#TarotForGrowthMarch

Taking Care and Shifting Ground

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IMG_3077Today’s meditation was just over ten minutes long and focused upon using meditation to ease yourself out of anxiety and worry.   Although we don’t necessarily always have an empty mind during meditation, the goal is to not allow one’s thoughts to take over and let them pass by without reaction.

This skill, as you practice it and become stronger at it, is very useful in finding peace in times of stress and anxiety.  Sometimes, even just stepping back for a moment and taking a breath, clearing away thoughts and taking even just a single minute… even that can sometimes do wonders to lower stress and anxiety… and blood pressure too.

With how stressed and on edge everyone is lately, I think it’s really important to remember that you need to take those moments… take those breaths.  Don’t let yourself get carried away by the currents of anxiety and worry.

IMG_3078Today’s draw is the Ace of Wands, which is generally a card filled with potential and new starts for the areas of one’s passions, interests, and drive.

That said, the imagery in today’s card triggered an intuitive hit that had nothing to do with traditional meanings, for what I see in today’s card is very much focused upon the needle and the eye.   The message?   Remember not to touch your eyes.

This is a good piece of advice today considering the current health emergency going on in my area, and the fact that I will be traveling and around others in multiple venues today.  I have a habit of touching my eyes quite regularly due to year-round allergies, which makes this reminder even more appropriate for today.

DECK USED:  HUSH TAROT

#TarotForGrowthMarch Challenge Prompt
Question: What can I do to align with that energy? (Built off yesterday’s cards.)

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Reading Summary: Take the bull by the horns and move forward (Prince of Wands) with the qualities of the Hierophant the Fool.

Take Away: Yesterday’s cards indicated that was at a crossroads where I could sink back into fog and darkness, or move forward into clarity.  The cards today make it clear that the best choice is moving forward (obviously I knew that already) and to do so I need to lean into the energies of knowledgeable integrity and innocent enthusiasm.

DECK USED:  ENCHANTED TAROT MINI EDITION

#DiscordTarotholicsMar2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: How can I replace judgements with more compassion?

IMG_3082

Reading Summary: Make a conscious choice (Lovers) that requires me to set aside apathy (Five of Water) grab the reigns with both hands moving forward (Emperor atop Ace of Air).

Take Away:  It’s okay to become invested in others rather than standing back on the sidelines and remaining unaffected.  Just make sure when doing so that you keep a good grip of control on your thoughts so that your own worries and anxieties don’t go taking a trip into those dark places with them.

DECK USED:  78TAROT’S ELEMENTAL TAROT OF THE NATURAL

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question: What is blocking my intuition right now?

IMG_3084

Reading Summary:  My intuition is not so much being blocked as stolen (Seven of Swords) by a lack of inaction (Temperance) caused by constant changes (Wheel of Fortune).

Take Away:  The Wheel of Fortune is my year’s card, which has been pretty fitting so far this year.  I’ve been struggling a bit with the uncertain footing of constant changes.  Unlike the lack of footing that comes with striding into the dark, the lack of footing with constant changes is more like trying to walk in the middle of an earthquake.

This type of uncertain footing makes it difficult for me not to “stand back and wait” which is my natural reaction to that type of situation. The cards here are indicating that that reaction is siphoning off a level of my intuition, though.  Thus, perhaps it’s time to start figuring out how to walk on the constantly moving ground beneath my feet.

DECK USED:  TAROCCO DELLE VETRATE TAROT

The Pathless Wood

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Today’s meditation was just under twelve minutes long and focused upon boredom.  Honestly, though?  I don’t think I paid enough attention to the message in the meditation to get much out of it.   It was just so nice to sink into the meditation itself that I may have… forgotten to listen to what the person guiding the meditation was actually saying.

The Moon - Circle of Life TarotToday’s draw is The Moon card, which is traditionally interpreted as a representation of illusion, uncertainty, and confusion.

What really stands out to me in the imagery of today’s card is the posture of the woman in the card, her head tilted up.. the world under one arm, land squid under her other hand.  The message that I see in this imagery today is that it’s OK to be uncertain sometimes. Uncertainty is a part of life… Especially with someone like me who does a lot of things on their own and plows ahead with an entrepreneurial spark.

