tarot for self care

Percolating is Not a Dry Spell

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IMG_5404Today’s meditation was just over ten minutes long, and I chose to do a guided meditation today that focused on a method of using “volume control” as a way of quieting one’s mind during meditation, instead of shoving thoughts away or trying to reject or ignore them.

Sometimes brute force just isn’t the way to get what you want, and that can include when dealing with your own mind and ability to concentrate.  This meditation was a walk through on allowing thoughts to flit through, but turning down the “volume” on these thoughts until they move from shouting, to talking, then to murmuring, and finally to a quiet whisper in the background.

Women of Science TarotToday’s draw is the Nebula card, which comes from the oracle side of this deck’s cards. Scientifically, a nebula is a cloud-like substance in space made up of the death of old stars combined with gasses and other matter.  This essence is then where the birth of new stars take place, recycling old supernova remnants and other elements to give birth to something new.

I very much liked the line in the guide for this deck that speaks of this card being a reminder that before things can manifest into reality, they exist in a space of creative possibility and potential.

What stands out to me the strongest in the imagery of this card today is the eggs, which also speaks of possibility and potential.  Like the thought experiment of Schrodinger’s Cat, as long as the shell remains unbroken, there are infinite possibilities that lie within.  I also have a small draw to the volcano’s explosion in the background, which speaks to me of the explosive quality that creativity and manifestation can sometimes take on.

The message in this card today is about embracing one’s creative nature. Even in times when you are not actively creating, the potential is there and there continues to be “workings” going on in the mind deep beneath the subconscious.  Dry spells are not dry spells… they are times of subconscious percolation.

DECK USED:  COSMOS TAROT AND ORACLE

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2020 Challenge Prompt
Question:  What issue should I wait on and avoid dealing with at this time?

Albano Waite TarotReading Summary: Don’t worry about stealin’ assholes right now (Seven of Swords). Whatever damage was going to be done, has been done now, so just focus on your emotional growth (Ace of Cups) and do your work (Two of Pentacles).

Take Away:  I’ve had so many warnings lately about sharing my inspired ideas and projects with others, that I’ve lost track of just how many warnings there has been.

The issue that I need to deal with later on has to do with the fact that I have either managed to avert this issue… or I’ve already fucked up and the fallout will come later on. For now, I need to focus on carrying on with carrying on as I have been.

DECK USED:  ALBANO WAITE TAROT

#OwlandBonesJuly Challenge by Owl and Bones Tarot
Topic:  resist // rise up // revise

Veleda Woods Tarot

The message in these cards is not mine and does not fit my life. I had the feeling when I was pulling these cards, that this message is not for me. I don’t know who it is for… but perhaps it will resonate with someone in the different places that it is shared, or perhaps the intended recipient will stumble upon it by chance.

Resist – Nine of Cups – Conformity.  This interpretation is not about the 9 of Cups, but about the imagery on the card. Individuality is important.  Do not be one of the many, but take a leap through the door and allow yourself to be unique.  Conforming to the values of others and marching to their drum instead of thinking (and feeling) for yourself is not the answer.

Rise up – Guardian of Cups – The narrative you are given needs one’s heart and intuition to discern and dissect.  Instead of listening to what is being said, listen to what is not said which lies beneath the surface.  Listen to the emotions.  Do not allow those with ulterior motives based in negative emotions to carry you away with their narrative.

Revise – Ranger of Wands – Your outlook needs examining.  You take after your passions and those things you feel deeply about with zeal and power pushing you forward, but are you going in the right direction? You need to examine what lies beneath that drive to move forward and push against… that drive that keeps you going.  Make sure that what lies beneath is good and pure… not polluted by other’s narrative or your desire to “fit in”.

Take Away – If you have read this reading and it resonates with you… it is time to do some soul searching , and some close examination of the motivations that drive not just you… but those around you as well.  What undercurrents of emotion are truly driving those you follow, admire and listen to? Deep down, why do you choose to follow them in turn?  It’s time to reflect upon these questions.

DECK USED:  VELEDA WOODS TAROT

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question:  When am I creatively true to myself?

