#TarotForGrowthJuly

Healthy Seeds… Healthy Growth

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

Today’s meditation was ten minutes long and one of the harp chord meditations with chimes that delineate the different positions of my piriformis stretches.  I’m sore still from having skipped one of my physio practices, so it was a good stretch and a good meditation, if a little difficult to hold my position for as long as each one needed to be held for.

Cosmos Tarot and OracleToday’s draw is the Two of Fire (Two of Wands) which is traditionally about making  decisions and plans, and plotting progress in concern to one’s drives, desires, and those things that strike at one’s interests and inspirational spark.

What caught my attention the strongest in the imagery of this card today are the seeds that the spirit above spreads, and how they glow in the night as they fall.

I was also very much drawn to noticing the key words on this card, and I have to admit that incubation and pregnancy are an interesting take on the Two of Wands.  They gave me pause and made me think  But, I see it. And I like it. Two of Wands has to do with preparation and potential concerning one’s drive and passions.  And what represents all of these things more than pregnancy and the potential of impending motherhood?

When the seeds of inspiration fall and are planted into the hearts of men, there is a time of incubation. This time is for planning and brainstorming, preparation and the fostering of all that will be needed to support the birth of the inspiration into action.

My “incubation” period is often done in the unconscious, and by the time it floats to the surface, it’s hard to say how long it’s been lingering there in the quiet undergrowth growing behind the scenes.  Sometimes, my incubation period is lightning fast.  I see something, and I get a spark of inspiration, and bolt immediately into action. In both cases, though, that seed has to come from somewhere.

The message in the cards here today is about taking the seeds given and paying attention.  It’s about allowing that spark to create the inspiration that drives me forward, instead of wallowing and waiting and letting the seeds rot rather than flourish.

Don’t forget to write down your ideas.  Don’t allow them to get lost like falling seeds to decay in damp shadows.  These seeds are gifts, and need consideration and planning.

DECK USED:  COSMOS TAROT AND ORACLE

#TarotForGrowthJuly Challenge Prompt
Topic:  I’m so overwhelmed.
Question:  What can I do to remove guilt from the act of saying “no”?

Animism Tarot

Reading Summary: Accept that not everything that looks good is actually a good thing (The Happy Squirrel). Hold onto my past experiences of being overburdened (Ten of Wands), and learn from them (The Hierophant).

Take Away:  This is about both discernment concerning what I choose to go after and accept as a part of my responsibilities or obligations, as well as making sure I remember what the beginning feelings of overwhelm feel like and learn from those experiences so that I don’t repeat them. 

DECK USED:  ANIMISM TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2020 Challenge Prompt
Topic:  Do Spread #3

Psychopomp Tarot

What have I forgotten that needs to be brought with me upon my path?

King of Pentacles – Over a good part of the spring/summer months I’ve been playing it a little fast and loose with my finances.  Not just in the area of my deck collection, but also in the areas of brand name food purchases, less pricing for groceries in general and deal finding in that area, supply purchases for the business that aren’t entirely necessary right now and could have waited to hit when on sale, etc. Some of this is definitely self-soothing behavior, which does not so much excuse it but does help explain a good part of it. What I have forgotten that needs to be brought with me upon my path is a stronger sense of fiscal discipline.

How can I begin to incorporate that back into my life?

Death – Accept and move forward. Self soothing is one of the ways in which I’ve gone off track with my spending lately.  Between the pandemic and the growth spurt I’ve been going through emotionally over the past few months, it’s not surprising that I’ve fallen into a pattern of self soothing.  In order to move past that and incorporate fiscal responsibility more strongly back into my life, I need to accept that the change needs to happen and move forward into it instead of resisting against it.

Where am I on my path at this time?

Eight of Wands – Zoom Zoom.  Good progress and moving forward.  I’m not stalled out at this time, nor dragging my feet.  If anything, I might be moving a little faster than I’m ready for.  That’s okay as long as the progress continues to be positive.

What should I prepare to harvest at the end of the month?

Page of Cups – Intuition and possibilities abound on the creative side of things at the end of the month. There’s lots of possibilities here and you’re really going to be feeling that creative flow.

How do I begin those preparations?

