Recuperation is Not Indolence

Today’s meditation was skipped.

Tarot of the Poppet MasterToday’s draw is the Eight of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of withdrawal and abandonment, especially in times of frustration or in an emotional response.

What catches my attention in the imagery of today’s card is that the arms of the puppet are made from fabric depicting little skulls, and the head / hat is made out of a poinsettia. This fits well for me with the key word of “indolence” that is also on the card.

By the time I get to the end of the holiday rush (poinsettia), and it is time to slip back into a slower pace (the skulls for arms), I am at the point where I am ready to walk away from everything. The exhaustion is so great that a change to a quieter time is extremely welcome… and anxiety inducing.

At this time of change, I am plagued with fear that I am becoming lazy, and that I’m not doing enough to help my business thrive and grow. And so, for me today’s card becomes a reminder that the need for rest and recuperation is not indolence.

This card’s appearance asks… What are you viewing as lazy behavior that is really just needed rest? How are you judging yourself too harshly in these times when you need a break? And how can we all do better to see that the need for rest and recuperation is not laziness or indolence, but a basic human necessity?

DECK USED:  TAROT OF THE POPPET MASTER

HealingThruTarot’s October Shadow Work Challenge Prompt
Questions for October 14th thru 16th

Santa Muerte Tarot and Konxari CardsWhat pain has been ignored?

Three of Dream Catchers and Window – You only hurt yourself when you refuse help from others. Don’t close the window in opportunities to involve others in the reaching of your goals. The rewards are richer when the journey is shared.

Which wound keeps me trapped in the past?

Eight of Candles – There is a repeating pattern from your past where you were always pushed to move with speed and precision, never allowed to take things slow and savor. You have carried this pattern forward into the present due to it never having acknowledged and dealt with it.

How can I heal my greatest wound to move forward?

The Empress and Honor atop Knight of Wands Rx and Fire – Forsake impulsive behavior driven by a desire to get ahead and those feelings of inadequacy inside you that cause you to always seek more. Instead, respect your need to be nurtured, and give yourself what you need rather than punishing yourself for needing it.

DECK USED: SANTA MUERTE TAROT AND KONXARI CARDS

#DiscordTarotholicsOct2022 Challenge Prompt
Topic for October 15th
: Write something free form inspired by the card(s).

Tarot of the Poppet MasterThere was once a queen filled with rage that saw all of her subjects as pawns to be used and abused as she pleased (Queen of Wands). She took great joy in carrying out a vast array of different tortures and cruelty upon those within her reign (Seven of Cups atop Nine of Swords).

One day, the subjects of the queen’s realm had had enough. Believing that there had to be a healthier and better place for all of them to settle down and grow roots (The Lovers), they gathered up their things and moved away from the queen’s lands (Eight of Cups) in search of a better future and a better ruler (The Star). And thus, the queen was left all alone to rule her lands empty of any but herself (The Tower).

DECK USED: TAROT OF THE POPPET MASTER

Daily Self Kindness

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Finding Balance in Stillness

Today’s meditation was skipped.

Ritual Abuse TarotToday’s draw is the Justice card, which is traditionally a representation of cause and effect, repercussions and consequences, fairness, truth, balance. and often the law and legal matters.

What comes around goes around. When I see the image on this card, that’s the phrase that comes to mind. It’s like the figure is leaning in to aggression. The head decapitated in the background, and blood still dropping from the sword.

The thing is? Scales can’t balance in chaos. Scales can’t balance with movement and aggression in the mix.

The message in today’s card is about how we find our balance in life, and how we find our footing on our life’s path.  It’s not through chaos and aggression.  It’s through taking a pause that you can allow for balance as the scales ease their sway.  In the quiet they can slow and still.  The more you fight and lean into the chaos, the more the scales will tip and sway.

DECK USED:  RITUAL ABUSE TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsOct2022 Challenge Prompt
Question for October 14th
: Poltergeist – What needs to be banished from your life?

To The End Love OracleReading Summary: You need to look at where in your life, either due to loving you (Love) or out of a sense of respect (Honor), your loved ones are enabling you in unhealthy ways (Temptation).

Take Away: It isn’t the love or respect that needs banishing, but rather what they are doing with it that is the problem. This boils down to a form of dishonesty, for they are withholding their true thoughts and feelings “out of respect” for your own choices, not fully realizing that your decision-maker can and is compromised at times by temptation, addictive tendencies, and self destructive urges.

DECK USED: TO THE END ORACLE

Mr Lionhart’s Seasons of the Witch Challenge Prompt
Questions for October 14th thru 17th – The Ritual

Ritual Abuse TarotThe blade it cuts what’s rooted deep, what am I to rod of, what am I to keep?

Seven of Swords – Any thoughts of escaping what is to come need be let go of now. You are too close to the holiday rush for escapism fantasies, and need to instead pivot and fight.

