📆 Transitioning from January to February

Darkness of Light Tarot and Yoru no Sumi-E Dark Edition

Here and Now I Exist – Who you are now, in your entirety.

Two of Coins and Shadow – You have been making small efforts to do shadow work, but at a careful pace that balances with the rest of your life and responsibilities. It’s not meant to be intense at this time. Don’t forget that baby steps are needed right now.

The Slough – What is to be left in the past as you move forward.

Three of Cups and Growth Rx – Careless abandon has been stunting your growth. This is especially relevant to “going too fast”. You spend so much of your time over the last couple of months of the year fighting to go fast, and faster.  Fast as you can.  It’s time to leave that mentality behind now.

What Lies Ahead – An ideal state or ideal self you are seeking at this time.

Ace of Cups and Change – You don’t want to go through the same old thing again this year with the return of another depressive episode. Instead you want to change this cycle and replace it with something healthier and new. This change, like most things that are new and different, will take a bit of effort.

Limitations – Negative influences, opposition, or ill will.

Knight of Cups – There has been a distinct lack of empathy for yourself as you push yourself too hard to advance in your emotional growth. Last year this was especially true and you need to ensure that you don’t repeat this negative behavior again this year.

The Boon – Positive influences, higher guidance, or divine intervention.

Seven of Coins and Loss – Just because you are taking things slow doesn’t mean that you’re going to lose out on anything. Remember that some things take time to grow, and make sure that you are looking at this process in a more positive light.

The Wound – An unpleasant past experience or event that is ripe for some support and healing.

Two of Cups and Strength – You need to talk with Gideon and ensure that he is feeling stable and strong in your relationship. Your recent discussion of past issues may have stirred up some insecurities.

Nostalgia – A positive past experience or event to acknowledge, reflect upon, and enjoy.

Page of Wands and Tranquility – Not all learning needs to be a fight or struggle. Take time to remember how good it feels to slip into “the flow” when experimenting with something creative and new.

A Warning – Something coming that can be prevented or overcome.

Queen of Cups and Bind – Watch out for feelings of stagnancy. This is something you struggled with a lot last year through the spring and summer… and even a bit in the fall. You have the opportunity to avoid going through it again this year. (This is something to explore further, perhaps with a more in depth reading in this area later on.)

Empowerment – A future opportunity to work toward.

Death and Now – Although change takes time, this doesn’t mean you sit on your ass and wait for it. Be proactive in going after the changes you want to happen. The sooner you start, the more room you have to figure out hurdles and roadblocks that might pop up along the way.

Message from the Spirit World – There are changes to be made that reach far beyond the physical realm. (Amalthea is waiting, but she is also patient.) Don’t get discouraged and feel as if you are stuck when things need to move at a slower pace than you anticipate. Just do what you can in the now and the rest will come in its own time.

Message from the Mind’s World – Revelry has its place, but too much stunts your growth.  Focus on finding balance in your life and in your inner narrative. You don’t have to be rainbows and butterflies all the time, but you do need to give as much optimism and positivity to build up your mental health as your inner narrative is giving to try and pick it apart.

Message from the Physical World – You’re avoiding getting out in nature and finding that connection you need because of stalker issues.  Contact J and convince him to start going out with you into the trees again.  It might take some convincing, but you know that he’ll come along if for no other reason that he might get the chance to kick someone’s ass… which incidentally is his happy place in much the same way that the forest is yours.

DECKS USED: DARKNESS OF LIGHT TAROT AND YORU NO SUMI-E

❤️ Self Care Saturday (On a Sunday)

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?

Abstract Art Tarot, Yoru No Sumi-E, Shadowlands Lenormand

EarthAce of Buckets and Trust – Stay positive and trust everything is going to be okay.

AirWorld atop Five of Brushes, Hope – Be gentle with your negative internal narrative and inner critic. The way forward isn’t with viciousness and cruelty, but by tapping into positivity and optimism.

WaterTemperance atop Chariot, Void – Do not pretend that the pit isn’t there. It is. At this time, ignoring where you’re going and what’s ahead of you instead of dealing with it is going to end in falling into the void.

