#tarotsuitschallenge

Ease Up

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IMG_3164Today’s meditation was just over ten minutes long, and was one of the Calm apps guided meditations with an interval timer added in for my piriformis stretching.

The focus of today’s meditation was about living in the now. It’s all well and good to make plans for the future, but it’s important to remember that the future is fluid and ever changing. And to not let our focus rest so strongly on that unpredictable daydream of what might come that we forget to focus on what’s good in life right now.

Homebound Tarot and Less Anxiety Affirmation CardsToday’s draw is the Three of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of combining talents and expertise upon a project, creating a better result through teamwork, and learning through collaborative efforts.

In most cases? It isn’t the expectations of the world that I struggle with, but rather my own expectations that I struggle with resisting. I know that this is not the case for everyone, but in my case, I expect far more from myself than anyone else can possibly expect or demand.

This becomes a problem when I work with others, as sometimes it means that I start pushing them at the pace I demand from myself.  Or, I take over and do it all, instead of it being a collaborative effort it was meant to be.

Combined with the affirmation card for today, these cards speak of the need to go a little easier.  Not just on others, but on yourself as well. Not everything has to be done by you, and not everything has to be done this minute. It may  not feel like it, but it’s okay to move at a slower pace, and share the load.

DECK USED:  HOMEBOUND TAROT AND LESS ANXIETY AFFIRMATION CARDS

Mr Lionharts’ #TheJulyTarot #TarotSuitsChallenge Prompt
Questions for July 7th thru 9th

David Wilson's Animal Oracle and Homebound TarotSomething I should know about the things I wish to create for myself?

Strategy and The Tower – The deconstruction phase is going to take some strategy to get right.  Don’t rush. Strategize and let the bricks shift and the tower tumble on its own while you pick up the pieces and turn them to use for something new.

What steps I can take at this time towards manifesting my plans?

Veil and Seven of Cups – It’s your intuition and not logic that needs to be heard while making decisions right now. Touch upon the guidance of your spirit guides and ancestors, and keep in consideration Fae-think as well. This isn’t about “thinking outside the box” so much as where you get your inspiration from.

In what way can this creative process help me grow?

Elusive and Three of Swords – Sometimes inner pain is hard to pin down. This growth and creativity process has the potential to help me in healing old wounds that I haven’t been able to address as yet.

DECK USED: DAVID WILSON’S ANIMAL ORACLE AND HOMEBOUND TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2021 Challenge Prompt
Philosophical Question: Is happiness just chemicals flowing through the brain or something more?

Homebound TarotReading Summary: Don’t discount those chemicals flowing through the brain (Temperance). If you really think about it, most of our sensations and experiences come from those chemicals (The Hermit). They don’t lose value just because they come from within as a natural part of our bodies functioning rather than from some other outside influence (The Empress).

Take Away: There’s no indication in these cards that happiness is anything other than chemicals flowing through the brain.  What’s important in this reading is that we don’t discount these feelings, even if they are chemically induced.  They are still important and nurturing, and help us in finding a healthy sense of well being.

DECK USED: HOMEBOUND TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I went to the eye doctor today to make them fix my new glasses because they had some weird triple image overlay thing going on (color wise) what makes it feel like my peripheral vision is through one of those red/blue 3d glasses.

Curiosity and Creativity

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IMG_3118Today’s meditation was ten minutes long, and it was a guided meditation from the Calm app combined with an interval timer for my piriformis stretches.

The focus of today’s meditation was about not taking ourselves so seriously that we forget to find the humor in what can sometimes be frustrating situations. Things like losing your keys and finding them in the freezer don’t have to be all bad… Sometimes they’re also funny, if you let them be.

Kiddy Katz Tarot and Less Anxiety Affirmation CardsToday’s draw is the Page of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of imagination and creativity, curiosity, interesting possibilities, and opportunities that involve your creative side.

In the card we see a cat having a friendly conversation with a fish, which is really out of character for a cat.  And yet when we look at the affirmation card for today, the imagery in the tarot card is very fitting.

Today’s cards are about thinking outside the box and doing the unexpected.  Approaching things from a creative standpoint, the entire world takes on a different perspective and everything in it has the potential for a new meaning.  How we approach life (and our different experiences in it) and the mindset we keep while moving along life’s path plays a key role in how we experience life and the world around us.  Consider approaching life with more curiosity and creativity.

