tarot in daily life

Finding the Positive for August 2 – 4

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Sea Witch Oracle, Asherah Tarot, Grounded Wisdom Soil Tarot, Wisdom for Wee Ones Cards, and It’s Going To Be Okay 2024 Day-to-day Calendar By Kate Allan

August 2 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was ten minutes long, and was one of the #DailyCalm sessions with the Calm app.  Today’s meditation focused on the breath and the practice of Anapana, which was described as using focus on the natural breath as a meditation practice.  Instead of focusing on the lungs and chest, though, you focused on the little bit of space just under the nose, and paying attention to the movement of air through that space, narrowing down  your focus to just that small patch of skin and nothing else.

I am, admittedly? Not good at “observing the natural breath”. I try, but every time I try? I end up altering my breath when I pay attention to it, either deepening it or modulating it in some way.  I’ll keep trying, of course, but I’ve yet to find a way to keep this from happening.  I’m sure I’m not the only one.

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Today’s card is the Seal card combined with the affirmation “I have a good body, whether or not other people like it.”

This affirmation reminds me of the phrase “It could always be worse.” My body hurts. It has scars. It has damage. Hell, it even has a few white hairs and wrinkles these days. But… it could be worse. It could always be worse in an endless myriad of ways.

The Seal card’s words “Curiosity needs freedom” is a reminder that no matter what you don’t like about your body, or what others don’t like about your body?  It’s -your- body, and it serves you well (if not exactly as perfectly as you might want).  Get out and do things with it.  Have fun with it. Explore with it.

Who cares if you get dirty in the process? Who cares if you get sweaty and flush-faced? Celebrate your body with an adventure. Let curiosity lead you now and then, and don’t worry so much about what others may think.

DECK USED: SEA WITCH ORACLE AND IT’S GOING TO BE OKAY 2024 DAY-TO-DAY CALENDAR BY KATE ALLAN

August 3 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Today’s card is the Lovers card combined with the affirmation “Just try to stay calm and do what you can.”

There is a dual meaning in today’s card, especially when combined with the affirmation for today. The Lovers is often about unity and union, but it can also be about making choices that are best for you.

Combined together, the message for today is about allowing others to do their part so that you are healthier in your own work and responsibilities. Don’t get worked up over everything that needs to be done, but instead trust in others to do their part while you focus on doing yours.

DECK USED: ASHERAH TAROT AND IT’S GOING TO BE OKAY 2024 DAY-TO-DAY CALENDAR BY KATE ALLAN

August 4 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Today’s card is the Devil combined with the affirmation “Some people take and never give, yet they don’t have enough, but Wisdom’s way is to give without fear. You’ll still have enough of what you hold dear.”

Fear of missing out (FOMO) is a thing, whether it’s buying things you think will be useful to you at a later date, trying to “keep up with the Joneses”, or just not trimming one’s roses because they want to see all the blooms (but instead stunt it’s growth and the size of its blooms due to not cutting them back enough). These feelings, whether spurred on by fears, insecurities, or sentimentality, can be harmful if not kept in check.

One way we keep this in check is through generosity.  Like the rose bush that needs to have its buds cut back regularly in order to produce bigger and more beautiful blooms, our homes need to be purged occasionally.

It can be freeing to go through your closet and finally get rid of some of the clothing you haven’t worn in a couple years, or go through a collection and weed out those in it that you don’t really enjoy, or go through your kitchen cupboards and donate a portion of what’s in there you haven’t gotten around to using.  It helps us to not allow these things to have such a choke hold on us, like removing the invasive vines from a garden before they choke out all the other plants.

That is what today’s cards are about.  Don’t worry that by giving to others you are creating a lack in your own life.  There will still be plenty.  You’re just doing a bit of weeding so the stuff you truly enjoy can have more breathing room and appreciation.

DECK USED: GROUNDED WISDOM SOIL TAROT AND WISDOM FOR WEE ONES CARDS

No Strength Without Rest

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Today’s meditation was skipped (yet again).

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Solace Oracle and It’s Going To Be Okay 2024 Day-to-day Calendar By Kate AllanToday’s draw is the Standing Strong card combined with the affirmation “You have coped through a lot; you deserve a nice long break.”