FireThree of Brushes atop Eight of Buckets Rx, Death – Don’t discount what others can do for you right now as you go through these changes outlined in this reading. They’re able to add brightness and color to days that are looking increasingly drab of late.

WaningMice and Snake – Don’t ignore the corrosion or it’s going to bite you in the ass.

WaxingSun and Mountain – Use proactive methods and optimism to battle this hurdle before you.

Take Away – Okay. As the week has gone on I have gotten more and more warnings from the cards about depression slipping up on me, and that I’ve been ignoring its approach. This reading is the most blatant warning of them all so far.

I’ve decided that I’m going to up my meds like I did before, starting tomorrow. Two weeks wasn’t enough time last time, so this time I’m going to do it for a month and hope that it can help me bypass, or at least mitigate, the depressive episode that I can feel coming but didn’t want to acknowledge.

DECKS USED: ABSTRACT ART TAROT, YORU NO SUMI-E, SHADOWLAND LENORMAND

Let’s Get Real Tarot Reading

Let's Get Real Tarot Reading - The Crooked Cat Tarot

What are you ignoring?

Five of Cups and Strength – Pessimism does not give you strength, optimism does. Pessimism will break you down overtime, as it has done in the past. Leaning into optimism, on the other hand, will lift you up and make you stronger. The last couple of days you’ve been struggling with leaning into that optimistic mindset. Don’t ignore the creeping niggle of negativity. It’s not going to go away just because you pretend it’s not there.

Why are you hiding from this truth?

Four of Cups and Four of Swords – You find stability and comfort and what is familiar. That pessimism feels like a safe and comfortable resting place, even as it’s unhealthy and hurts you.

What resource have you not fully tapped into that could help in this area?

Eight of Swords and The Star – Open your eyes and see more clearly the potential a more hopeful and positive outlook could give you, instead of hiding behind your fear that being hopeful and positive will turn around on you and bite you in the ass.

How can you overcome this blockage?

Seven of Swords and Knight of Swords – Stay aware of what this pessimism and negativity are stealing from you, and proactive in your pursuit of something better.

DECK USED: THE CROOKED CAT TAROT

Aquarius Season Lenormand Reading

Aquarius Season Lenormand Reading - Mythical Folklore Lenormand

What needs innovating.

Snake and Crossroads – Escapism is not the answer to anything. When you fall into times of excess sleep, screwing around with games on your phone, and spacing out for no reason… what are you trying to run away from?  What are you hiding from?  It’s time to take a look at these habits and look at finding not only what’s spurring them on, but ways to turn those tendencies around so that they do not become unhealthy habits (as they have done in the past).

Where to be self-reliant.

Stars and Bouquet – You make beautiful and inspired jewelry. You take breathtaking, eye catching photos. You create beauty out of nothing and share it with the world in so many ways. Be confident in your creativity, in your skills, and in the belief that they are not just worthy of admiration but that others will truly love what you create and share with the world.

Where to think outside the box.

Tree and Clover – You need to look at the things you are doing to sustain and improve your health, and begin looking at them in a different way. This isn’t about changing what you’re doing, but it’s about not seeing them as chores or inconveniences. It’s about turning a more positive outlook to these things so that they become joys instead of something to slog your way through.

Where I could use some positive reinforcement.

Letter, Mountains, Stork – Change is not easy and when you are set on making changes and end up with news news landing in your lap that lead to roadblocks? It can be extremely hard to see past those moments to stay motivate for that change that you’re striving for.   Remember that setbacks doesn’t mean a dead end.

DECK USED: MYTHICAL FOLKLORE LENORMAND

❤️ Self Care Saturday (On a Sunday)

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?

Animals Divine Tarot, Tailors Storytelling Game Cards, Mythical Folklore Lenormand

EarthQueen of Pentacles and Discover the Treasure – This week is a time to look for the boon.  You’ve done well with getting finances in order and you’re strategizing your way to a more organized home.  But there’s more to be found and more to be had.  Take time to explore and discover what these boons you’ve not yet found might be, and use your practical nature to put them to use for your benefit.

