tarot of the hidden realm

Set Your Own Pace

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Tarot of the Hidden Realm - Three of WandsThe @GlitterbyInk #JanJourney26 Embark to Renewal Challenge
The Departure Prompt for January 3rd : Momentum
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Three of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of the first active step in a journey, progress towards a goal, and the seizing of opportunities.

Pick your speed instead of letting things run wild.

I love the imagery in this card, and how the depiction of the family is twined with roots shared between them.  Trees grow slow, you know.  And, I bet tree people do too.

That’s the thing, yeah? A lot of times when we’re embarking on a journey, project, or even just our day… it can be hard to get going.  Other times, we land on our feet and feel like we have to sprint.  In truth, though? We set our own pace.  We choose whether we greet a project, journey, or our day with wild and chaotic energy that has us zipping around like the mad hatter, or with calm temperance that allows us to move through the day at a glide.

The message in today’s “momentum” prompt and card is that it doesn’t matter what speed we start at, as long as we start.  Once the ball is rolling?  We can figure out what speed and energy works for us. Sometimes, starting is the hardest part.  Once we’re over that hurdle, it’s all cake.

DECK USED:  TAROT OF THE HIDDEN REALM

One Card Tarot Journal Activity by @mariasofia_astro
Chapter 2 | Entry 1 – Love and Relationships
Affirmation : I love the qualities that my partner (or someone you admire) has in abundance.
Prompt : Traits you admire in other people can help you better understand what you seek to improve or accept about yourself. Meditate on a person you admire: a partner, a loved one, even a favorite celebrity. Then draw a card to understand where and how to take action in your life to cultivate this quality in yourself.

Tarot Activity from The One Card a Day Journal by Maria Sofia Marmanides - Axolo Tarot - The EmperorWhat feelings came up when I pulled this card?

A moment of confusion, which happens when my intuition doesn’t immediately jump in to say something. This means the answer in the card requires more reflection.

What elements of the card’s meaning resonate with me and this prompt?

The Emperor is often about leadership and making decisions for the greater good.

Gideon always has the tendency to think about me first before taking action. How will I respond? How will I feel or see things. These things don’t just make him a good partner, but a good Dominant as well. It’s never about his selfish whims or desires, because he always puts thoughts of me into the equation, and puts us and our relationship’s health above his own wants.

What in the artwork spoke to me?

The posture of the figure in this card is relaxed with a grin on its face. He’s just chillin’, regardless of the responsibilities he may carry on his shoulders or the weight of the crown on his head. This speaks to me of how I’ve often admired Gid’s ability to take on the weight of responsibility as if it weighs nothing at all. Especially in the D/s dynamic of our relationship. I, on the other hand, can and do Top, but the full weight of responsibility in taking the Dominant role will cause me to buckle after a time.

I’m also struck by how neatly the round leaves at the bottom of the card fit into the space there with no overlap.

My prompt response and reflections.

You do enough and aren’t built to be in that Dominant role full time. This difference between the two of you isn’t about improving yourself or picking up a new skill you admire, but about appreciating your differences more. You aren’t lacking by showing your love and dedication in your own ways, those ways are simply different than his. Don’t worry so much about taking on more of this trait, for your own traits balance his like two puzzle pieces that fit together perfectly.

DECK USED: AXOLO TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJan2026 Challenge
Prompt for January 3rd : Pull your most and least favorite cards from your deck and explain why you feel that way.

Note: I specifically chose to take this prompts as most and least favorite in this specific deck, rather than any and all decks, making this prompt about the artwork and it’s representation of the card’s theme rather than about the meanings of the cards themselves.

Tarot of the Hidden Realm - Ten of Swords and The MagicianMost Favorite – Ten of Swords

She is just so fierce! Only death will force her to yield, and maybe not even then.

The Ten of Swords is about endings, but it’s also about the horizon beyond. This card speaks to me both about putting your all into the “battle”, whatever that battle may be, as well as picking yourself up after you’ve crashed and burned. It speaks of pain as an accelerant and motivator, instead of as the thing that makes you buckle. I like that.

Least Favorite – The Magician

It’s the porn ‘stache. Between that and the somewhat sultry expression and appearance that he’s removing his robe? It just feels a little… sleazy. It strikes me with it every time I see this card.

I mean, the Magician is the “man with all the tools”, sure. And in a porn setting (which is what this imagery screams at me every time I see it), it’s clear this guy’s ready to go and has got what it takes… including the ‘stache.  It just gives me a little “nose wrinkle” kind of moment each time I see the image.

