tarot

Emotions vs Mental Health

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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.

Gothic Moon Tarot's Three of Swords and a card from the Crone Power Oracle

Today’s draw is the Three of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of depression, grief, and disappointments. This theme often seems strange to people, being that it is seated in the Swords suit (which is often all about intellect and the mind), but it is important to remember that how we react emotionally is often rooted in how we think and what expectations we create for ourselves before everything falls apart.

The Three of Swords has then been combined with a card from the Crone Power Oracle and Affirmation Cards, which says, “I am knowing. I trust my inner guidance.”

There is a reason that depression is a mental illness and not considered an emotion illness. It’s our brains that create clinical level depression, and we’re not given much choice in it. We do what’s needed to shorten its span and ride it out with medication, therapy, self-care, etc, and hold on tight until it’s over… but it’s not like someone with clinical depression can just “choose” to cheer up.

Moods and emotions are also somewhat uncontrollable, and yet far more easy to budge and fluctuate.

The key with depression is catching it early. It’s listening to your mind and body, and making sure you’re aware when the slip down into depression’s pit starts to happen. It’s reacting with the care needed then and there in order to shorten its duration and weaken its effects.

The message in today’s Three of Swords and affirmation is a reminder that self awareness is important. These cards offer encouragement to not ignore warning signs with wishful thinking that what’s happening will pass you by.

DECKS USED:  GOTHIC MOON TAROT AND CRONE POWER ORACLE AND AFFIRMATION CARDS

September Prompts by @forgotten.dumpling & @ml.mecham
Prompt for September 30th : cavernous for you

Writing Activity with the Art of Nature Reptiles & Amphibians Playing Cards

usually quiet and easy
with nothing much to say
(Four of Hearts)
happy to watch and listen
while others fuss and bray
(Queen of Spades)

I found myself at a loss
the first time I saw you
(Seven of Spades)
flustered and restless and
unsure what to do
(Ace of Clubs)

and as your stare found my gaze
and my body flushed in surprise
(Ace of Clubs atop Two of Hearts)
you reached deep inside
and carved out my insides
(King of Hearts)

Other elements included in this reading:
Moss Agate for Attracting Opportunities for Growth
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED:  ART OF NATURE REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS PLAYING CARDS

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2026 Challenge
Prompt for September 30th : Pick a spread of your choice and give it a go!

Philosophical Tarot Reading with the Gothic Moon Tarot and The Black Bird Oracle

What is humanity’s greatest accomplishment?

The Fool – Intrepid exploration, enthusiasm, and eagerness to reach beyond one’s sphere.

Humanity’s greatest accomplishment comes in breaking new ground; whether that is in exploring the oceans, visiting the and moon for the first time, or discovering new and wondrous species on our own planet.

What are humanity’s 3 major strengths?

Four of Pentacles – To be independent in thought and action.

The Mirror – To self-reflect.

Ace of Wands – To catch the threads of passion and have the innovation to follow their lead.

What is humanity’s greatest mistake?

The Death’s Head – Taking for granted the fragility of life. Humanity as a whole and as individuals have a tendency to forget that life is precious and fleeting, and because of that we often lose track of what priorities are truly important and of value.

What are humanity’s 3 major weaknesses?

Darkness – Selfishness and apathy.

Nine of Wands Rx – Their reactivity to fear.

The Loom – Rigid adherence to structures that don’t always work as planned.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Cedar Bundle for Protection from Negative Influences
Foraged Oak Branch with Moss and Lichen for Perseverance
Garnierite for help in Releasing Anger, Anxiety, and Guilt
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECKS USED: GOTHIC MOON TAROT AND THE BLACK BIRD ORACLE
Daily Self Kindness

I took a nap at Ms B’s today. It was sorely needed. I’m not sure the drive home would have been safely accomplished without it.

Leadership Qualities

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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.

Tarot: The Green Codex Deck's King of Wands and a card from the Create Brave Cards

Today’s draw is the King of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of a projective alpha energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s passions, drive, determination, principles, values, and willpower. The King of Wands often indicates themes that have to do with leadership figures or authority figures with the ability to rally others to their causes and draw them in to their own values, principles, and passions.

The King of Wands has then been combined with the Community card from the Create Brave Cards, which says, “I surround myself with people who desire my greatest good.”

Make sure when you are following the passionate leadership of others that they have your well-being at heart instead of merely their own selfish desires.

It’s important, when picking a leader, that there is a thread of altruism in their motivations. If everything is all about them, then you are on your own and less likely to come out ahead because they won’t have your back unless there’s a benefit to them in doing so.