AirThree of Cups, Soldier atop Find True Home – Make sure you are reflecting on what makes home… home.  Reflect on the truth in the fact that it’s about those you surround yourself in. Home is not a place… it’s a feeling.  It’s a feeling that you only get in the company of certain people.  Now is a good time to connect with who those people are and appreciate that comfort and camaraderie that they provide.

WaterEight of Cups and Choose the Path – If it’s not working?  Let it go. Just do it.  It’s okay to decide that what once held sentimental meaning has faded over time and that something is now just a dust collector instead of something of emotional value.   As you go through the things you are donating over the week ahead, keep this in mind.

Fire – Six of Swords atop The Tower, Tyrant – Again we see an encouragement to choose a direction and move away from what isn’t working, although in this case it is very clear what isn’t working is people treating you like shit.  Don’t let anyone tear your confidence or compass down.  It’s not okay.  You can turn and walk away from that shit at any time, so do it sooner rather than later.  No reason to stick around and listen.

WaningLetter and Whip – These cards echo upon the Fire position above, and they are about walking away from crappy news that turns into self flagellation. Do not allow how others deliver their opinions to drag you down and make you harder on yourself.

WaxingShip and Mountains – Delays and more delays.  You’re going to struggle with the path forward to getting to where you want to go this week.  Instead of allowing the hurdles and delays to feel like obstacles, use them to direct your attention to other things that you can do in the meanwhile.

Take Away – Purging the bad and letting go, combined with seeking out the comfort and familiarity of those that you love and are familiar with are the theme of this week.  Whether it’s things that aren’t doing it for you anymore or people’s words that could be hurtful, leave them behind instead of letting them stick around and be in the way.  Instead, turn your focus towards family and friends, support and comfort.

DECKS USED: DIVINE ANIMALS TAROT, TAILORS STORYTELLING GAME CARDS, MYTHICAL FOLKLORE LENORMAND

Mercury Retrograde Self-Reflection Reading

Oracle of Mystical Moments

Mercury is in Retrograde from January 14th thru February 3rd. As the planet of communication, when Mercury goes into retrograde, it can often affect people by shifting their perspectives and abilities when it comes to one’s communication with others, including family and friends, work, social media, and more. Admittedly, I don’t often experience these affects personally, but I liked the spread. 😉

What perspectives need to be reviewed?

Mermaid’s Love – Take some time to reflect on your relationship with Gideon and just how well you fit together like puzzle pieces.  One’s strengths support the other’s weaknesses and vice-versa.  In this relationship, you are equals for each brings something to the table that is unique and that the other needs. Combined, you become more complete than either of you are when apart.

Ways I can work through any mental blockages.

Eva – Don’t allow yourself to hide away that which needs to be seen and known.  Secrets, especially those kept from yourself, are poisonous and can not just set you back but incapacitate you entirely, depending on what they’re about.  Pay attention and be aware of what you are hiding from.  Awareness is the first step to finding resolution and a better path forward.

How can I bring in more conscious thought practices?

Moondance – Work on that optimism that helps you see life through a more magical lens.  Only when you’re able to see the beauty around you are you at your best, and only then will you be more easily and with more confidence be able to balance the hard parts with the easier ones.

Ways I can be more clear and concise with communication.

Queen Bee – Be strong.  Be supportive.  You don’t have to choose one or the other.  Gentle your sharp tongue to provide a more nurturing energy that can lift people up, even as you remain strong on your boundaries and expectations.

What thinking patterns or ideas do I need to release?

Touch the Sky – Unhealthy alone time is awfully tempting, even during times when things are going well.  It’s that lingering in bed, those stolen moments retreating into the games on your phone, the temptation to nap when you don’t need one and linger in the limbo of waking instead of returning to face the day head on.  None of these are good for you, and you need to work at making healthier choices no matter how tempting those unhealthy ones are in the moment.

Main lesson from this Mercury Retrograde.

Like a Bird – How to balance your motivation in a more healthy way. You are capable of succeeding even when you’re not pushing yourself like some kind of slave driver.  It doesn’t mean you’re stalling out, and a slower pace doesn’t mitigate success or create stagnancy as long as you stay motivate to keep moving forward… no matter the pace you take to get there.

DECK USED: ORACLE OF MYSTICAL MOMENTS