DECK USED: TAROT OF THE HIDDEN REALM

Daily Self Kindness

I made sure to get everything put away when I came home instead of putting it off until tomorrow as I’d considered doing.

Finding the Positive for August 25 – 27

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Tarot de Jacques Vieville Editions SIVILIXI, A Grieving Tarot, and Tarot of the Hidden Realm

August 25 – Mental Health Card of the Day 

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

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@FatMumSlim August #FMSPAD Challenge
Prompt for August 25th : Something Starting With 8 | #FMS_825
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Two of Coins, which is traditionally a representation of juggling responsibilities, work/life balance, and prioritization.

[Note: The Eight of Cups was not a draw, but rather it was the first “8” card come to in the deck for the “Something Starting with 8” prompt.]

OK, let’s be clear. Nothing starts with eight. Even the Eight of Cups (or any 8 in the tarot); far more went on well before we ever get to the eight. This is true in just about anything (with the possible exception of the birth of octuplets).

Beginnings are births, and what comes after are lessons, trials, obstacles, imbalances, and experience; which eventually leads you to Eight.

You can’t get there without experience, and a massive part of that experience is all about balance. After all, you don’t just decide to walk away from something you’re invested in (which is what the Eight of Cups is all about) without having gone through some sort of imbalance that has built up to the point where the endeavor is no longer worth your while.

Today’s message asks us to examine those imbalances; before walking away if you can… or after if you need that distance to see things more clearly. In examining what has caused our reaction to bail on something that at one time was important to us, we can learn more about ourselves and how to possibly foster a better balance in future endeavors.

DECK USED: TAROT DE JACQUES VIEVILLE EDITIONS SIVILIXI FRANCE

August 26 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was a ten minute self-directed session based upon the affirmation “You deserve the best. The foggiest of cemetery strolls. The silkiest coffin lining. The most haunted of castles. The fiercest of hellhounds. Don’t let anyone tell you you’re just a recluse the townsfolk tell stories about – you are an immortal countess with a horrifying secret.”

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@FatMumSlim August #FMSPAD Challenge
Prompt for August 26th : The Last Photo I Took | #FMS_LASTPHOTO25
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Justice card, which is traditionally a representation of balance, cause and effect, repercussions and consequences, give and take, and can often indicate the law or legal system.

If you don’t use it, you lose it. That’s what happens when you stop doing the things that you love. You lose them.  (This includes riding a bike by the way. That skill is not universally, retained, regardless of the saying to the contrary. Take it from someone who had to do the relearning.)

Sometimes, I’ve let go of hobbies and the skills associated with them with the knowledge and acceptance that if I pick them back up later, I’ll have to relearn them. It happens. I do a lot of creative exploration and you just can’t keep up on all of them all the time.

One in particular that this is not the case for, though, is photography. My treasured SLR camera gathers dust more often than not these days; not out of a lack of interest or an intent to let it go… but due to the lure of convenience. My cellphone, after all, is already on my person and has a very good camera. As good as my SLR with a macro or telephoto lens? No. But a hell of a lot lighter and more convenient.

And… as this convenience, seduces, I fumble a bit more with the SLR; my skills with it becoming less adept as I sacrifice quality again and again for the convenience that the camera on my cellphone provides.

I’m not sure I’m happy with the trade-off.

Today’s message is a reminder that you get what you give. If you’re not willing to put in the extra work and put up with a little inconvenience, don’t be surprised when your skills grow rusty and quality starts to decline.

DECK USED: A GRIEVING TAROT AND SINISTER AFFIRMATIONS CARDS

August 27 – Mental Health Card of the Day

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

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@FatMumSlim August #FMSPAD Challenge
Prompt for August 27th : A Colour That Calms Me | #FMS_CALMCOLOUR25
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Four of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of one’s passionate love for the security and welcoming energies of home. This often translates into themes that have to do with homecoming, celebrating home and stability, as well as relaxation in comfortable spaces.

No. It’s not yellow! (ref: today’s “color that calms me” prompt).  A “color” that calms me is home. Not just the home that provides a roof over my head, though, but the people that color my life with moments of joy. The trees that stand tall and the fallen nurse logs that I am welcomed by each time I step out into nature.

Speaking of…. when I travelled across the US back in my trusty (now gone) Jeep, there was one thing that stood out to me the most in every place I visited as determining how comfortable and “at  home” I felt in each location.

It was how much wild green the locations had. Not the manicured lawns and landscaped gardens, but the wild green of forests and ferns and towering trees. I found that in the places without these wild green spaces, I never truly felt comfortable… comforted… or at home.