Today’s cards are a reminder that you don’t have to be strong all the time, and that times of rest are what help you to stay strong over the long haul.  Without rest, there is no strength.  So don’t be down on yourself about needing rest. It’s okay.

I personally needed to hear this message today. It’s supposed to be an orders day, but I spent a large portion of the day trying to fill orders only to have to re-do damned near every little thing over at least once because of stupid mistakes and dissatisfaction with the results of my efforts.

I finally gave up and set orders aside, giving myself permission to ship out everything on Tuesday instead of tomorrow. The guilt was significant, especially when others in my life sort of seemed disapproving of my choices. (Or, alternately? It’s possible that could have just been me projecting my own feelings and guilt.)  Either way, today’s message helped in easing some of those negative emotions.  I’m allowed to rest when I need to, even when it’s not particularly convenient.

DECK USED: SOLACE ORACLE

#DiscordTarotholicsAug2023 Challenge Prompt
Question for August 1st and 2nd

Oracle Reading with the Moon Woman OracleHow does my inner child feel right now?

Maiden – Your inner child is excited about the potential your steps in personal growth are opening up to you. No longer is your inner child shoved in a closet, neglected and ignored as they had been in the past, and they are beginning to enjoy the attention and exploration.

How can I better connect with my inner child?

The Cauldron – Remember that creativity isn’t just fun and games, but there is also a sacredness to it that makes each thing you create (whether it be physical, metaphysical, or just the space for future potential) contain an intrinsic part of you within it.

DECK USED: MOON WOMAN ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I had myself some lazy time in bed today while I was alone at home.  As mentioned in the Card of the Day exercise above, I also allowed myself to not fill orders today, and rest instead… and am working on not feeling guilty about it.

Perfectionism Clogs the Gears

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Cryptid Creatures Tarot and It’s Going To Be Okay 2024 Day-to-day Calendar By Kate AllanToday’s card is the Wheel of Fortune (Tailypo) combined with the affirmation “You can do the thing!”

Let go of the need for perfection . You have have better things to do with your time.

When you focus too hard on perfection, it slows you down and keeps you from completing tasks that could easily be done much quicker with a little more tolerance for everything not being “just right”.  Why waste your time with these tiny details when no one will care one way or another, or even notice for that matter… including -you- if it wasn’t you doing the work!

Just do it and get it done with out the obsessing, and then instead of wasting time on something you’re not really enjoying, you can move on to something that you will.

DECK USED: CRYPTID CREATURES TAROT AND IT’S GOING TO BE OKAY 2024 DAY-TO-DAY CALENDAR BY KATE ALLAN

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2024 Challenge Prompt
Prompt for July 31: Grab a spread of your choice that you’ve been curious about… and give it a go!

Summer Oracle Reading with the Wing Hoof and Paw Oracle

Flowers – What is flourishing in your life right now?

Muskrat – Thanks to the end of month reading that you did earlier in the week, you are paying far more attention to the world around you. You are alert and aware, and working at preserving clarity of sight and mind. Vigilance and awareness of what’s going on around you is extremely important at the moment, and you’re doing well with it.

Sun – Where you’re shining your brightest this summer.

Prairie Dog – You are doing better at showing your emotions and sharing them with those that you love than you have done in quite some time. Last year, due to circumstances beyond your control, you had to shut yourself down and everyone suffered. You are beginning to open back up now.

Stars – What needs released to shine even brighter?

Deer – It’s hard to believe that you’re not going to have a repeat experience of what happened last year. You need to set down your distrust in the universe and it’s whims, and allow things to flow smoothly once more. Stop bracing for the next blow to come raining down on you.

Bees – Where to focus your energy to get things done?

Springbok – Revisit those things that you really enjoy, and allow them to help spark your creativity and enthusiasm. You have the extra time at the moment to spend some time having fun. Make sure you take advantage of that time instead of wasting it.

Bonfires – Embers to stir up for a brighter future.

Swan – Make sure that you were giving yourself credit where credit is due. You are enough, even when those negative whispers in your head make it seem like you’re not. This is something you need to work on reminding yourself of on the regular.

