The Latest Kate Affirmations

Calling In Sick

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Today’s meditation was nine minutes long, and was one of the #DailyCalm sessions from the @Calm app.

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Magicmakers Tarot's King of Cups and The Latest Kate AffirmationDaily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the King of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of a projective alpha energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s emotions, relationships, emotional intelligence, creativity, or intuition. This often translates into authority figures that are emotionally supportive and understanding, possessing both compassion and strong leadership qualities.

The King of Cups has then been combined with the (very apropos) affirmation by @thelatestkate, that says “It’s okay to accept that you’re unwell today.”

Why is today’s affirmation so appropriate for today? That would be because I feel like crap today. I’m not sure if it’s something I’m coming down with, allergies, dehydration, or some weird combination of two or more of these elements… but I feel like shit. Oh yeah. Lets not forget the current struggles with mood imbalance, as I’m sure that’s playing into it as well.

Just before pulling this card today, I was mentally beating myself for feeling like crap, and acting like I feel like crap. And here it is, the affirmation that says when you feel like crap it’s okay to accept that it is what it is.

Then, the King of Cup steps in and says that there may also be an emotional aspect to how I’m feeling as well, and adds encouragement to seeking out my emotional anchor to help me through. (That would be Gideon, by the way, and good luck with that as he’s on the road today.)

Ohhh look, negative narratives.

Today’s message is to go easy on yourself when you’re feeling rough around the edges. If you feel crappy? Stop beating yourself up about the things you’re not getting done and be kind to yourself instead. Seek out those people and things that can help make it just a little better instead of wallowing in misery alone.

I think I need a nap.

DECK USED:  MAGICMAKERS TAROT AND THE LATEST KATE AFFIRMATION

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2025 Challenge
Prompt for September : Do Spread 3

Oracle Reading with the Dragon Oracle Cards

What gifts from Summer are ready to be harvested?

Silver Lunar Dragon – The coming full moon offers the promise of softening and balance, if you’re willing to lean into the practices that allow you to find peace and harmony.

Where is your attention most needed between how and the upcoming last harvest of the year?

Thor’s Red Black and Gold Dragon – Focus on remaining calm and relaxed during these times of upheaval and transition. It feels like chaos, and you need to put a little more focus into being the calm in the storm.

What seeds need to be planted now to be ready in Spring?

Earth and Fire Dragon – Take care of yourself now, so that you will be prepared to take care of others later. Your cup is empty, your rope is frayed, and you’re burning the candle at both ends.  You need time to recover and recuperate… restoration is needed.

Other elements included in this reading:
Antique Daisy Brooch as a Representation of Happy Times
Foraged Red Oak Leaf for Fostering Unconditional Love
Shiva Shell Heart for Wisdom and Discernment
Gneiss Wishing Stone for Patience in Moments of Discomfort

DECK USED: DRAGON ORACLE

@de_tarotjuf Time for Yourself
#detarotjufseptembertarotchallenge
Prompt for September 30th :  What lesson from the past month can I take away from the time I spent with myself?

Magicmakers Tarot Reading - Page of Pentacles, The Star, Six of CupsReading Summary: Positivity and optimism (The Star) need to be a priority you continue to work toward (Knight of Pentacles) as you stay firmly grounded in the present (Six of Cups Rx).

Take Away: There is value in the act of being in the present instead of trying to look forward and prepare, or look backward and examine.  Both of those acts create stress and anxiety, and are “busy work” that doesn’t need to be in focus every moment of every day.

Instead, what needs to stay in focus is your efforts towards balancing your negative inner narratives and pessimism with a lean into positivity and optimism. A part of doing that is being present in the moment, and paying attention to those things that bring you joy while they’re happening.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Lavender Bundle for Calming and Comfort
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: MAGICMAKERS TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I laid down and took a nap.  I also wallowed in bed a bit after my early morning shift before going in for my afternoon shift.

Who Are You Listening To?

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Today’s meditation was a ten minute long self-directed session based upon @thelatestkate’s affirmation that says “You’re not obligated to make every day productive or purposeful.”

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Strange Forms Tarot Reading with The Latest Kate's AffirmationDaily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Four of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of one’s passionate love for the security and welcoming energies of home. This often translates into themes that have to do with homecoming, celebrating home and stability, as well as relaxation in comfortable spaces.