Wheel of the Year Tarot

Reading Summary: When I allow things to develop at their own pace (Seven of Pentacles), and don’t allow myself to become overburdened (Ten of Wands) or listen to much to my negative in her narrative (Queen of Swords).

Take Away:  The cards here indicate that you can’t “force” creativity either through expectation or through negative enforcement.  Creativity has to come through positive reinforcement and patience, allowing that spark to come alive and develop slowly over time.  The trip to manifestation is only the end result… the full process is beneath the surface and only begins to come into conscious awareness when it’s ready to be seen.

DECK USED:  WHEEL OF THE YEAR TAROT

New Moon in Cancer – July 2020

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New Moon in Cancer Tarot Reading July 2020

Yesterday was 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.

1. How can I bring more balance to my home?

Queen of Pentacles – Be a more approachable “authority figure” in my home.  Authority figure isn’t really the right term, but I’m also not really a fan of the term “provider”.  But what it comes down to is being more approachable.  Less stiff and stringent. You can hold things together and keep things on track without holding yourself apart.

2. What old family beliefs need to be healed?

Queen of Wands – You have to be “on” all the time.  Always moving forward, always heading towards goals that are set and just beyond your reach like a carrot that dangles before the jackass.  These goals are passions, but they are always unobtainable other than through hard work and staying on task.  Like a queen on a throne you strive to please but will never truly touch.

3. What old family patterns need examining?

Ten of Swords and Five of Cups – Neglect breeding a feeling of defeat. It’s time to consider you just are not going to get the nurturing you need from those you would expect to get it from.  It’s okay to outsource that nurturing and guidance into other areas of your life and other trusted resources… you do not have to be bereft.

4. How can I be a more impactful community member?

The Hierophant – You’re on that track.  Just keep doing what you love concerning the communities you choose to be a part of.  Guide others to finding the path that is right for them, and learn from them in turn on ways to improve yourself.  You can’t teach without learning along the way, and in this small way you send ripples out into the world that helps make your community and the world a better place… just one tiny bit at a time.

DECK USED:  THE ANIMISM TAROT

Standing Tall

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Today’s meditation was… not as long or as relaxing as I would have liked. It’s just too hot for my tastes.   I has to turn the AC off for a bit in the bedroom to get a little peace from the constant grating of the AC’s sound vibrating under my skin.  It just… ugh.   And with the AC off, the room got hot fast.  Thus I found myself uncomfortable in an entirely different way.

Herbcrafter's TarotToday’s draw is the Adelita of Fire (Knight of Wands) which is traditionally a representation of an active beta energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s drives and ambitions, passions and inspiration.

Funny enough (although maybe not entirely surprising considering what I do for a living) what stood out to me the strongest in the imagery of this card today is the bracelet on the wrist of the one wielding the mortar and pestle.

I see flair in that bracelet.  A boldness and fierce brightness of color that only someone with flair and the strong spark of a passionate nature can pull off.  It fits well with the boldness of a Knight’s active energy and the spark of the fire suit.   In the same vein, so does the representation of Cayenne used in this card.

Cayenne is a decongestant, an antibacterial, an anti-irritant, and an anti-inflammatory circulatory stimulant. It’s medicinal uses are known world wide, and are extremely diverse. Metaphysically it’s uses often lean more towards the love and passion side of things, and it is also useful in protection spells as well as promoting courage.

The message in this card today is about the courage of being bold and being yourself.  Sometimes everyone has self doubts, and that includes me.  Awkwardness creeps in and you find yourself hesitating and feeling a bit “off”.   With a hint of the drop niggling at my core, that vulnerability can create that hesitation in doubt in myself… and the message in this card coming up today is to not allow that niggling to drag me down and under into a place where I feel the need to retreat or put on a mask of invulnerability.

Instead… Stand tall. Be yourself.  Be bold.

DECK USED:  HERBCRAFTER’S TAROT

#TarotForGrowthJuly Challenge Prompt
Topic:  I’m so overwhelmed.
Question:  How does over-commitment impact my mental health?

