tarot reading for self

Watch Closely and Listen

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

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Neptune Power Tarot - The Hanged ManThe @GlitterbyInk #JanJourney26 Embark to Renewal Challenge
The Departure Prompt for January 4th : Balance
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is The Hanged Man, which is traditionally a representation of taking a pause, considering alternate perspectives, relaxing into difficult situations, surrender, or letting go.

Keep your mouth closed and your eyes open.

You know that saying that if you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all?  Here it is.  Look at those super sharp teeth, hm?   Not only are they intimidating as hell, but they can’t be all that easy to speak through, either.

This image screams that being watchful is important.  The creature doesn’t just peer out at us from its head, but has extra observation abilities through its hand as well, and in both cases those eyes are pointed outward and watching.

The message in today’s “balance” prompt and card is a reminder that when we talk too much, we forget to listen and watch.  We don’t learn as much when our mouth is active, so when a situation seems out of your depth, rather than trying to reason your way into balance… try watching and listening instead.

DECK USED:  NEPTUNE POWER TAROT

One Card Tarot Journal Activity by @mariasofia_astro
Chapter 3 | Entry 17 – Family and Friends
Affirmation : As I grow, I understand that my needs for companionship change.
Prompt : Making friends as you get older, can present different challenges from when you were younger. Reflecting on the card you draw, what is something you can do right now to welcome new friends or groups into your circle?

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

I felt a slight “ugh, but I’m tired” slump, followed by the flash of a thought that “nobody is going to like that side of me”.

This caused me to realize that the advice I need to hear is not very often well received initially. There’s a moment of resistance that is almost always followed by me willfully forcing a softening and openness.

I wonder if there’s a way to create that openness before I pull the cards and skip the moment of opposition that seems to always come.

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

On reflection, the meaning of this card is often about will and aggressive advancement, but what it isn’t about is inflicting that willfulness and drive on others. The message portrayed by this card isn’t about how I approach others, but rather speaks on how I approach what I want.

What in the artwork spoke to me?

I personally find horses a bit terrifying. Beautiful, often majestic, and yet terrifying. (It’s a combination of their size and the hooves.) The image of the horse in this card, as a result, appears formidable. Placed with the sun in the background, the horse seems to be saying, “Be formidable, and success will be yours.”

My prompt response and reflections.

Keep in mind that the message is about your goal. This card isn’t saying “if you appear formidable to others, they will be drawn to you”. What it’s saying is that if you want more friends or a larger peer group, you need to put your significant will and drive into making that happen. You can’t just sit back on your laurels in the hope that good things will come, but get out there and actively pursue those good things.

DECK USED: ELYSIUM ART TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJan2026 Challenge
Prompt for January 4th : Do Spread 1
Take a bit of time during this new year to reflect upon how others influence your life and how you influence theirs as well.

Tarot Reading with the Neptune Power Tarot

Their negative influence on you and your life.

The Hermit – Their treatment and behavior towards you caused you to turn inward in unhealthy ways and seek out solitude when it was self destructive instead of good for you.

Your negative influence on them and their life.

Ten of Cups – You heavily tarnished their vision of life satisfaction. You were, in effect, the fly in their ointment.

Their positive influence on you and your life.

Page of Swords – They taught you how to stand up for yourself, and how valuable expanding your mind (and being open minded) actually is.

Your positive influence on them and their life.

Four of Wands – Their home wouldn’t have been home without you in it.

Someone important in your life who has and/or had a lot of influence on you.

King of Swords – This reading is about my father. His judgements were harsh and often centered on his own closed-minded goals. His tongue was sharp and he had a tendency to be ruthless with what he saw as the truth. He had a clever and strategic mind that he often used to make sure things went the way he thought they should go, regardless of the wishes of others around him.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Parmeliaceae Lichen for a “Breath of Fresh Air”
Picture Jasper for Sense of Proportion and Grounding
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: NEPTUNE POWER TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I took a pain pill. I hate taking them because they make me tired, stupid, and super sluggish. Some times there’s just no other good option, though.

❤️ 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 Fool's Mountain Tarot and The Cat Oracle

Earth – Nine of Cups – Be happy that you’re feeling better and take some time to really enjoy that fact instead of just passing it by too prioritize the busy work that’s waiting for you. Savor the ability to feel the contrast between sickness and health for the short amount of time before the memory of just how sick you were starts to fade.

