reign in the sky as the days continue to grow shorter and shorter, and the nights longer and longer. The earth is winding down its abundant generosity and beginning to close up shop for the year.

Like with new moons and full moons, I usually do a spread to check in with myself and give myself some direction for the next couple of months for each solstice, equinox, and other Sabbats. This reading’s focus is about progress and my path. The time period for this reading reaches through the next handful of weeks until the celebration of the upcoming third and Last Harvest of the year (aka. Samhain, Halloween) at the end of October. Spread by @onyerbroom

Mabon Oracle Reading with the Seasons of the Witch Mabon Oracle

Area Ripening – Harvest Moon

You have done well at finding a more moderate pace for yourself and tamping down on your unreasonable expectations concerning performance and perfection. As the fall season progresses towards winter, these new self restraints and efforts towards moderation will come with extra challenges.

Notice how you are utilizing your mindset and time to create this balance, so that you can use these tools later on when they are needed most. Make sure that you are tapping into those tools and that part of yourself that is in need of a slower pace so that you don’t overdo it during these times.

Needs Gathering – Coven

Don’t forget that you are not alone. You are connected to others who are eager to be there for you and help when you need it.

Make sure that you are staying connected with these people and appreciative of their efforts and their offers. In doing so, you continue to hold them near you even when you don’t necessarily need the help… so that they are there when you actually do.

Must Tend To – Campfire

Communication is extremely important at this time of year, letting people know not only that you are going to need them in the season ahead that is coming, but building the connections needed to make sure that they will be available to you when you ask.

Make sure that you are expressing your needs, including the future ones to come. In doing so you are giving those you love a heads up. Do not look at this as demanding their time on or inconveniencing them. Instead, tap into your awareness that they actually -want- to help and are looking for an excuse to join you.

Season Ahead – Tea Magick

There are a lot of hidden “magics” in your life that help to keep you healthy and happy throughout the year. When you ignore these tools that are embedded into your life in the day to day, you neglect important parts of yourself that you don’t even notice are flagging until it’s too late.

Make sure that you are drinking your tea, doing your meditation, and otherwise taking care of yourself so that you will stay strong and healthy as you move forward.

Other elements included in this reading:
Goat Figure as Sympathetic Representation of Amalthea
Foraged Parmeliaceae Lichen for a “Breath of Fresh Air”
Japanese Cherry Leaf as a Reminder of Life’s Fleeting Moments
Desert Rose for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECKS USED: SEASONS OF THE WITCH MABON ORACLE

Hope; The Motivator

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Gendron Tarot's Star card and the Oak card from the Listening to Flowers deck

Today’s draw is The Star card, which is traditionally a representation of hope, faith, and the connecting of spirituality to the various aspects of our lives.

The Star card has then been combined with the Oak card from the Listening to Flowers Cards, which says, “I listened to my body and take time for replenishment. My power is restored through moments of rest. I am capable, strong, and resilient.”

I believe that hope is one of humanity’s greatest strengths. It bolsters us in mind, body, and spirit even in the most hopeless of times. It is indomitable, still glimmering (if dimly) in our darkest moments. Even when we deny its existence, it still lingers, sparking to life at the slightest opportunity.

The message in today’s Star card and Oak card is a reminder that when we need to rest, it’s hope that nourishes us and makes that rest okay. It’s hope that tells us we can take a break, and that encourages our recovery back to strength.

This message encourages us to welcome hope into our lives and allow it to thrive. In doing so, the spark of life and impulse to thrive will continue to persevere within our spirit no matter how hard things are or how tough they may become.

DECKS USED:  GENDRON TAROT AND LISTENING TO FLOWERS CARDS

One Card Tarot Journal Activity by @mariasofia_astro
Chapter 1 | Entry 12 – Self-Care and Personal Development
Affirmation : “I am kind to myself and what I see in myself and what I don’t.“
Prompt : What talent or trait, hidden or overt, is the card you draw telling you that you have, but don’t fully understand or appreciate?

Tarot Activity from The One Card a Day Journal by Maria Sofia Marmanides - Skyrim Tarot The Elder Scrolls V - The Hanged Man

What feelings came up when I pulled this card?

A touch of puzzlement, indicating that the answer in this card is based less on an intuitive approach, and more in leaning into the practical. A “thinking” answer, rather than a feeling one.

What elements of the card’s meaning resonate with me and this prompt?

The Hanged Man is my life card, and I’ve spent a good deal of time studying it and its themes.

