Tarot of the Animal Lords

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?

Mystic Masters Tarot, Mystical Creatures Oracle, Runic Odyssey Oracle

Earth – Two of Swords and Foo Dogs – You’re going to have some decisions to make this week concerning your home and finances.  Make sure that you lean heavily into the stability aspect and that you are paying attention to what needs a little extra balance and structure.  Now is not the time to take risks or go off of guesses.  Find the sure path with level ground and save the risk taking and adventures for later on down the line.

Air – Two of Cups, Basilisk atop Harpy – Do not allow carelessness and negativity to pollute your connection and communication with others.  Sometimes your head goes on little tangents or gets a bit too wrapped up in it’s own self and you forget to look outward on how your words are affecting others.  The potential for one of those moments is coming up in the week ahead, so do your best to stay mindful in your connections and communication with others, as well as their reactions.

Water – Justice and Minotaur – What goes up must come down and you’ve been on a bit of an emotional upswing lately, regardless of the somewhat chaotic nature the last week has held. These cards go hand in hand with the Air section of this reading, as you are at risk of sliding into a more negative space and getting lost in your head with that ugly negative self talk that so often can drag you down.  Here’s your warning… the scales are looking for a way to tip off balance. Be aware.  Be alert. Pay attention and do what is needed to stay balanced.

Fire – Five of Cups, Mermaid atop Goblin – Bad feelings are coming and it’s important that you don’t close them off or shut them away. Feel your feelings.  It’s important.  If you close the emotions you’re feeling off it will only  make them worse, giving rise to a “fight” response that will create resentment and negative interactions with yourself and others as a result.  This is not healthy for you or for your ambitions.   It’s not healthy for anyone.  Feel your feelings.  But while you’re doing so, keep your head up and look for the silver lining in the situation.

Waning – Tiwaz (Courage/Justice) – It’s time to slow down.  As indicated in the Earth section earlier in this reading, there are things at play that need a slow and careful approach.  Pause and think rather than simply going with your gut, and when you come to a course of action?  Pause and think some more.

Waxing – Berkano (Fertility/Growth) –  The question in this prompt is specifically “what do I need to focus on moving toward” for self-care in the week ahead, and what I need to focus on is growth.  Personal growth. I have an opportunity to grow and flourish into the newness of how I deal with things in the methods I use to confront this week’s challenges.  I can fall back on old habits… or I can reach for new methods and use this opportunity to grow from them.  I need to focus on that growth.

Take Away –  Slow steady and ultra careful on the home and finances front this week.  There’s some potential for emotional upheaval this week, and miscommunication could very definitely play a part in the mess of it all.  Don’t make any important decisions or changes this week in the home and finances while going through the mess of emotional upheaval.  And don’t close off.  Use this upheaval as a chance to practice your new methods instead of falling back on old habits concerning how you deal with this sort of thing.

DECKS USED:  MYSTIC MASTERS TAROT, MYTHICAL CREATURES ORACLE, RUNIC ODYSSEY ORACLE

Self Care Saturday (On a Sunday)

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

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?

Showing results for pamela colman smith rws Search instead for pamela coleman smith rws Pamela Colman Smith's RWS Tarot, Birds Oracle 1 & 2, Visionary I-Ching Oracle

Earth – Seven of Cups and Ruby Throated Hummingbird – The meaning of the Ruby Throated Hummingbird is to take only what you need, and here with it we see a card that is filled with options and opportunities… but you have to choose.  The message here is that it’s not a time for gluttony and piling on more than you can handle.  Take things slow this week and do what you need to do.  Make wise choices about how you spend your time and in taking care of yourself.

Air – Death atop Three of Cups, Great Horned Owl – “Every day there are opportunities to learn something new,” is the message conveyed by the Great Horned Owl.  Death rides atop merriment with others and reminds us that nothing lasts forever and you need to cherish what you can while you can.  Use this time with those you care about to learn what you can from them, for they won’t be around forever to share their knowledge, wisdom, and joys with you.