It’s okay to take time to just enjoy being home. As a kid, I used to eagerly await my parents heading out to the grocery store or the post office.

It was as if as soon as they were gone, something inside of me immediately released and began to relax. Even if all I did while they were gone was sit on the couch and watch a TV show. It felt like some invisible pressure was lifted for just a little while.

These days? My parents voices live in my head, and there’s no longer those moments of relief when they’re not around or moments of celebrated freedom from the pressure.

The message in today’s cards encourages us to bring these moments back. Remind yourself that it’s okay to ease up on the constant pressure and enjoy just being. Sometimes? That’s enough.

DECKS USED:  STRANGE FORMS TAROT AND THE LATEST KATE AFFIRMATION

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2025 Challenge
Philosophical Questions for September 3rd, 10th, 17th, and 24th

Philosophical Questions Tarot Reading with the Little Pigeon Tarot, Earth Woman Tarot, and Bird Vibes Meditation CardsWhat are the 3 major strengths of humanity?

Two of Swords – Free will combined with the intelligence to think through their decisions before acting.

Six of Cups Rx – The ability to forgive and forget. Forgiveness is difficult, and forgetting may not always happen, but it is definitely one of our greatest strengths that we can.

Wheel of Fortune – Adaptability.  The ability to adapt and adjust on the fly, shifting our minds and intentions as needed and learning from those moments.

What is humanity’s biggest accomplishment?

House Finch – Self Awareness. We are not just aware of ourselves, but also aware of how our actions influence others and the world around us. Learning how to be self aware and reflect on ourselves and our actions allows for not just personal growth, but a community minded approach to helping each other as well.

What are the 3 major weaknesses of humanity?

Four of Wands Rx – A lack of appreciation and care for our “home”… as in, the Earth.

Ten of Pentacles Rx – Self-centered greed. This greed isn’t greed for the greater good, but all about the self and the ego.

Wheel of Fortune Rx – Humanity’s wilful lack of adaptability. Although we have the capability to adjust and adapt as needed to situations and changes, we are often resistant to do there, fighting against changes and digging our heels in instead of going with the flow.

What is humanity’s biggest mistake?

Baltimore Oriole – Our focus on creature comforts. This, of course, falls into both that self-centered greed aspect above, as well as the lack of willingness to accept change.

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

DECKS USED: BIRD VIBES MEDITATION CARDS, LITTLE PIGEON TAROT, EARTH WOMAN TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

This post is a catch-up post, and I can’t quite remember what my self-kindness might have been for the day.

Never Good Enough

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Today’s meditation was a ten minute long self-directed session based upon @thelatestkate’s affirmation that says “Maybe today is not an “improve yourself” day. Maybe it can be an “accept yourself and get through” day instead.”

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Chang'an's Illusion Tarot and The Latest Kate AffirmationThe @GlitterbyInk #SeptemberSoul25 Challenge
Seeds of Intention Prompt for September 20th : Equinox
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Five of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of pessimism, regrets, doomsday thinking, disappointments, and occasionally, failure (or at the very least, the perception of failure).

I have a tendency to push too hard and expect too much. And, as true as this is in regards to other people and things around me, it’s significantly more so in how I treat myself.

I was raised to understand that “doing your best” requires self sacrifice… and that you should never do less than your best. That means that to do your best is to neglect your own needs for the cause. You put everything you have into the perfection that you are seeking to achieve. And, at the end of the task, you don’t look at what you’ve accomplished with pride, but with modesty and humility. Because secretly you know you could have sacrificed more, and in doing so done better.

This is the mentality I was raised with, and one I still struggle with even now. I know it’s unhealthy, but it’s deeply ingrained and difficult to root out.

The message for today is to take a look at your expectations, especially towards yourself. Where are you pushing so hard that no matter how good you do, it’s never going to be enough? Take time today to examine why you are treating yourself this way, and look at ways to ease up on yourself.

After all, no harvest is perfect. So, consider how you can be happy with your achievements and celebrate them, instead of tearing them down.

DECK USED:  CHANG’AN’S ILLUSION TAROT AND THE LATEST KATE AFFIRMATION

Tarot Reading with the Tarot for Pregnancy Deck#DiscordTarotholicsSep2025 Challenge
Prompt for September 20th: What do you need to focus on for self-care for this month’s New Moon?