I feel in this case that it speaks of the pause between experience and action. The Hanged Man teaches us that this pause is important, filled with the time needed to see beyond our own perspectives and assumptions prior to acting or reacting.

This quality is where I think that this card is leading me today.

What in the artwork spoke to me?

although the figure in this card is upside down, he doesn’t at all look like he’s hanging. It looks more like a moment in the where this figure is about to charge into battle; a moment frozen and turned upside down.

My prompt response and reflections.

I feel like I used to be better at this pause. I feel that as I have begun exploring my emotions more and more, that this pause doesn’t come as easily and gets tossed aside too often.

The answer in this prompt is that perhaps it’s time to refamiliarize myself with this pause, and get back into practice with it.

Other elements included in this reading:
Blue Lace Agate D20 and D6 Dice

DECK USED: SKYRIM TAROT ELDER SCROLLS V

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2026 Challenge
Prompt for September 20th : Do the Second Harvest Spread

Second Harvest Tarot Reading with the Gendron Tarot

Amber – Where do I need to work on my emotions to create more balance in my life?

Two of Pentacles – More silliness, less seriousness and responsibility weighing you down. Balance is best created when there is a good blend of both. Try leaning into silliness and smiles more often, even during serious times.

Cedar – How can I use my present day fortitude to strengthen my future protection

The World Rx – Stop looking at the end goal as the prize. You should be focusing on the present and your current experiences. The future will take care of itself.

Marigold – Where should I focus on my health in order to develop a happier outlook?

The Lovers – Developing a happier (and healthier) outlook is rooted in connecting with what is right for you. Let go of those things that don’t resonate and hold onto the ones that do.

Walnut – How can I be more discerning in picking positive friendships?

Six of Wands Rx – Seek out those eager to please you, instead of those that create a need within you to cater to them and what they want.

Sapphire – How can I best discern between logical thought and true wisdom?

Ten of Swords Rx – If your brain is saying you can’t do something, naysaying, or holding you back from what you truly want, then the wisdom lies in listening to those wants and needs, not the negative voice trying to tell you that you can’t.

Yarrow – How can I move from a place of trauma into a place of healing?

The Moon Rx – Stop allowing your fears of the unknown steer the ship.

Other elements included in this reading:
Gneiss Stone for Patience in Moments of Discomfort
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: GENDRON TAROT
Daily Self Kindness

This is a catch up post, and I’m not entirely sure what the self kindness was for this day.

❤️ 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?

Self Care Saturday Tarot Reading with the Green Menagerie Tarot and Dawag Lenormand

Earth – The High Priestess – Follow your gut. If it doesn’t feel right, then don’t do it, no matter how tempting it may be. Not following your gut undermines your connection with your intuition, so listen and take to heart what it says instead of just hearing its message.

Air – Ace of Pentacles atop Six of Cups – If you want to attempt reconciliation, now’s the time. Buy some flowers and go for a visit. Communicate openly and make an effort. The channels of communication are open and receptive.

Water – Three of Wands – Reconciliation isn’t the only opportunity available to you this week if you’re willing to step up and take a plunge. It really depends on what you want out of the situations you find yourself in.

Fire – Queen of Pentacles – Make sure to focus upon the things that can offer growth, stability, and sustainability. There’s no point in jumping on an opportunity that will just weigh you down and take too much out of you to sustain and grow.

Waning – Bouquet and Coffin – Don’t allow people you don’t trust that you’ve cut out of your life to “butter you up” with gifts or ideas. There’s no boon there for you, no matter how pretty a ribbon they tie around it.

Waxing – Stork and Ring – This isn’t to say there isn’t good stuff poised to land on your doorstep, just be careful who you trust to keep their promises.

Take Away – Lots of opportunities coming your way this week from potential reconciliation to opportunities to seize upon wants and desires. Keep in mind when making decisions that sustainability is going to be a key factor, and that even above that is your gut’s reaction. If you gut says no… the answer is no. Even if you can’t reason out why.

DECKS USED: THE GREEN MENAGERIE TAROT AND DAWAG LENORMAND

Unconditional Love

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Today’s meditation was a six minute #DailyTrip session from the @Calm.

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Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Grimalkin Tarot - Ten of Cups and a card from The Nourished Heart Oracle

Today’s draw is the Ten of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of feelings of completion, connection with others and harmony in those connections, and is often considered as the “happy family” card.

The Ten of Cups has then been combined with the Shame card from The Nourished Heart Oracle, which says, “Shame tells me I’m unworthy of love and belonging.”