Today’s message (and the wild mental ride that got us here) is a reminder that “home” is not your house (although it could be).  It’s a feeling of comfort, safety, and belonging. It’s those places and people for which you are the missing piece of the puzzle, and when you slip into place it’s a perfect fit worth celebrating.

DECK USED: TAROT OF THE HIDDEN REALM

Finding the Positive for July 23 – 25

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Tarot of the Hidden Realm's Four of Wands, Sprites & Beasties Tarot's Hierophant card, and Goose Tarot's King of Pentacles

July 23 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was a self directed ten minute long session based on the included graphic by @Sunni_Chapman; which has a figure holding a bunch of dandelion tufts as if to make a wish and says “I’m doing exactly the right things, because I’m doing what I want. Doing what you want is the right thing, if you want to get what you want.”

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Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Four of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of one’s passionate love for the security and welcoming energies of home. This often translates into themes that have to do with homecoming, celebrating home and stability, as well as relaxation in comfortable spaces.

Combined with today’s meditation, the card pulled for today really brings home to me just how often I’m not doing what I want. Because… what I want? Is to be at home. Honestly?  That’s all I want, even as unhealthy as that might be.

I say that because there was a time in my life where I was living as a shut-in.  I could barely make it to the store and back, and it’s -very- easy to imagine slipping back into that inclination, especially lately when I feel like all I really want to do is hide away from the world.   Why exactly is that?  I think it’s because I feel overwhelmed.

All.
the.
time.

Coming home, therefore, at least gives some little small modicum of relief from that feeling.  I mean, it’s still there, but there’s this comfort in stepping into a private familiar space that’s yours.  I savor that feeling every single time I step through my front door.  Every time the katy bar is put into place. Every time my ass hits the couch cushions or my body settles on the bed.

The message for today is a reminder not to take these comforts for granted.  Savor them.  A moment of appreciation is needed for those things in life that just feel -good-… even the small ones.

DECK USED: TAROT OF THE HIDDEN REALM

July 24 – Mental Health Card of the Day

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

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Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Storyteller (Hierophant) card, which is traditionally a representation of traditions, spiritual guidance, long standing institutions, teachers and guides, and themes that deal with conformity and social norms.

When I meditate, a lot of times, I have a tendency to focus more on the inhale than the exhale. I noticed this tendency today while meditating, as the session encouraged visualizing the inhale as drawing in light and energy, and the exhale as releasing stress and tension.

It made me wonder, what other experiences and/or benefits am I missing out on in life by doing things my own way instead of exploring traditional methods? After all, traditional methods became traditional, carrying on through generations, for a reason.

The message in today’s cards is to be open to exploration of long held traditions. You might feel certain that your own way of doing things is a better fit for you, but this isn’t actual fact (and is instead just your own assumption) until you actually give those traditional methods a try.

DECK USED: SPRITES & BEASTIES TAROT AND CHAKRA MANDALAS DECK

July 25 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the King of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of a projective alpha energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s financial security, resources, health, home, labors, manifestations, and other elements of the physical realm. This often translates into leadership that creates a grounded sense of stability for others.

For me, today is an order catch-up day. Having stepped away from processing orders for a handful of days, they have understandably built up in the background and need to be caught up on.

I used to try and do my catch-up all in one shipment. I’ve come to realize that that’s not doing me much good, though, for as soon as I’m caught up I then need another break.

So instead, I now split the outstanding orders into two piles. The more difficult time-consuming orders in one pile, and the rest that can be done easily and be quickly knocked out in another. The more difficult pile, I work on over the span of a weekend, giving me plenty of time to get them all done and ready to ship out in my Tuesday shipments. The pile of easy ones, I prep for a Friday shipment because I usually only have Thursday (or sometimes just Thursday night) in which to get them done.

Although I hate that this means catching up takes more time, it significantly reduces my stress and energy expenditure.

Today’s King of Pentacles card combined with the affirmation. “Go easy on yourself. Life is not a speed run.” is a reminder that part of being responsible and taking care of those responsibilities, is a responsibility to take care of yourself. It’s okay to do things at your own pace. The world will fall in line behind you if your boundaries give them no other option.

DECK USED: GOOSE TAROT AND WILDLING WISDOM ORACLE

Changing the Narrative

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Today’s meditation was eleven minutes long, and one of the #DailyCalm sessions from the @Calm app. Interconnectedness.