The message in today’s King of Wands and affirmation card is a reminder that anyone can make pretty promises and raise up passions in others, but a true leader genuinely cares about those who follow them, and they show this not just with pretty words but also through their past actions.

DECKS USED:  TAROT THE GREEN CODEX AND CREATE BRAVE CARDS

September Prompts by @forgotten.dumpling & @ml.mecham
Prompt for September 29th : the anatomy of sunlight

Creative Writing with the Cuatro Veinte Playing Cards

scorched earth beaten into submission
where nothing can grow
is not the nature of sunlight’s rays
but the neglect of water’s flow
(Ten of Spades)

in dark caves where lichen glows
phosphorescence on display
not a single speck of sunlight
chases darkness away
(Four of Spades)

it’s in those places lush and green
where sunlight and water abound
we see the life in sunlight’s rays
wherever they touch ground
(Queen of Clubs atop Queen of Diamonds)

Other elements included in this reading:
Japanese Cherry Leaf as a Reminder of Life’s Fleeting Moments
Flower Agate for Opening the Mind to New Possibilities
Garnierite for help in Releasing Anger, Anxiety, and Guilt
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: CUATRO VEINTE PLAYING CARDS

@lightningwildflower‘s September Self-Talk Challenge
Prompt for September 29th and 30th

Tarot Reading with Tarot: The Green Codex Deck and L'Oracle des Relation Karmiques

Emergence – What new version of myself is emerging?

Ace of Wands Rx and Séparation Longue

You may find your creative passion and intense interests difficult to connect with in the months to come.

This may feel like depression, which tends to suck the joy out of everything and quash your inner curiosity, but in truth it is merely a need to rest and recover so that you can come back stronger when this temporary phase (that feels like an eternity) comes to an end.

Mercury enters Scorpio – What deep conversation am I ready to have?

Princess (Queen) of Swords and Expérience Douloureuse

Don’t turn away from sharing your pain with those that care about you. In doing so, it works like a release valve, easing inner emotional pressure caused by the pain, so that you don’t end up lashing out blindly later on.

Other elements included in this reading:
Bird Figurine for Encouraging Hope, Positivity, and Renewal
Foraged Parmeliaceae Lichen for a “Breath of Fresh Air”
Beech Pods for Realizations that Foster Personal Growth
Desert Rose for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: TAROT THE GREEN CODEX AND L’ORACLE DES RELATIONS KARMIQUES
Daily Self Kindness

I brought up something that was bothering me with Gid instead of keeping it to myself and risking letting it fester into something more painful.

Taking the Path of Grace

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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.

The Hanged Man card from The Fox Tarot and a card from the Tao Book and Card Pack

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.

The Hanged Man has then been combined with a Chuang Tzu quote card from the Tao Book and Cards Pack, which says, “Wu Wei.”

In my understanding of the concept, Wu Wei is all about interconnectivity and flow. It is the belief that we are simply leaves carried upon the energy of Tao, and that it is through letting go of control and allowing ourselves to be carried that we find true peace and enlightenment.

My first thought when I saw this Hanged Man card was that that has to hurt. Hanging by one’s tail, with one back leg unnaturally askew… it looks like a painful position. This feels like it’s reinforced by the fact that the fox’s eyes are closed and ears are flat rather than upright.

The message I see here in these cards is a reminder that when you are a chronic pain patient, pain does not always mean that something is wrong. Sometimes you just have to breathe through it and let it be until it eventually eases.

The message in today’s Hanged Man card and affirmation card is a reminder that tensing up and struggling under the weight of chronic pain merely puts you in even more discomfort and distress. These cards encourage allowance rather than fighting back against something that you have no control over. Do the kindnesses that you can to be understanding in these moments, but don’t turn it into a battle.

DECKS USED:  THE FOX TAROT AND TAO BOOK AND CARDS PACK

September Prompts by @forgotten.dumpling & @ml.mecham
Prompt for September 28th : a prayer undressed

Creative Writing with the Art of Nature Moths Playing Cards

energy drinks or baby formula
food on the table or sex
mortgage payment or power tools
go home to your wife or text
(Seven of Hearts)

wants and needs tangle
and reason loses its way
when selfish wants become
what is given sway
(Jack of Clubs)

only when we pray for others
with altruistic care
are prayers bestowed with answers
in riches beyond compare
(King of Diamonds)

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Cedar Bundle for Protection from Negative Influences
Clear Quartz for boosting Mental Clarity
Gray Agate Druzy Slab for Stabilizing Energies and Expectations
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: ART OF NATURE MOTHS PLAYING CARDS

@lightningwildflower‘s September Self-Talk Challenge
Sun trine Uranus Prompt for September 28th : What changes am I ready to make in my life?