Tarot Maddonni

Reading Summary: More “acting out” concerning my addictions (Le Diable). Less able to accept stabilizing comfort from Gideon (King of Cups Rx). Less joy and enjoyment in life (The Sun in reference to how tired and un-enthused the face of the sun appears).

Take Away:  Over-commitment breeds a need for escapism, self destructive tendencies, and self-soothing in unhealthy ways.  Instead of seeking soothing from healthy sources, the sense of overwhelm creates a tendency to close myself off from those healthy outlets and has me seeking out unhealthy ones instead.  It also creates burnout, which causes an overall lack of enthusiasm for… well, just about damned near everything.

DECK USED:  TAROT MADDONNI

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: What do I need to focus on for self-care for this new moon?

Way of the Panda TarotReading Summary:Remember that the good stuff takes time to develop and don’t get all defensive or up in arms if that growth takes longer than you think it should (Seven of Swords).  You may have others clamoring for you to share the wealth (Six of Pentacles) but now is not the time (Seven of Swords).

[Note the presence of a star even within the imagery of the Sword card, tying it into the theme of the Pentacle cards.]

Take Away:  This is another warning to “stay in my lane” and focus on long term benefits at this time in my life. The new moon is a good time to start new things, and to turn things around and start anew.   The cards here indicate that what I need to start anew is the “long term” perspective concerning my goals and ambitions concerning my security and stability of health and home.  Be the miser and take this time to foster growth.

DECK USED:  WAY OF THE PANDA TAROT

#OwlandBonesJuly Challenge by Owl and Bones Tarot
Topic:  new moon in cancer:  look back // lay the foundation // look ahead

Tarotbot Tarot

Nine of Wands – Look back at the time I took off and how it lightened my feeling of burden. Keep this in mind and make sure that I use that experience to encourage further times of rest, bolstering me so that I can move forward again with my strength renewed.

Knight of Wands – Lay the foundation for the holiday rush. It’s time to start looking at what needs preparation so that when the time comes, I’m ready to surge forward into it.

Queen of Swords – Look ahead at making wise decisions that will allow for growth rather than focusing on negative inner dialogue that creates road blocks and inner strife.

DECK USED:  TAROTBOT TAROT

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question:  How does a creative blockage feel?

Karma TarotReading Summary: Like my synergy (Three of Cups) to my inner fire (Ace of Wands) and ability to manifest (Lilith) are being blocked (Rx of the Three of Cups), and that this is then standing in the way to any kind of emotional fulfillment (Ten of Cups) that I would usually get from creative pursuits.

Take Away:  I garner a sensation of emotional fulfillment when I am deep within my creative process and bringing to reality the combination of my inner spark’s passion combined with the ideas in my mind.  This process of manifestation is joyous and when there is a creative block in play, it feels as if all of the synergy and coordination between these different aspects of myself is out of whack.

DECK USED:  KARMA TAROT

Healthy Seeds… Healthy Growth

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Today’s meditation was ten minutes long and one of the harp chord meditations with chimes that delineate the different positions of my piriformis stretches.  I’m sore still from having skipped one of my physio practices, so it was a good stretch and a good meditation, if a little difficult to hold my position for as long as each one needed to be held for.

Cosmos Tarot and OracleToday’s draw is the Two of Fire (Two of Wands) which is traditionally about making  decisions and plans, and plotting progress in concern to one’s drives, desires, and those things that strike at one’s interests and inspirational spark.

What caught my attention the strongest in the imagery of this card today are the seeds that the spirit above spreads, and how they glow in the night as they fall.

I was also very much drawn to noticing the key words on this card, and I have to admit that incubation and pregnancy are an interesting take on the Two of Wands.  They gave me pause and made me think  But, I see it. And I like it. Two of Wands has to do with preparation and potential concerning one’s drive and passions.  And what represents all of these things more than pregnancy and the potential of impending motherhood?

When the seeds of inspiration fall and are planted into the hearts of men, there is a time of incubation. This time is for planning and brainstorming, preparation and the fostering of all that will be needed to support the birth of the inspiration into action.