Page of Pentacles – Make sure that you take things slow and don’t get overwhelmed with all that you want to accomplish and manifest into reality.  Overwhelming yourself with work is not going to help.  Write things down and take them one at a time, a little at a time.  As long as you are taking notes, there’s no rush to complete everything at once.

DECK USED:  PSYCHOPOMP TAROT

#OwlandBonesJuly Challenge by Owl and Bones Tarot
Topic:  I want… // I need… // I am…

Numinous Tarot

Dreamer of Tomes – I Want more knowledge, opportunity, and stability. Growth, but not through plowing ahead hard and fast… instead I want to take my time and really explore those things that awaken my curiosity.

The Moon – I Need a little mystery and uncertainty in my life, no matter how much I dislike it.  These qualities create a certain kind of energy and a certain kind of “spark” and flavor to life.  Without them, life would become more dull and less satisfactory.  I understand this, even if I’m not entirely thrilled about that need.

Strength – I Am strong inside and out. No matter what life throws at me, I am a survivor, and I will persevere.

DECK USED:  NUMINOUS TAROT

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question:  How can I share my inspiration?

Aquarian Tarot

Reading Summary: Strong sometimes means stoic and wise (Strength).  Gather up and hold on to your ideas (Page of Swords). Defend these ideas in development from those that would take them from you (Seven of Rods).

Take Away:  Don’t.  Stand strong against the temptation to share. Protect yourself and your inspired passions in this manner.  This warning has come up a few times over the past couple of days.  I’m listening.

DECK USED:  AQUARIAN TAROT

Every Day is a New Day

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

Today’s meditation was about fifteen minutes long and very, very relaxing.  I’d just finished soaking in the tub and went from soaking to meditation and that was apparently just the prompting I needed for a nice nap as well.   All in all, it was just an all around relaxing morning, and that included the meditation if not necessarily the yoga part as I was just a bit stiff from having skipped yesterday.

Herbcrafter's TarotToday’s draw is the Ace of Earth (Ace of Pentacles) which is a representation of new beginnings in the area of one’s finances, health, resources, manifestations, or the physical world.  It is the beginning.. the very start.. and thus, the “seed” of the suit.

It’s interesting, but I noticed something today when pulling this card.  The graininess of the imagery in this deck really bothers me.  I know that it’s intentional, but it really bugs me a great deal lately.

That aside, what stood out to me the strongest in the imagery for today’s card was not the nettles or any other specific subject matter in the picture.  It was the green.  All that lush and vibrant green.

I also want to touch upon the representation of Nettle in this card.  Urtica dioica is a nutrient rich plant that is well known and widely used around the world for its anti-inflammatory properties and is also a mild diuretic used to flush out toxins.  In metaphysical circles it is often used in protection spells, but I have found it far more useful in spellcraft that is focused on aspects of nurturing, self worth, and respect.

The blending of the lush green that catches my eye combined with Nettle’s unique qualities send me a message concerning self care.  The message here is that it’s important to respect your body, and important to do the things that allow you to care and nurture yourself, no matter how busy you are… or how tempting it is to skip.  Each day is a new day, with a new opportunity to start over and begin again.  Take this opportunity to begin again and do better at keeping up on the self care that keeps you healthy both physically and mentally.

DECK USED:  HERBCRAFTER’S TAROT

#TarotForGrowthJuly Challenge Prompt
Topic:  I’m so overwhelmed.
Question:  How can I become more intentional about which commitments I choose to undertake?

Star Seeker Tarot

Reading Summary: Do the things that bring you pleasure (Four of Wands). Make sure you regulate (Temperance) how much time you spend on others and their path (The Hierophant). Choose your battles wisely (Five of Wands) and make sure you tap in to your emotions when making your choices on what to take on (Knight of Cups).

Take Away:  This is all about moderation and regulation, which makes sense why Temperance ended up in the center of these cards.   Being more intentional about what commitments I undertake means being more selective.  It means picking those things that bring you joy and letting go of the ones that feel even a little bit “too much” for the moment, or have the potential to create unneeded conflict or stress. 