Water – The Empress and Sulfur Crested Cockatoo – The Sulfur Crested Cockatoo’s message is that it’s time to reassess relationships and figure out which are working for you and which it is time to let go of.  The presence of the Empress narrows this theme down, indicating that you need to hold onto those that nurture and support you, and let go of those that are no longer taking any effort to do this on their part, and thus you need to let go of putting my own energy into them in turn. Not all relationships (friendships, work relationships, etc) are meant to last a lifetime.

Fire – Judgement atop Three of Wands, Ferruginous Pygmy Owl – The message that the Ferruginous Pygmy Owl conveys is about not becoming distracted by “shiny things” and examining what it is that is distracting you from what you’re meant to be doing.  Judgement speaks of this same examination on a grand scale of one’s moral compass and how you feel about  how you are living your life, and the Three of Wands speaks of direction.  Take some time this week to do these examinations and make sure you are still on your true path and not being pulled off course.

Waning – Attention to Detail – Step back and let go. Don’t worry about all the little details that need to be done.  This week, just carry on and let the small shit take care of itself while you focus on the bigger picture and work at getting your ducks in a row.

Waxing – Humility – You don’t know everything and you need to make sure that you are accepting your mistakes with grace, and taking the actions needed to repair the damage and return things to status quo once more.  Everyone makes mistakes, and sometimes these mistakes are needed learning experiences. With true humility, balance can once again be achieved.

Take Away – There is a lot of mention in this week’s reading about taking time to examine friendships and relationships, options and opportunities, and your trajectory of your life path as a whole and ensure that all of these things are on the right track.  If course corrections are needed, be humble and accept that you’ve been drawn off course. Through that humility you will be able to then course correct back to your intended path without allowing negative self talk and self-recriminations to drag you down.

DECKS USED:  PAMELA COLEMAN SMITH’S RWS TAROT, BIRDS ORACLE 1 & 2, VISIONARY I-CHING CARDS

Self Care Saturday (On a Sunday)

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

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?

Broken Isn't Bad Tarot, A Whisper In The Ear Oracle, Sacred Journey Medicine Cards

Earth – The Empress and Sing a Different Tune – For your health and the preservation of your happy home life, you need to not just shift your focus from work and money, but start doing what needs done to take care of yourself instead of ignoring your needs.  That means getting your ass outside among the trees and moss and liminal spaces this week.  Don’t put it off or ignore it for “later” as you have had to do all month.

Air – The Magician and Take the Lead – Over the last month you’ve really closed yourself off from others and kept your head down as you moved through the chaos.  That’s natural, but now that the chaos is over, it’s time to lift your head up and ground yourself back in the now. Don’t forget that you have all the knowledge and power you need to guide things in the direction you want them to go.

Water – Three of Pentacles and Travel Light – You want to be there for Ms B and support her in what she’s going through, but unfortunately it’s not really safe for either you or Z to head that way.  Instead, make sure that you’re keeping in contact with her and keeping the lines of communication and connection open and strong.  You can’t pack up the car and Z right now and drive out there to be there in person so put the suitcase down and pick up the phone.

Fire – Four of Pentacles and Isolation – You need to take a little bit more time away from your work and that hard pushing drive that is always riding your shoulders.  You haven’t quite found that stability yet, and you were smart to schedule more time off after the Tuesday shipments.  Use that time to help find that stability you need and the relaxation you haven’t fully been able to embrace or get enough of so that you can hop back in fresh in the second half of next week.

Waning – Metamorphosis –  Change takes time, and you’ve done well at getting yourself back on track instead of lingering in the chaos and anxiety of the rush.  Now that you’re finding your footing it’s time to move forward from the change and into sustaining this healthier approach.

Waxing – Primal Beginnings – This week it is time to go back to basics and the card here echos the advice given in the Earth part of the reading above.  Get in touch with what you need and spend some time out among the trees and liminal spaces this week.  You need this too much right now to ignore it, so let that be your main focus for the week ahead.

Take Away –  The beginning of this week requires a bit of work, but make sure once you’re through those first few days that you turn your attention back to yourself and your needs and the process of getting back in touch with taking care of yourself. Spend time outside, take a hike in the rain, let yourself enjoy some time frolicking among the trees and wallowing in the mossy mounds of the rainforest and you’ll feel better for it.