When you build a life filled with love, there is no room for shame. When you have unconditional love in your life, there is nowhere for shame to grow.

Because shame is a feeling of being unworthy of love and belonging, once you have a life filled with unconditional love, that acceptance steals the air out of shame’s lungs, leaving it with nowhere to take root.

This is why it’s important to have values and mores that aren’t based on the judgements of others, but upon your own moral compass. When you know in your gut what is right and wrong for you, there is no need for shame. Not to control your own actions, nor to provide guidance in right and wrong.

The message in today’s Ten of Cups and affirmation card is a reminder that fear of losing those you love due to one’s mistakes is a sign that your are not being loved unconditionally. These cards encourage us to seek out those who do love us unconditionally, and build our lives with those people at its center. In doing so, we create a much happier life not just for ourselves it for them as well.

DECKS USED:  THE GRIMALKIN TAROT AND THE NOURISHED HEART ORACLE

September Prompts by @forgotten.dumpling & @ml.mecham
Prompt for September 20th : meet me at the wrack line

Creative Writing with the Cute Black Cat Playing Cards

we met at the beach
and sat upon the sand
(Four of Spades)
discussing our worries and fears
(Nine of Spades)
as the sunrise douses the land
(Two of Hearts)
and as early morning rays of hope
spark a new day clear
(Ace of Clubs)
we build a sandcastle on the beach
(Eight of Diamonds)
and filled it with out tears
(Three of Spades)
until the tide comes in
(Ace of Hearts)
and washes them all away
then we rinse our hands of sand
(Eight of Hearts)
ready to begin the day
(Jack of Clubs)

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Parmeliaceae Lichen for a “Breath of Fresh Air”
Pressed Pansy Flower for Hearing the Heart More Clearly
Rose Quartz for Gentle Kindness to Self and Others
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: THE CUTE BLACK CAT PLAYING CARDS

@jourie.co‘s An Imaginative Life Journal Prompts
Prompts for September 20th and 21st

Tarot Reading from The Grimalkin Tarot

If you kept only three priorities, what would they be?

Four of Swords – Rest and Recovery

Allowing yourself to rest when you need it, without guilt, and using that time for reflection on how things went, where they’re going, and recovery needed.

Two of Pentacles – Balance

Understanding and aligning with balance as movement instead of as stagnancy. Prioritizing movement and rest, work and play, solitude and socialization in ways that allow for both to have the room and space they need when it is needed.

Knight of Pentacles – Slow and Sustainable Progress

Less stress on speed and perfection, more weight given to the steady and sustainable progress that moves you toward your goals. Less impatience and more depth.

What would you choose if no one were watching?

Nine of Wands and Eight of Wands – Violence

Let’s be clear… there are very good reasons why I have considered at times if I might have sociopathic tendencies. I cannot honestly say I haven’t been genuinely tempted to commit homicide and other violent crimes. Even plotted a few of them. I write it up to the creativity of my writing and roleplay, but there are times that I wonder if that’s truly accurate.

Fortunately, I have the good sense not to act on these thoughts. I can’t say for sure, though, that if it was guaranteed no one were watching and I could get away with them without consequences that this would still hold true.

Other elements included in this reading:
Black Spruce Needles to Boost Self-Confidence and Positive Thinking
Dried Rosebuds for Potential and Beauty Waiting to Unfold
Dried Purple Heather Flowers for Independence and Luck
Norway Maple Key for Fostering Strength and Resilience
Foraged Parmeliaceae Lichen for a “Breath of Fresh Air”
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: THE GRIMALKIN TAROT
Daily Self Kindness

This is a catch up post, and I’m not entirely sure what the self kindness was for this day.

Opportunity Within Unpredictability

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

•    •    •    ◈    •    🌾    •    ◈    •    •    •

Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Tarocchi di Giulietta e Romeo Shakespeare Tarot's Six of Swords and a card from the Mindfulness Cards

Today’s draw is the Six of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of leaving the past in the past, moving on, letting go in order to welcome in something better, and transitions towards something better.

The Six of Swords has then been combined with the What Will Happen Next? card from the Mindfulness Cards, which says, “Asking ‘What will happen next?’ can be very powerful. Just by inviting the question, we prime our minds to be on the lookout, like a cat, waiting at a hole for the mouse to come out.”

Just because life is unpredictable doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take chances or hold back from moving onto new challenges. It is in the unpredictability of life we find both our greatest trials and most valued experiences.

