tarot for self care

❤️ 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 Enchanted Forest Felines Tarot and Minimalist Japanese Lenormand

Earth – Page of Saucers – Don’t let boredom create stagnancy this week while you’re off work. Dabble in creativity and have some fun instead. Not work… fun.  Imagination.  Play.  Bring back that enthusiasm for creativity that has a tendency to be smothered out when too much gets put on your shoulders at once.

Air – Three of Saucers – Invite others in not just to help you in creating balance in your life, but to have fun with as well. Focus on those that help in lifting your spirits and making life interesting.

Water – Seven of Branches –  Remember that whether or not others expect you to defend yourself and how you feel? There’s no need to actually do so.  They can’t reach you anyway, so why bother entertaining their pressure and threats?

Fire – Wheel of Fortune – Look for the boon in upcoming “spilled milk” situations. It’s not all bad, and you need to make sure that you are adapting easily to the whims of fate when they put shit like this in your way.

Waning – Man and Fox – Let go of that responsible leader who’s always on top of everything and always strategizing the best way forward. Sometimes you just have to step back and let things take their own course instead of trying to direct everything to the letter.

Waxing – Child and Letter – It’s okay to be irresponsible and “dial it in” this week instead of being on the ball and ready to roll. Play time is just as important to your well-being as times of work are.

Take Away – Don’t go back to work early because you are feeling pressure to do so.  Take your time and take it easy. Have some fun.  Make sure when unpleasant surprises arise that you deal with them through adaptation and humor instead of getting upset or frustrated.

Other elements in this reading:
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECKS USED: ENCHANTED FOREST FELINES TAROT AND MINIMALIST JAPANESE LENORMAND

Fight Back with a Reality Check

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Today’s meditation was eleven minutes long, and one of the #DailyTrip sessions in the @Calm app.

It can be hard for some to believe that I’m not a patient person. I display a good deal of patience with others, after all. In truth, though? I simply hide my impatience behind the tendency to do everything myself and self-abuse myself with inner narratives to push myself to work harder and faster.

The meditation session for today was a reminder that patience isn’t just for others, but for the self as well. When we give ourselves patience, we help to “cut the strings” of our negative inner narrative’s control over us and the unhealthy demands that those negative thoughts feed us.

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Card of the Day Tarot Reading with the Wild Reflections Tarot - Eight of SwordsToday’s draw is the Eight of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of willful ignorance, self-imposed restrictions, turning a blind eye (especially when it can be harmful to self), and entertaining a victim mentality.

The card for today combined with this morning’s meditation is a reminder not to ignore that negative inner voice.  Don’t just push it away and pretend that it isn’t there, for it will just continue to do more damage by whispering from the dark corner you shove it into.

Instead, confront it.  Hear what it says and -correct- it with thoughts of love, kindness, and understanding. In giving yourself this gift of patience by fighting back against that negative inner voice, you allow a healthier side of yourself to flourish, and provide yourself with sorely needed healing that you’re currently ignoring.

DECK USED: WILD REFLECTIONS TAROT

@Lionharts #TheMarchTarot The Power of Now Challenge
Embodying the Present Prompts for March 23 – 28

Oracle Reading with the Esprit de la Nature OracleI move with clarity and confidence. How have I already begun to empower myself through my actions?

Cincincha – You have already begun to empower yourself by working to embrace not just the good, but also the bad; not just in the world around you, or in the things that happen in your life, but also within yourself. This is not always an easy task, but the effort is there to create acceptance for yourself and your reactions, your experiences and your surroundings… regardless of whether these things are perceived as good or bad in the moment.

I align my actions with my deepest knowledge. What choice before me reflects my best self?

Élémental de terre – Less frenetic energy, more calm. Take your time and let things move at their own pace. When you choose to move with the flow of the world around you and ground yourself in and the earth, you give yourself permission to move at a slower pace and be more present in the moment.

I claim the path that is meant for me. What am I ready to step into?

Géant – When your ancestors and guides speak, remember that they are doing so for your greatest good. Work on reserving your doubt concerning their motivations when they speak to you, but rather listen and consider what they have to say and the advice that they’re trying to give you with an open mind at face value.

