The Good Tarot

Weighing One’s Alone Time

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

The Returning of Panthera TarotToday’s draw is the Hermit card, which is traditionally a representation of solitude, self reflection and introspection, alone time, and inner guidance.

Usually, the figure in the hermit card holds a lit lantern that symbolizes enlightenment.  Here, the lantern is abandoned as the figure moves off into the vast landscape beyond.

To me, the shift in this imagery from the traditional poses the question whether one’s alone time is truly healthy, and filled with growth and introspection… or if it is unhealthy alone that is unproductive and leaves one feeling more lost than ever.

That is the message for today’s card.  It’s important to examine that alone time that indulge in and whether it’s healthy and productive… or unhealthy and holding us back.

DECK USED:  THE RETURNING OF PANTHERA TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsMay2022 Challenge Prompt
Topic: Draw or write something free form inspired by the card(s).

The Good TarotWith breathless wonder
I pause upon the trail
And take a brief rest
I look up into the canopy above

In silence and stillness
I hear the whispers of the trees
And then the tittering laughter
Of those hidden and watching

And my feet move to follow
To seek their fun and frivolity
And with one more step
I cross the veil
Into Faerie

DECK USED: THE GOOD TAROT

The #ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge Prompt by E Roebuck-Jones
Questions for May 12th, 13th, 15th, and 16th

The Returning of Panthera TarotHow can I heal from pain and disappointment?

Knight of Cups – Instead of focusing on what has caused this pain and disappointment, actively focus on what you want and what will make you happy.

What do I need so I can forgive myself?

The Lovers atop The Emperor – Prioritize healthy choices that are right for you over unhealthy controlling behavior that has you trying to cram yourself into a too small box. Square pegs don’t fit in round holes.

How does a close relationship challenge me?

Ace of Wands and The Hermit – Social obligations are something you struggle with due to your need for so much alone time. This often ends up making it difficult to express your enthusiasm for others and their company, regardless of how much they mean to you.

What are my relationship deal breakers?

Two of Wands Rx – Lack of consideration and forethought. Just as I do for them, I expect those I’m in a relationship with to consider my feelings before taking action.

Knight of Wands Rx – Lack of interest. I need relationships where they are willing to pester me into spending time with them. This balances out my solitary hermit-like inclinations.

The Fool atop Ace of Cups – Too much naïve frivolity. It borders on stupidity (and often insensitivity towards others) when one just chases after their “emotional sweet spot” all the time, and I just don’t have tolerance for that sort of behavior.

DECK USED: THE RETURNING OF PANTHERA TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I added spinach to my tuna today.  I chopped it up in tiny pieces like chives and mixed it into the tuna, and you couldn’t even taste it was there… but gave me a bit of extra veggies for the day.

Malnutrition and Depletion

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Today’s meditation was skipped.  I got a great deal of sleep today (thanks to half a pain pill and an ibuprofen), but no meditation.

The Good Tarot - Five of Earth, Five of PentaclesToday’s draw is the Five of Earth (Pentacles), which is traditionally a representation of scarcity (real or imagined), malnutrition and other associated illnesses, isolation, and the worry that can come with financial loss.  It also can indicate a refusal to seek out help when help is needed.

In the imagery for this specific deck, I see a lesser known meaning of the Five of Pentacles.  That is… malnutrition.  The figure is not getting the sun and nutrients it needs, and thus it struggles in the shade to fill its branches with leaves, instead shedding and filled with bare spots and barren branches.

This card is an encouragement to eat healthy and treat yourself well today.  Too much junk is not good for you. It depletes your energy and makes you feel less than 100%. So, make sure you are making healthy choices for your body, and you will be rewarded in turn.

DECK USED:  THE GOOD TAROT

ReadingWickedly’s #MayDailyDraw Prompt
Questions for May 5th and 6th

Into the Lonely Woods Oracle and The Good TarotWhat am I passionate about?

Plight of the Wanderer – Exploration of the world around you and how it connects to your spiritual path.

Six of Fire (Wands) – Sharing your passions and successes with others. Yes, this garners admiration, but for it to be rewarding to you it also needs to lift them up, showing them that they too can follow their passions and succeed.