DECK USED:  STAR SEEKER TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2020 Challenge Prompt
Topic:  In My Head / In My Heart

Wild Unknown TarotIn My Head – Ace of Wands – In my head there is lots and lots of inspiration going on right now for my business. Most of them are in the “half baked” stage of being thought through and not yet ready to be started or discarded.

In My Heart – Seven of Swords – In my heart there is a worry of being betrayed by someone I might share these inspirations with.  I struggle with this often, that concern that my new ideas will prompt someone else to run off with them and claim them as their own. Note that the weight here isn’t on a sense of betrayal, but rather is on the worry over the possibility.

DECK USED:  WILD UNKNOWN TAROT

#OwlandBonesJuly Challenge by Owl and Bones Tarot
Topic:  mourn // celebrate

Tarot of the Journey to the OrientMourn – Ace of Swords Rx – The times when I have no new ideas.  It happens, no matter how much creative spark I have.  Sometimes?  Everything just feels “meh”. And it’s definitely a time to mourn.

Celebrate – King of Wands – Those inspirational sparks that I’ve already gotten and have followed through on, developed into fruition, and which continue to serve me well. Celebrating these things is especially important when in one of those inspiration slumps already mentioned above.

DECK USED:  TAROT OF THE JOURNEY TO THE ORIENT

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question:  What does creative inspiration feel like?

Tarot Maddonni

Reading Summary:  Direction (Three of Wands) and fulfillment (Ten of Pentacles)… as long as I don’t let it get me so wrapped up (Temperance) that I close myself off to the world and others (The Hermit).

Take Away:  Creative inspiration feels like I have the world at my fingertips.  With a direction set out before me and a sense of fulfillment within, at these times there is no doubt or worry, only curiosity and discovery.  It can become a problem, though, if I close myself off to others too much during this time.  I need a touch of encouragement and feedback, no matter how much I don’t want to admit it.

DECK USED:  TAROT MADDONNI

The Nature of Things

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

Today’s meditation was skipped.  This is because I pulled an all-nighter last night with L packaging orders to ship out today.  We didn’t finish until nearly six in the morning.  At which point I went to bed to sleep and woke up just in time to haul ass to go get the packages out in the mail before the last mail truck left.  So… I didn’t get to either my yoga/physiotherapy or my meditation today, and I’m sure to pay for it for a couple of days to come.

Cosmos Tarot and OracleToday’s draw is the Eight of Air (Eight of Swords) which is traditionally a representation of… well essentially, being in your own way and/or blinding yourself to your own obstacles and as a result making things more difficult than they have to be.  It’s all about getting in your own way, and all of the ways in which that can play out.

This is not what I see in this card, though. At all. I’m actually a bit confused by my reaction to this card as I’m struggling with the color combinations, which I find a bit disorienting.

What I see in this card today is in the imagery of the fox and the goose.  It is a display of one’s inner nature, much like the old fable of the frog and the scorpion.  It feels like a warning, although I’m not entirely sure what the warning is about.

So I would say that the message in today’s card is about making sure you are paying attention to the world around you, and those that surround you.  If something seems off and out of place? Pay attention. Be aware when people’s actions are not matching the energy you feel coming from them.   Don’t discount it as a fluke or unimportant.  It’s not as inconsequential as you would like to believe.

DECK USED:  COSMOS TAROT AND ORACLE

#TarotForGrowthJuly Challenge Prompt
Topic:  I’m so overwhelmed.
Question: What can I do to release my fear of saying no?

Midcenturian Tarot

Reading Summary: Embrace the natural cycles of life (Ten of Swords) instead of fearing them (The Moon). Focus on developing your skill at regulating output and practice some patience (Temperance).

Take Away:  I’ve had a bit of a stalker thing going on with the Temperance card lately, and I wonder if this is the message that the card is trying to convey.  It is a message about honing my regulating and moderation skills, and incorporating patience to do so.  This is especially important in the saying “no” to adding too much onto my plate at once.

Add to that the need to get a handle on the trepidation that I feel when it seems something might be coming to an end.  I try and sustain too much because I want to keep going what is before me and try new things and develop new possibilities.  The problem is, when you preserve one while still working on adding and growth at the same time?  Your plate fills up super fast.

Together these two messages indicate a need to learn how to decide on what “phase out” and what to keep going.