DECK USED:  KIDDY KATZ TAROT AND LESS ANXIETY AFFIRMATION CARDS

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2021 Challenge Prompt
Question: What can I do to help my inner child feel less neglected?

House of Pounce Game Cards and Kiddy Katz TarotThe Fool and Bottom of the Bowl – Don’t allow setbacks in your goals to keep you from having a good time, as well as enjoying those you’re with and the world around you

Four of Wands and Playing – There’s safety and comfort at home, and no reason you can’t be vulnerable there. Enjoy this space to the fullest.

Three of Wands and Pounce – Yesterdays cards indicated that the inner child was feeling rudderless and stagnant. You need to hear what’s being said here, and be proactive in resolving that stagnancy.

Take Away – To help my inner child feel less neglected, they need movement. Don’t let things hold you back or hold you down from enjoying the good stuff in life, combined with having a direction and actually moving in it instead of standing still.

DECK USED: KIDDY KATZ TAROT AND HOUSE OF POUNCE GAME CARDS

Cosmic_Crow_Tarot’s #FreedomTarotChallenge Prompt
Questions for July 6th and 7th

Kiddy Katz TarotWhat is my true enemy?

Stagnancy (Three of Wands Rx). Lack of direction (Two of Wands Rx), and lack of action. Lack of an action plan.

Today’s theme on the whole for all of my card  pulls reiterates that stagnancy is not my friend and that it’s time to start looking at the world around me through a different perspective filled with more curiosity, creativity, and hope.

What is my greatest ally?

Awareness of your limits so that I don’t allow myself to get overburdened, and am not flirting with burn out all the time (Ten of Wands Rx). Meditation (Four of Cups).

Meditation helps me stay aware of where my energy levels are, and that awareness helps me keep from getting to that “flirting with burnout” point that I used to perpetually visit and linger in.

DECK USED: KIDDY KATZ TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I went hiking (and swimming) today.  It was a really great day, but the heat feels like it really took it out of me.

Stop, and Listen

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IMG_3101Today’s meditation was just over ten minutes long and I don’t really remember all that much about it.  I remember being awake for the whole thing, just not… whatever it was about.

That said, I really like the William James quote that came along with today’s meditation (seen on the right), and I would surmise from that quote that the topic of the meditation was about the interconnectedness between people, no matter their differences may be on the surface.

Nigel Jackson's Rose Tarot and Less Anxiety Affirmation CardsToday’s draw is the Queen of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of a receptive alpha energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s emotions, relationships, creativity, and intuition.  This often translates into emotionally supportive themes of nurturing  warmth and understanding coming from a place of authority.

The queen in this card has an almost zen posture, which fits really well with the affirmation card for today.  Both combined speak of the need to awaken your own Queen of Cups that resides within you and allow that energy to rise to the surface.  Not to be given to others, but rather to be directed toward yourself.

Sometimes, we forget to listen to our own feelings, and we forget how those emotions can effect us, our outlook, and our experiences.  It’s important to pause now and then and really listen to ourselves.  Our bodies and our inner dialog, and our emotions as well, for they all influence one another and you can’t get one in balance without balancing it with the others.

DECK USED:  NIGEL JACKSON’S ROSE TAROT AND LESS ANXIETY AFFIRMATION CARDS

The Sacred Grounds Tarot Club Prompt
Questions for July 4th thru 6th

Flower Medicine Oracle and Nigel Jackson's Rose TarotWhat should I be celebrating right now?

Oleander (strong boundaries) and Three of Swords –  You should be celebrating your accomplishments when it comes to the boundaries you’ve set for yourself and others. Boundaries are not always easy to uphold, but they help keep you safe, healthy, and happy.

How could I celebrate myself more fully?

Magnolia (nobility) and Knight of Coins – Allow yourself to move at a slower pace so that you can linger a while and smell the roses instead of always rushing ahead. Acknowledge that the journey is more important than the destination.

How can I celebrate my life more fully?

Sunflower (hope) and The Hierophant – Acknowledge that you are a role model to others. By showing what hope and optimism can do in your own life, you are showing others that it’s possible for them to do the same.

DECK USED:  FLOWER MEDICINE ORACLE AND NIGEL JACKSON’S ROSE TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2021 Challenge Prompt
Question: How does my inner child feel right now?