This Six of Swords tells the story of Hamlet’s exile, and how he was saved from the death that awaited him on other shores by the Danes that attacked the vessel he was on. He had expected to be taken to his death, but instead was unexpectedly saved and thus given the opportunity to seek retribution upon his enemies.

The message in today’s Six of Swords and affirmation card is a reminder that the unpredictability of life is a good thing, and encourages us to charge forth with eagerness rather than diminishing ourselves and our opportunities by shrinking back in fear.

DECKS USED:  TAROCCHI DI GIULIETTA E ROMEO SHAKESPEARE TAROT AND MINDFULNESS CARDS

September Prompts by @forgotten.dumpling & @ml.mecham
Prompt for September 17th : tuning in to moss and magic

Creative Writing and Cartomancy with the Sacred Spring Playing Cards

lie down within the forest
on a bed of softest moss
(Four of Spades)
close your eyes to the world
and breathe deep
(Nine of Hearts)
let your tension slowly ease
as you listen to the trees
(Three of Hearts)
allow your energy to seep
into soil to tangle
with roots and mycelium
then, rested and rooted
(Four of Diamonds)
open your eyes
to take in the magic of nature
(Ace of Clubs)
immersed within the soft green cradle
of her touch
(Queen of Hearts)

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Parmeliaceae Lichen for a “Breath of Fresh Air”
Rainforest Rhyolite for Facilitating Calm Transitions
Desert Rose for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: SACRED SPRING PLAYING CARDS

@lightningwildflower‘s September Self-Talk Challenge
Prompt for September 18th through 20th

Oracle Reading with The Shakespeare Oracle

Mercury opposite Saturn – Where am I being asked to take responsibility for my actions?

Insect / Martius

When you are being reactive and mercurial.

It happens to us all. It’s okay to call yourself up short when you catch yourself falling into this pattern, then owning the behavior and apologizing for it.

It shows greater character than if you refuse to acknowledge or apologize and make it “someone else’s problem) rather than taking ownership of the situation and behavior.

Boundary – What is a line I’m not willing to cross?

Ghost Characters / Lady Macbeth

You are unwilling to allow others to set you aside and forget about you. Although you are often willing to go to great lengths for those you love, you are unwilling to let them completely disregard you and your own needs. You are not a doormat, but require them to respect your boundaries and your own needs.

Honesty – What truth do I need to tell myself gently but firmly?

Contest / Bassanio and Portia

There is sneaky shit going on and it’s important to make sure that you are paying attention; not to what is being said, but to the actions of both yourself and those around you. Words are just words. Look for the inconsistency between words and actions to ensure you head trouble off at the pass.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Oak Branch with Moss and Lichen for Perseverance
Green Aventurine for Harmony and Balance of the Heart
Moss Agate for Attracting Opportunities for Growth
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: THE SHAKESPEARE ORACLE

September Prompts by @forgotten.dumpling & @ml.mecham
Prompt for September 18th : thunder rusted my spine

Creative Writing and Cartomancy with the Art of Nature Beetles Playing Cards

at the moment of impact
there is no sound
only shock as breath
leaves body
(Five of Diamonds atop Five of Spades)

and the sensation
of walking on bubble wrap
within the bones
(Nine of Spades)

movement, fast and chaotic
seems to go on forever
(Eight of Clubs)

and then death-like stillness
takes hold
(Four of Diamonds)

It’s only in the memories
that silence broken
as the rumble of thunder
breaks spine and bones
(Ten of Spades atop Six of Hearts)

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Parmeliaceae Lichen for a “Breath of Fresh Air”
Dried Red Maple Leaf for Adaptability and Connection
Norway Maple Key for Fostering Strength and Resilience
Calcite w/ Conichalcite for Amplifying Intuitive Messages
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: ART OF NATURE BEETLES PLAYING CARDS

@jourie.co‘s An Imaginative Life Journal Prompts
Prompt for September 17th : What deserves a clear no?

Tarot Reading with the Tarocchi di Giulietta e Romeo Shakespeare Tarot

Reading Summary: Watch out for the one who comes to you with a new idea (Ace of Swords) on how to grow your wealth and stability (Page of Coins). They are eager, but have no idea what they are talking about, no matter how knowledgeable they may seem (Knight of Swords).

Take Away: I wasn’t expecting this to be a predictive reading, but I’ll definitely be taking the warning to heart all the same.