DECKS USED: BROKEN ISN’T BAD TAROT, A WHISPER IN THE EAR ORACLE, SACRED JOURNEY MEDICINE CARDS

Self Care Saturday (On a Sunday)

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

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?

Steampunk Tarot, Oracolarium, Викканский Оракул Теней

Earth – Knight of Pentacles and Water – Things are slowing down. You don’t really need the cards to tell you that as it’s very obvious, but of course here you see it plain as day.  Business is slowing from the holiday rush, and with it the money that comes in will slow as well.  Do not look at this as a shot in the foot and mourn the loss, but rather pace yourself to match the slow and be kind to yourself both in the stepping up of your self-care as well as in how you relate to yourself emotionally during this time of slowing down.

Air – King of Swords and Bear – You have done all that you set out to do and exceeded your expectations.  Now is a time to retreat into the solid footing you have created and feel a sense of  peace in the fact that you have done well.  Don’t allow doubts to set you off balance but own  your success with inner strength and confidence.

Water – Nine of Pentacles and Crystals – Turn your focus to how secure you feel now with the success you have under your belt.   Changing gears during this time of year can be a struggle, but to keep yourself emotionally balanced you need to switch quickly to the good that has happened and the good that has been earned. Cast your eye to the positive and keep it there.  Don’t hesitate… do it now.

Fire – Four of Wands and Samhain – Again we see a sign of completion and endings.   This too, is an indication of the holiday rush coming to the end.  The chaos and wild whirlwind is closing out this week, and things settle once more into a more sedate pace.  This week is a time of rest and you need to do just that.  Even though there are things that need preparing for the new year, set them aside this week and worry about them after you have taken a few days to rest and recover.

Waning – Wisdom – Take some time for yourself this week. The Wisdom card is about collecting wisdom and passing it on to others, but this week you need to just cherish your quiet time and not worry about the rest of the world all that much. Some healthy seclusion is needed… share later.

Waxing – Evocation – The theme of the evocation card is “to manifest change in the world, begin within”.  This card brings into focus that now is the time to shift back into what changes you want to make in your own life and in yourself.  Over the past few weeks you have closed yourself off, shut down your needs and ignored the demands of your body, mind, and emotions.  This week it’s time to turn that around and return your focus to a more balanced care for yourself.

Take Away – This week’s reading is all about the changing gears that come from shifting out of the holiday rush and back to the slower pace of everyday life.  Although this transition is not easy, there are things you can do to help yourself make this transition go smoothly.  Focusing on the positive you have accomplished, and the positive you want to achieve in yourself and your self care, making sure you give yourself the rest you need to adjust and be kind to yourself rather than harsh and judgemental.

DECKS USED:  STEAMPUNK TAROT, ORACOLARIUM, Викканский Оракул Теней (WICCAN ORACLE OF SHADOWS)

Self Care Saturday (On a Sunday)

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

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?

Living Tarot, Wisdom of the Forest Oracle, Wild Whiskers Spirit Animal Oracle

Earth – Ten of Wands and Dignified Dragon – Make sure as you move forward into this week that you are staying on guard about putting too much on your plate. The holiday rush is taking up all of your energy and all of your attention.  Do not make promises you cannot keep or that will be detrimental to you to try and keep. Do not make commitments to anything more or extra.  Dance in the fire of what is already before you and on your plate… there is no room for more right now.

Air – Son of Pentacles and Mischievous Monkey –  You’re clever and often single minded.  Single minded isn’t a bad thing, but you need to activate that clever wit this week to help bring a little humor and a spark of fun to the process. Keeping your head down and taking each step forward one at a time is all well and good, but don’t forget that it’s especially during these times that a little bit of funny and fun are needed most.

Water – Seven of Swords and Lofty Lion – Emotionally, self control is going to be a bit difficult for you this week. Like the other night when you burst out in tears and became a sopping mess for a bit, your emotions are going to steal away with you again and again.  This is natural when someone is under the kind of stress and strain that you are currently under. You will make it through, so don’t shy away from these moments.  They are needed.

Fire – Eight of Pentacles and Elegant Eagle –  Lots of hard work coming in this week, which is to be expected from the holiday rush.  You’ll have the opportunity to make some good decisions for your business this week as well. These opportunities have the potential to positively influence your business in the future. Make sure that you think them through thoroughly before cementing your decisions into place and take into consideration what your gut has to say.