Tarot Reading with The Fox Tarot

Four of Pentacles – You are ready to foster a greater sense of security that more seamlessly marries your “security in stillness” viewpoint with the “developing your sea legs” perspective that reality tells you true security requires to weather changes well.

Ten of Wands – You are seeking to develop a better awareness and understanding of when you are approaching your limits… before you run headlong into them. Your understanding of your limitations is growing and slowly developing into a boundary, but your awareness of when you are approaching that line still needs work.

Five of Cups Rx – You plan to continue to encourage less pessimism in your life, including sussing out when it tries to sneak in hidden behind the guise of practicality.

Other elements included in this reading:
Black Spruce Needles to Boost Self-Confidence and Positive Thinking
Dried Rosebuds for Potential and Beauty Waiting to Unfold
Dried Purple Heather Flowers for Independence and Luck
Clear Quartz for boosting Mental Clarity
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: THE FOX TAROT
Daily Self Kindness

I started back up using the Water Llama app to track my fluid intake after realizing I’ve been dehydrating the last couple of days.

Power Within the Breath

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

•    •    •    ◈    •    🌾    •    ◈    •    •    •

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

The Good Fortune Tarot's Ten of Wands and a card from the Rethink Self Care Anxiety Relief Cards

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

The Ten of Wands has then been combined with the Extended Exhale Meditation card from the Rethink Self Care Anxiety Relief Cards, which says, “Take a deep breath through your nose, counting to three. Exhale slowly through your mouth, counting to six. With each exhale, imagine your body releasing stress and anger. Focus on the longer out-breath, allowing it to slow your heart rate and calm your thoughts. Repeat until you feel grounded.”

Do you know that the natural reaction of most people when faced with a sudden onset of pain is to hold their breath? They hitch in air and clamp closed the airway, holding that air inside their lungs and depriving their body of oxygen as if this will help the situation in some way.

In truth, when we are overcome by pain, the most helpful thing we can do for ourselves is to breathe deeply. To take the time to slow down our breath and deepen it so that our body is given more oxygen instead of less. This feeds oxygen into our muscles and allows them to relax, which in turn can have a positive influence on our pain levels and reactions.

This is true, as well, for stress and overwhelm. Taking a moment to focus on the breath and consciously slow and deepen our breathing provides relief, allowing muscles to relax a bit and tensions to ease.

The message in today’s Ten of Wands and grounding exercise is a reminder that we all get overwhelmed from time to time. By pain, by tension and stress, by responsibilities, etc. We all find ourselves overburdened and overwhelmed now and then. During these times, by pausing and taking a moment to breathe, focusing on slowing and deepening our breath, we can help ourselves be more resilient in these moments.

DECKS USED:  GOOD FORTUNE TAROT AND RETHINK SELF CARE ANXIETY RELIEF CARDS

One Card Tarot Journal Activity by @mariasofia_astro
Chapter 6 | Entry 10 – Title
Affirmation : “My dreams are a way for me to commune with the Divine and my own subconscious.”
Prompt : Answer this property before a nap, mindful meditation, or bedtime: “As I fall asleep, what symbols from the card I draw might work its way into my dream realm, either literally or symbolically?” Journal about your experience when you wake up.

Tarot Activity from The One Card a Day Journal by Maria Sofia Marmanides - Roll to Roll Tarot - The Devil

What feelings came up when I pulled this card?

I had a bit of an uh-oh reaction to this one, anticipating that perhaps my dreams would be filled with conflicting decision-making and/or selfish themes.

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

The Devil card is often about addictions and temptations, especially those that start off as either intriguing or interesting and end up being self-destructive over time.

I have an extremely addictive personality, and anything that provides me a bit of dopamine is a risk at becoming an addiction. Even healthy things can become unhealthy when you get too much of a good thing.

What in the artwork spoke to me?

The upsidedown pentagram in the background really draws my eye. Like with the Christian cross, it has been picked up by contrary belief systems by taking it and turning it upside down. Essentially, creating something negative out of something that would otherwise be a positive symbol… much like my comment above about even healthy things becoming unhealthy through excess.

My prompt response and reflections.

This activity was sort of a dud for me. I got a lot out of the card and my reflections on the card, especially because my readings of late have been rife with warnings about temptations and addictions, and keeping them in hand.

The thing is, though, that I didn’t dream. Or rather, I don’t remember my dreams. Sometimes I do… but last night was not one of those nights, which happens more often than not.