Because I have so many things on the go or that I’m doing on my own, and because a lot of what I’m doing is very different than that of other’s paths, of course my footing is going to be uncertain sometimes and I’m going to feel like I’m walking through shadows instead of in the light.

It’s similar to when hiking, you can take the well beaten path and have sure footing… or  you can take your own way into the woods and deal with the possibility of getting lost or being tripped up by uneven ground.  I prefer to tread the latter.

DECK USED:  CIRCLE OF LIFE TAROT

#TarotForGrowthMarch Challenge Prompt
Question: How is the waning lunar energy manifesting in my life?

Arcana Iris Sacra Tarot

Reading Summary:  I am at a turning point (Ace of Cups) where I need to do some introspection (Four of Swords) on how to move forward and what to leave behind. I can choose to either move towards my goals and dreams (Ten of Disks), or allow myself to be overwhelmed by anxieties and worries (Nine of Swords).

Take Away:  The cards indicate that the choice is mine, and that I need to do a bit of soul searching in order to make sure I take the path that allows me to move forward. As lunar energy wanes, this is the time to sink into that introspection for a bit and examine where I am currently, where I want to go, and how I want to go about getting there.

DECK USED:  ARCANA IRIS SACRA TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsMar2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: Draw or write something free-form inspired by the cards?

Sea and Sky Tarot There was once an ethereal goddess that lived in a forest with her loyal companion (The High Priestess).  Her sister, the Goddess of Night, had come to visit but was quite the loner and often went out alone (The Hermit).

One day a poacher came into the woods. He used a disguise to try and conceal himself from the attention of the entities that protected the forest (Wheel of Fortune) and began catching and killing the creatures that the goddess held so dear. Unfortunately for him, the beautiful goddess of the forest had many allies that kept watch over the forests (Strength) and she was alerted immediately to the poacher’s presence.

The goddess was upset by the news of  the intruder’s actions (Judgement).  How dare he come and hunt upon her lands.  The theft of each friend he caught or killed was a wound upon her heart.  She tried to be patient… she tried to be kind (Temperance), and yet the longer she waited, the more she bled.

The Goddess of Night, seeing her sister’s decline and loving her so much, decided that she would deal with this issue herself.  She approached the poacher and began to seduce him with her mystery and wiles.

Each day she came to him and charmed him further, pulling him deeper and deeper into her web (The Hanged One) until he believed her to be all that is right in the world (The Empress).

As he fell deeper and deeper under her spell (Justice), he could no longer tell what was reality and what wasn’t (The Moon).  With each day that passed she lead him deeper into the forest until he became forever lost within the depths of the darkness among the trees (The Devil).

DECK USED:  SEA AND SKY TAROT

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question: When do I underestimate my intuitive abilities?

Celtic Dragon Tarot

Reading Summary:  When my anxiety is out of control (Nine of Swords) and I’m trying to block everything out (Death atop The Sun) by hiding in my work (Eight of Pentacles).

Take Away:  Okay, so that is a common habit of mine.  Blocking out unpleasant things like discomfort and anxiety through sinking into my work.  Unfortunately, when I do that?  I block out the good as well.   And I don’t feel that, during those times, my intuition is as effective as it is when I’m in a more balanced place.   The cards indicate that this may not be the case.

DECK USED:  CELTIC DRAGON TAROT

Work and Play

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Today’s meditation has once again been delayed to the end of the day.  That said?  At least I’m still fitting in meditation at all, considering how hard its been to find the time and make the opportunity to get it done.

Page of Cups - Hush TarotToday’s draw is the Page of Cups, which is most commonly read as an omega energy, personality, or person in the areas of emotion, relationships, and intuition.  This often translates into themes concerning potential, possibility, and themes of curiosity concerning the above mentioned subjects as well as learning from one’s intuition.

What I see in today’s card’s imagery, though, is a bit different than the traditional meanings. In my initial perception of this card today, the bird perched above and singing was equally balanced with the wasp below working away on its nest.  The message here being that work supports fun.  Work supports play.  In order to play, you have to put in the work that gives you the time and opportunity to play.