DECK USED:  MIDCENTURIAN TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2020 Challenge Prompt
Question:  Where do I need to focus on directing more gratitude?

The Fifth TarotReading Summary: When you’re feeling overwhelmed by choices (Seven of Shells), don’t just toss in the towel and walk away (Eight of Shells Rx).  Instead stick around and weather through the storm (Apprentice of Feathers), and allow Gideon to help support you through these times (Elementor of Shells).

Take Away:  The support that Gideon provides me in my day to day life is what I need to focus more gratitude toward at this time. He is there for me every day, and in any way that I need him.  All I ever need to do is reach out, and there he is, ready and not just willing to help, but eager to help. He is my comfort, my anchor, my rock… and he is the calm in the storm when I am feeling overwhelmed and struggling with my own inner demons… or the outer ones as well.

I feel that I often come off as ungrateful for all of these things.  Too wrapped up in my own shit, I forget to look up and look outward, and to acknowledge how much he loves me and how very invested he is in me.. in my life.  In anything and everything I need from him.  I am so very lucky.  And so very grateful.  I wish I was able to express it better, but I will continue to try to both notice these things more… and express my gratitude more clearly and more often.

DECK USED:  THE FIFTH TAROT

#OwlandBonesJuly Challenge by Owl and Bones Tarot
Topic:  sharpen // soften

Student Tarot v4 Godard's BirdsSharpen – Page of Wands – Now would be a good time to sharpen your focus upon those things that inspire you and create within you a spark of curiosity.  Experiment and explore the ideas that kindle your inner spark, and release those that can’t hold up to that sharper focus.

Soften – Queen of Swords and Eight of Pentacles – Stop judging yourself and your work so harshly.  Use your keen intellect to find potential outlets for your skills that will be of benefit instead of standing on the fence and waffling because your inner critic is having a heyday in your head.

DECK USED:  STUDENT TAROT v4 GODARD’S BIRDS

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question:  What do I feel when I work on something creative?

Psychopomp Tarot

Reading Summary: Release (Ten of Wands Rx and Three of Swords Rx) and the birth of positive emotion in its place (Ace of Cups).

Take Away:  There is a release in being creative. When I have pent up creative energy, it becomes a burden of sorts.  A struggle of tamped down and clogged up energy that builds in pressure within me. When I create something new and allow my creative spark freedom to play, it releases this tension in my chest and it is like opening up a special part of my soul to breathe.

At the same time, this release can also be emotional, as when I create there is an element of emotion to it. A letting go of doubts and worries and inner judgements in order to instead wallow in potential and energies that feel positive and pleasing.

In both of these types of release, there is then an opening for something else to sweep in.  And when I am enjoying my creative process, what sweeps in to replace these unpleasant sensations, emotions, and energy… are feelings of positivity.  Emotional positivity that is new and bright and shiny, and not yet touched by or tarnished by the unpleasant effects of my inner critic’s negative dialogue.

DECK USED:  PSYCHOPOMP TAROT

Creativity Requires Bravery

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

Today’s meditation was ten minutes long and tacked on to the end of my yoga/physio practice.  I had a lot of orders to get through today, and I didn’t want to take a chance of falling asleep if I got too comfortable. Taking time off has a bit of a price to it, yeah?  Lots of orders to get through and get processed to go out tomorrow, as they piled up during the time I took off.  At least I got a little bit of it done yesterday while we played.

Herbcrafter's Tarot - Ace of Fire - MulleinToday’s draw is the Ace of Fire (Ace of Wands) card, which is traditionally read as a new beginning, initial kindling, or the “seed” of a start in the area of one’s drive, motivations, passions, and inner spark.   This card signifies the initial spark of interest in the things that capture our attention and keep us captivated.

Not surprisingly, what catches my attention in this card’s imagery today is the gigantic mullein plant standing tall and strong and ready for harvest.

Mullein is an anti-inflammatory with an extremely diverse amount of uses.  Spiritually, it is also used to help in banishing bad dreams, foster bravery, and cleansing of psychic energies.   What I see in the plant represented here in this card today and in relation to being on the Ace of Fire, is that when that spark of inspiration strikes you, sometimes you have to take a moment to center… to gather yourself… and then take a leap.