Four of Swords – Make sure you are getting enough rest. You are no longer “of an age” where you have the boundless energy of your youth, and you need to make sure you are refilling your tank in order to make it through the weeks ahead without crashing.

The wand it swings, it works for me, how can I conjure what I may need?

King of Wands – Own your passion and drive, and control it with a tight fist. Delegate and direct so that you are not doing everything yourself.

I let the chalice guide my heart, I drink from it, I embrace this part:

Two of Cups – Those who love you are there to help. Don’t forsake their help and exclude them due to pride or a desire to not burden them. Instead, let them add their strength to yours.

From south, to north, from east to west, what am I to plant or to manifest?

King of Pentacles – Authority and stability need to be your main focus this season. Not independence.

DECK USED: RITUAL ABUSE TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I rested a lot today.  Lots of sleep and elevated leg time.

It’s In the Reach

Today’s meditation was skipped.

VooDoo Dolly TarotToday’s draw is the Ace of Coins, which is traditionally a representation of the seed of new beginnings in the area of one’s finances, resources, health, hearth and home, labors, and manifestations.

What stands out to me in the imagery of this card is there’s a crown free-floating out there in the ether. It speaks to me of opportunity and potential. It says you can do much better, reach for the gold and you will achieve your best result.

Today’s card is an encouragement that tells us that it is in reaching for better that we succeed. It’s how we build a life worth living, how we grow and succeed, and how we become our best selves. Life isn’t about failures and misfortunes, but about what we reach for and where that reach can help us grow.

DECK USED:  VOODOO DOLLY TAROT

HealingThruTarot’s October Shadow Work Challenge Prompt
Questions for October 11th and 13th

VooDoo Dolly Tarot and Heart Forward DeckHow are my insecurities projected onto others?

The Stars and Death – You worry too much about what might happen and when, instead of looking to the present ant towards hope and positivity. This creates a more apathetic outlook towards others as your pessimism creates a lackadaisical “everyone dies sometime” attitude that is neither healthy or helpful.

How can I overcome my perceived flaws?

Knight of Swords and Loving – Be proactive about keeping your negative inner narrative in check through loving and caring thoughts, rather than an uncaring attitude. It is in leaning into self-kindness and positivity that you keep your inner critic from eating you alive.

DECK USED: VOODOO DOLLY TAROT AND HEART FORWARD DECK

#DiscordTarotholicsOct2022 Challenge Prompt
Question for October 13th: Spirits
: How can you improve your relationship with your ancestors?

VooDoo Dolly TarotReading Summary: Make peace with your ancestors (Queen of Swords) by turning over a new emotional leaf where she is concerned (Page of Cups) and letting her back in and allowed to have an opinion in your life (Seven of Wands).

Take Away: Let go of the history and step into a new beginning concerning those that should have loved you but perhaps did so too harshly.  Listen to these ancestors, even if the history that you have with them is unpleasant.  Regardless of that history, in the present they only have your best interests at heart.

DECK USED: VOODOO DOLLY TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I didn’t get fed up with the hospital and leave like I wanted to, but stuck around and waited it out.

Stop Procrastinating Tarot Reading

Stop Procrastinating Tarot Reading wit hthe Gustave Doré Tarot

Why am I feeling unmotivated?

Seven of Pentacles – You struggle with staying motivated when something takes a good deal of time to accomplish. Especially when it feels like there are no rewards along the way, only an end goal far off in the future and feeling out of reach.

What fear is keeping me from moving forward?

Nine of Cups Rx – The unpleasantness of it all. You have a hard time getting motivated for things that you don’t enjoy or feel lackluster about.  It holds you back when you should be pushing through.

What do I need to release so I can start taking action?

Ace of Pentacles – The expectation that everything has to be done perfectly. Perfectionism can hold you back if you let it.  Let go of the need for absolutely everything to be perfect.  You don’t have to be perfect all the time for every little thing.

What is the first step I can take?

Four of Wands – Celebrate what you already have, the stability you have built, and the security you value. These things are a great motivator, and will carry you forward.

What beneficial energy/attitude can I embrace?

Judgement – Take care not to judge yourself too harshly. You are a work in progress, and you are your greatest critic.  Be kind and accepting of yourself, and ease up on the self cruelty.

What is my motivation?

Four of Pentacles – Stability and a sense of security will always be an excellent motivator for you.

DECK USED: GUSTAVE DORÉ TAROT

Cherishing Good Memories

Today’s meditation was skipped.

Черное ТароToday’s draw is the Six of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of nostalgia, joyful memories, childhood experiences, and revisiting the past in some way.

The imagery in this card looks not like children, but more like adolescents to me.  It appears like date night.  Maybe the very first date night ever.  With the offer of flowers and all the nervousness of those moments.

And yet? We all go through those moments, and in many cases they become a joyful memory to look back on in the future and enjoy.  Those moments of innocence and anticipation become sweet in our memories, and cherished.