My “incubation” period is often done in the unconscious, and by the time it floats to the surface, it’s hard to say how long it’s been lingering there in the quiet undergrowth growing behind the scenes.  Sometimes, my incubation period is lightning fast.  I see something, and I get a spark of inspiration, and bolt immediately into action. In both cases, though, that seed has to come from somewhere.

The message in the cards here today is about taking the seeds given and paying attention.  It’s about allowing that spark to create the inspiration that drives me forward, instead of wallowing and waiting and letting the seeds rot rather than flourish.

Don’t forget to write down your ideas.  Don’t allow them to get lost like falling seeds to decay in damp shadows.  These seeds are gifts, and need consideration and planning.

DECK USED:  COSMOS TAROT AND ORACLE

#TarotForGrowthJuly Challenge Prompt
Topic:  I’m so overwhelmed.
Question:  What can I do to remove guilt from the act of saying “no”?

Animism Tarot

Reading Summary: Accept that not everything that looks good is actually a good thing (The Happy Squirrel). Hold onto my past experiences of being overburdened (Ten of Wands), and learn from them (The Hierophant).

Take Away:  This is about both discernment concerning what I choose to go after and accept as a part of my responsibilities or obligations, as well as making sure I remember what the beginning feelings of overwhelm feel like and learn from those experiences so that I don’t repeat them. 

DECK USED:  ANIMISM TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2020 Challenge Prompt
Topic:  Do Spread #3

Psychopomp Tarot

What have I forgotten that needs to be brought with me upon my path?

King of Pentacles – Over a good part of the spring/summer months I’ve been playing it a little fast and loose with my finances.  Not just in the area of my deck collection, but also in the areas of brand name food purchases, less pricing for groceries in general and deal finding in that area, supply purchases for the business that aren’t entirely necessary right now and could have waited to hit when on sale, etc. Some of this is definitely self-soothing behavior, which does not so much excuse it but does help explain a good part of it. What I have forgotten that needs to be brought with me upon my path is a stronger sense of fiscal discipline.

How can I begin to incorporate that back into my life?

Death – Accept and move forward. Self soothing is one of the ways in which I’ve gone off track with my spending lately.  Between the pandemic and the growth spurt I’ve been going through emotionally over the past few months, it’s not surprising that I’ve fallen into a pattern of self soothing.  In order to move past that and incorporate fiscal responsibility more strongly back into my life, I need to accept that the change needs to happen and move forward into it instead of resisting against it.

Where am I on my path at this time?

Eight of Wands – Zoom Zoom.  Good progress and moving forward.  I’m not stalled out at this time, nor dragging my feet.  If anything, I might be moving a little faster than I’m ready for.  That’s okay as long as the progress continues to be positive.

What should I prepare to harvest at the end of the month?

Page of Cups – Intuition and possibilities abound on the creative side of things at the end of the month. There’s lots of possibilities here and you’re really going to be feeling that creative flow.

How do I begin those preparations?

Page of Pentacles – Make sure that you take things slow and don’t get overwhelmed with all that you want to accomplish and manifest into reality.  Overwhelming yourself with work is not going to help.  Write things down and take them one at a time, a little at a time.  As long as you are taking notes, there’s no rush to complete everything at once.

DECK USED:  PSYCHOPOMP TAROT

#OwlandBonesJuly Challenge by Owl and Bones Tarot
Topic:  I want… // I need… // I am…

Numinous Tarot

Dreamer of Tomes – I Want more knowledge, opportunity, and stability. Growth, but not through plowing ahead hard and fast… instead I want to take my time and really explore those things that awaken my curiosity.

The Moon – I Need a little mystery and uncertainty in my life, no matter how much I dislike it.  These qualities create a certain kind of energy and a certain kind of “spark” and flavor to life.  Without them, life would become more dull and less satisfactory.  I understand this, even if I’m not entirely thrilled about that need.

Strength – I Am strong inside and out. No matter what life throws at me, I am a survivor, and I will persevere.

DECK USED:  NUMINOUS TAROT

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question:  How can I share my inspiration?

