tarot

Creativity and Imagination

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Deep Water Tarot - Page of CupsThe @GlitterbyInk #MayTag25 Challenge
Celebrating Our Community Prompt for May 9 : Uplifting

Today’s draw is the Page of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of a receptive omega energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s emotions, relationships, creativity, or intuition. This often translates into themes that have to do with emotional growth, second chances relationships, or exploring one’s creative pursuits.

In my experience, everyone is creative, although they often either don’t realize it or don’t acknowledge it.

Creativity and imagination aren’t just about creating artwork or writing stories. We use our creativity and imagination every day in problem solving, and in our efforts to understand where others are coming from. It’s present in our communication with others, and how we express ourselves. It’s in our goals and our dreams, and in how we plot a course to achieve them.

Our imagination and creativity express themselves in all of these ways and more, not just in producing innovative works of art or music. And even in the smallest of ways? Using one’s creativity and imagination help us stay afloat when different aspects of life try to drag us down.

It’s empowering and uplifting to exercise these “muscles”, so no matter how uncreative or unimaginative you think you might be? Maybe it’s time to redefine for yourself what those things mean… and do a little exploring into your own brand of imagination and creativity instead of putting them on an unreachable shelf or pedestal. Bring those expectations down to earth and explore all the small ways you actually are creative in your own special way.

DECK USED:  DEEP WATER TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsMay2025 Challenge
Philosophical Questions for May 7, 21, and 28

Oracle of Daydreams & MoonbeamsIs mankind going in the right or wrong direction?

Singing In the Rain – There is no right or wrong direction when it comes to mankind’s path. We either celebrate our accomplishments, or we drown in our failures. This card indicates that right and wrong are judgement calls, not universal truths.

What is the biggest waste of human potential?

Rainy Day Magic – The biggest waste of human potential is not taking advantage of the opportunities presented to us during times of struggle or hardship. When things are difficult, we often give up or retreat instead of facing these challenges head on. In doing so, we miss out on potential for interesting experiences and exploration.

What is the point of life?

Peter Pan – To enjoy life with confidence and joyous abandon.

Other elements included in this reading:
Pressed Pansy Flower for for Hearing the Heart More Clearly
Serpentine Dragon to Bolster Heart and Emotions
Citrine for Energy Lift (easing the weight of heavy energies)
Carnelian Agate for Inner Drive and Focusing On One’s Aspirations
Desert Rose for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: ORACLE OF DAYDREAMS & MOONBEAMS

Daily Self Kindness

This is a catch up post, and I’m not entirely sure what the self kindness was for this day.

Look a Little Closer

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Manga Tarot - Knight of PentaclesThe @GlitterbyInk #MayTag25 Challenge
Celebrating Our Community Prompt for May 8 : Creative

Today’s draw is the Knight of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of an active, projective beta energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s finances, resources, health, home, labors, and manifestations. This often translates into a slow moving but determinedly forward moving energy, personality, or person that has their eye on the prize regardless of the slow and steady speed they may be moving at.

When I first looked at this card, it appeared to me that the figure’s ribs were showing, and that he was emaciated. I puzzled over this artistic choice and finally slowed down to take a closer look.  It turns out, those aren’t ribs, but are folds in the cloth of his clothing.

There’s a lesson in today’s card that goes beyond the simple “slow down” message of the Knight in the Pentacles suit. It’s a reminder to not just slow down, but to look rather than taking just a glance at things.

Whether its a particular situation, a person. or even a leaf or flower petal… work on slowing down to look a little closer.  See the depth and nuances, rather than letting them pass you buy out of a want or habit of leaning into expediency. In doing so, not only do you see and understand more, but allow thoughtfulness and imagination to bloom, leading to greater wisdom, understanding, creativity, and joy as a result.

DECK USED:  MANGA TAROT

#detarotjufmeitarotchallenge Tea With the Queens Challenge by @de_tarotjuf
Tea with the Queen of Wands : Creativity and Passion
Prompts for May 6 – 8

Wisdom of the Wild Things OracleHow can I increase my self-confidence?

Unconditional Self-Acceptance – You know when something is right for you and when it’s not. You know when something is good, or when it’s wrong. You’re inner compass is unerring in leading the way with the assistance of your gut.

You need to trust them, implicitly, even when your brain tries to make excuses or lead its way around what they’re saying. Make sure you are discarding what doesn’t serve you or isn’t good for you instead of trying to hang on.

What does expression mean to me?