Nigel Jackson's Rose TarotReading Summary: Rudderless (Three of Batons Rx), but ready to go (Knight of Cups). They see what is possible, but feel stagnant and unable to get there (Ten of Coins Rx).

Take Away: I’ve been feeling a lot of that rudderless stagnancy rising to the surface lately, and I’ve been writing it off as just being that things with finding balance and following my emotional growth has been going slower than I’m comfortable with.

This reading indicates that feeling is shared with my inner child, and perhaps might even be originating from there, or at the very least, be encouraged through that inner child and their dissatisfaction with the slow pace things are going at.

This wouldn’t surprise me at all, for I think that this slower pace is a more mature route, but I have always been one to plow in and push push push until whatever needs done is finished, no matter how ragged I wore myself in getting there.  Slow is… just not all that easy for me, and nor is it easy for my inner child either, apparently.

DECK USED:  NIGEL JACKSON’S ROSE TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I’m working hard at trying to get myself to bed at a decent time tonight because J and I plan on going hiking early in the day tomorrow.

Building Confidence

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Today’s meditation was skipped again.

The Prismatic Tarot and Less Anxiety Affirmation CardsToday’s draw is the Eight of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of bailing on a situation out of frustration or disappointment, themes of abandonment or withdrawal, and moving on.

What stands out to me very strongly in the imagery of this card today is the moon in the sky at the top of the card.  This speaks to me of the fact that when you walk away from something, there’s always a hint of doubt and uncertainty involved.  It’s a natural part of the process.

The addition of the affirmation card for today provides guidance for these situations, providing a reminder that when you are treading into unfamiliar territory and dealing with the uncertainties of what you’re leaving behind, that it’s important to center yourself, and that breath work is an excellent way to do this.

DECK USED:  THE PRISMATIC TAROT AND LESS ANXIETY AFFIRMATION CARDS

Mr Lionharts’ #TheJulyTarot #TarotSuitsChallenge Prompt
Questions for July 4th thru 6th

Earthcraft Oracle and The Prismatic TarotKeeping this in mind can support me in my plans this week.

Forest Bathing and The Emperor – Be proactive in getting the self care that you need. Forest bathing is one of your absolute favorite activities, but are you being proactive in making sure you get what you need? Or are you putting it off and letting these opportunities to get out in nature get away from you?

What am I invited to create for myself?

Spirit of the North and The Fool – Don’t let your enthusiasm create impossible expectations. Stay grounded and remember that everything worth having is worth working (and waiting) for.

What should be cleared or dealt with before I begin to create?

Spirit Weaver and Page of Swords – Believe in yourself and your capabilities. If you really aspire for something to manifest in your life, you’re capable of forging that path forward. Just make sure you have the information and tools necessary before you take the leap.

DECK USED: EARTHCRAFT ORACLE AND THE PRISMATIC TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2021 Challenge Prompt
Question: Do Spread #1

The Prismatic TarotWhat needs to be left behind as I focus on further growth?

The High Priestess Rx – You need to let go of doubts pertaining to your intuition. That secret knowledge is always right, always there just for you, whispering in your ear from beneath your skin.  Those times you ignore it and second guess it, it never turns out well.  Let go of the hesitation.

What is in full bloom for me right now?

Knight of Wands – Inspiration and enthusiasm is at your fingertips, you just have to reach out and allow it to actually spark.  Once it does, there’s a good chance that if you aren’t careful it will carry you away, so work on keeping moderation in mind as you begin to explore.

Where do I need to direct my focus for further growth?

Ten of Cups – Focus on what makes you happy and what creates emotional bonds with others in your life.  It’s about now, and about those connections. Not everything can be about “some day”.  Make sure that today is weighed as more important, and that those with you in the now are a higher priority than future plans.

DECK USED:  THE PRISMATIC TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

Still in the catch-up train.  So I’m not 100% positive what my self kindness was for this day.

Perfectionism Is Not Your Friend

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Today’s meditation was skipped.  No excuses, I just didn’t get it done. 

The Master Tarot and Less Anxiety Affirmation CardsToday’s draw is the Eight of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of hard work, honing an expertise, and perfectionism.

The Eight of Pentacles in this deck is a very classic image, where the figure works hard to hone their craft and perfect their skills.

The thing is, though?  Perfectionism isn’t always a blessing or a virtue.  It can sure seem like it sometimes, but when you get stuck in the mindset that nothing is ever good enough and you can do better?  It can become extremely detrimental.