Creativity requires bravery.  Following your dreams and going after those things you are passionate about takes bravery and strength.  The message in today’s card is about fostering that strength and encouraging it to flourish so that you are better prepared to go after your dreams and explore the things that kindle that spark of inspiration within you.

DECK USED:  HERBCRAFTER’S TAROT

#TarotForGrowthJuly Challenge Prompt
Topic:  I’m so overwhelmed.
Question:  Why am I so afraid to say no?

Hanson Roberts Tarot

Reading Summary: I feel like I have so little control over the emotional side of my life (King of Cups and Two of Cups) that I feel the need to grasp and hold onto that control with an iron grip in the places where I can (The Emperor).

The bowed heads in the Two of Cups combined with Gideon represented by the King of cups indicate my submission and smallness.  Thus the indication of “lack of control” comes forth between the two cups cards (emotional side of things) in this reading.

Take Away:  I do not have a problem with saying no to others, but I very much do struggle with saying no to myself, whether that is in how I fill my plate with responsibilities and obligations, or in my addictions and pursuits and the things I want or want to do.   This difficulty in saying no to myself in these areas stems from my need to feel in control.   The more out of control I feel emotionally, the more I try to compensate by piling to much on my plate in those areas I feel that I do have control.

DECK USED:  HANSON ROBERTS TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2020 Challenge Prompt
Philosophical Question: Would life lose meaning if we could live forever?

Women of Science TarotReading Summary:  You could fill your cup again and again (Queen of Cups), and even become addicted to the joys that life offers (The Devil), and yet it is the nature of humanity to lose sight of the value of those things that is with us day in and day out and begin to take them for granted (The Emperor).

Take Away:  Yes.  If there is no end… there is no value. Even with the relatively short lifespans that humanity currently has, people take for granted the great gift and possibilities that life provides them each and every day.  If immortality was possible, it would create a greater divide concerning one’s perceived value of life and thus its meaning.

DECK USED:  WOMEN OF SCIENCE TAROT

#OwlandBonesJuly Challenge by Owl and Bones Tarot
Topic:  prepare for change // draw your energy // conserve resources // emerge

Veleda Woods Tarot

Prepare For Change – 9 of Swords and The Adviser Rx – There is a recommendation in these cards to reach out to my therapist and make an appointment. I’m not sure what it is I need to sort through with her, but the message here is clear. I’ll take the advice and call and make an appointment, as it’s apparent that in order to prepare for a change to come, I need to reach out to her.

Draw Your Energy – The Moon and The Star – Remember that in times of uncertainty to turn my attention to fostering hope and optimism. It’s too easy to fall into the old habit of pessimistic thinking, and uncertain times can create a breeding ground for those old habits to slip in and take root.

Conserve Resources – 8 of Wands Rx and The Lovers – Slow down and spend some time basking in the sun of your relationship with Gideon. This choice isn’t always easy for you, as you want to move fast and get things done and push, push, push for more. But the fact is that the faster you move the faster you want to move, and the more you push… the more you want to push even harder. Make the choice to not follow that path.

Emerge – 8 of Cups – You’ve been working hard at changing things and stepping away from old habits. It’s time to start focusing on emerging on the other side of this transition. When you abandon one place, you are also arriving in another. Begin considering what you want this new reality you’re emerging into to look like.

DECK USED:  VELEDA WOODS TAROT

Tuning In

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

Today’s meditation was ten minutes long and was focused primarily on breathing in cleansing energy, and breathing out pain as I stretched and worked on a few stiff spots in my mobility.  This type of meditation can be extremely relaxing when muscles and pain levels cooperate, but today was not one of those cooperative days.  I did manage to get a little more range of motion going, though, so it wasn’t a total loss.

Cosmos Tarot and OracleToday’s draw is is the Ten of Water (Ten of Cups) which is traditionally a representation of fulfillment and completion in the areas of one’s emotions, relationships, and intuitive gifts.

There were a couple of different things that stuck out to me in the imagery of this card today, the first of which was one of the key words at the bottom of the card.  Although I absolutely see the sense in “marriage” as an interpretation of the Ten of Cups, I’ve personally never had marriage come up in relation to this card and it took me a moment’s pause to consider and… eventually, agree.

