tarot for self care

📆 Transitioning from November to December

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Month End Check-in Reading with the Southern Gothic Trilogy Decks

Here and Now I Exist – Who you are now, in your entirety. 

The Panther – The fire within you is rising, and along with it, your strength and perseverance. You are starting to feel in control again in ways that you haven’t in quite some time; in healthy ways that help create drive and balance, instead of the unhealthy ways that create stagnancy and sickness.

The Slough – What is to be left in the past as you move forward.

Nest of Wasps – Although you usually don’t realize it in the moment, when you’re in the depression, you have a sharper tongue, and your words have a tendency to sting, even when you don’t mean them too. Now that the depression is easing off, that sharp stinger is fading as well. Taking time to be conscious of your tone when communicating with others will help you shed this sharper edge quicker.

What Lies Ahead – An ideal state or ideal self you are seeking at this time.

Uncle Monday – You want to be stronger in both your mundane abilities as well as your magical ones, and are seeking to develop better adaptation abilities than those you currently possess.

Limitations – Negative influences, opposition, or ill will.

Hazel the Mummy – The things that you hold onto too tightly will in time turn from stagnancy to decay and crumble away. Make sure that those things that you want so badly to hold onto aren’t actually holding you back from something better.

The Boon – Positive influences, higher guidance, or divine intervention.

Alligator – Take time to explore the self. Digging deep instead of just skimming the surface will help you in connecting and prioritizing those things that are most important.

The Wound – An unpleasant past experience or event that is ripe for some support and healing.

Hydrangea – It can often be difficult to be grateful for things that happen in life. Especially when they hold a negative consequence instead of an obvious boon. You’ve very recently acquired a whole new set of inner scars, and have yet to find and really appreciate the boon involved.

Nostalgia – A positive past experience or event to acknowledge, reflect upon, and enjoy.

The Dog – Take some time to reflect upon and appreciate those that you trust to be by your side, no matter what. Some love is unconditional, after all, and needs to be recognized as such and appreciated.

A Warning – Something coming that can be prevented or overcome.

Cornbread – Make sure to take some time to connect with the roots of who you are so that your ego doesn’t get in the way moving forward. Remember that being a “basic bitch” isn’t necessarily a bad thing it keeps you humble and helps you connect more strongly with others.

Empowerment – A future opportunity to work toward.

Abandoned Plantation – There’s a great deal of opportunity in the deconstruction of things. Make sure that you aren’t just letting these opportunities go to waste.

Message from the Spirit World – Self reflection may cause you to find you’re not as generous as you could be.  Harsh judgements can be destructive. Instead of indulging in those negative veins of thought, use your mindfulness and self awareness to shift toward a kinder and less harsh frame of mind.

Message from the Mind’s World – People depend upon your dependability. They follow you because yo tu provide them with a sense of stability and strength that allows them to actually enjoy the activities (even the work) that you do together.

Message from the Physical World – Those friends that are worth a damn will persist through though thick and thin.  Those that aren’t worth a damn?  They’re temporary, and because they have no gratitude in their heart, they always eventually show their true colors.

Take Away – Things are beginning to turn around, and there’s a good deal more energy (and hope) rising in you as you transition from one month to the next.  Focus on practices that encourage a mindset of gratitude, and lean on those that you trust.

Other elements included in this reading:
Scotch Pine Cone for Purging Negative Influences
Foraged Norway Maple Key for Bouncing Back to Thrive
Dried Grand Fir Sprig for Help in Finding One’s Natural Rhythm
Foraged Oak Branch with Moss and Lichen for Perseverance
Carnelian Agate for Inner Drive and Focusing On Aspirations
Desert Rose for Purification and Drawing in Positive Energy

DECKS USED: SOUTHERN GOTHIC ORACLE, SOUTHERN BOTANICAL ORACLE, THE HAUNTS ORACLE

Read the Room

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

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China Tarot - Ten of Cups and Mushroom AffirmationsDaily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

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 Tremella affirmation card from the Mushroom Affirmations deck, which says,  says, “A time to be fluid. There’s a beauty to softness and restoration.”

When you go with the flow instead of fighting at every turn, happiness and harmony become easier to obtain. This doesn’t mean that you need to give up your values or shift your moral compass… or even give up on the things that you enjoy. All it means is that you are more willing to flow with the energy around you instead of applying your monumental stubbornness to every step of the way.

The message in today’s cards is a reminder to “read the room”. Instead of coming into a situation, all flash and bang, and filled with oppositional energy, take a moment to read the room and try and match the energy that’s already there. You’ll find there is find more harmony and goodwill that may come your way as a result.