Welcome the Unwelcome but Remember the Woobi – In your eyes, you see expression as being able to take on the challenges that life throws your way, and the changes that you may not even be prepared for, while staying true to yourself at your core. It means holding on to what makes you you, regardless of what comes your way or what growth needs to take place.

What is a new way to express my creativity?

Beginnings; Here’s Your Do-Over – Allow yourself the time and space to try new things. Use the “throw things at the wall and see what sticks” approach. Take these new things on with the mindset of starting from scratch, rather than as extension of anything that you’re already doing.

Other elements included in this reading:
Northern Red Oak Leaf Impression for Inner Strength
Dried Rhododendron Leaf for Fostering Confidence
Dried Red Maple Leaves for Adaptability and Connection
Rose Quartz for Gentle Kindness to Self and Others
Ammonite for a Sense of Stability During Times of Change
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: WISDOM OF THE WILD THINGS ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

This is a catch up post, and I’m not entirely sure what the self kindness was for this day.

Finding the Positive for May 5 – 7

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Avalon Revelation Tarot's The Empress, The Avian Tarot's King of Swords, Orc Alien World Tarot's The Hanged Man

May 5 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was ten minutes long, and was one of the #DailyCalm sessions from the @Calm app.  The session for today was in regards to the difference between sympathy and empathy, and to be fair?  Although I very clearly understand the difference between the two? I  have a hard time seeing empathy as the better of the two.

They presented sympathy as being perceived as “pity”, and empathy as being perceived as “I’m on your side”.   The thing is? I was always taught and understood myself that sympathy was a kindness of letting another person have their experience while you lend support, whereas empathy is making their trauma “all about you” and thus not giving them what they need.

I dunno.  Now I’m a little confused on which is the better route in such situations. Does my sympathy (instead of using empathy) come off as cold and distant?  I’m not sure.

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The @GlitterbyInk #MayTag25 Challenge
Celebrating Our Community Prompt for May 5 : Insightful

Today’s draw is the Empress card, which is traditionally a representation of the nurturing, female strength and empowerment without losing that “softer side” in the process, abundance, fertility, the divine feminine, and Mother Earth.

I’ve connected this card with the song that I woke up with stuck in my head this morning, which was “Not in the Mood” by I’MIN & Daryl Kim.   This combo between the song and the Empress reminds us that it’s healthy to set limits and boundaries in our lives to protect our peace and nurture our sense of well-being. In order to nurture a feeling of abundance in our lives, sometimes we have to learn to say “no”.

Today’s combo says that it’s okay to say “no”.  It’s okay to protect your own sense of well-being and abundance by choosing to use your time and energy to nurture yourself instead of expending it all on other sand their needs.  In fact, maybe? Some of us need to practice saying “no” more often.

DECK USED: AVALON REVELATION TAROT

May 6 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was skipped.

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The @GlitterbyInk #MayTag25 Challenge
Celebrating Our Community Prompt for May 6 : Motivating

Today’s card is the King of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of a projective “alpha” energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s thoughts, intellect, education, ambitions, and communication. This often translates into themes that have to do with someone that has a way with words and is able to use those skills to lead others to their way of thinking, as well as those that are in authority on intellectual topics such as professors, doctors, etc.

In the guide for this deck, one phrase (“Vulnerable and strong enough to let go of control”) really stuck out to me stronger than the rest.

Logic dictates that you cannot take care of or lead others if you are not taking care of yourself first.  This is why if there’s a problem on airline flights they tell you to put your own mask on first before helping others with theirs. What help are you to anyone else if you aren’t in any condition to do so?

Today’s card and it’s associated Andean Condor speaks of the need, in moments of stress or trouble, to rise above the situation and see things from an analytical viewpoint. Are you in any condition to step in now? Or would you be better served by standing back, letting go of control, and tending to your own needs first, then stepping in later if still needed?

Lean into taking care of yourself first… and you will find yourself not just better capable of taking care of others by doing so, but more motivated to engage as well.

DECK USED: THE AVIAN TAROT

May 7 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was ten minutes long, and was one of the #DailyCalm sessions from the @Calm app. The topic for today’s sessions rested on how it’s often our thoughts about our emotions that cause the most damage, as opposed to the emotions themselves. For example, our thoughts of when in the grip of severe depression often circulate about how it will never end, when in truth, like everything else in life, the depression is temporary.