The affirmation card in today’s draw is a reminder of this dangerous pattern, and how sometimes we have to just leave things be and not push for more, or better. 

DECK USED:  THE MASTER TAROT AND LESS ANXIETY AFFIRMATION CARDS

Cosmic_Crow_Tarot’s #FreedomTarotChallenge Prompt
Questions for July 3rd and 4th

Ancient Animal Wisdom Cards and The Master TarotWhat do I depend on too much?

Hippopotamus and Six of Wands – Reassurance from outside sources.  Although it can be nice to hear good things from others, it’s important to let them feel good but not depend on them for your sense of personal value.  Nor can they heal old wounds.  Only you can do that.

What do I not depend on enough?

Dugong Tiger and Ace of Swords – So many ideas, and so little time. You need to lean more into that balance you’re trying to accomplish. Let that become a strength you develop over time and use to sort out your ideas.  You have the ability to prioritize wisely, if you’re willing to work at it and develop it.

DECK USED: ANCIENT ANIMAL WISDOM ORACLE AND THE MASTER TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

Again, I’m working on catching up and I just have no idea what my daily kindness was for this day.  I’ll start being able to add these again once I’m caught up.

Restoration Is Important

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Today’s meditation was about ten minutes long and was a guided meditation from the Calm app combined with an interval timer for my piriformis stretches.

The focus of today’s meditation was about shame concerning our past experiences and traumas.  It was about how we carry this shame with us, and how it can eventually eat us alive… but that the solution is simple.  Sometimes, what is needed most, is just to be heard.  To speak our truth and be heard, understood, and cared about.  This is often why therapy can be such a good tool for people.  It gives you someone to talk to that is not about judging you, but hearing you and helping you.

Tarot at the End of the Rainbow and Less Anxiety Affirmation CardsToday’s draw is the Four of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of taking time to rest, recuperation after a trying time, and stillness for restoration and meditation on the events that have brought you to this place as well as where to go from here.

We all need rest. This is something that took me a long time to accept in myself.  I used to push myself hard, so hard.  Again and again I’d push myself to burn out, give myself just enough recovery that it would let me push forward again.

These cycles just brought me deeper and deeper into exhaustion.  I was not treating myself or my body well, and after a time, it became to rebel against this treatment.  Now, I’ve learned that I need that rest.  Everyone needs rest.  And it’s only through caring for your body and  your needs, that you can then continue forward and achieve your goals.

DECK USED:  TAROT AT THE END OF THE RAINBOW AND LESS ANXIETY AFFIRMATION CARDS

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2021 Challenge Prompt
Questions for July 2nd & 3rd

Oracle of the Essences 2nd Edition and Tarot at the End of the RainbowWhat inner injury from my childhood needs healing?
Pink Pepper, Cassia, Ace of Coins

Being constantly told that I’ve never enough just the way I am and that no matter what I tried it was never going to be good enough.

How can I begin working on healing that injury?
Birch, Grapefruit, and Two of Swords

Don’t allow what was said then hold so much weight, take a deep breath and let us roll up all that pain and discontent that this experience still has for you… then exhale it out. This is something that you’re going to have to consciously put time and attention into in order to eventually be able to choose to let go of.

DECK USED: ORACLE OF THE ESSENCES 2ND ED AND TAROT AT THE END OF THE RAINBOW

The Sacred Grounds Tarot Club Prompt
Questions for July 2nd and 3rd

Tarot at the End of the RainbowWhat message does July have for me?
The Chariot and Seven of Swords

Look at that smile on the leprechauns face! July is offering me the opportunity to reconnect with my values and principles, to examine them and choose wisely so that I can make sure that I continue on the path that I want to continue on as I move forward into the future. My future and direction upon my path are in my own hands. I need to ensure that my actions are compatible with the direction I wanna go in.

What challenges is July going to bring me?
Five of Swords atop Ace of Wands, Three of Swords

Disappointment over not being able to go after all of my different ideas and passionate pursuits. Lots of prioritizing will be needed and I’m going to have to leave some things behind in order to shine in the things that I end up prioritizing.

DECK USED: TAROT AT THE END OF THE RAINBOW

Daily Self Kindness

I’m sort of playing catch up at the moment, so I don’t actually remember what I did for myself back on this day.  I should have written it down at the time, but I didn’t and now I’m not sure.