Reading Summary: Rest remains your number one focus for this new moon (Four of Swords), as well as making sure that you’re staying connected with those that are important to you and enjoying your time with them (Three of Cups). You have a lot to be thankful for, and you should be enjoying these things instead of torturing yourself with uncompromising expectations (Four of Wands atop King of Swords).

Take Away: Although as time goes on this month, you’re trying to create a little wiggle room, don’t get so wrapped up in it that you forget that you’re supposed to be resting and waiting, not taking action. Don’t become so obsessed with your little experiments that you lose sight of that. Spend time with others that you like and care about, and enjoy their company. Give yourself some time to relax, and make sure that your aspirations and impatience for movement don’t cause you to get ahead of yourself.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Silver Maple Key for Bouncing Back to Thrive
Ceramic Red Maple Leaf Impression for Adaptability and Connection
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: TAROT FOR PREGNANCY

@de_tarotjuf Time for Yourself
#detarotjufseptembertarotchallenge
Prompts for September 19th through 21st

Tarot Reading with the Chang'an's Illusion Tarot and Change Your Mood OracleWhat lessons can I take with me from the past?

Judgment and Maternal – All of them. You carry those lessons forward with you through your life and into death and what comes beyond.

The one that you seem to be most resistant against thus far is your “mother issues”. You may want to get that sorted out before something happens that makes it impossible to do so.

How can I accept myself more as I am?

The Lovers and Natural – Open yourself up to vulnerability in healthy, low risk ways. Instead of discounting those things about yourself that are positive and good (as you have a tendency to do), take time to appreciate them instead. Foster self acceptance by making choices that validate yourself and those areas of vulnerability.

How can I improve my mind-body balance?

The High Priestess and Pacific – Go with the flow of what you know through your intuition, rather than through logic. Sometimes it’s that inner knowing that has the real answers you need, even for the mind and body. When you connect to your intuition and listen to what’s going on on within you, it allows you to gather knowledge that you wouldn’t otherwise have about yourself and your needs.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Fuchsia Flowers for Stability in the Face of External Disruption
Pressed Pansy Flower for Hearing the Heart More Clearly
Foraged Purple Heather Sprigs for Independence and Luck
Rose Quartz for Gentle Kindness to Self and Others
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECKS USED: CHANG’AN’S ILLUSION TAROT AND CHANGE YOUR MOOD ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I remembered to bring a pair of gardening sleeves with me to protect my arms from the rose thorns.

Be the Muse

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Today’s meditation was a ten minute long self-directed session based upon @thelatestkate’s affirmation that says “Please take some pressure off; you don’t have to make all the good things happen.”

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The King's Theater Tarot - Queen of Wands and The Latest Kate AffirmationsThe @GlitterbyInk #SeptemberSoul25 Challenge
Seeds of Intention Prompt for September 16th : Embodiment
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Queen of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of a receptive alpha energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s passion, drive, willpower, determination, values, and principles. This often translates into themes that have to do with being supportive of others projects and passions, or searching for inner truth within your own values and principles.

It took me a long time to understand and accept that I don’t have to be “on” all the time, and that it’s not my job to keep others entertained, nor hold their hand through each of life’s learning experiences or personal projects. Nor do I need to supervise their lives and works, hovering over them to ensure that they don’t trip and that they do a good job.

All this hovering is because I care, often too much. This often leads to overwhelm and extra dependency on the part of the other person, which is not healthy. That’s why it’s important to step back now and then, inspire from afar, and do your own thing without worrying about them doing theirs.

The message in today’s cards is a reminder that you can be the embodiment of a muse for others, even while taking a step back and not sticking your meddling fingers in their business. Instead, let them come to you as needed while you do your own thing.

DECK USED:  THE KING’S THEATER TAROT

@de_tarotjuf Time for Yourself
#detarotjufseptembertarotchallenge
Prompts for September 15th and 16th

Augur Charm Casting and Verdance Tarot Reading - Four of Swords and The WorldWhat is the next step in my personal development?

Four of Swords; Money Bag and Clover – You need to work on understanding that everything is going to work out fine even without your interference.