Also in the imagery of this card it was that the woman here has her eyes closed.   This speaks to me of turning inward, and in doing so, becoming more aware of the emotions you are feeling in the moment.   The slight curve on her lips indicates that she feels both peaceful and positive in this moment captured on the card.

The message in today’s card is to take time and acknowledge your emotions, and savor the good and positive pieces of your life that lift those positive emotions to the surface.

DECK USED:  COSMOS TAROT AND ORACLE

#TarotForGrowthJuly Challenge Prompt
Topic: I’m struggling with self-worth.
Question:  How can I learn to measure my worth exclusively in comparison to my past self?

Tarotbot Tarot

Reading Summary: Don’t close yourself off and hunker down, becoming so focused on stability and security (Four of Coins) that you forget to look around. Opportunities lie in opening your eyes (Two of Swords). Instead make the choice to stay aware and to roll with the punches (The Wheel).

Take Away:  In order to measure my worth exclusively in comparison to my past instead of on my present or future contributional abilities, I need to remember all of the times in the past when life has knocked me on my ass and how I have managed to get up again and again regardless of what has been thrown at me along the way.

DECK USED:  TAROTBOT TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2020 Challenge Prompt
Topic:  Write something free form inspired by the cards.

Aquarian TarotKnight of Cups – Andrew’s worth had always been measured in his ability to get on well with his comrades and strangers alike. He was known to be a boisterous man filled with stories that made others laugh and a lover that captured the hearts of many women.

Strength – One day Andrew met a woman that he could not sway so easily as all the others.  This intrigued him and drew him to her again and again like a moth to the flame.  And with each visit to her bed he became more enamored with her, admiring her wiles and her wisdom.

Death – Through these many visits she opened Andrew up to a whole new world, and soon he had eyes for no one but her.  Frivolous trysts and clandestine encounters no longer appealed, as it was the strength of Cassandra’s mind he admired most of all and he found that none other could shine as bright as she.

His life forever changed, he committed himself to her and they lived long lives together, challenging each other to grow, their fates entwined like the roots of an oak tree.

DECK USED:  AQUARIAN TAROT

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question:  When am I most creative?

New Palladini Tarot

Reading Summary: When I am regulating (Temperance) my responsibilities properly (Two of Pentacles) and leaving room for endeavors away from my obligations (King of Cups).

Take Away:  I am most creative when I allow myself some time and space to do things that have nothing to do with my obligations and responsibilities.  Exploring creativity in this free environment, without the pressures of money or business or obligation to weigh down the process, allows my creativity to truly be set free.

DECK USED:  NEW PALLADINI TAROT

Healing is a Process

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

Today’s meditation was ten minutes long and took place out on the balcony.  I needed some fresh air and distance, so I closed myself out there and laid out along the plants and pots to chill for a bit.  I took a lazy amount of time out there, even after the breathing exercises I rolled over to spend some time chilling with the overflowing of thyme I have out there this year, picking buds and cleaning things up.

Herbcrafter's Tarot - Three of AirToday’s draw is the Three of Air (Three of Wands) which is traditionally interpreted as representing themes of heartbreak, disappointment, emotional pain, and depression. These “emotions” do not live in the heart, but within the mind, and this is why although the card appears to be about the emotions, it resides within the Swords suit which is the suit of the mind.

In this card, my eyes are irresistibly drawn to the Echinacea flowers reaching for the sky today, as well as the hint of a rusted roof in the distance of the background.  Echinacea is an immune system booster, and is used in spellcraft as a plant that lends an energy boost to your intent as well as an herb used to promote inner strength. This makes the presence of the plant represented on the Three of Swords card especially relevant, as it transforms the card from a representation of desolation and despair to one of growth and support during difficult times.

The roof holds its own meaning to me when I see it in the imagery of this card today. It speaks to me of a long stretch of time. It takes time to weather a corrugated roof and create those streaks of rust and weathering you see in that small peek you see in the lower left corner of the card. Blended with the Echinacea, it speaks of the fact that sometimes it takes time to heal from disappointments and heartache.  Not everything can be immediate.