DECK USED: WING HOOF AND PAW ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I mixed the rest of the Froot Loops in with the Trix cereal. It’s a really good combo that I enjoy.

Finding the Positive for July 28 – 30

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The Soulscape Tarot, Messages from the Woods Oracle, Starline Tarot, Forest Friends Cards, and It’s Going To Be Okay 2024 Day-to-day Calendar By Kate Allan

July 28 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Today’s card is the Wheel of Fortune combined with the affirmation “You are out here trying, and that is absolutely good enough.”

Confession.  I am a control freak.  Yes.  I am.  And the absolute frustration that comes with -not- being able to control some aspects of my life that I want to is one of the hardest things in life for me to accept.  Emotions. Triggers. Flashbacks. Unexpected roadblocks and obstacles. Unpleasant surprises.

These things drive me absolutely crazy because I cannot control them even in instances when they may not involve -anyone- other than myself. I don’t want to control others, I just want to control myself and my life to a degree that is (in rational moments, I admit) not just unreasonable to expect but actually impossible to accomplish.

Today’s affirmation and card combo is a reminder that you can’t control the world around you, only yourself and your reactions to it. You can’t control your emotions, only how you react to them and what you -do- with them. Do you let it set you off kilter? Or do you go along for the ride with grace? It’s a choice.

I’m personally not very good at gracefully going along with the flow in these instances. But… I’m trying, and that has to be enough.

DECK USED: THE SOULSCAPE TAROT AND IT’S GOING TO BE OKAY 2024 DAY-TO-DAY CALENDAR BY KATE ALLAN

July 29 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was

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Today’s cards are the Deer card combined with the Bear Hugs hugs card.

The message in today’s cards is that life cannot be work work work all the time. Everyone needs rest to function… even you. Don’t feel guilty for taking time to yourself when you need it. When you do so, you show that you are giving yourself the same kind of love and understanding, balance and stability that you provide so easily for others.

DECK USED: MESSAGES FROM THE WOODS CARDS AND IT’S FOREST FRIENDS CARDS BY TIJANA LUKOVIC

July 30 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Today’s card is the Ace of Wands combined with the affirmation “You’re still a good  you, even while you’re not feeling like yourself.”

Honestly? I’ve been dead tired today. I only managed to get about two hours sleep last night, and it clearly wasn’t enough.  Between that and the drive north, it’s been a rough one for me.

Today’s cards are a reminder that even on rough days, your passions and inspirations remain the same. You like the same foods, you’re interested in the same things, and you have the same passions. The cards encourage tapping into those enthusiasms during these times when you aren’t at your best, and allowing them to help ground you in yourself so that you don’t feel as much adrift from yourself and who you are as such days can cause you to feel.

DECK USED: STARLINE TAROT AND IT’S GOING TO BE OKAY 2024 DAY-TO-DAY CALENDAR BY KATE ALLAN

Finding the Positive for July 10 – 12

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Mimit Tarot, Oracle of 11, Journey to Oz & Wonderland Tarot, and It’s Going To Be Okay 2024 Day-to-day Calendar By Kate Allan

July 10 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Today’s card is The Hanged Man combined with the affirmation “Small steps still count.”

Holy cuteness overload. 😂 These cards are a reminder that even though you’ve chosen to come up north and spend the night at Ms B’s so you can take her to her appointment today doesn’t mean you’re not still in the process of healing up from being sick.  Pneumonia takes time to recover from, and even though you have more energy and are getting better doesn’t mean you’re full on able to pick things up as if you’re completely healed.

Pause.  Take time.  Go slow.  Take breaks when you need them, naps when there’s opportunity, and give yourself a break whenever you get the chance.  Don’t push.

DECK USED: MIMIT TAROT AND IT’S GOING TO BE OKAY 2024 DAY-TO-DAY CALENDAR BY KATE ALLAN

July 11 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Today’s card is The Golden Island of Brunei combined with the affirmation “You’re not failing at being happy– you’re recovering from overwhelming stress. Please be patient and allow your mind some recovery time; this won’t last forever.”

From the Guide: “The Golden Island roamed the seas, seeking worthy communities to bless. Yet when those it granted boons forgot their kindness and became consumed with greed, it vanished, leaving them to decline.”