Allowing yourself to rest is important, and making that happen requires trust that sometimes luck will be on your side, and everything’s gonna be okay without you involved in making it so. That includes in concern to your business and your finances. Sometimes you just have to take a step back and relax.

Where do I still need more clarity?

The World; Mountains and Love Letter – Other than wanting the things that you do to make you happy., those that love you don’t care about what you can do or  accomplish. They’re there for you through life’s obstacles and struggles because they’re in it for the long haul. They want to be by your side even when the chips are down and the obstacles feel insurmountable.

Other elements included in this reading:
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: VERDANCE TAROT AND AUGUR CHARMS

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2025 Challenge
Prompt for September 16th

The King's Theater Tarot's Nine of Cups, The Magician, Knight of Pentacles, and The Herbal Healing OracleCreate – Page of Pentacles and Nettle

Create a greater appreciation for patience. When you go slow, you allow yourself room to receive instead of having to create everything you need on your own. By contrast, if you rush, you are on your own to make everything happen and build all those building blocks by yourself.

Patience is the key and there is truth in the phrase, “Good things come to those who wait.” With patience, you are able to take a slower pace and be open to receiving assistance more easily.

Evolve – Nine of Cups and Clover

Relax and appreciate those things that you enjoy, rather than being so preoccupied with whatever next goal post is waiting for you. You’re allowed, in your moments of pause, to really appreciate life and enjoy it, rather than chafing at the bit for what comes next.

Take ownership of your times of pause and rest, and work on evolving them into something positive that you can enjoy… instead of inconvenient pauses you try to push through.

Balance – The Magician and Protection

Your ambition and drive to protect what is important to you has gotten a bit out of control. You may not realize it yet, but you’re back to pressuring yourself to be “on “all of the time and prepared for anything.

Although this is an admirable goal, it’s not a realistic one. Everyone needs down time… even you.

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

DECKS USED: THE KING’S THEATER TAROT AND THE HERBAL HEALING DECK

Daily Self Kindness

I didn’t feel well today and spend a great deal of time napping. I also started taking Cold FX and some extra vitamin C to help combat whatever this is.

Do Nothing, Know Nothing

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Today’s meditation was a ten minute long self-directed session based upon @thelatestkate’s affirmation that says “It’s okay to not know the next steps. It’s enough to hang in there.”

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The Witch's Cat Tarot - The Moon card and The Latest Kate AffirmationThe @GlitterbyInk #SeptemberSoul25 Challenge
Seeds of Intention Prompt for September 14th : Celestial
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is The Moon (Lunar Cat) card, which is traditionally a representation of uncertainty, illusion, anxiety, fear, the unknown, and the subconscious.

Looking at my meditation card for today and The Moon card with the cat lazing within the moon’s embrace… and my brain says, “Well, that’s September for me this year.”

They’re not wrong.

The thing is? This is an extremely uncertain time for me. My jewelry business (where the lion’s share of my income comes from for the past five years) is in dire straits at the moment due to the new US tariffs.

I can’t get the supplies in that can’t be purchased anywhere else than overseas, and because my business is US/CAN (I’m a dual citizen and my business partner lives north of the border), we had to shut down sales for the moment to the US while Etsy figures out how to allow international sellers to charge tariffs (because moving the CAN side of the business to the US just isn’t feasible).

This means that my thriving business went from 100% down to… 3%? Maybe a little less. I essentially went from around 60+ sales a week to 2-3. All because of trade issues between US and Canada, and Etsy’s lack of solutions for international sellers needing to collect tariffs at point of sale.

So… Uncertainty abounds, and being one of those “Mr. Fix-it” types? My wheels are spinning to do something about it. Of which, for the time being? There’s nothing I can do.

The cards for today are a reminder that sometimes it’s just not possible to be in control. For a control freak like me, this brings up all kinds of anxieties and uncertainties, but all you can do sometimes is wait it out until the stars (and obstacles) align in your favor once more. And that’s okay. Give yourself permission to do nothing, know nothing, and wait.

DECK USED:  THE WITCH’S CAT TAROT AND THE LATEST KATE AFFIRMATION

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2025 Challenge
Prompt for September 14th : Do Spread 2
@de_tarotjuf Time for Yourself
#detarotjufseptembertarotchallenge
Prompts for September 14th : How can I improve my self-image?