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Tarot of the Hidden Realm's The Sun CardThe @GlitterbyInk #JuneSun25 Challenge
Summer Sunlight Prompt for June 7 : Dim

Today’s draw is the Sun card, which is traditionally a representation of success, optimism, positivity, fun and frivolity. In my path, the Sun is also a symbol of male vitality, virility, and warmth.

Don’t let the responsibilities of the day keep you from having a little fun. Being open to a more positive outlook will help the day go much smoother, and you will feel a greater sense of achievement at the day’s end.

DECK USED:  TAROT OF THE HIDDEN REALM

@LightningWildflower‘s June Tarot Challenge
Balance Prompts for June 7th thru 9th

Oracle Reading with the Norse Oracle and Botanical Messages Flower OracleWhat imbalances would I find if I looked more closely at my life?

Asgard and Onion – When you look deeper than the surface, you will find that there is an imbalance between constructive and destructive forces in your life right now. A lack of planning can make it difficult to move forward, so make sure when you’re looking deeper that you’re not just looking… but also planning and strategizing a way ahead that rectifies things.

How can I bring a greater sense of harmony to my day?

Freyr and Amaryllis – Get your new flowers and plants that you picked up last week planted. It might be a bit too hot today, but you can tackle them tomorrow if you approach working with them early enough before the heat builds too much outside. You need the time outside with your hands in the dirt, and in doing so you will be accomplishing something you’ve been putting off at the same time.

What do I need to focus…

more on?

Aegir and Star Anise – Lean into your spirituality and intuition. Your emotions have made these things sometimes feel a bit less stable than you’re used to, but that is simply your emotions putting that impression in the mix. Make sure that you are continuing to look beyond just the logical answers that you tend to want to trust and depend on.

less on?

Heimdall and Morning Glory – Don’t let flights of fancy cause you to lose focus on what’s important. Sometimes it’s easy to get distracted, especially when working on things you don’t really enjoy, and you really need to make sure to keep your eye on the ball right now.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Silver Maple Key for Bouncing Back to Thrive
Green Aventurine for Harmony and Balance of the Heart
Aragonite for Fostering Truth, Understanding, and Clarity
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: NORSE ORACLE AND BOTANICAL MESSAGES FLOWER ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I had some appetizers for lunch instead of trying to choke down the healthy option that I was otherwise considering, but wasn’t really in the mood for.

Exploring Life… Together

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Little Otter's Mindful Kids Emotion Cards and Mythos Tarot's Ten of Cups - NaiadsToday’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.

Curiosity is better when explored together with those in you rlife that make you happy and provide you with a sense of togetherness and well-being.

These people are your family. Not necessarily the family you’re born with, but the family that nurtures your growth and supports you and your aspirations.

This tribe of people are the ones to go exploring with, learn new things with, even fail with… for they are the ones who will support you through good times and bad, making even the worst of times just a little bit better.

The Ten of Cups and “family” aspect of the Naiads combined with the Curious Giraffe card is an encouragement to seek out and appreciate these people in your life. Take a moment to acknowledge their contribution to your life and happiness.

DECK USED:  MYTHOS TAROT

#detarotjufmeitarotchallenge Tea With the Queens Challenge by @de_tarotjuf
Tea with the Queen of Pentacles : Grounding and Materials
Prompts for May 25 – 28

Oracle Reading with the Tarot of the Hidden Realm and With Love Little Pig & Little Bunny Postcard SetWhat do I need to feel more centered?

Nine of Swords and I Can Disappear – Centering, for you, requires more assurance that when you make connections that you value, they aren’t just going to disappear from your life.

Remember that lasting friendships are hard to find, and focus on those you already have instead of worrying about newer ones that might come and go.

How can I better manage my finances?

Four of Wands and Saved the Last Piece – Saving creates stability for the things you want in your life. Take care not to lose sight of the fact that putting money away instead of spending it not only makes sure you have it when it’s needed, but also when you just want to treat yourself or others.

What are my goals in terms of material well-being?

Knight of Cups atop Six of Cups; Should We Do Nothing – True autonomy is the foundation of your material well-being goals. You desire the ability to do what you want when you want, without needing to worry that it will upset the scales of balance in your life. This freedom doesn’t necessarily mean exceptional monetary abundance, but rather a comfortable balance you are seeking to achieve.

How can I make my environment more pleasant?