I trust in my own wisdom. What inner strength will guide me forward?

Cerf – Remember that vulnerability is its own kind of strength. You do not always have to be the one in charge or the strongest of them all, for in your vulnerability comes the strength you cannot find when you are on your guard and keeping others at arms length.

I trust in the foundation I have built. How has embracing presence strengthened my path forward or my overall journey?

Licorne argentée – Believe in the power of your creativity and the ability to manifest what you imagine into being. It may take hard work, but it also takes faith and belief that you can do this, whatever “this” is at the time.

I walk forward with purpose and clarity. What new possibilities have opened up to me?

Ogre – You have the opportunity to create a new sense of stability in your life right now. You need to stay focused on keeping yourself from becoming too distracted or spread too thin. Protect that stable foundation you have created and anchor yourself to it. That needs to be your priority.

Other elements included in this reading:
Serpentine to Bolster Heart and Emotions
Carnelian Agate for Inner Drive and Focusing On One’s Aspirations
Amethyst for Spiritual Growth
Rose Quartz for Gentle Kindness to Self and Others
Dumortierite for Intuitive and Intellectual Communication

DECK USED: ESPRITS DE LA NATURE ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I did a good deal of resting today. The trip I just got back in left me extremely overstimulated, and I needed some time alone as well as some decent naps (plural) to help find my balance again.

Finding the Positive for March 27 & 29

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Rosa Obscura Tarot's The Hermit card, and The New Voice Tarot's the Devil card

March 27 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was ten minutes long, and was one of the #DailyTrip sessions from the @Calm app. It spoke of how the narrator has a car with an indicator light that never turns off.  His mechanic can’t find anything wrong with the car, and can’t figure out how to turn off the light, either. So the narrator takes this light as a reminder to give the car a little extra love and attention on the times when he notices it.

He likened this to our own bodies, and how when we have aches, pains, or soreness, it’s our body’s way of asking us for a little extra love.  It’s not something to punish ourselves for, or to push through, but rather something to stop and pause with for a moment, and to give ourselves a bit of love and understanding for.

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Today’s draw is the Hermit card, which is traditionally a representation of inner exploration, self reflection, and healthy alone time.

The card for today combined with today’s meditation asks us to reflect upon where we are being unnecessarily cruel to ourselves, and not providing ourselves with enough kindness and understanding.  What are we punishing ourselves for, and in what ways are we doing so?

It’s in reflecting on these things that we learn how to recognize issues and treat ourselves better moving forward. Don’t be afraid to open your eyes and take a closer look at what’s really going on between your negative inner narratives and those shortcomings and weaknesses that make you just as human as everyone else.

DECK USED: ROSA OBSCURA TAROT

March 29 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Today’s draw is the Devil card, which is traditionally a representation of temptation, struggles with moderation, harmful excesses, addiction, and self-harm.

When I was working on taking a picture of this card, I came to realize that maybe I don’t have quite enough small crystals and stones.  I -then- realized that I really don’t need more gemstones and crystals, but that this was my brain’s way of trying to tempt me into going shopping.

Thus, this card today had a personal message for me.  A reminder that sometimes we have to be responsible and not give in to the idea of a bit of frivolous spending, even when we really wanna. I don’t really -need- more small sized stones.  What I need? Is to pay off my mortgage and keep up on my financial responsibilities.  Knowing myself as I do, and that I have an extremely addictive personality, I know that one little spending splurge will quickly lead to another, and then yet another.

It’s better to nip this in the butt now.

DECK USED: THE NEW VOICE TAROT

🌑 New Moon in Aries and Partial Solar Eclipse – March 2025

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Tonight 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 courtesy of Ethony.

New Moon in Aries Oracle Reading with the Harney & Sons How To Read Tea Leaves Oracle and Dream Song Oracle

The card you’ve chosen to represent the change you want to bring about.

Bubble Your Boundaries and Heart – Someone from your past has re-entered your life in a time when they are in great need. Unfortunately you don’t have the energy or space in your life to fill that need for them at this time. They have latched on in an extremely codependent manner, and you need to make sure that even as you provide compassion for their situation, you keep your boundaries firmly in place so that you do not become overwhelmed.