DECK USED:  CHINA TAROT AND MUSHROOM AFFIRMATIONS

#DiscordTarotholicsNov2025 Challenge
Prompt for November 30th : Grab a spread of your choice you’re curious about… and give it a go!
The @owlandbonestarot #78DaysOfTarotSpreads Challenge
The World Spread

The World Oracle Reading with Rune Dragons Ancient Americans and Rune Dragons Ancient Egypt

What have you completed or integrated?

Eb – This card speaks of being ready to continue on your journey. The time for stagnancy is over and growth as a foot. You’re ready to take these steps that will move you along your path and make the choices needed to actually get you moving in the first place.

How are you honoring your growth?

Tláloc – You were putting more effort into rolling with the punches instead of trying to fight back against them. As a result, you’ve become a bit rusty at adaptability and you’re working on reviving that quality within yourself.

Where do you feel whole?

Chalchihuitl – You have recently found a more honest connection with the true values in your life; including who and what really matters. Acknowledging these things creates a mindset of gratitude that you are basking in at the moment.

What chapter is closing with grace?

Ōlmēcatl – Life has asked a lot of you of late. Your resiliency and perseverance has been tested again and again. The challenges have been monumental, and you have been proving your strength and the power of your will repeatedly along the way. Things are going to calm down a bit now. This is not to say there still won’t be challenges, but they will be… a bit less challenging.

What new horizon calls you forward?

Atum – Remember to put rest before you try new challenges. This creates a better balance by allowing you to recuperate and reflect on what you have accomplished before moving forward onto the next thing.

Other elements included in this reading:
Staghorn Sumac for Connecting with Nature and the Wild Within
Carnelian Agate for Inner Drive and Focusing On Aspirations
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: RUNE DRAGONS ANCIENT AMERICAS AND RUNE DRAGONS ANCIENT EGYPT

@LightningWildflower November Tarot Challenge
Earth and Water “The Tens” Prompts for November 28th thru 30th

Tarot Reading with the China Tarot and Auspicious Art for the Year of the Snake 2025 Playing CardsTen of Pentacles

What legacy do I want to create for myself, my family, or my community?

Ace of Hearts, King of Cups, Nine of Hearts – A legacy of emotional support and healing between these three aspects of your life (yourself, family, community). Discovering new ways to spread compassion and emotional support in order to create a greater sense of fulfillment not just for yourself, but for others as well.

Ten of Cups

How can I cultivate more joy and harmony?

Seven of Hearts, Page of Wands, Ten of Spades – Stop choosing to allow struggle and strife to dictate how you feel about those things that you enjoy. These things should be a source of comfort and motivation for you during dark times, not something that is set aside during those more difficult moments.

What parts of my life do I find most satisfying and fulfilling?

Jack of Spades, Knight of Pentacles, Ace of Clubs – Those times when you take your time and allow yourself to thoroughly explore a potential interest and learn new things along the way. Although the time involved itself can be frustrating, you find a great deal of joy in the journey of discovery.

Other elements included in this reading:
Beech Pod for Realizations that Foster Personal Growth
Foraged Parmeliaceae Lichen for a “Breath of Fresh Air”
Scotch Pine Cone for Purging Negative Influences
Dried Rhododendron Leaf for Fostering Confidence
Japanese Cherry Leaf as a Reminder of Life’s Fleeting Moments
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: CHINA TAROT AND AUSPICIOUS ART FOR THE YEAR OF THE SNAKE PLAYING CARDS 2025 EDITION

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 Bonestone & Earthflesh Tarot and Echoes of the Wood Oracle

Earth – The Emperor – Sometimes when you take on the mantle of leadership, even though there are others that follow you, you still feel like you’re alone. It’s important to remember that when you lead well, others will be there to pick you up when you need it.

Air – Queen of Swords – It’s absolutely always okay to stand up for what matters to you. Method is important, though. Use strategy to get things to go your way instead of just “being a bitch”. That sass and spark attitude is not always the shortcut that it seems like it’d be.

Water – King of Cups – Emotional support from others, especially from Gideon, is going to be a high priority this week in order to keep your emotional balance. Make sure you are reaching out for that support when you need it.

Fire – The World atop Death – Sometimes endings are just that… endings. Other times they are a doorway to something else. Try considering endings as a liminal space. There’s a lot of potential there if you’re open to it.

Waning – Harvest and Germination – This week ahead isn’t about what you can get out of it, nor about what you can begin to sprout in your life.

Waxing – Song and Frost – Instead, put your focus on preparing for a time of dormancy and keeping things lighthearted.