DECK USED:  HUSH TAROT

#TarotForGrowthMarch Challenge Prompt
Question: What can I do now to clear that up and remove that blockage? (Built off yesterday’s cards.)

Tarot of the Silicone Dawn

Reading Summary:  I need to change how I approach this issue (Death) and look at things from a long term view rather than focusing down on the immediate chaos (Seven of Pentacles).  By staying grounded and composed and taking time to reflect on not just the issue but my own capabilities and what is under my personal control (Queen of Pentacles), I will be able to find a better path.

Take Away:  It is definitely possible that I have read far too much in to “the letter” than it was meant to convey. Whether that is their lack of communication skills or my own lack of understanding is irrelevant, as I internalized that miscommunication and now need to go back and do a thorough re-evaluation prior to being able to move forward.

DECK USED:  TAROT OF THE SILICONE DAWN

#DiscordTarotholicsMar2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: How can I improve upon where I am physically over the week ahead?

A Darisa Tarot: The Lomisht

Reading Summary:  I need to look at the big picture (Seven of Pentacles) and engage my enthusiasm (Ace of Cups) in order to overcome the obstacles of my reluctance and awaken the motivation and discipline to move forward in my efforts (The Chariot).

Take Away:  Okay so I’m very much procrastinating on the whole physical improvement part of self care, if I’m honest with myself.  I keep putting it off “til next week” again and again, because the motivation to get to the gym and put in the work just isn’t there.

Along with the advice the cards provided yesterday concerning including J in the process, today’s cards indicate that if I want to get past this procrastination habit, I need to look beyond the immediate benefits of the gym and weight gain.  Instead, I need to be focusing upon the long term benefits, and opening my heart to wanting them enough to step over that threshold and get going on getting there.

DECK USED:  A DARISA TAROT – THE LOMISHT

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question: How can I use my intuition to guide my life?

Goblin Tarot (RWS Edition)

Reading Summary:  Consider focusing my intuition on more practical matters (King of Pentacles) and achieving my long-term goals (Seven of Pentacles) by allow my intuition to provide direction for ambition (Knight of Swords).

Take Away:  When using tarot for myself, a lot of my focus is on self care and self improvement.  The message here is an encouragement to expand that focus to include more earthly pursuits such as topics concerning the running of my business and strategizing to obtain my goals.

Side Note:  Every single reading I’ve done today across multiple decks has had the Seven of Pentacles in it.   This recurring card is an indication that I need to stop focusing on the now, and take a long-term view.   This is not just about one area, but has to do with the mentality that I was stuck in within that fog this winter, and with breaking free of it by looking further than my immediate situation.  None of my goals in life are immediate, so the advice here is to start looking further down the road at where I want to be and how to get there.

DECK USED:  GOBLIN TAROT (RWS EDITION)

Appreciate the Little Things

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Today’s meditation was once again delayed until bed time.  I swear to f’ck that I’m trying to fit it in.  I really am.  But there seems to be a serious challenge to getting those ten or fifteen minutes every.. damn.. DAY so far this week.

The Sun - Circle of Life TarotToday’s draw is The Sun card, which is a traditionally a representation of success, positivity, happiness and warmth, fun and exuberance.

I think that little lizard dog thing has an eyeball on its ass.  Just sayin’.

Okay so what I see in this card’s imagery is a LOT of little details.  All of the cards are pretty detailed in this deck, but today I feel like every time I look away from the card and then look back, I notice another little detail that suddenly feels significant. Just as significant as the last one.  All of them small like the eye looking spot on the rear of the creature at her feet.  The bauble hanging from her necklace…. the fact that her necklace doesn’t go around her neck but appears to hang from her ears.  The skull on her head, her navel, her tattoos, the flowers and wands she holds.

And yet it doesn’t feel cluttered.  It doesn’t feel overwhelming either.

What I feel from this is that the message in today’s draw has to do with noticing the little things and appreciating them.  Cherishing them.   Sometimes the big picture sucks, but you can still find pleasure in the little things.