This story reminds me of the Fae, and the importance of consistency where building a relationship with them is concerned.  If you put out cream on your windowsill for the Fae, and do so consistently, they may come to bless you with their company and boons. But, if you forget or become inconsistent with your offerings, those boons may be taken away and the Fae you have been courting may become resentful.

Today’s cards are about gratitude, and most especially, consistency in one’s gratitude. Staying power is important when it comes to drawing in one’s blessings, as well as weathering the hard parts of life that come your way.  If you stop being grateful, the world looks darker, even though it’s not.  If you recognize your blessings for what they are and stay consistent in gratitude and positivity practices, the world looks brighter and lighter, even though it’s not.  It’s our perspective that changes when we put in consistent effort to be kind and grateful.  Which perspective would you rather live in?

DECK USED: ORACLE OF 11 AND IT’S GOING TO BE OKAY 2024 DAY-TO-DAY CALENDAR BY KATE ALLAN

July 12 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was ten minutes long, and was one of the #DailyTrip sessions on the Calm app.  The session spoke about how there are two different “main” methods of meditation.  The “focused on a goal” meditation style, and the “doing nothing” meditation style.  This particular session focused on the “doing nothing” style and was about simply relaxing into the experience of the moment.

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Today’s card is the Chariot card combined with the affirmation “Yes, the storm is back again, and it sucks. But, you aren’t alone out there, my friend.”

You know that phrase “team work makes the dream work”?  That’s what today’s cards bring to mind. Flying monkeys are an effective army not because they’re flying monkeys (although, that surely has something to do with it), but because they are an –army– of flying monkeys.

By the same turn?  You are not a survivor all alone and on your own.  You’re a member of a community, whether that community is a family,  part of a group of friends, or some other gathering of members that help and support each other.  And, it is through this connection with others that you are better able to weather the storms that life throws at you.

Could you do it alone?  Sure. Probably.  You don’t have to, though, and life’s that much easier when you accept help from others during the rough times than if you tried to handle it all on your own.

DECK USED: JOURNEY TO OZ & WONDERLAND TAROT AND IT’S GOING TO BE OKAY 2024 DAY-TO-DAY CALENDAR BY KATE ALLAN

🎨 Weekly Creativity Prompt – The Door

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Pull (at least) three cards and use them to respond to this prompt: You’re walking through the forest and you come across a door. It doesn’t look like it goes anywhere, but the key is in the lock. What do you do? And what do you find?

White Sage Tarot - Six of Cups, Death, Page of Swords, Queen of Swords, Knight of Wands

I amble among the towering trees of craggy bark and drooping fronds blended with the drape of lace like moss, the scent of evergreen and wet in the air as soft moss and pine needles act as a spongy carpet beneath my feet.  Each step is a childhood memory as scents of fern and cedar mix with fir and pine, the air holding a cool dampness that soothes the sinuses and fills the senses with breath after breath of fresh air. (Six of Cups)

In this place of memories I seek to find grace in the face of change, and it is as I wander that I come upon a door nestled among the trees. It stands straight and tall, and when I circle around behind the trees it seems there is nothing on the other side, and yet energy in the air says different and speaks of mysteries and secrets.  Drawn in, I reach for the knob and turn it, opening the door with a sense of inevitability and curiosity, as if every step I have ever taken has lead me here.  Here to this door and this moment… and I step through. (Death)

On the other side, the world appears the same as before, and yet it is I that have changed, not the world around me.  In crossing the threshold I acknowledge it is time to begin again… to begin anew.  It is time to take all that I have learned and be reborn on a new quest to learn more and continue to grow. (Page of Swords)

Within myself the spark of eager anticipation bursts into action.  I hear laughter on the breeze and rustling among the trees, and I am inspired to dart forward into this new world that is me.  Dart forward and dash among the ferns and the fronds, chase that soft tinkle of laughter among the leaves and the tree trunks, and become lost, once more, in the wonder of life around me. (Knight of Wands)

Now lost among the trees in a forest both familiar and also brand new, I wander, experience, and explore. There is so much to see and experience, and I’m prepared for the journey and to guide others that I meet along the path the way forward into the forest as well. (Queen of Swords)

DECK USED:  WHITE SAGE TAROT