Exchange Rates

Today’s meditation was about ten minutes long and was a self-guided meditation using breathing exercises while doing piriformis stretches and trying to ease some of the tension in my back.

Tarot of the Thousand and One Nights and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Six of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of the give and take of generosity and charity, and at times can also represent the hidden (and possibly nefarious) expectations of someone feigning altruism for their own ends.

I very much see that last part of the traditional meaning mentioned above in the imagery of this card, in the way that the wealthy individual’s body language leans into the other man. His kindness definitely appears to be expecting something in return.

And that’s where the Thera-Pets card for today steps in.  It is a reminder that not everything has to be give and take. We all deserve kindness and care, love and understanding. We should not have to bargain for them or barter for them. Today’s cards tell us to take a look at the dynamics in our relationships and ensure that they are healthy.  Do you have to pay a price for the love and affection that others should be offering freely? If so, perhaps it’s time to examine your own self worth and figure out why you’ve made this type of exchange as acceptable.

DECK USED:  TAROT OF THE THOUSAND AND ONE NIGHTS AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

The #ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge Prompt for the Sacred Grounds Tarot Club
Question:
How do I make time for rest and relaxation… every day?

Tarot by CaroReading Summary: It is a conscious choice (Two of Swords) that you have to make in order to foster (Queen of Wands) your emotional health (Five of Cups).

Take Away: Your emotional health and well-being has been a major focus of the last few years, and being sure that you are making the right choices that further these goals is a part of that process towards better mental health. Sometimes this means making choices between what you truly want to do, and what you need either mentality or emotionally.

DECK USED: TAROT BY CARO

Healer Josephine’s #MindfulImperfectionTarot Prompt
Questions for September 27th thru 29th

Smoke & Roses Oracle and Tarot of the Thousand and One NightsWhat support does my body need in releasing hyper-vigilance and anxiety?
Bluebells atop Orange Lily, Nine of Swords

Stop looking at your body, the damage it has sustained, its limitations, and the chronic pain as an enemy. Be grateful for your mobility and all that you can do instead of looking at the worst case scenario at every turn.

What support does my heart need as I release rigid expectations, impossible standards, and harsh “shoulds”?
Helenium atop Freesia, Ten of Pentacles

Supportive friendships that will provide an ear when I need it are important. These friendships can help you to see see just how much you have in life, and that you don’t have to drive yourself so hard for more all the time, but instead need to spend more time focusing on what you have in the present.

DECK USED: SMOKE & ROSES ORACLE AND TAROT OF THE THOUSAND AND ONE NIGHTS

Daily Self Kindness

I had to cut my deck gathering short today and lie down due to a headache that just kept getting worse and worse, even after taking something for it.  It developed into a migraine and instead of pushing on, I marked the decks still to gather down to get later and laid down for a nap.

Needing a Break Isn’t a Weakness

Today’s meditation was skipped. I actually intended to meditate today, but that shit just didn’t happen.

Aquarian Tarot and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is The Chariot card, which is traditionally a representation of purpose, determination, strength of will, and active forward progress.

The things we need to do, the places we need to go. Sometimes we don’t feel strong enough to be able to push forward or plow through. Sometimes the world feels overwhelming and he fell into inside and unable to pull up they will power and determination to keep moving forward.

The message here today between the Thera-Pets card and The Chariot is that even during these times when we are feeling weak, strength still resides within us. Sometimes we must pause in order to get in touch with it, but it’s there. Even a marathon runner has to stop and rest eventually, and that doesn’t make you weak.

DECK USED:  AQUARIAN TAROT AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

Mr Lionharts’ #TheSeptemberTarot Rise and Fall Prompt
Questions for September 4th thru 6th

An Unfoldment of Consciousness Oracle and Tarot of the Thousand and One NightsWhat story has been unfolding for me this year so far?
Svaha!, The Emperor atop Ten of Swords

Letting go of the need to control every little aspect and facet of your journey, and finally beginning to embrace the new way of life you set out to begin transitioning into a couple years ago. Finally accepting the abandoning of old ways for something new and healthier not just physically and mentally, but spiritually as well.

What has 2021 been trying to teach me the past few months?
The Third Choice and The Empress

The year 2021 has been working on teaching you to open up your perspective to a wider and unbiased view of your growth and your needs. It can be difficult to see beyond habits and the “old way” of doing things. Even when a new idea is in sight, sometimes plotting the course to get there and not falling back on old habits can be a struggle.  This year has been helping you in seeing this new way and finding the path forward in a healthy and self-nurturing way.

How can I use this knowledge/awareness moving forward?
Loving Eye and Queen of Cups

Use this knowledge to help remember to treat yourself kinder, with a more nurturing and encouraging energy and narrative, than the abuse that you have used to motivate (and punish yourself for what had been perceived as weaknesses) in the past.

DECK USED: AN UNFOLDMENT OF CONSCIOUSNESS ORACLE AND TAROT OF THE THOUSAND AND ONE NIGHTS

Healer.Josephine’s #MindfulImperfectionTarot Prompt
Questions for September 5th thru 9th

Japanese Youkai Oracle and Aquarian TarotWhat has my perfectionism helped me avoid?

Mayoiga and Knight of Cups – You have a habit of becoming so focused on what you want to achieve that you lose track of what is truly important in life. Perfectionism forces a slower and more reflectful approach. With that reduced speed, there is then less stress put on the values of greed and excess.

How has my perfectionism limited me?

Kayori, Kijimuna, The Star atop Page of Rods – Perfectionism has made you so very conscious of every little action and thing you do that you sometimes forget others even exist around you, let along that they have their own motivations and feelings. This narrowed focus then limits your ability to connect with others in meaningful ways.

What part of me feels scared about not being perfect?

Yurei Kodate and The Sun – The part of me that still to this day seeks parental support, nurturing, and approval. Your inner child.

DECK USED: JAPANESE YOUKAI ORACLE AND AQUARIAN TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I can’t remember what I did for myself today. I guess we can count not getting the orders done that I need to ship out on Tuesday even though I don’t really have to do them so early.  I was tempted tho.