Air – The Hermit Rx – Watch out for tendencies towards unhealthy alone time as you begin to slip back into your routines. Indulging in these unhealthy alone times will allow negative narratives a chance to rise up and get a stronger foot hold than they otherwise would.

Water – The Moon – When uncertainty tries to take over, make sure that you are going with the flow. Don’t try to take charge.

Fire – Three of Cups – Instead of allowing yourself to wallow in unhealthy alone time (as mentioned above), seek out others you enjoy spending time with when those urges begin to rise up.

Waning – Dream and End – It’s time to start moving instead of daydreaming about closing down your business. You know you’re not gonna do it, and although it was a nice daydream for a while, it’s time to return to reality.

Waxing – Quest and Struggle – Take time this week to look at where there are obstacles and hurdles in your way, and begin the process of plotting a course that will get you through to the other side as advantageously as possible.

Take Away –  Lean into movement this week, but not just in the movement of returning to work. Take joy and pleasure in feeling better and allow yourself some time to celebrate that with activities that bring home that you’re feeling well once more.   Alone time is not your friend this week, as it could easily slide into unhealthy alone time if you let it.  Reach for friends and loved ones to help keep you from indulging in those unhealthy

DECKS USED: FOOL’S MOUNTAIN TAROT AND THE CAT ORACLE

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.

That Too-Tight Grip

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

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Britt's Third Eye Tarot - The High PriestessThe @GlitterbyInk #JanJourney26 Embark to Renewal Challenge
The Departure Prompt for January 2nd : Closure
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the High Priestess card, which is traditionally a representation of intuition, secrets, sacred knowledge, mystery, the subconscious mind.

You know when to let go. It’s stubbornness and fear that keeps you holding on when it’s time for things to end.

Just like other decisions in your life, if you trust your intuition and stop stubbornly resisting, you won’t regret letting go in the end. And, just like intuition? You can feel when you’re being stubborn. It’s that  internal sensation of balking.

The message in today’s card and “closure” prompt is encouragement to listen and trust. Listen to what’s going on within you, and when you feel that balking stubborn feeling, trust the underlying inner knowledge that you’re balking against… and allow closure to happen instead of trying to block it from happening.

DECK USED:  BRITT’S THIRD EYE TAROT

One Card Tarot Journal Activity by @mariasofia_astro
Chapter 4 | Entry 13 – Career and Finance
Affirmation : I accept constructive feedback with grace.
Prompt : Write a career performance review of yourself from the perspective of the card you draw. What would the card say to you if they were sitting across from you? Would they emphasize your strengths or areas of improvement? I think about what our inner voice projects outward as you do this. This card can help you unpack what kind of self talk, positive or negative, is influencing you on a subconscious level.

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

When this card was first pulled, I reflexively gave a wry grin in response to the one on the face of the figure in the image. I find it interesting that I see a boy wearing a dress in this image, even though the illustration itself is androgynous other than the skirt.

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

The topic of a career review combined with the Devil card speaks to me first and foremost of those mistakes I’ve made through chasing temptations and addictions. In my experience, career reviews are often about picking apart all the things you’ve done wrong, and have nothing to do with highlighting those things you’ve done right or excelled at.  Therefore, thoughts move to how those moments of indulging in temptation or addiction have influenced my career path, and how much further I might have gotten if I hadn’t allowed those distractions to get in the way.

What in the artwork spoke to me?

That smirking smile hits me first. Combined with the massive curved sword, it feels like it’s saying, “Just because I get where you’re coming from, doesn’t mean I won’t call you on it.”

Second in awareness is the “male” energy of the illustration combined with the “female” imagery of the skirt. Normally, I’d see this as depicting a type of balance, but in this case it feels like it’s highlighting contrasts and differences.

My prompt response and reflections.

The Devil says, “You’ve spent a lot of time avoiding doing things that need to be done over the past year. A large part of this is overwhelm, but there’s another part of this is a desire to languish, even when it’s unhealthy.

You have a great deal of unused potential due to this desire to languish in stagnation.

You are still keeping things afloat, and balancing on the line, but you could be doing much better.”

DECK USED: TOUHOU TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJan2026 Challenge
Prompt for January 2nd : What do you need to focus on for self-care for this month’s full moon?

Tarot Reading with Britt's Third Eye Tarot - King of Swords, Eight of Wands, JudgementReading Summary: Let go of your need to control every little thing in life (King of Swords), and instead focus your energy on realigning (Eight of Wands) with your authenticity and who you want to become (Judgement).