Other elements included in this reading:
Unakite D20 and D6 Dice

DECK USED:  ROLL TO ROLL TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2026 Challenge
Prompt for September 27th : Do Spread 3

Tarot Reading with The Good Fortune Tarot and Oh My Heart Oracle

What gifts from Summer are ready to be harvested?

The High Priestess atop The Lovers; Hungry Heart

You are getting better at listening to your intuition and inner knowing when it comes to what is right and healthy for you, and prioritizing these things over the punishment of neglect and self-destructive tendencies you often find yourself drawn to.

You are dealing with a good number of temptations right now that could easily become self-destructive. Gather up these successes in the Summer to help carry you through these moments of temptation.

Where is your attention most needed between now and the upcoming last harvest of the year?

Three of Cups and Free Spirit

This time of year is your last hurrah before the busy season arrives. This is still true, even if the business has been a bit slower this year than in the past. Have some fun. These cards encourage you to enjoy this time. Be silly. Do the things you enjoy and savor the freedom of having the time to do them.

What seeds need to be planted now to be ready in Spring?

Three of Pentacles and Fortress

True stability is created through working together with others. Build the happy and healthy home life you want through the connections and relationships you nurture and grow. It’s only through the help of others you can find that security that you so deeply crave.

Other elements included in this reading:
Staghorn Sumac for Connecting with Nature and the Wild Within
Japanese Cherry Leaf as a Reminder of Life’s Fleeting Moments
Foraged Oak Branch with Moss and Lichen for Perseverance
Carnelian Agate Mushroom for Focusing On Aspirations
Moss Agate for Attracting Opportunities for Growth
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: GOOD FORTUNE TAROT AND OH MY HEART ORACLE
Daily Self Kindness

I returned to searching for a discrepancy in my paperwork today and finally (after a month of hunting) found it!

Dumpster Fire of Getting Older

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Today’s meditation was Today’s meditation was a ten minute Daily Calm session from 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.

No. 0 Tarot's Nine of Wands and a card from The Nurtured Heart Oracle

Today’s draw is the Nine of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of boundaries, defensive maneuvers, and protection of what you hold dear.

The Nine of Wands has then been combined with the Movement card from The Nourished Heart Oracle, which says, “I moved my body for pleasure, not for punishment.”

I would venture to guess that there is at least 20% of humanity that enjoys exercising. I am, unfortunately, not one of those 20% of the population. Don’t get me wrong, I used to be. Hiking, biking, trail running, weights, swimming… I loved all of else things and more.

Over time, though, pain has worn me down. All of these activities heighten my pain, and require more recovery time than before. I’m not talking the soreness of being out of shape, but rather the stiffness of damaged joints, inflammation, and old injuries. The kind of things that don’t ease up no matter how in shape you are.

Nowadays it’s a careful balance between how much my body can take and how much recovery time will be needed. After all, I still need to be able to work and carry on with the day-to-day, which means I can’t be laid up for too long. Neither can I afford the assistance of a physical therapist, chiropractor, and massage therapist on a regular basis.

The message in today’s Nine of Wands and affirmation card is a reminder that it’s okay to do things at a pace that helps “keep the dumpster fire from burning down your home”. Movement is important, but do it at a sustainable pace and pick those things you enjoy to do. Your enjoyment makes the hurdles less painful and the experience more fun.

DECKS USED:  NO.0 TAROT PURPLE EDITION AND THE NOURISHED HEART ORACLE

September Prompts by @forgotten.dumpling & @ml.mecham
Prompt for September 27th : my winter heart splintered

Writing Activity with the Under the Moon Playing Cards Midnight Edition

I remember losing you
to the darkness
(Five of Hearts atop King of Hearts)
as you became smaller and smaller
(Six of Spades)
and I crumbled a little at a time
under a responsibility I wasn’t made for
(Five of Spades atop Jack of Diamonds)
when I realized your shoes
were far too big for me to fill
and far too heavy for me to walk in
(Jack of Hearts and Ten of Clubs)

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Rhododendron Leaf for Fostering Confidence
Gneiss Stone for Patience in Moments of Discomfort
Rose Quartz for Gentle Kindness to Self and Others
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: UNDER THE MOON PLAYING CARDS MIDNIGHT EDITION

@lightningwildflower‘s September Self-Talk Challenge
Prompts for September 26th and 27th

Tarot Reading with the No. 0 Tarot and Kute Afflictions Cards Visiting Hours Series

Sun trine Pluto, Full Moon in Aries – What bold action can help me step into my authentic self?

Ace of Swords and Corvis

Communicate with those that truly care about you and your well-being. Allow them to see and hear how you are truly feeling, as well as what that negative voice in your head is secretly whispering to you. Let them provide the emotional support that you need by listening to those thoughts and feelings that you try so hard to keep to yourself.