DECK USED:  CIRCLE OF LIFE TAROT

#TarotForGrowthMarch Challenge Prompt
Question: Looking at the past few weeks, what may have been impeded by miscommunication?

Luna Sol Tarot

Reading Summary:  My progress moving forward into my passion (Knight of Swords) has been hampered by retreat (The Hermit) because I’ve been walking on eggshells (Six of Swords) and struggling to find balance between my personal needs and business responsibilities (Queen of Disks Rx).

Take Away:  Okay so this is about the letter, and it’s about how I’ve reacted to the letter by closing myself, which has hindered my “go get ’em” forward momentum concerning my passions and ambitions.  That letter caused an imbalance, and a disruption in my comfort levels which has caused some problems in a number of different areas concerning my business, my home life, and my own self care as well.

IS the letter a miscommunication, then?  Am I over-reacting to it?  Is it not the unreasonable demand and threat-thru-leverage that I perceived it to be?  I think this might be something I need to think on.

DECK USED:  LUNA SOL TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsMar2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: Where am I at physically at this time?

Jonasa Jaus Tarot

Reading Summary: Independence on my journey (Queen of Swords) toward “traditional exercise” (Hierophant)  is holding me back.  Stop ignoring the help that’s available to me (Five of Coins) and I’ll find a better way (Page of Swords) to move forward and enjoy the journey (Knight of Wands).

Take Away:  So I know that I need to get to the gym and gain some weight.  I know this, and yet I’ve not been able to manage it.  I just have no interest or motivation towards that direction. J has offered to join me, and yet I haven’t really accepted or refused.  Just… meh.    The cards indicate that I need to accept and get going on this.  Where I am physically is in a holding pattern… and it’s time to move past that, and accept the help I need (even if that help is just in motivation) in order to get myself back on track.

DECK USED:  JONASA JAUS TAROT

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question: How can I move more into my heart space?

Tarocco degli Animali

Reading Summary: Accept that it’s okay to be recognized for the good stuff (Six of Wands) and own that shit (The Emperor) rather than shoving it off, because by doing so it will create contentment (Nine of Cups).

Take Away:  I had some really sweet things said about me today that really made it stand out to me just how differently I see myself compared to how others seem to see me.  It was nice to hear, but there’s a part of me that is always reserved and holds back from absorbing praise internally when it is given.   I worry that in doing so my ego will swell into something ugly and insufferable, and… often I honestly am not sure if I even deserve praise when its given as well.  These cards indicate that it won’t make my ego insufferable, but will create a sense of contentment within myself that I’m currently missing.

DECK USED:  TAROCCO DEGLI ANIMALI

No Ignoring Self-Care

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Today’s meditation was once again not particularly useful.  I did make an effort this morning, but that effort was thwarted by a multitude of interruptions and…. it just didn’t end up happening.  So…  I will give it a go tonight before bed again.   That said?  I really need to do a better job of fitting it into my mornings, as I get a far better effect from a morning meditation than  I do an evening one.

Knight of Pentacles - Hush TarotToday’s draw is the Knight of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of a beta energy, personality, or person in the area of resources, finances, and the physical world.  This often translates into themes of productivity and hard work carrying someone forward toward rewards.

What I see in the imagery of this card is the support represented by the hands that the bird perches upon, as well as ingenuity in the string the bird holds, and industry in the ant crawling upon the fingers.    I see the key speaking of how these things are a solution… a way forward.

The message in today’s card is about working toward my goals and finding the best way to do things rather than doing them as they’ve “always been done”.   To move forward, sometimes you have to look for paths and methods that take you “outside the box”.

DECK USED:  HUSH TAROT

#TarotForGrowthMarch Challenge Prompt
Question: What about myself have I been underrating?

Law of Attraction Tarot

Reading Summary:  This reading split into a trio of answers.  The big pic including all of the cards is about balance between fun/positivity and passions/drive. There is also a clear definition between the two left cards, which speaks of balancing responsibilities and fun/optimism…. And the right side which is also about the balance between responsibilities and fun/pleasure.  In each case, the cards reinforce the meaning of the whole.

Take Away:  These cards indicate that what I have been underestimating about myself is the ability to balance fun and pleasure into my business.  This is something I’ve been trying to tap back into after the fog I’d been experiencing through the winter, but I admit to have been struggling with it.