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The @GlitterbyInk #MayTag25 Challenge
Celebrating Our Community Prompt for May 7 : Joyful

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 cards are being very persistent lately on the “wait and watch” messages, it seems.

Look at the expression on the face of the figure in the card, though. This entanglement makes it clear that they didn’t wait and watch, and that fate took things into their own hands to make them do so whether they wanted to or not.  There’s humor and a hint of bashfulness in that expression, speaking of humility and the ability to laugh at oneself when you pause to actually get a look at your screw ups.

The message in today’s card isn’t just “continue to wait and watch” on my personal situation. It’s that when things go awry? You can instill more joy into your life by looking for the humor in the situation you find yourself in and how  you got there.

DECK USED: ORC ALIEN WORLD TAROT

Exploring Awe in the World

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

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Catopia Tarot - Page of CupsThe @GlitterbyInk #MayTag25 Challenge
Celebrating Our Community Prompt for May 4 : Generous

Today’s draw is the Page of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of a receptive omega energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s emotions, relationships, creativity, or intuition. This often translates into themes that have to do with emotional growth, second chances relationships, or exploring one’s creative pursuits.

I am currently reading “Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life” by Dacher Keitner, which scientifically explores the emotion of awe, what it is, and how it is triggered in others. With the fireworks going off in the background of today’s card, I can’t help but associate it with the stories of people’s accounts with the feeling of awe that are shared in the book, and the association made that it is awe that then inspires wonder, which is essentially awe with curiosity mixed in.

Although I didn’t have a name for this emotion  until now, I experience both of these emotions often when I am out in nature. The experience of awe, and corresponding spark to my curiosity and imagination, are a part of why being in nature is so refreshing for me and creates for me that sense of the sacred.

The message in today’s card is an encouragement to see out moments of awe. Be fascinated. Be curious. Let your imagination be awakened and have free reign for a bit. Too often, we neglect these things, and over time life then becomes boring and drab.

Sometimes to reawaken awe and it’s corresponding emotions within us, we need to be proactive in seeking it out. So, be proactive. Big or small, unique or everyday… be kind and generous to yourself and you’re well-being by making the choice to go find yourself a little bit of awe today.

DECK USED:  CATOPIA TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsMay2025 Challenge
Prompt for May 4 : Do Spread 1

Tarot Reading with Tarot Yoga and the Animal Spirit Oracle

What positive quality do I have that others admire?

Phoenix and Knight of Cups – You are a survivor at heart, and no matter how many times life has knocked you down or driven roughshod over you, you continue to rise again with unflagging character and your creative spark still intact. You have not allowed these experiences to turn you bitter or change your character, but rather used them to grow and better understand the value in moments of hardship.

What positive quality do I wish I had that I admire in others?

Polar Bear and Five of Swords – Knowing when to give up is a quality that you wish you had more of. You are stubborn to a fault and at times this means you keep fighting for a cause even past the point of no return. Being able to identify when to step back is a skill you admire in others and want for yourself.

What step(s) can I take now to work toward developing that quality in myself?

Robin and Six of Pentacles

  • Work on being more generous with yourself when it comes to giving yourself moments of joy.
  • Connect with optimism and positivity in a way that allows you to see beyond the moment of conflict more easily so that you don’t have to fight for it quite so hard.
  • Remember that it’s okay to give people the benefit of the doubt, but only until it starts to hurt, and then it’s time to let go.

What step(s) can I take to make the positive qualities I already have shine brightly?

Rhino and Temperance – Continue to work on achieving a bit more consistency in your meditation practice, rest when you need to rest, and train your focus upon putting more time and focus into those things that help you to connect with a sense of calm and stability.

Other elements included in this reading:
Pressed Pansy Flowers for for Hearing the Heart More Clearly
Foraged Wood Fern for Exorcising Negative Influences
Selenite Tree of Life for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: TAROT YOGA AND ANIMAL SPIRIT ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I *might* have had raspberry swirl cake and chocolate chip cookies for brunch today.

A Friendly Greeting

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Today’s meditation was ten minutes long, and was one of the #DailyCalm sessions with the @Calm app.  Although I enjoyed today’s meditation this morning, I can’t for the life of me remember what the session was about.

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Floral Tarot - The HermitThe @GlitterbyInk #MayTag25 Challenge
Celebrating Our Community Prompt for May 3 : Friendly

Today’s draw is the Hermit card, which is traditionally a representation of inner exploration, self reflection, and healthy alone time.