The Lonely Gardener – Alone time in nature, bonding with the earth and the trees while the rest of the world is set aside.

What stops me from expressing my passions?

The Consolations of Isolation – Some things are better just kept to oneself. Private moments often mean more to the one experiencing them than they possibly could to anyone else.

A Time to Rest Awhile – Not enough energy combined with the need for a certain amount of alone time away from society.

Three of Air (Swords) – The thing about both of these factors mentioned above is that they can be healthy… or if they are driven by fear of being disappointed by others, they can be unhealthy. There is an encouragement here in these three cards combined that speaks of a need to examine my motivations behind retreat and isolation, and make sure that they are healthy and not driven by avoidance.

DECK USED:  INTO THE LONELY WOODS ORACLE AND THE GOOD TAROT

The #ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge Prompt by E Roebuck-Jones
Question for May 6th: What does good communication look like to me?

The Good TarotReading Summary: The sharing of one’s passion and experience (King of Fire/Wands), and that even when there is conflict and difference of opinion (Five of Fire/Wands) there is also compassion and an effort to be kind and supportive, instead of abusive to the other person (Queen of Water/Cups).

Take Away: Too often when people discuss things that they are passionate about and don’t agree on, the discussion falls into argument and becomes not just heated but abusive. By instilling compassion and support into a conversation, especially a heated one, the conversation can continue to be productive instead of turning into something ugly.

While growing up I witnessed this a lot in the arguments between Z and T. They often (what I would term as) went “into battle” with each other.  And, when they fought, the two of them were often extremely passionate and heated (shouting, talking with their hands, getting in each other’s faces, etc), and yet they always stayed on topic. There were no insults, no name-calling, no harmful language. They could debate for hours without falling into the traps of an unhealthy and abusive argument. I wish this type of disagreement was taught to children in school.

DECK USED: THE GOOD TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I had Lins give me a pain pill earlier. I slept like crap last night due to pain issues.  Usually I can sleep to escape the pain, but it was just past that level where any decent sleep was possible.  This meant that not only did the pain pill demand a nap today, but it was a long nap. I also took the card of the day’s advice and made healthy vegetable and chicken stir-fry for supper instead of just eating junk.

It’s Going To Be Okay

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Today’s meditation was yet again non-existent.  I kinda sorta might have fallen asleep instead. Not on purpose, mind you, but apparently I was more in need of sleep than I was of meditation because I managed to fall asleep in my pirifomris stretch. As you might imagine, it was not easy to get out of after having slept in that position for about an hour.

Ten of Zephyrs - Ten of Swords - Stolen Child TarotToday’s draw is the Ten of Zephyrs (Ten of Swords) which is traditionally interpreted as coming to the end of a rough and arduous journey and can often indicate that that ending is fraught with experiences of pain, loss, or betrayal.

With the imagery on today’s card, what I see here is definitely the end of a road, but I also see a message of safety and care.   The resting child and the vulture that looks over it, a bird of pray and a scavenger… and yet also a watchful protector.

What I see here is a message of reassurance, and after the triggering event last night… a message that I needed to hear.   That message says that I am looked over and protected, even when I am at weakest and most vulnerable.

DECK USED:  STOLEN CHILD TAROT

#TarotForGrowthApril Challenge Prompt
Question: How can I embrace that power? (built off yesterday’s cards)

The Good Tarot

Intuitive Interpretation: Remain open and receptive to love and nurturing.

Take Away:  The power that was referenced yesterday had to do with the touch of guidance from my spirit guides within my choices and my moral compass.  Today’s cards indicate that in order to embrace that touch within my life I need to stop ignoring their presence and pushing away the possibility of them being a hand in things, and open myself up to being more receptive to their presence, guidance, and love.

DECK USED:  THE GOOD TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsApr2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: Where do I need to direct more gratitude?

Fantastical Creatures TarotReading Summary:  Instead of spending so much time trying to spread myself thin pushing forward (Seven of Cups) I need to look within and find the fortitude (Strength) that will allow me to accept that things are good (Nine of Pentacles) and enjoy that things are good. (Ten of Pentacles).