Waning – Focus – There’s not a whole lot of control over the next week and you are going to have to train your focus on where it needs to be instead of where you want it to be. The nature of the holiday rush is that you have to train your attention on the business and your work, no matter where else you might feel you want to place it instead. There’s only so much time to go around, and only so much you can invest… and right now you have to invest your focus in those places instead of where you want to train your focus, attention, and time.

Waxing – Smile – “It may not be possible to immediately meet all adversity with a smile, but we can begin to try.”  This quote from the small guide that came with this deck says what I’ve been trying to wax poetic about for over a half hour and talked myself into circles repeatedly.  Right now there is so much stress and so much strain that it’s hard to be positive.  The important part is in the trying.  It’s in finding the little things that you can smile about, the small things that can bring a chuckle.   Just as is mentioned in the Air position in this reading, you need to make sure that you’re allowing those things to lift you up, no matter how small, and using your clever wit and sense of humor to foster and support this effort.

Take Away – You may not be doing what you want to do, but you’re doing what you need to do, and that’s extremely important at this time of year.  Give yourself little boosts of positivity in small ways will help keep you a bit more uplifted.  Make wise choices and listen to your gut as you watch out for opportunities to further your goals this week, and be aware that emotional outbursts are going to happen.  They’re scary and embarrassing, but they’re a part of the process so don’t run from them.

DECKS USED:  LIVING TAROT, WISDOM OF THE FOREST ORACLE, WILD WHISKERS SPIRIT ANIMAL ORACLE

Self Care Saturday (On a Sunday)

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

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?

Scorpio Sea Tarot, Edmund Dulac Tarot, Sacred Journey Oracle

Earth – The Sun and Consulting the Ancestors – Echoing back to yesterday’s reading about where joy resides, here we see The Sun in the earth’s grounding position. What would your ancestors say to you if they saw you working the way that you do?  Not your father, but your guides and those that love and support you on the other side.  Would they tell you to work yourself to the bone and neglect yourself in the process?

Stability and security are merely a foundation.  They are the safe and sturdy foundation on which you then dance joyously upon, safe in knowing each step of your dance will not be on crumbling stone, but sturdy ground.

Air – Ten of Cups and In the Clouds – Keep your chin up and make the effort to keep your inner dialogue positive.  Crappy shit happens and stress can be a killer, but if you can keep your mind focused on the positive it will help you in overcoming the darkness that tries to seep in.  And start taking some vitamin D.

Water – Three of Cups, The Ice Queen, Clandestine Escape – This week may feel like everything is working in sync, but watch out for the darker emotions just beneath the surface.  Don’t freeze them out or forget they’re there, or you may find them sneaking up on you unexpectedly when you’re not looking.

Fire – Five of Wands and The Butterfly Trap – You know that saying that when you fall off the horse, get up and try again? Here it is, literally before your eyes. Keep in mind that things are going to take some patience and a bit of a gentle touch this week if you don’t want to fall on your ass again and again.

Waning – The Actress – Step away from showing a brave face this week and give the genuine article to the world. Vulnerability sucks, but it’s necessary, even now during the hurried chaos of the holiday rush. Don’t hide behind a mask of composure and control.

Waxing – Mother Earth – Rising into power this week and in need of your focus is the need to make sure you are taking care of yourself. This doesn’t just include self care activities like soaking in the tub or doing your meditation, but also making sure that you’re getting out in nature, even if it’s just for an hour now and then.  Don’t forsake that connection, as it can help you in feeling more at peace and more in control.

Take Away – The take away here is that I need to make sure I focus on self care and fostering joy this week.  Right now the holiday rush is about building up that foundation that helps foster stability and security.  That stability and security is the building blocks that create the house of joy. Take care of yourself, love yourself, give yourself what you need, and be gentle with yourself.  Stay aware of lurking shadows and keep them at bay by leaning into optimism, but make sure you don’t forget they’re there… and sneaky.

DECKS USED:  SCORPIO SEA TAROT, EDMUND DULAC TAROT (TRIMMED NAKED), THE  JOURNEY ORACLE