The warning here is to make sure I say “NO” clearly and without room for argument when the next “get rich quick” or “easy money” scheme comes my way… no matter who it comes from, how knowledgeable they seem, or how good of an idea it sounds like.

Don’t get caught up in the excitement. Say no.

Other elements included in this reading:
Bronze Compass Rose for Seeking Directional Guidance
Black Spruce Needles to Boost Self-Confidence and Positive Thinking
Dried Rosebuds for Potential and Beauty Waiting to Unfold
Dried Purple Heather Flowers for Independence and Luck
Flower Agate Moon for Opening the Mind to New Possibilities
Desert Rose for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: TAROCCHI DI GIULIETTA E ROMEO SHAKESPEARE TAROT
Daily Self Kindness

I cancelled today’s dentist appointment and had them put me on the call list for some time in the near future instead.

The Purpose You Serve

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

•    •    •    ◈    •    🌾    •    ◈    •    •    •

Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

The Golden Tarot's Nine of Pentacles and a card from the Crone Power Oracle and Affirmation Deck

Today’s draw is the Nine of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of solitary satisfaction, a job well done, self-sufficiency, abundance, financial independence, and luxury earned through hard work

The Nine of Pentacles has then been combined with a card from the Crone Power Oracle and Affirmation Cards, which says, “I am serving. My being supports myself and others.”

In the grip of my depression, it can be hard to see that my presence in others lives serves a purpose. At these times I feel like a burden weighing others down, or even that I’m harming them.

It’s these thoughts more than any others that used to (prior to finally getting on a medication that works) pave the way to suicidal ideation. The idea that I am worthless, that I serve no purpose, that I’m hurting the ones I care about; these thoughts and feelings made it feel impossible that I should go on living and breathing.

Here’s the thing, though. If any of that was actually true? These people wouldn’t be a part of my life to begin with. They would have moved on instead of sticking around.

Now, when these thoughts crop up (which they still do during deep depression, even without the suicidal thoughts attached) I remind myself that the people that love and care about me are a curated collection of those that feel I matter. They don’t want or need free of my sphere of influence, but instead desire more time with me. Not less.

The message in today’s Nine of Pentacles and affirmation card is a reminder that those who love you do not see you as you see yourself… especially during times of depression. They don’t see someone who is a burden or that they don’t want to be around. These perceptions are the lies depression whispers in your ear; not fact.

DECKS USED:  LIZ DEAN’S THE GOLDEN TAROT (heavily trimmed) AND CRONE POWER ORACLE AND AFFIRMATION CARDS

September Prompts by @forgotten.dumpling & @ml.mecham
Prompt for September 16th : smudged watercolours

Cartomancy and Creative Writing with the Fungi, Mushrooms & Lichens Playing Cards

you reach for me
(King of Hearts atop Three of Diamonds)
in a moment of passion
(Two of Hearts)
and intensity
sparks a fire within us both
(Ace of Clubs)

and as laughter fills the room
you crowd in close
(Three of Hearts)
while brushes scatter
and rinse water spills,
work falling to the wayside
smudged and forgotten
(Five of Diamonds)
as pleasure steals the day away
(Ten of Hearts)

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Cedar Bundle for Protection from Negative Influences
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: FUNGI, MUSHROOM & LICHENS PLAYING CARDS

@jourie.co‘s An Imaginative Life Journal Prompts
Prompt for September 16th and 17th

Tarot Reading with The Golden Tarot by Liz Dean

Reassessment – What is an assumption I’ve made that I need to reassess?

Queen of Cups Rx and Ace of Swords

Not everyone you get into conflict with necessarily wants to work things out. Sometimes it’s better to just let it be. By seeking closure and opening up communication, you just open yourself up to more abuse, as there’s no true opportunity here for reconciliation or closure.

Strength – How have I demonstrated my inner strength recently?

Queen of Pentacles and King of Cups Rx

You haven’t allowed emotional instability to create instability in other parts of your life of late. Often, when you emotions feel like they are in upheaval, you try to self medicate with destructive tendencies. Lately though, you’ve been able to keep that part of the cycle at bay.

Other elements included in this reading:
Bird Figurine for Encouraging Hope, Positivity, and Renewal
Dried Rosebuds for Potential and Beauty Waiting to Unfold
River Rock for Resilience within Life’s Flow
Rose Quartz for Gentle Kindness to Self and Others
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: LIZ DEAN’S THE GOLDEN TAROT (heavily trimmed)
Daily Self Kindness

I’m so tired, and I’m going to bed early tonight.