Take Away:  I spend a lot of time planning for the future and freaking out about if I’m doing enough and how I can do more.  The cards here speak of the need to let up on those habits and appreciate the here and now.  Yes, there’s a lot going on now to worry about, but the truth is that we are okay.  We have the ability to get food and medications that are needed.  We aren’t on the street or struggling with homelessness.   We are very, very fortunate in all that we have and I need to set aside that diligence and hyper-vigilance a bit to allow myself time to appreciate that.

DECK USED:  FANTASTICAL CREATURES TAROT

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question: What motivates me?

Lili White Tarot

Reading Summary:  The need for spirituality and balance in my life (Temperance), my moral compass (Judgement), and my need for stability and security (King of Pentacles).

Take Away:  One of the core tenants and foundations of my faith is balance.  It is one of the energies that I revere, even in my daily devotional and, even beyond spirituality… or perhaps it is because it is such an integral part of it, balance is an important part of how I view life and the world as a whole.  

My moral compass rules my life.   Sometimes I slip, just like everyone does.  But it is finding balance and holding strong to my moral compass that allow me to move forward with certainty.

The last card is a representation of my need for stability and security.  This need is rooted in fear, yes… but it is also rooted in my connection with the earth.  The core need within me to be grounded is an overpowering drive, and absolute need for me, and that need is not about fear but about what feels right to me and how I connect to the world around me.  Without that grounding force…. there is no sure footing beneath my feet to walk upon my path.

DECK USED:  LILI WHITE TAROT

#MidnightTarotChallenge Prompt
Question: How can I be more forgiving?

New Liminal Tarot

Reading Summary: Make the choice (Two of Swords) to accept that sometimes shit just falls apart (Ten of Swords) and make a conscious decision to rise above those moments and focus on recovery efforts (Queen of Discs).

Take Away:  This speaks of stepping away from thoughts of blame and instead stepping forward to offer support.   In doing this, you allow yourself to see things from the other person’s perspective rather than just your own, which fosters the ability to forgive more easily those that trespass upon us.

DECK USED:  NEW LIMINAL TAROT

 

Taking Control

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IMG_3763Today’s meditation was just over ten minutes long and focused upon a long full body scan that took up nearly the entire length of the ten minute meditation, and then a brief mention of the topic of patience at the end.

I think that this guided meditation was initially intended as simply a body scan, and that the patience part of it was more of an addition to the end due to the current state of world affairs and trying to give people a bit of ease with the fact that the entire world is currently in a state of “sit and wait” for the time being.

There was nothing in the talk or the quote included and shared in the image for this post that I objected to, it just felt incongruous with the rest of the meditation.

img_9606Today’s draw is the Five of Flame (Five of Wands) which is traditionally a representation of trials, conflict, and tests in the area of one’s drive, passions, and ambitions.

As I’ve mentioned before, this card is hands-down my absolute favorite imagery on any card in any deck, across the board.  I love this depiction of the Five of Wands, as it speaks to me of so much more than just conflict and strife, but also of strength, determination, and empowerment.

The message that I saw in today’s card is about taking actions to back those things you want to happen.  Intentions are all well and good, but unless you are willing to confront your challenges and take them on? Those intentions aren’t going to take you very far.

I did this today by going back and deleting the draft posts that I had made for the posts I’d missed over the past week here on the blog.  I had a long line of “catching up” to do, and as a part of my determination to give myself more space and take more pressure off myself concerning the blog and my personal readings, I went through and deleted the “catch up posts” that I needed to do, allowing myself to discard the idea of catching up entirely.

DECK USED:  STOLEN CHILD TAROT

#TarotForGrowthApril Challenge Prompt
Question: Where am I most in need of support right now?

IMG_3769

Reading Summary: Emotional well-being (Ten of Water) and passion projects (Ace of Fire) where a better sense of direction (Three of Fire) is needed.

Take Away:  Well, considering what we’ve been doing all day, the fact that I’m going to need some pretty hefty emotional support is to be expected. The drop is going to be a bitch when it comes.

The other two are also about what we’ve been doing all day.  Usually once we start getting intimate with our characters in rp, we end up losing direction in our play.  I really would like to continue to explore the characters we are currently playing and I’m really hoping that doesn’t pattern happen this time.  These cards indicate that in order to avoid that result it’s going to take a team effort.