Aquarian Tarot

Reading Summary: Strong sometimes means stoic and wise (Strength).  Gather up and hold on to your ideas (Page of Swords). Defend these ideas in development from those that would take them from you (Seven of Rods).

Take Away:  Don’t.  Stand strong against the temptation to share. Protect yourself and your inspired passions in this manner.  This warning has come up a few times over the past couple of days.  I’m listening.

DECK USED:  AQUARIAN TAROT

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?

Wild Unknown Tarot, Animal Spirit Oracle, Sovereign Oracle

Earth – Starfish and Visibility –  You are beautiful and capable and talented enough to both shine brightly and not be vapid. Allow those things you want to manifest to flow forward and be brought into reality.  Stand tall and proud as you show them off and allow others to see them.  Translation? It’s okay to share your shops with others and you shouldn’t be shy about showing off your work.  Doing so is not spam.

Air – Otter, Vulture, Co-Creation – It’s time to clean out your mental closet and let go of the hangups that are preventing you from embracing a lighter outlook and more fun attitude.  You don’t have to be serious all the time, take some time this week to consider how you can purge some of that dour energy and replace it with joy, humor, and a little more playfulness.  You have all these qualities within you already, you just need to take out the trash in order to uncover them.

Water – Octopus and Ritual – Sometimes when emotions start to move towards overwhelming, you find yourself confused with how to deal with them. You might feel the urge reach out to those incompatible to the situation or share more than is healthy with those you shouldn’t.

(Note as well that sharing too much was a theme in yesterday’s reading concerning people spiriting off with my new ideas, and I think that the Octopus here relates to that reading as well.)

To tamp down on this temptation, make sure you are falling back on those steadfast people in your life that are dependable and have become established in your life as safe. Repetition and rote might sometimes feel stagnant and it may feel like you’re being a pain in the ass to those you care about most, but they are also safe, and when it comes to your emotions?  You need to lean into the safe and dependable.

Fire – Unicorn, Lamb, Compost, Genius – That inner spark within you is a precious thing and a part of what makes your soul sing.  Allow it to thrive and flourish by discarding “half baked” ideas that have no future and following through on the ones where potential lives.  You know how to tell the difference, just listen to your soul and have patience.  Those shimmering diamonds of greatness will rise to the surface… and the rest will sink.

Waning – Death – You are moving out of a time of transition and into a time of recovery as you begin to find your balance and settle into the new reality that has been given room to grow.  Your time of growth is not exactly over, but turning to a new stage where it’s time to become familiar and comfortable in your new skin, having left the old one behind.

Waxing – The Emperor and Six of Wands – Taking some autonomy and control will create admiration in others this week, which means there’s an opportunity to garner some of that praise and encouragement that you are so loathe to admit you need.  Keep in mind that the Emperor is not active, he is a passive projective.  So do your thing and tend to your own business, everything else will fall into place on its own.

Take Away – “Stay in your lane” and on track both concerning your responsibilities and concerning your support system. Focus this week on settling into your new reality on the other side of the emotional growth spurt you’ve been going through.  Your period of growth is coming to an end for the time being, but the time of adjustment still stretches out before you.  Make sure that you are prioritizing instead of compiling, all those things not worth your time are really…. not worth your time.  So don’t bother to direct your energy there.

There is a neediness represented in these cards today that needs addressing as well.  The Octopus especially, but also within the Starfish, and the Six of Wands.  Make sure that you stick to those trusted people in your inner circle to fulfill that neediness that arises this week.  Now is not the time to branch out.

DECKS USED:  THE WILD UNKNOWN TAROT, ANIMAL SPIRIT ORACLE, SOVEREIGN ORACLE

Every Day is a New Day

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Today’s meditation was about fifteen minutes long and very, very relaxing.  I’d just finished soaking in the tub and went from soaking to meditation and that was apparently just the prompting I needed for a nice nap as well.   All in all, it was just an all around relaxing morning, and that included the meditation if not necessarily the yoga part as I was just a bit stiff from having skipped yesterday.