DECK USED:  LAW OF ATTRACTION TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsMar2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: What do I need to focus on for self care for this full moon?

Animal Totem Tarot

Reading Summary:  The imagery of all four of these cards is extremely grounded… and ground-centric.   This speaks of a need to stay well grounded even as I take possession of my interests and passions, and move forward toward my goals.  Make sure that I am not leaving my care behind in favor of these other interests.

Take Away:  I have a habit of getting wrapped up in interests and passions, and allowing other things to fall away into the background.  Although the winter sort of distracted me from this habit, I’m well aware that as I start to feel better, it will return   The cards indicate I need to make sure I’m paying attention to this tendency and not allow myself to get carried away.   Instead, continue to focus on the slow-and-steady progress I’ve been making and don’t push my self-care practices off to the side… they are important.

DECK USED:  ANIMAL TOTEM TAROT

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question: Share a pic of your favorite tarot or oracle deck.

Okay…. so I couldn’t choose just one.  Or two.  Or three.  So here’s four.

Favorite Decks - Tarot and Oracle

DECK USED:  TAROT OF THE HIDDEN REALM, HUSH TAROT, STOLEN CHILD TAROT, THE FAERIES’ ORACLE BY BRIAN FROUD

 

Garden Goodness

/ Twist the Leaf / 1 Comment

Today’s meditation was non-existent.  I had plans to re-do my meditation before sleep, as my efforts in the morning were an epic fail… but then I fell asleep on the phone while listening to my mother voicing her many complaints concerning myself and life in general… and, it didn’t get done.

The Magician - Circle of Life TarotToday’s draw is Japanese Santa…. no sorry, just kidding.  Today’s draw is the Magician card, which is traditionally a representation of resourcefulness and having the tools you need to manifest… whatever needs manifesting.

What really stands out to me in this card is the rose vines  that surround the figure.  They are lush and happy and in full growth.  This card is a reminder that I need to get out into my balcony garden and do some TLC with my plants out there, preparing them for spring and giving them the little encouragements they need at this time of year to start waking up so that they will sprout and flourish.

DECK USED:  CIRCLE OF LIFE TAROT

#TarotForGrowthMarch Challenge Prompt
Question: What can I do to encourage kindness toward myself?

New Choice Tarot de Marseilles

Reading Summary:  Walk softly and carry a big stick (The Star atop Queen of Wands)… and a reiteration of sorts because… it’s okay to go after what you want (Knight of Wands) but make sure you’re taking care to keep boundaries and defenses in place when doing so (Nine of Wands).

Take Away:  Now is a great time to focus on my passions, and in doing so I will feel better and thus be better… and nicer… to myself.   The cards are simply reminding me that I need to be careful not to get carried away and end up sliding down another slippery slope into overwhelm, which is not good for me at all.   Get back on that horse… but take your time.

DECK USED:  NEW CHOICE TAROT DE MARSEILLES

#DiscordTarotholicsMar2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: What makes me unique?

Tarot of the Golden Wheel

Reading Summary:  My ability to connect with others (Knight of Cups) and lift them (Seven of Wands) up as I guide them towards a better place (Four of Wands).

Take Away:  Aw… okay so that was really nice to hear and I hope it’s true. I don’t really usually see myself as particularly adept socially, but I always hope that when I interact with others that it benefits them in some way, and I love helping people in finding their path… whether that be a new perspective or spiritual path, or in a variety of different life situations.

DECK USED:  TAROT OF THE GOLDEN WHEEL

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question: How can spirit help me with my intuition?

Les Métamorphoses du Jour Tarot

Reading Summary:  By giving me the strength and sense of authority (Emperor) to needed in order to break through my self-deceptions (Seven of Swords) and thus better go after what I really want (Knight of Wands).

Take Away:  The cards indicate that spirit’s job in assisting my intuition is primarily in fact-checking.  Not facts of the brain, but rather ensuring that my intuition is not being deceived or re-routed and thus steering me off track.

DECK USED:  LES METAMORPHOSES DU JOUR TAROT