Today’s card asks us to look within our memories not just for the trauma and bad experiences, the lessons and pain, but also to make sure we are looking at these beautiful memories.  Take them out of their “box” and enjoy them. Take pleasure in them and allow them to make you smile.

DECK USED:  ЧЕРНОЕ ТАРО

#DiscordTarotholicsOct2022 Challenge Prompt
Philosophical Question
: Can anyone on the other side make contact when the veil is thin?

Anatomical TarotReading Summary: They have to be willing to learn how to make contact (Page of Swords) and then pick and choose who they want to connect with (Two of Swords), because if they are too overeager (Page of Wands), they will overwhelm themselves and end up bogged down (Ten of Wands) instead of succeeding in their goal.

Take Away: So… the answer is yes, and no.  Anyone could, but they have to be motivated to learn, and motivated to understand that there is a price for energy spent, and only so much energy available to spend. Not everyone has the determination, desire, or temperance needed to make this effort and succeed at it.

DECK USED: ANATOMICAL TAROT

HealingThruTarot’s October Shadow Work Challenge Prompt
Question for October 12th
: What limitation impacts my self-confidence?

Черное ТароReading Summary: When you feel rushed to act (The Chariot and Two of Pentacles) without getting a chance to think things through and fully consider what the results or repercussions might be (Justice).

Take Away: When you are rushed, you don’t always make the best choices. You go in with single minded focus instead of weighing your options, and this can often result in really unpleasant consequences. Because you are so focused on success and progress? The consequences are usually to your health and self-care.

DECK USED: ЧЕРНОЕ ТАРО

Daily Self Kindness

Before heading north, I spent a good deal of my day hiking and climbing in the forest here and taking pictures.

Changing Realities

Tea Leaf ReadingToday’s meditation was skipped.

I did try something new today that I dabble in off and on.  That is, tasseomancy. I’ve included a picture to the left, where what I see here is a tortoise front and center with a little angel wing above him to the right, and a backwards question mark stretching up to the left.  Far off in the right corner I see a fish skeleton (of the cartoon variety).

Interpretation: Slow and steady is not usually your style when it comes to reaching for and achieving success.  Although you are trying to slow down, during the busy time to come it’s with speed and alacrity that you will find your success. It’s okay to tap back into old habits when needed, but don’t let them re-root into your life full time again.

Cute Ghost TarotToday’s draw is the Hanged Man, which is traditionally a representation of taking a pause, considering new perspectives, and letting go in order to surrender to the moment.

What stands out to me the strongest in the imagery of this card is that the reflection of the hanged man in the water beneath looks like a second ghost peeking up over the title plaque. For me, this takes the traditional imagery represented in the card to a new level as it gives the viewer the experience of new perspectives just by looking at the card, rather than just depicting the hanged man experiencing new perspective himself. A lot of people struggle with the Hanged Man specifically because they are unable to put themselves in a place to see new perspectives in the imagery, and yet this card offers an opportunity for that experience.

It begs the question… where are you missing the second (or third, or fourth) perspective? Where could you open up your heart and mind to see more? How could life be improved by adding another (possibly more positive, as the ghost is smiling) viewpoint into the mix?

DECK USED:  CUTE GHOST TAROT

Mr Lionhart’s Seasons of the Witch Challenge Prompt
Questions for October 11th thru 13th – The Priestess

Cute Ghost Tarot and Hello Autumn OracleAs within, so without, what should I know without a doubt?

Ace of Cups and No Worries – Emotions aren’t easy, and as you become more aware of yours and bury them less, it can be hard to keep yourself open to them instead of falling back on old habits.

Soft of eye and light of touch, what should I observe or watch?

Page of Cups and Crazy Weird – It’s okay to observe others to learn how to better deal with and experience your emotions. It doesn’t all have to be treading paths never seen or traversed before, but can absolutely be about walking in others’ footsteps instead.

Beyond the shadow of the night, what should see the day of light?

Ten of Coins atop The Star, Being Happy – Lean into optimism and gratitude. Everything looks better when you put in this effort. It might not change reality and your responsibilities remain the same, but they feel lighter, which can help you handle the burden better.

DECK USED: CUTE GHOST TAROT AND HELLO AUTUMN ORACLE

#DiscordTarotholicsOct2022 Challenge Prompt
Question for October 11th
: Treat – What special gift or skill do you have that you take for granted?

Cute Ghost TarotReading Summary: The ability to turn yourself and others towards stability and success (Ten of Coins) using your divination skills (The High Priestess) to tap into the emotions of the querent (Ace of Cups).

Take Away: This is a skill that you use every day through divination and your clairsentience. These skills help you in navigating the world and those around you, and allow you to help others.

This skill is something you take for granted primarily because it’s something that you use on a daily basis, and have throughout your life.  Like many day-to-day things, we forget to recognize and appreciate them over time as they become more of a standard in our lives.

DECK USED: CUTE GHOST TAROT

 

Daily Self Kindness

I spent time outdoors enjoying the beach and being in nature today.