DECK USED:  THE GOOD TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsApr2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: Do Spread #3

IMG_3771Me:  I am a practical provider and juggler of responsibilities between work and home. I am extremely grounded.

My Goal: A closer bond in my relationships with my guides.

The Obstacle:  Because I am so very grounded and logic oriented, it can be difficult sometimes when trying to delve into unfamiliar areas of the esoteric.  This difficulty shows its face as uncertainty and a lack of confidence in both myself and my process.

Guidance:  I need to take time to figure out how to make amends and reconcile with my spirit guides because I have ignored and neglected them and their role in my life (and existence as a whole) for so long.

DECK USED:  FANTASTICAL CREATURES TAROT

#MidnightTarotChallenge Prompt
Question: How can I handle upcoming challenges and roadblocks to my goals? (rephrased to not be built off previous day’s cards)

IMG_3773

Reading Summary: Perseverance (Strength), staying present (Six of Cups), and not ignoring what’s right in front of me (Eight of Swords).

Take Away:  That last one is a toughie for me, as that selective ignorance is something I really excel at when it comes to things that are bothering me or I am struggling with. The cards here say that as future struggles emerge, I will need to make sure to stand strong and keep my mind in the game.  Don’t allow “what used to be” or how things “used to be done” to distract me from the present issues and best solution.   That best solution, incidentally, might be right in front of my face… so pay attention.

DECK USED:  FANTASTICAL CREATURES TAROT

 

The Strength of the Small

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IMG_3603Today’s meditation was just under eleven minutes long and was a body scan focused meditation that guided me through a scan of the body from head to toes, before it turned to the area of the heart and expanded outward to include the entire body.

The purpose of the meditation was to sink into the stillness and silence and that peace that you can find within when you find your quiet place within.  Unfortunately, I really struggled with staying on task as well as with finding that quiet space today, which was a bit frustrating.

I do accept, though, that meditation cannot go smoothly all the time.  Some days will be more of a struggle than others.

Strength Card - Stolen Child TarotToday’s draw is the Strength card of the Major Arcana, which generally represents  themes surrounding one’s inner strength and courage, perseverance, and also sometimes the elements of persuasion.

What I see in the imagery of today’s card is a sense of security.  A sense of safety among something much bigger and stronger than themselves.  This does not so much speak to me in the way that the strength card usually does, as I do not see the “weaker” acting upon the stronger/more fierce.   Instead… I see the larger and more fierce protecting the weaker.

This, in itself, is it’s own kind of strength.  It is the kind of strength that comes from having someone strong and fierce on your side.  It’s the kind of strength that comes with being a submissive in a D/s relationship.   Yes, the Dominant is the “big bad wolf” of the dynamic, but it is truly the submissive that holds all the power.   They set the limits.  They hold the safe word.  They have the last say.  This is the power of the “weak” that are really… not weak at all.

And that is the message in today’s card.  It’s okay to be small.  It’s okay to be vulnerable.  It’s okay to be the submissive party.   There is strength in these things… more strength than most even realize.

DECK USED:  STOLEN CHILD TAROT

#TarotForGrowthApril Challenge Prompt
Question: Current state of spirit.

Mibramig Magical Tarot

Reading Summary:  I am at a time of transition (Ten of Swords atop Nine of Cups) and in the process of developing a new type of stability (Ace of Pentacles) that includes my emotions in the mix rather than excluding them (King of Cups). This makes it feel like I’ve upset my apple cart (Nine of Cup under Ten of Swords). Be sure to focus on staying calm and centered (King of Cups) and allowing time for things to develop (Ace of Pentacles).

Take Away:   I’m pretty sure I could write an entire book on the layout and combination of these cards combined  with the imagery.   The short answer is that I’m in a place of transition right now where incorporating my emotions the inner workings of myself and my life has the potential of really freaking me out and its important to stay balanced and not let it become overwhelming.

DECK USED:  MIBRAMIG MAGICAL TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsApr2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: What does it mean to live a good life?

The Good Tarot

Reading Summary: Not allowing uncertainty to overpower (Moon) having an open mind (Messenger of Air) and a sense of adventure (Eight of Fire).