Mars enters Leo – How can I act courageously in a way that feels true to me?

The Lovers and Dorian

Allow yourself to like what you like, connect in the ways you are most comfortable connecting, and let others see that being different means being uniquely special instead of a reject or freak.

It is in your authenticity where you truly shine, and at the same time encourage others to do the same.

Other elements included in this reading:
Black Spruce Needles to Boost Self-Confidence and Positive Thinking
Dried Rosebuds for Potential and Beauty Waiting to Unfold
Dried Purple Heather Flowers for Independence and Luck
Green Aventurine for Harmony and Balance of the Heart
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: NO.0 TAROT PURPLE EDITION AND KUTE AFFLICTIONS CARDS VISITING HOURS SERIES
Daily Self Kindness

I’ve ordered myself a pair of night-driving clip-ons for my glasses. It feels like the starbursts and glare from my astigmatism is getting worse over time. I’m hoping they might help.

Jumping to Conclusions

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Today’s meditation was Today’s meditation was a ten minute Daily Calm session from the @Calm app.

•    •    •    ◈    •    🌾    •    ◈    •    •    •

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

EIght of Wands in the Taste Buddies Tarot and a card from the Mindfulness Cards

Today’s draw is the Eight of Wands (Sticks), which is traditionally a representation of action, speed, alacrity, fast paced events or change, or having a target goal in your sights that you are charging towards.

The Eight of Sticks has then been combined with the See the Screen card from the Mindfulness Cards, which says, “When we’re watching TV, at a movie, or using our devices, we tend to focus on what’s on the screen rather than the screen itself. Next time you’re watching something on the screen, try including the screen itself as a part of what you see. Notice what it feels like to include the screen in your viewing experience. The simple practice is a powerful metaphor for how our minds can get sucked into the content of our thoughts rather than taking a bigger view and looking at the nature of our awareness itself.”

It can often be difficult to look beyond our own sphere of experience and influence. We see what our brain tells us to see, and our brain is influenced by our history, our experiences, our opinions, and our beliefs. This, in turn, changes our perspective from that of the person beside us, even when we’re looking at the exact same thing.

This is a big part of the reason that police officers cannot depend upon a single witness to an event. Especially if there is more than one witness available to interview.

The messaging today’s Eight of Sticks and affirmation card is a reminder not to jump to conclusions. When we rush to assumptions and conclusions, we are missing a portion of the picture… and sometimes that portion is extremely important to how we end up seeing the whole. These cards encourage us to slow down and look at things more closely and from more than just the initial angle of perspective we first see.

DECKS USED:  TASTE BUDDIES TAROT AND MINDFULNESS CARDS

September Prompts by @forgotten.dumpling & @ml.mecham
Prompt for September 25th : the price of a sign from the universe

Creative Writing Activity with the Portfolio52 Nazo Nazo Playing Cards Onsen Deck

the pendulum swings from side to side
momentum and gravity creating cause and effect
(Eight of Spades)

an exchange played out by the universe and her rules
in her never ending pursuit of balance
(Two of Diamonds)

and when we ask for a boon or favor
she’s happy to bestow upon us what we need
(Ace of Clubs)

but don’t be surprised when she wants in return
more than you want to give
(Seven of Spades)

Other elements included in this reading:
Japanese Cherry Leaf as a Reminder of Life’s Fleeting Moments
Gray Agate for Instilling Gentleness, Calm, and Stability
Green Aventurine for Harmony and Balance of the Heart
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: PORTFOLIO 52 ONSEN PLAYING CARDS

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2026 Challenge
Prompt for September 25th : What do you need to focus on for self-care for this month’s full moon?

Tarot Reading with the Taste Buddies Tarot

Reading Summary: Focus on the strength needed (Strength) to step away (The Hermit) when temptations are trying to get the better of you (Devilish Eggs).

Take Away: There is a lot of temptation in your life right now, mostly surrounding your finances and self restraint, that you need to make sure you are paying attention to and not falling under it’s spell.

Make sure you are pausing to look within and drumming up inner strength to resist these temptations as they arise rather than giving into them. You won’t be sorry in holding back at this time, and a little self reflection can go a long way in helping you find the strength to do so.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Parmeliaceae Lichen for a “Breath of Fresh Air”
Scotch Pine Cone for Purging Negative Influences
Moss Agate for Attracting Opportunities for Growth
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: TASTE BUDDIES TAROT
Daily Self Kindness

I went in for a therapeutic massage today instead of bearing through with the pain in my back.