The most likely outcome if you make this change.

Unfurl the Wings of Forgiveness and Leaf – They will forgive and seek that additional help elsewhere. Don’t let them make you to believe that there are not other people in their life that can provide support for them.

What boundaries do I need to set during this change?

Have Tea With the Birds and Question Mark – Keep things superficial no matter how hard they try to drag you in deeper, and remember that a little attention can go a long way if it’s the right form of attention given. You don’t have to give them what they want you to give. You can gain good results with low effort.

What do I need to let go of to move forward?

Learn From the Bees and Apple – Not everything has to be fully dependent on you and rest upon your shoulders alone. Allow others in their life to give their support as well. They might be trying to put it all on your shoulders, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be diversified if you keep your boundaries firm.

What do I need to remember during this change?

Turn Your Back and X Shape – Stay vigilant, and make sure you are saying no when you need to. Don’t allow those who would try to ignore your refusals any wiggle room.

Where do I need to be careful? Continue with caution around this.

Lean Into the Storm and Fox – Take care not to get too invested. This person is wily and looking for ways into your “henhouse” of emotions and attention. If you lean in too far, you’ll have a hard time pulling back. Stay vigilant instead.

What/who is my ally?

Fly With the Dreamer and Ear – Look to those who are eager to listen to and support your own wishes and dreams instead of merely seeking you out to help fulfill theirs.

New Moon advice from the Minoan Goddess Amalthea.

Go Dark and Kite – Remember that sometimes the only way to enforce your boundaries is to step back. You can send up a signal that you are still supporting them and still care, without investing yourself and staying out of the picture when you need to.

Other elements in this reading:
Foraged Lichen for Perseverance
Foraged Cedar Tips for Protection Against Negative Influences
Goat Figurine as Sympathetic Representation of Amalthea
Conch Shell Knot for Concentration, Clarity, and Determination
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: DREAM SONG ORACLE AND HARNEY & SONS’ HOW TO READ TEA LEAVES CARDS

Finding the Positive for March 24 – 26

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Fox in Eden Garden Tarot, Harmonious Fantasies Tarot, Fairlie Wish Tarot

March 24 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Today’s draw is the Hanged Man, which is traditionally a representation of taking a pause, considering alternate perspectives, relaxing into difficult situations, surrender, or letting go.

The Hanged Man appearing today is a reminder that you don’t have to be in control of every situation or detail. With the trip incoming this week, there’s a lot planned and a lot to do. There’s stuff you need to have ready, but there’s other things that don’t need your personal touch at all.

Make sure that as you prepare, that you are discerning which is which, and not trying to take on all the tasks and responsibilities yourself.  Stand back, instead, and watch others step in to fill the gap left by you giving certain areas a more hands-off approach. Trust that nothing will be missed because you are still watching, even if you’re not actively participating in the fray.

DECK USED: FOX IN EDEN GARDEN TAROT

March 25 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was eleven minutes long and was one of the #DailyCalm sessions from the @Calm app.   The topic of today’s session was focused on expressing one’s emotions through writing; particularly through poetry in respect to World Poetry Month.  But, I think that the premise remains the same whether you are writing poetry or just putting down your emotions onto paper.

The premise being, that when we take time to write about our emotions, it allows us time to process them and truly experience them instead of setting them aside or ignoring them as background noise. This is a healthy practice that can help in the processing of emotions in a healthy way.

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Today’s draw is the Ace of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of the seed of new beginnings in the area of one’s emotions, relationships, creativity, and intuition.

When taken in combination with today’s meditation topic, the message in today’s cards is a reminder that there are more ways to process emotions than by just sitting with them. If you need a more active way to connect with your emotions, especially new or intense emotions that you’re confused by or have never experienced before, writing down the experience and taking time to describe it can help.

As I write this, I am discovering that in my own journey to process emotion in a more healthy way, this is often what Gideon does for me. He often nudges, or outright pushes, for me to share how I’m feeling so that he can help me learn about my emotions and get me familiar with them so that they are not so unfamiliar, confusing, or frightening.