Tarot Reading with The Witch's Cat Tarot and Chubby Witch's Night In Oracle Reading

Reading Summary: The issue lies in your defense mechanisms, indicated by that there are no obvious orange or red hues shared between the anchor card and the Nine of Tails (Nine of Wands), making it both the outlier and the obstacle.

The foundation color of the floor in the anchor card matches to the the background of the Cosmic Cat card (The Star). This connection speaks of a need to root into a foundation of hope and take care to lean into positivity for a sense of stability.

The Witch of Claws (Knight of Swords) card’s colors align with the clothing that the witch in the anchor card wears. This speaks of a need to be proactive in dealing with your thoughts. You can’t be positive and optimistic while draped in negativity and pessimism. Instead, you must drape yourself in the determination to lean into that more positive experience.

Take Away: The message in these cards is a reminder that in order to feel more confident in yourself you need to avoid listening to your negative inner narratives and self talk, and instead use positivity and optimism to combat the imbalance and discord that those negative thoughts create within you.  Remember that what your brain tells you about yourself is “perception”, and not fact. Changing the narrative will change your perspective.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Grand Fir Sprig for Help in Finding One’s Natural Rhythm
Foraged Ponderosa Pine Cone for Resilience and Adaptability
Bird Figuring for Fostering Hope, Positivity, and Renewal
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: THE WITCH’S CAT TAROT AND CHUBBY WITCH’S NIGHT IN ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I had an apple with peanut butter today… which was healthy and good and really “hit the spot” when I was needing a snack.

Collaborative Efforts

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Today’s meditation was a ten minute long self-directed session based upon The Latest Kate‘s affirmation that says “The darkness you’re feeling won’t hurt anyone else. Please don’t hide yourself away.”

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ShuShu Tarot's Three of Pentacles and Latest Kate AffirmationsThe @GlitterbyInk #SeptemberSoul25 Challenge
Seeds of Intention Prompt for September 10th : Blueprint
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Three of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of teamwork, collaboration, working together, and themes to do with bringing in help and/or outside expertise in order to get something done.

Working together will produce better results than going at it alone. You know that idiom “if you want something done right, do it yourself”? I think this phrase was made up by some lazy ass who decided to intentionally bungle their chores so that someone else would have to do them. It’s a marketing ploy for those that don’t want to do anything. A clever one, too. Because then those of us that actually care about the results picked it up as truth.

Thing is though? It’s not truth.

Yes, if you “do it yourself” it’ll get done to whatever standard you want… but by doing it alone instead of inviting other invested parties in, you miss out on ideas and inspiration that you may not have thought of yourself. You miss out on the expertise others may bring with them. And, you miss out on the opportunity to share your own knowledge with others.

Today’s message reminds us that when we opt to “do it yourself”, we are opting out of growth, new ideas, and the bonding experience of including others… not to mention the discovery of whatever surprise skills others may bring with them to the table.

DECK USED:  SHUSHU TAROT AND A “THE LATEST KATE” AFFIRMATION

@de_tarotjuf Time for Yourself
#detarotjufseptembertarotchallenge
Prompts for September 9th and 10th

Tarot Reading, Augur Charm Reading, ShuShu Tarot's Ten of Cups and King of WandsHow can I feel more in tune with myself?

Ten of Cups, Mjölnir, Acorn Sprig – You know that time among the trees is your happy place, and that time there connects you to the roots of who you are. If you want to feel more in tune with yourself, it’s time to return to your “happy place” and connect with nature, which will in turn connect you more strongly to your nature.

What does my gut tell me about my next step?

King of Wands and Backpack – Be ready to go at the drop of a hat. Things will move fast in returning to your desired “normal” once movement begins. Make sure all your little ducks are in a row and ready to go so that you can get moving as soon as this holding patter breaks. That means getting those things that you can in order now that you can, so that they’re out of the way and not an obstacle for you later.

Other elements included in this reading:
Carnelian Agate for Inner Drive and Focusing On One’s Aspirations
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: SHUSHU TAROT AND AUGUR CHARM COLLECTION

Daily Self Kindness

I started a new palate cleanser series of books. It seems to work well if I read a heavier or harsher book or series, then take a break with something light and fun before going back to read something heavier or harsher again.