Take Away – The depression you just started to recover from is still looking for a way in. You need to take care to lean on your support instead of trying to shoulder everything yourself. Look for ways to lift yourself up, and be open to experiences that you will enjoy.  These experiences will help you in your recovery and in recuperation as well.

DECKS USED: BONESTONE & EARTHFLESH TAROT AND ECHOES OF THE WOOD ORACLE

Inadequacies and Accomplishments

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Cleopatra Tarot - Ten of Cups and Lobilat Rumi Quotes CardsDaily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Ten of Cups (Tepisatosoa/Sun in Gemini), 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.

In this deck, the definition in the guidebook says “Need to stand out from the crowd. Risk of arousing dislike. Disputes with people who are intellectually diverse.” Although this is not a traditional definition for the Ten of Cups, it introduces the aspect of the Egyptian decan that is depicted on this card, as well as the zodiac sign assigned to it.

The Ten of Cups has then been combined with the an affirmation from the Lobilat Rumi Quotes deck, which says, “You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the ocean in a drop”

I struggle with feelings of not being enough.  Not being enough, not doing enough. Just… not enough.  This feeling is a motivational shove that keeps my drive pushing for more and better… and in some ways?  That’s not necessarily a bad thing.

It becomes a bad thing, though, when it starts to harm myself or others.

These feelings are a byproduct of how I was raised.  I know this, and yet somehow I still manage to carry them with me into adulthood.  Decades from being a child?  They still drive me even when I try to change and heal.

Today’s cards are a reminder that in order to get past these feelings of inferiority, it’s important to appreciate not just all that you’ve accomplished, but also all those things you do in life that you enjoy. The message is also a reminder that if you don’t have many of those things in life you enjoy?  It’s time to start looking a little deeper at why that is, and start seeking out more of those things.

DECK USED:  CLEOPATRA TAROT AND LOBILAT RUMI QUOTES

The @owlandbonestarot #78DaysOfTarotSpreads Challenge
Judgement Spread

Judgement Tarot Reading with The Cocaine Tarot

What calling do you hear?

Knight of Cups – There has been a lot of messages lately that focus on authenticity and going after what is truly of interest to you (as opposed to what you feel that you -should- be doing). The Knight of Cups is a reinforcement of that message, encouraging you to prioritize seeking out what makes you happy, instead of always trying to fill obligations and responsibilities first.

What truth can no longer be ignored?

The Hierophant Rx – You’re becoming stuck in your ways as you age. That stubborn streak is coming out more and more, and making it harder for you to adapt to new methods, technology, and concepts. You’re really not -that- old, but you’re being left behind all the same.

What past are you ready to release?

The Temperance Rx – You have gotten to the point in your life where you have begun to appreciate moving at a slower pace and taking your time. This used to be something you could not tolerate in your life, but has become more important to you over the time, allowing you to release the need to push and shove and rush quite as much.

What awareness arrives?

Three of Swords – You were once naïve, and every little cut from others felt like a travesty of emotion. You are getting to the point now where you understand more what these cuts are about and why they happen. It still hurts, but you’re processing it better now than you did before.

What new self is emerging?

Ten of Coins – You are redefining accomplishments and success, and in the process you are finding that you have far more of both than you thought you did. This creates a greater sense of stability within you, and inhow you perceive your life.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Cedar Bundle for Protection from Negative Influences
Foraged Ponderosa Pine Cones for Resilience and Adaptability
Onyx Stone Fox for Identifying and Connecting to Truth
Dried Rhododendron Leaf for Fostering Confidence
Foraged Branch covered in Parmeliaceae for a “Breath of Fresh Air”
Japanese Cherry Leaf as a Reminder of Life’s Fleeting Moments
River Rock for Resilience within Life’s Flow
Carnelian Agate for Inner Drive and Focusing On Aspirations
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: COCAINE TAROT

@thetruthinstory #embracethemagical2025 Challenge
The Deep Prompts 29 thru 30

Tarot Reading with the Cleopatra TarotEcho (Resonance) – What pattern is returning, asking to be heard again?

Seven of Cups (Aharph/Saturn in Taurus) – “Struggle against melancholy. A period of tiredness or depression. News that generates apprehension.” – LWB

You are not as far out of depression’s pit as you think you are. Make sure you are making choices that bolster your mood and encourage positivity. Otherwise, you may find yourself drawn back into the darkness for a second round.

Weave (Integration) – How do the threads of this descent come together in me now?