Take Away: You have a tendency to get too wrapped up in trying to control every aspect of every little thing, keep everything “in line”, and have a plan for everything.

This full moon, try to focus on letting go of that need and loosening your grip a little bit.  Now that you’re feeling better and back on your feet, work on not seizing control quite so strenuously or holding on quite so tightly. Going with the flow will still get you where you ultimately want to be at a much more comfortable pace that allows you to enjoy more of the experience along the way.

DECK USED: BRITT’S 3RD EYE TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I worked on getting things packed and ready to go today, and washed the sheets on the guest bed I’ve been sleeping in. (Now that I’m feeling better and my inner furnace is back to normal, I’ll be back to sleeping on the bed instead of in it for my last night here.)

🌕 Full Moon in Cancer – January 2026

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Tomorrow is the full moon, and like all new moons and full moons, I did a spread aligned to the moon’s current themes as a part of my recognition of the moon’s cycle and influences upon us. Today’s spread is courtesy of @Ethony from way back in 2015.

Cancer Full Moon Tarot Reading with the Zodiac Tarot

Emotional State – Where your emotional health is during this Full Moon.

Seven of Swords – Emotionally, you are currently feeling a bit unworthy of the successes you’ve accomplished, as if these successes are the result of you getting away with something rather than hard won accomplishments.

Note: I am aware that these are irrational emotions not based in fact. They are the emotional repercussions of negative self-talk and past trauma.

Need to Nurture – What you need; either mentally, emotionally, spiritually or physically. (Look at the suit of the card for clarification.)

King of Pentacles – You crave stability. You always crave stability. Perhaps this is something that you might want to examine more closely. Not just what drives you to crave stability, but the nature of stability itself… what it is and is made of.

Shed Some Light – What your higher self, spirit guides, etc are asking you to reflect on this Full Moon.

Knight of Swords – Why are you rushing? And what are you missing out on by doing so?  When you rush around and allow impulse to lead, you lose out on the experiences you could have garnered along the way.  Instead, the experience becomes anxiety and loses its richness.  Consider slowing down instead so you can more fully experience the journey.

Dispel – What you can let go of during the upcoming waning of the Moon.

Seven of Wands – Release your defensiveness. Remember that you can stand strong in your authenticity, solid in your values and beliefs, without a sense of defense or aggression. There’s no need to bring that energy to the table.  Let it go instead.

Challenge – What obstacle is preventing you from moving forward?

The Sun – One of the obstacles that is currently preventing you from moving forward is your perception of success. Consider spending some time reflecting on why your perception of success includes no joy?  Perhaps it’s time to reframe what success looks like to include factors like enjoyment and fun rather than just goals and responsibilities.

Full Moon advice from the Minoan Goddess Amalthea.

Three of Swords – Disappointments come and go; don’t allow them cause you to crumble and fall.

DECK USED: ZODIAC TAROT IN A TIN

The Tired Traveler

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Today’s meditation was skipped, although I did have a nice long soak in the tub.

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Idiosyncradeck Tarot - Ten of Wands, Ten of ArrowsThe @GlitterbyInk #JanJourney26 Embark to Renewal Challenge
The Departure Prompt for January 1st : Embark
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Ten of Wands (Arrows), which is traditionally a representation of overwhelm, burnout, struggling under too much responsibility, and can indicate a need to do some prioritizing and delegation.

When you pack a bag to go on a hike or camping trip, you have to weigh what you need vs what you want, and what you’re willing to sacrifice to do the trip you want to do. If your pack is too heavy, you’ll tire too soon.  If your pack is too light? It means you probably left behind something that you’re going to need.

This is the case in life as well. Our responsibilities and obligations are weighted, and we carry that weight on our shoulders day in and day out.

The message in today’s card and “embark” prompt is a reminder that as you move forward into a new month… and a new year, to be mindful of how much you are choosing to carry. Don’t look at that burden through the eyes of a refreshed soul, but rather, through the eyes of the tired one you will at some point become. Discard now what is going to be too heavy then.  For healthy regulation, this is a system of weights and balances that need to be considered whenever we decide to take on something new, whether it’s a new month, a new year, a new project, or any other responsibility.

DECK USED:  IDIOSYNCRADECK MINI TAROT

One Card Tarot Journal Activity by @mariasofia_astro
Chapter 1 | Entry 13 – Self Care and Personal Development
Affirmation : I am always striving to better myself.
Prompt : The Universe wants you to succeed. Look into the card you draw as a special message of what your highest self and “the powers that be” want you to know about yourself in this moment and ways you can improve.