This message today is in reference to my journey of healing from “the letter”. It’s been months and months since the letter first arrived, and over six months now since I started confronting the fear and fog that swallowed me whole in response to that letter. It feels like this climb out of that place of fear and desolating doubt.  Today’s card is a message of encouragement and patience. A reminder that true healing takes time, and that’s okay.

DECK USED:  HERBCRAFTER’S TAROT

#TarotForGrowthJuly Challenge Prompt
Topic: I’m struggling with self-worth.
Question:  What three qualities do I associate with what it means to be “a good person”?

Lumina Tarot

Reading Summary: The ability to stay on the straight and narrow despite the shit that tries to tear you down.

I can’t quite break this one down as neatly as I usually do to display how I came to the bare bones of the reading.   What I see here is that the Three of Swords is the topic.  It is what “happens to you” and the basis of this reading.   The King then represents the strength to “stay the course” and the Eight of Wands reinforces single minded purpose  towards the direction I wish to go in seen in the Two of Wands.

Usually when I break apart my reading to display how I get there, I’m able to break it into pieces that fit together into a succinct sentence.  Something about how the Lumina Tarot communicates makes this process a lot more difficult.  I’m not sure why.

Take Away:  So in breaking this down, three of the qualities I associate with being a good person include the strength of will to “stay the course” of one’s beliefs and standards through through times of struggle and heartache, the ability to perceive the direction you want to go in through these times, and the determination to stay on that course.  This is about one’s moral compass and life goals, and about not allowing negativity to steer you away from those values.

DECK USED:  LUMINA TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2020 Challenge Prompt
Topic:  Banish This / Attract This

Minchiate Etruria Anima Antiqua TarotBanish This – Taurus –  It’s time to let go of your bullheaded stubbornness and rigidity. There is a great deal of inflexibility in you and in order for the growth you want to happen to flourish and really take off, you need to find a way to let go of some of that rigidity.

Attract This – The Grand Duke – Androgyny and a hint of mastery yet to come. The message here is about adaptability, versatility, and growth.  I need to invite these qualities in and allow them to ease the rigidity that is holding me back.  It is possible to hold on to who you are and your moral compass, even as you move through the changes taking place and grow into a better person.

DECK USED:  MINCHIATE ETRURIA ANIMA ANTIQUA TAROT

#OwlandBonesJuly Challenge by Owl and Bones Tarot
Topic:  let in // let out // let go // let rest

Albano Waite Tarot

King of Cups – Let in Gideon, for he is your support and knows you better than all others (except perhaps L). Sometimes, especially when I’m dealing with subdrop, it can be hard to open up.  Feeling so vulnerable makes being so open especially a struggle, but that is what he is there for, to block out the danger so that he and he alone has access to those tender moments and inner knots, and can help me through.

The Empress – Let out into the world my ability to nurture and encourage others. Remember that the creations you make and send out in to the world have power to influence others in positive, nurturing ways. They foster positivity and spread joy, bringing this warmth and energy into the lives of others, sometimes when they need it most, but always with the ability to then spread out from that person to the next and the next.

The Sun – Let go and allow the sun to shine. Don’t allow pessimism to win out. You’ve made he conscious choice to try and move in a more positive direction, to foster positivity and joy in your life. In order for this to happen, you have to allow it.

Ace of Swords – Let rest my harsher nature. That inner critic and the inner dialog that goes on with myself is not healthy.  Pushing it away is not the only path to easing up on this.  Letting it rest is another method worth exploring.

DECK USED:  ALBANO WAITE TAROT

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question: How can I capture my best ideas?

Wheel of the Year Tarot

Reading Summary: Take time to examine them from all angles (The Hanged Man), pick them apart and judge them harshly (Queen of Swords) in order to challenge their worth (Five of Wands).

Take Away:  This is more about how to sort out the best ideas from the not as great ones. It’s one of those times where that shrewd judgement and harsh sight comes in handy as it allows me to pick apart an idea down to its bare bones and look at all the drawbacks and other pitfalls it might have.   If it can make it through that process and come out the other side, it is truly worthy of exploring further.

DECK USED:  WHEEL OF THE YEAR TAROT