Take Away:  This deck is so f’ing beautiful.  Just sayin’.  The cards here are indicating that to live a good life I can’t allow times of uncertainty to derail me from those things I enjoy and find important.  I need that exploration of perspectives and the mind… I need new ideas.   I also need to feel that burning spark of enthusiasm that allows me to pounce forward into new projects and explore new passions.  Uncertainty can put a definite damper on these things if I let it… so to live a good life?  Don’t let it.

DECK USED:  THE GOOD TAROT

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question: What am I stressed about today?

Lili White Tarot

Reading Summary:  Work and orders and the “debt” involved in having slacked off over the past week on keeping up with things, resulting in a bit of negative thinking and serious self-judgement.

Take Away:  Ugh.   I fell behind a bit on orders this week and have struggled to catch up, then had an emergency that pulled me away and set me back even further.  It’s just something I’m going to have to work through, but it definitely has me stressed.

DECK USED:  LILI WHITE TAROT

#MidnightTarotChallenge Prompt
Question: What is my relationship with spirit (divinity)? How can I improve it?

IMG_3608Relationship with Spirit:  My connection to spirit is through my affinity the earth and the nurturing energies I experience through my bond with nature (Empress).

How to Improve:  Okay so… passion.  More passion.  POUR ON THE PASSION!   Honestly?  All three of these cards popped out individually from the deck at different times in my shuffle so the fact that they are all court cards of the Fire suit really speaks to the fact I need to really pour on some passion into my relationship with spirit.   Show a little enthusiasm.  Explore with confidence and vision is needed.  Step forward and get invested, just don’t let yourself end up impulsive and carried away (the knight is missing).

DECK USED:  THE GOOD TAROT

Self Care Saturday (On a Sunday)

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These Saturday readings are (not usually) bearing in on any one thing or event in my life, as the question used is asking for a more general outlook. This is a self care exercise, and is not meant as a predictive reading… although that, too, happens on occasion.

The question is… What do I need to focus for self-care through the week ahead?

Self Care Saturday

Earth – Page of Fire, Queen of Earth, Woodpecker, Caterpillars – Stay on track with your goals to avoid using your resources unwisely. You want to be ready when opportunity knocks, so take this time to stock up both energetically and otherwise so that when that opportunity comes to transform and fly you are ready to take that leap.

Air – Ace of Earth, The Chariot, Panda – Take that leap too soon and you will miss that opportunity to grab hold of a successful start and ride the wave.  You don’t want to leap ahead too soon and get trampled by the horses instead of ending up driving the apple cart.  Use this time of waiting to care for yourself and foster loving relationships with others.

Water – Seven of Water and Goat – This week is a good week to indulge in some of those imaginative creative projects you’ve been wanting to get into.  The more challenging the better, as there’s no obstacle too high when you have others on your side.  My most challenging project at the moment is the wood burning project I’ve been preparing for through the winter months. The cards here indicate that now is a good time to do some experimentation and practice runs.

Fire – Ten of Water and Blue Jay – Delving into creativity this week will help satisfy a lot of needs that you’ve been suppressing that need to get out.  It will also assist in fostering a sense of well-being that is, at the moment, a bit off-kilter.

Waning – See Beauty in Others – There has been a few times over the past week that you have felt inferior and had difficulty in stepping out among others because of it.  As this week progresses, that sense of inferiority will ease and you will find your footing once more.

Waxing – You Come from Love – Sometimes you need to step outside your own self-perceptions to better understand that you are prefect just as you are.  Don’t allow beliefs in your own limitations to hold you back from growth and progress.

Take Away –  Now is not the time to be leaping forward into action, but rather a week for waiting and holding space. In that space, you’ll need to keep yourself distracted. That distraction would be best served by being something  creative that brings joy and captures your attention, challenging your creative spark and abilities with something new and different.  The wood burning project I’m working toward is an excellent outlet that fits the bill and checks all the boxes. At the same time, it will also be important focus on staying contented and grateful for this time spent with loved ones.

DECKS USED:  THE GOOD TAROT, SAWYER’S NATURE PORTALS ORACLE, YOUR HEART KNOWS THE WAY ORACLE