Page of Cups and Muddy Boots – To make your environment more pleasant, work on learning how to enjoy life being a little bit messy. Mess and chaos don’t have to upset the apple cart of your emotions. The fact that they do indicates that you are gripping onto that habitual perfectionist mindset of  yours far too tightly.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Silver Maple Key for Bouncing Back to Thrive
Foraged Cedar Tips for Protection Against Negative Influences
Gneiss Wishing Stone for Patience in Moments of Discomfort
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: TAROT OF THE HIDDEN REALM AND WITH LOVE LITTLE PIGGY AND LITTLE BUNNY POSTCARD SET

Daily Self Kindness

I managed to get some time to unwind and relax with Gideon once I finished orders.

Healing from Grief

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

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COTD01The @GlitterbyInk #DivineGoddess25 Challenge
Words and Wisdom Prompt for January 1 : Destiny

Today’s draw is the Temperance card combined with the affirmation “We can overcome the suffering of loss with renewed energy and the right balance.”

We are not meant to exist in a place of constant sadness and pain. It is not our destiny, nor healthy for us in the long term.

Today’s cards are a reminder that healing from loss takes time. Grief is a horrible experience, and it can feel like it stretches on forever and will never ease.

It can be difficult during these times not to curl up into ourselves and hide away from the world, and at the beginning, this is absolutely healthy.  Eventually, though, to emerge out of the cloud of sadness and suffering that grief brings us, we must step out of that secluded space we’ve made for ourselves and let others in.

The last step of the healing process is not one that we can do alone, but requires others and the world around us.  It involves finding a balance between the hurt and the joys that the world  still has to offer, and letting those joys begin to soothe away the pain.

DECKS USED:  TAROT OF THE HIDDEN REALM AND WOODLAND WARDENS ORACLE

#DiscordTarotholicsJan2025 Challenge
Prompt for January 1 : Do the 1st Quarter Spread

New Years Tarot Reading with the Mystical Tarot of the Saints, Shadows of the Middle Ages Oracle, Wishcraft Oracle

Year Ahead Theme : Temperance

Moderation is the name of the game this year.  Take care not to move too fast or go overboard in the grand scheme of things. Remember that even things that are healthy and good can turn bad for you if taken in excess.

Theme for January : Two of Cups

Together time. It’s been a long winter with an extended stretch of separation from those that love you and your emotions. Use this month to begin opening up to your emotions and connecting with those that have your well being at heart. Close relationships are the best to indulge in during this time.

Focus / Advice for January : Turtle

Stay focused on the themes of stability and protection right now. Take things slow and practice a modicum of care and caution.  There’s no rush, and no need to push.

Ray of Hope for January : Bubble Power

Have fun and seek a lighthearted perspective. This ties in with the need to take things slow this month.  Step away from work and breathe in some fresh air.  Enjoy rather than just plowing forward with determination.  It’s time to meander instead, and check out the wonder around you while you’re at it.

Theme for February : Queen of Coins

Stability is carried forward from January into February, and you are encouraged to foster those stability factors in your life this month, as well as share that stability with others.

Focus / Advice for February : Talisman

Hold close those things that help you to stay centered. Foundations can feel shaky from time to time, even when you have a stable one under your feet. Give yourself what you need to keep yourself sure footed and centered, otherwise you may find yourself scattered and out of sorts.

Ray of Hope for February : Aqua Luna

It can be difficult not to fall into feelings of scarcity, especially when tremors make your foundation feel even minutely unstable. Make sure you are reflecting on your blessings and connecting with a sense of gratitude for them, and it will help you in seeing that things aren’t as bad as they are feeling in the moment.

Theme for March : The Star

Hope and optimism is the theme for March, and will require you to take a conscious effort at leaning into those ideals and perspectives.  Don’t allow yourself to fall into dark pathways, but keep your chin up instead. Be positive. Be indomitable in your hope and optimism.

Focus / Advice for March : The Moon

Connect with your intuition and emotions, and allow yourself to let go of uncertainties. It is in exploring your emotions that you remove feelings of uncertainty surrounding them.  Don’t allow them to go unexplored and thus the uncertainty you feel concerning them to grow out of control.

Ray of Hope for March : Time Capsule

Root yourself in all that you are. In who you are. Take time to explore that in the present, instead of always looking ahead to a better you that you are wanting to develop into.  It’s okay to be in the present and like yourself in the now, while acknowledging that growth will come in time.

DECK USED: MYSTICAL TAROT OF THE SAINTS, SHADOWS OF THE MIDDLE AGES ORACLE, WISHCRAFT ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I helped Ms B take down the outside decorations on her house this morning so that my brain wouldn’t be constantly worrying she was going to get up on a ladder and attempt to do it while I am not around.