Herbcrafter's TarotToday’s draw is the Ace of Earth (Ace of Pentacles) which is a representation of new beginnings in the area of one’s finances, health, resources, manifestations, or the physical world.  It is the beginning.. the very start.. and thus, the “seed” of the suit.

It’s interesting, but I noticed something today when pulling this card.  The graininess of the imagery in this deck really bothers me.  I know that it’s intentional, but it really bugs me a great deal lately.

That aside, what stood out to me the strongest in the imagery for today’s card was not the nettles or any other specific subject matter in the picture.  It was the green.  All that lush and vibrant green.

I also want to touch upon the representation of Nettle in this card.  Urtica dioica is a nutrient rich plant that is well known and widely used around the world for its anti-inflammatory properties and is also a mild diuretic used to flush out toxins.  In metaphysical circles it is often used in protection spells, but I have found it far more useful in spellcraft that is focused on aspects of nurturing, self worth, and respect.

The blending of the lush green that catches my eye combined with Nettle’s unique qualities send me a message concerning self care.  The message here is that it’s important to respect your body, and important to do the things that allow you to care and nurture yourself, no matter how busy you are… or how tempting it is to skip.  Each day is a new day, with a new opportunity to start over and begin again.  Take this opportunity to begin again and do better at keeping up on the self care that keeps you healthy both physically and mentally.

DECK USED:  HERBCRAFTER’S TAROT

#TarotForGrowthJuly Challenge Prompt
Topic:  I’m so overwhelmed.
Question:  How can I become more intentional about which commitments I choose to undertake?

Star Seeker Tarot

Reading Summary: Do the things that bring you pleasure (Four of Wands). Make sure you regulate (Temperance) how much time you spend on others and their path (The Hierophant). Choose your battles wisely (Five of Wands) and make sure you tap in to your emotions when making your choices on what to take on (Knight of Cups).

Take Away:  This is all about moderation and regulation, which makes sense why Temperance ended up in the center of these cards.   Being more intentional about what commitments I undertake means being more selective.  It means picking those things that bring you joy and letting go of the ones that feel even a little bit “too much” for the moment, or have the potential to create unneeded conflict or stress. 

DECK USED:  STAR SEEKER TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2020 Challenge Prompt
Topic:  In My Head / In My Heart

Wild Unknown TarotIn My Head – Ace of Wands – In my head there is lots and lots of inspiration going on right now for my business. Most of them are in the “half baked” stage of being thought through and not yet ready to be started or discarded.

In My Heart – Seven of Swords – In my heart there is a worry of being betrayed by someone I might share these inspirations with.  I struggle with this often, that concern that my new ideas will prompt someone else to run off with them and claim them as their own. Note that the weight here isn’t on a sense of betrayal, but rather is on the worry over the possibility.

DECK USED:  WILD UNKNOWN TAROT

#OwlandBonesJuly Challenge by Owl and Bones Tarot
Topic:  mourn // celebrate

Tarot of the Journey to the OrientMourn – Ace of Swords Rx – The times when I have no new ideas.  It happens, no matter how much creative spark I have.  Sometimes?  Everything just feels “meh”. And it’s definitely a time to mourn.

Celebrate – King of Wands – Those inspirational sparks that I’ve already gotten and have followed through on, developed into fruition, and which continue to serve me well. Celebrating these things is especially important when in one of those inspiration slumps already mentioned above.

DECK USED:  TAROT OF THE JOURNEY TO THE ORIENT

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question:  What does creative inspiration feel like?

Tarot Maddonni

Reading Summary:  Direction (Three of Wands) and fulfillment (Ten of Pentacles)… as long as I don’t let it get me so wrapped up (Temperance) that I close myself off to the world and others (The Hermit).

Take Away:  Creative inspiration feels like I have the world at my fingertips.  With a direction set out before me and a sense of fulfillment within, at these times there is no doubt or worry, only curiosity and discovery.  It can become a problem, though, if I close myself off to others too much during this time.  I need a touch of encouragement and feedback, no matter how much I don’t want to admit it.

DECK USED:  TAROT MADDONNI