DECK USED: HARMONIOUS FANTASIES TAROT

March 26 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was nine minutes long, and was one of the #DailyCalm sessions in the @Calm app. The session for today focused on how we react to failure.  It’s so easy to become disheartened and fall into a habit of negative thought when we fail at something, and to then discard this thing we tried to do simply because it didn’t work out on the first try.

In the meditation for today, the discussion was about how it’s through our mistakes and failures that we learn and grow.  When we fail at something, it doesn’t mean we’re a failure. It means that we look at -how- we failed and try again… and again. Each try may result in failure, but also results in learning how to do that thing a little better.

Over time, that means that as long as we are taking an effort to learn from these setbacks, we will eventually overcome them through growth and perseverance.  The key here being that we need to be kind to ourselves when we fail, and learn from the experience so we can do better when we try again… instead of abuse ourselves and give up.

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Today’s draw is the Ace of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of the seed of new beginnings in the area of one’s finances, resources, health, home, manifestations, and the physical world. This often translates into themes that have to do with new opportunities in finance or work, renewed health, or new projects in which one is working with their hands.

Today’s meditation ties in well with this card, for it’s in these seeds of new opportunities and new beginnings that we are most likely to fail.  The Ace of Pentacles reminds us that failing isn’t the end of the world. It’s just the start of the journey.  So pick yourself up, reflect on how things went wrong and what you can do differently, then try again.

DECK USED: FAIRLIE WISH TAROT

Emotional Intelligence

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Today’s meditation was ten minutes long, and was a self-directed session based off a comic-strip graphic by the talented @hollyhatamillustration (click on image for full illustration)

The issues of finding a way to sit with your emotions is something that I’ve long struggled with. For a good part of my past, I worked to close my emotions down, bury them, and avoid them. This has left me with a very low intelligence when it comes to identifying or understanding my emotions.

Now that I’m trying to unpack them and -feel- them instead of letting them fester in a deep hole inside of me, it can often be overwhelming and confusing.  This “comic” strip helped me to see this process in a different light, and gave me a bit of direction in how to “sit with” my emotions.

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Metanoia Marseille - Five of WandsToday’s draw is the Five of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of conflict, tests, trials, and struggle in the area of one’s passions, drive, determination, principles, values, and willpower.

Combined with the topic of today’s meditation, what I see here is a reminder that just because something is difficult doesn’t mean it’s not worth it.  It can be hard to see beyond what you’re feeling in the moment, and difficult to grasp sometimes what you’re fighting for when the emotions you are feeling are confused or difficult to understand.

That doesn’t mean it’s not worth it to keep trying.

DECK USED:  METANOIA MARSEILLE

#DiscordTarotholicsMar2025 Challenge
Prompt for March 23 : Do Spread 2
Topic: The current “trouble maker” situation.

Tarot Reading with the BirdQueen Tarot

Reading Summary: Reach out to an impartial party for advice (The Hierophant) that the group can act upon (Three of Wands).

The Hierophant‘s staff and crown connect through color to the Three of Wands, and the Three of Wands connects to the flowers growing out of the skull in the anchor card. This speaks of an authority figure with advice to be offered that resides outside the current group. The current group being all of the same mind, but struggling to find a path to action.

The seahorse in the Princess of Cups also connects through color to the Three of Wands, where the coral in the background behind the seahorse connects to those same three flowers in the anchor card again. The way the seahorse is tangled up in the coral speaks of us in the group as having a struggle with an emotional connection to the topic at hand. Here, too in the little fish in the Princess of Cups is advice to seek outside council for a fresh perspective.

This says that each of us currently involved is emotionally a bit tangled in the issue (Princess of Cups).

Take Away: Reach out to the one who is absent for advice, for that is where you’ll find the answer you are seeking. They have the outside perspective that is needed, and the ability to present things objectively in a way that the rest of the group can’t right now.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Rosehips for Releasing Stress and Negativity
Foraged Ponderosa Pine Needles for Resilience and Adaptability
Foraged Red-Stemmed Feather Moss for Attentive Understanding
Moonstone for Emotional Stability
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: THE GRATITUDE ORACLE AND THE BIRDQUEEN TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

This is a catch-up post, which means I have no idea what my self-kindness was on this day