Snowdrops are the first of the spring flowers to arrive. They come out eagerly before everyone else to announce that spring is on the way and pave the way forward for everyone else that then follows.

The flower on this card is actually a narcissus, probably in reference to the fact that it retreats into a bulb underground through winter to hibernate ’til spring. But, so too is the snowdrop that this card reminded me of on first glance. Its eager emergence after the time spent in restorative solitude an expression of friendly optimism for the spring months ahead.

The message in today’s card is that it’s okay to retreat into solitude for some much needed rest and healthy reflection. Just make sure that when you emerge that you are working to put on a friendly face and optimistic spin to what’s coming. Be open and look for the positive, and it will help others to do the same.

DECK USED:  FLORAL TAROT

#detarotjufmeitarotchallenge Tea With the Queens Challenge by @de_tarotjuf
Tea with the Queen of Wands : Creativity and Passion
Prompts for May 4 – 5

Oracle Reading with the Memento Homo Oracle CardsWhat in my environment motivates me to pursue my dreams?

Left Card – Trust. It takes a lot to trust someone with your safety and well-being. When you surround yourself with those you trust to do so, it allows you to be vulnerable in a way that opens you up to being honest about your dreams and gives you the bandwidth to pursue them with more vigor.

What can I do to bring more joy into my life?

Right Card – Play with abandon. Even if you feel you need to put on a front of composure or show a particular outward countenance… play anyway. Have some fun instead of internalizing that outward mask that is sometimes needed.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Silver Maple Key for Bouncing Back to Thrive
Omarolluk for Protection and Bridging Liminal Divides
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: MEMENTO HOMO ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I did the things I wanted to do today, instead of the things that were expected of me by others. That included playing with a few new decks I got in over the past couple of weeks, and taking a nap… oh, and having raspberry swirl cake for breakfast.

I Did a Thing!

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Today’s meditation was ten minutes long, and was a self guided meditation focusing upon the “just make it exist first” graphic by @growthbyvisuals shared alongside the card for today.

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Neuziet Tarot's Nine of PentaclesThe @GlitterbyInk #MayTag25 Challenge
Celebrating Our Community Prompt for May 2 : Optimistic

Today’s draw is the Nine of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of solitary satisfaction, a job well done, self-sufficiency, abundance, financial independence, and luxury earned through hard work.

It’s hard to remember at times that  accomplishment doesn’t have to be about perfection. Just the fact you created something or did something is enough.

When the cards say (as they often do) to “take a moment to reflect upon, appreciate, and/or celebrate our accomplishments,” they’re not talking about our big or perfect ones. The imperfect and small are just as important and need recognition as well.

“I did a thing,” no matter how small or seemingly insignificant holds just as much weight as “I created this perfect thing” does. The value, sometimes, is not in the results… but in the doing. Both in the fact that you are doing something, as well as the fact you are gaining joy or experience or knowledge during the task being done. So, “I did a thing” is absolutely valid, all on it’s own… whatever that thing may be or how it turns out.

DECK USED:  NEUZIET TAROT

#detarotjufmeitarotchallenge Tea With the Queens Challenge by @de_tarotjuf
Tea with the Queen of Wands : Creativity and Passion
Prompts for May 1 – 3

Oracle Reading with the Alchemy of the Spirit OracleWhat inspires my creativity?

The Sword – New ideas combined with a sense of balance. When there is no fairness, balance, or justice, you feel out of sorts and it will smother your creative spark and the impetus of new ideas. As new ideas are what your creativity thrives on, you need that balance to allow your creativity to be set free.

Reflect on a passion project. How can I make it grow?

Project – A wood burned casting tray made into the underside of my wooden reading tray with personally drawn design.

The Rainbow – Have faith that you will find the time to work on this project when the timing is right. You need time when you can slow down and really focus, which requires a number of different conditions to achieve. That time will come.

What energy do I bring into my work?

The Library – You bring into your work an openness to try new things, and the ability to know your worth in this area, regardless of being raised to think your efforts are worth nothing. Your work is all about things that you are good at and the exploration of those skills and abilities. This gives you a sense of worth that helps in rewriting the “not enough” narrative in your head.

Other elements included in this reading:
Bind Rune on Cedar for a Protected Home
Dried Rhododendron Leaf for Fostering Confidence
Rose Quartz for Gentle Kindness to Self and Others
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: ALCHEMY OF THE SPIRIT ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I spend a lot of time not listening to people today, and instead listening to the music or audiobook coming in through the bone conduction headphones hidden in my hair.