Tarot Activity from The One Card a Day Journal by Maria Sofia Marmanides - Starlight Arcana Astral TarotWhat feelings came up when I pulled this card?

I admit, there was a slight eye roll and a sigh when I first pulled this card. I had a feeling that this was the card that would come up, as temperance and moderation are one of my biggest struggles. It’s the obvious answer.

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

As I said, moderation is not my strong suit. I have a tendency to push for more, whether because of past trauma that caused me to feel like neither I or anything I do is never enough, or because my addictive tendencies keep me striving for that next hit of dopamine. Either way, that drive to push beyond the limits of what’s healthy is not easy for me to temper.

What in the artwork spoke to me?

The soldier in this card is ready, but at rest. His shield is at hand, his sword is unsheathed, and yet his posture is almost lackadaisical. It’s clear there’s no rush, and just as clear that he has no intention of taking on any more than he has to.

My prompt response and reflections.

Soldiers have a very clearly defined job. They are expected to do exactly what they are trained to do, nothing more and nothing less. They train for that specific job, they wait for orders related to that specific job, they obey orders pertaining to that job. They aren’t running around doing extraneous jobs, making decisions unrelated to their purpose, or stepping on the toes of the higher ups. They stay in their lane with measured precision.

The soldier in this card is essentially doing just that; staying in their lane. This cards advice is that you remember to do the same. Don’t take on what isn’t yours to handle.

DECK USED: STARLIGHT ARCANA ASTRAL TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJan2026 Challenge
Prompt for January 1st : Do the First Quarter Spread

First Quarter Year Tarot Reading with the Starlight Arcana Astral Tarot, Idiosyncradeck Tarot, Amethyst Oracle, and Pawsitive Vibes Affirmation Cards

Year Ahead Theme : The Devil

The Devil card is traditionally a representation of temptation, struggles with moderation, harmful excesses, addiction, and self-harm. Temptation is not always bad for you, but neither is it always good. It’s through grounded and sound judgement that we are able to make healthy decisions when choosing what temptations we indulge in and which ones we leave behind.

Theme for January : Three of Cups

Enjoy your time with others this January. This is a time for building stronger connections with those around you, especially through an atmosphere of fun, play, and revelry whenever those qualities can be included in your time with them.

Focus / Advice for January : Lava Lamp

Go with the flow. Instead of trying to bend everything to your will, let go and allow things to flow around you organically. Be easy… or as easy as you can be.

Ray of Hope for January : “I look forward to new horizons with Hope and excitement.”

Remember that sometimes our most treasured adventures are the unexpected ones we didn’t even know were coming, let alone had time to plan out.

Theme for February : The Devil

Be aware of the temptations that rise up this month and where they are coming from. Not all of them are innocuous, and you need to take care to pay close attention instead of just doubling down on old habits and latent desires.

Focus / Advice for February : Nostalgia

Don’t let them back in just because you have a tendency to want to see the good in people. Good and bad are not mutually exclusive. Pay attention to why you cut them out in the first place, and whether what you’re seeing now is wishful thinking or not.

Ray of Hope for February : “I protect my mental space with strength and courage.”

Boundaries are important, and just as important is that you enforce them. Remember that your boundaries are there to protect your heath and well being.

Theme for March : Queen of Arrows (Wands)

Because you enjoy inspiring others, there will always be a social aspect to your creative endeavors. This March is about sharing that inspiration, and helping others find it as well through sharing your own efforts with them.

Focus / Advice for March : Order

It might be challenging to stay organized while in the grip of inspiration. Creativity often breeds chaos, after all. Make sure you train your sights on not letting the chaos that’s intrinsic to creation get out of control.

Ray of Hope for March : “I stand firm in my beliefs and values.”

The social aspect of this means that you are opening yourself up to other’s judgements. Keep in mind that they are entitled to their opinion, and that doesn’t mean you have to either share it or internalize it. Stand tall in your creative spark, and don’t allow naysayers the space to cast shadows.

DECKS USED: STARLIGHT ARCANA ASTRAL, IDIOSYNCRADECK MINI TAROT, AMETHYST ORACLE POCKET EDITION, PAWSITIVE VIBES AFFIRMATION CARDS

Daily Self Kindness

I had another very relaxing soak in the bath today. The bathtub here at Ms B’s really is the most comfortable tub I’ve ever been in.