Two of Pentacles (Sothis/Venus in Cancer) – “Capacity to attain benevolence thanks to one’s abilities and niceness. A period of socialization.” – LWB

People pleasing is going to set things more and more off-kilter right now. Instead of trying to make everyone else happy, focus your energies on your own happiness. By doing this you can help restore and preserve a balance within yourself and your life that will help immensely in keeping you out of depression’s pit.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Cedar Bundle for Protection from Negative Influences
Dried Red Maple Leaf for Adaptability and Connection
Foraged Acorns for Protection during New Beginnings
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: CLEOPATRA TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

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

Begin Again

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Today’s meditation was an eleven minute long #DailyTrip session from the @Calm app.

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Common Thread Tarot - Ace of Pentacles and Lobilat Rumi Quotes CardsDaily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Ace of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of the seed of new beginnings and new opportunities in the areas of one’s finances, resources, health, labors, manifestations, and the physical world.

The Ace of Pentacles has then been combined with the Fairy Inkcap affirmation card from the Mushroom Affirmations deck, which says, “Learn to notice the stuff around you. Slow down and be mindful.”

I struggle a bit with consistency.  That’s probably  not a surprise to anyone that pays attention to my efforts on my blog or on social media.  Occasionally, things fall off and I then have to play “catch up” (like I’m doing right now).  It’s not always procrastination, either.  Sometimes it’s just that I’m too busy with other things and something has to give.

That said?  I always try again.  I always pick things back up and give consistency another go.  It may not be my strong suit, but it’s one I work at and put effort into trying to improve on.

And then, something happens to pull me off track and I start over once again.

The message in today’s cards is a reminder that you can always begin again.  You can always take a look around, realize what you left behind, and pick it back up for another try.  Life happens.  Distractions happen.  Eventually, we become aware that we’ve been pulled off track.  Don’t despair.  Just pick what was left behind, and revisit what’s been lost.

DECKS USED:  THE COMMON THREAD TAROT AND MUSHROOM AFFIRMATIONS

#DiscordTarotholicsNov2025 Challenge
Prompts for November 27th and 29th

Tarot Reading with the Cowboix Hevvven Tarot and The Black Ritual TarotGratitude : What are three things to be grateful for?

The World – Endings. Sometimes endings feel like a blessing, and sometimes they don’t. In the end, though, it’s only through those endings that you find new ways to move forward, and your world changes to suit you more and more as a result.

Seven of Cups – Options. Although you sometimes feel like you are hemmed in, your options are plentiful. So much so that sometimes you get a little caught up in trying to figure out which direction to go. Those moments of waffling and indecision are better than having no options at all, though.

Six of Cups – Positive memories. You have good memories to look back on if you are willing to seek them out. This requires a conscious effort on your part, but often allows you to see things in a more positive light when you decide to revisit them.

Humble Heart : What my heart needs to hear right now?

Reading Summary: Indulging in your addictions (The Devil) is not going to give you anything more than you already have (Six of Pentacles). Instead, you’re at the cusp of it turning into something unhealthy (The Lovers Rx).

Take Away: Any of your addictions can be indulged in in small ways without it becoming unhealthy for you. The danger is in the fact that sometimes you miss the warning signs that things are headed in an unhealthy direction. You are at that cusp now, and need to take a close look at what you have indulged in of late that you now need to back off on for a while.

DECK USED: COWBOIX HEVVVEN TAROT AND THE BLACK RITUAL TAROT

@LightningWildflower November Tarot Challenge
Earth and Water “The Nines” Prompts for November 25th thru 27th

Tarot Reading with the Common Thread Tarot and Pulp Fantasy OracleNine of Pentacles

How can I take more pride in my accomplishments?

The Moon and Astro Grave – Stop letting uncertainty rain on your parade. Moments of uncertainty have a tendency to cause you to hold back.  They make you feel that you are “not enough” or haven’t done enough, and thus you set aside the appreciation of your accomplishments to prove yourself.  Instead of letting your uncertainty direct you into pushing yourself, use mindfulness to pause a moment and really look at what you’ve done.

What abundance can I celebrate?

Strength and Starlight Oath – You are not hemmed in by time. There are no deadlines, and there is no need to rush. Make a commitment to yourself to slow down and spend more time appreciating the moment, rather than always striving for more and more.

Nine of Cups

What does satisfaction mean to me beyond material success?

Two of Pentacles – It’s not so much about how much you have, but about feeling like you have enough. This is only accomplished through balance and the reassurance of having people close that understand you, and that you trust to be at your side and follow you to the ends of the earth if need be.

Other elements included in this reading:
Japanese Cherry Leaf as a Reminder of Life’s Fleeting Moments
Oregon White Oak Leaf for Strength, Stability, and Longevity
Foraged Parmeliaceae Lichen for a “Breath of Fresh Air”
Septarian Stone for Physical and Mental Healing
Picture Jasper for Sense of Proportion and Grounding
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECKS USED: THE COMMON THREAD TAROT AND PULP FANTASY ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I called today to make an appointment to get my flu vaccine.

Emotions and Procrastination

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Broken Mirror Tarot 4th Edition and Lobilat Fluffy Advice Oracle & Affirmation CardsDaily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Knight of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of an active beta energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s emotions, relationships, intuition, and creativity. This often portrays itself in a theme of going after what brings someone joy or following your imagination and creativity into new adventures.

The Knight of Cups has then been combined with the an affirmation from the Lobilat Fluffy Advice Oracle & Affirmation Cards, which says, “No more procrastination!”

My emotions are what spur on my tendencies toward procrastination.  I know this, and to be honest? I’m entirely frustrated by it.

I sometimes muse over how much easier and more organized my life could be if my emotions didn’t dictate my actions and convince me to put off doing things because “I don’t feel like it” or feel overwhelmed by it.  And yet… I continue to procrastinate again and again in a vast array of different areas in my life.

Today’s message is a reminder that sometimes, no matter if you feel like it or not? You have to bite the bullet and just do what needs done.  At these moments, work to push through your emotions and stir up those that will drive you forward instead of hold you back.

DECKS USED:  BROKEN MIRROR TAROT 4TH EDITION AND LOBILAT FLUFFY ADVICE ORACLE & AFFIRMATION CARDS

The @owlandbonestarot #78DaysOfTarotSpreads Challenge
The Sun Spread

The Sun Oracle Reading with the Enchanted Earth Oracle

Where are you radiating joy?

You are the Earth – The answer here is quite literally in the “where” of the question. Where you radiate joy is when you are in nature among the trees. Those times when you visit the forest replenishes this radiance within you that you cannot obtain any other way.

Where could you reflect the light?

Frozen – Reflecting the light in this instance is in opposition to absorbing it to use in your growth and healing. When you overthink things and push too hard for perfection, instead of drawing the light into yourself, you end up reflecting it back, and thus not actually getting the benefits of that light in the first place.

Where could you bring in that shining light?

Synchronicity – When you slow down and take time to allow yourself to feel in sync with the world around you, it allows nurturing light and the healing it has to offer an opportunity to come in and connect with you.

How can you best connect with yourself?

Fidelity – To better connect with yourself, work on building a better relationship with yourself that shows the inner you that you’re willing to put you and your own needs first. Right now, that inner you is accustomed to the harsh jab of punishment and neglect. If you want a stronger connection, you need to show that you’re making efforts to do things differently by connecting with your needs and being kinder to yourself.

What victories can you celebrate?

Fertile – Take the time to appreciate what you have now and how far you have come. Celebrate the little things that built into big things, instead of ignoring them in favor of what comes next. Stop and smell the roses instead of passing them by.

How can you store this positivity?

Quiet Achiever – Internalize this positivity through self examination and getting to know yourself and your needs better. Allow it to sink deep and be personal instead of something you let just roll off or ignore. You don’t need to shout your accomplishments from the rooftops, but you do need to acknowledge them within yourself.

DECK USED: ENCHANTED EARTH ORACLE

@thetruthinstory #embracethemagical2025 Challenge
The Deep Prompts 27 and 28

Tarot Reading with the Broken Mirror Tarot 4th Edition and Rune Dreams OracleDoorway (Choice) – What choice lies before me, waiting to be crossed?

Tiwaz, Three of Wands, Thuriaz – You can either let your fears rule you and do nothing, or you can move forward regardless of your fears because what you want is more important than protecting yourself from what you fear might happen. Do you allow your fears to rule you? Or do you move forward in spite of them with your goals, principles and values at the fore?

Dream (Vision) – What vision lies in dream or trance, pointing forward?

Fehu, Nine of Coins, Hagalaz – Opportunity lies within the chaos and destruction. You seek greater stability and abundance in your life. In order to reach these goals, you have to go through the storm to reach the other side, where you can begin again to build something greater than what you had before.

Other elements included in this reading:
Staghorn Sumac for Connecting with Nature and the Wild Within
Bird Figurine for Fostering Hope, Positivity, and Renewal
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: BROKEN MIRROR TAROT 4TH EDITION AND TUNE DREAMS ORACLE ORIGINAL EDITION

Daily Self Kindness

Unlike yesterday? Today I managed to take a nap.  A nice long one.