The Benefits of Friendship

Daily Calm with the Calm appToday’s meditation was twelve minutes long, and was another of the Daily Calm sessions with the Calm app. The topic of the session was about discerning what is right for you, and how to let go of the things that aren’t.

I’ve never had too difficult of a time with knowing what’s right for me and what isn’t, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t struggled more than once to let go of those things that aren’t a good fit.

The problem for me isn’t in the identification, but in the feeling of expectation of what I think -should- be good for me vs what really is.  Well, and a dose of self-destructive tendencies added in.

Blooming Cat Tarot - Two of CupsToday’s draw is the Two of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of unions, duality, and partnerships in the area of one’s emotions, relationships, and creativity. This often comes across as harmonious attractions and themes of mutual attraction, although not always in a romantic manner.

What stands out to me in the imagery of today’s card is the symbolism above the two cats, which speaks to me of how those that are close at heart with you have an effect upon you.

Those closest to you that you connect with most deeply are connected to us on many levels. Their influence has an effect upon your health, your well being, and your peace of mind.

The message in today’s cards is a reminder to acknowledge the good that your loved ones create in your life.  Even if we don’t get along with them -all- the time?  That good influence remains.Don’t close yourself off to these influences and cherish those that are good for you.

@lucet.in.aurora.tarot’s #lucetinauroraMaartTarotChallenge Prompt
Prompt for March 9th: Two of Cups and a drink.

DECK USED:  BLOOMING CAT TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsMar2023 Challenge Prompt
Question for March 9th
: Get Over It Day – What trauma from your past is ready to be healed and released?

Blooming Cat OracleReading Summary: It’s time to turn over a new leaf (Learn) and begin allowing others in instead of holding them at a distance (Connect). In doing so you can change your life for the better, as you have already begun to see (Rotation).

Take Away: You have spent the lion share of your life holding yourself apart from others. Just recently you have begun letting them in more, allowing them to have more of a connection with you and spend more time with you. In doing so, you have begun to realize the benefits of these connections more and more, and enjoy their company more as well.

Those that hurt you are long gone and others have come to take their place that love you and cherish you.  Embrace the change-out of those left behind for those that you connect with so closely.

DECK USED:  BLOOMING CAT ORACLE

@Lionharts #TheMarchTarot Wander Lust Challenge Prompt
Question for March 9th
: How can the Universe help me manifest what I want to attract?

Blooming Cat Tarot - The Tower, Three of Swords, Ace of CupsReading Summary: Tower moments (The Tower) and disappointments (Three of Swords) are the universe’s way of telling you that something needs to change in order for better things to come (Ace of Cups).

Take Away: Shit happens.  Sometimes unexpectedly and with a great deal of pain and disappointment.  It can be extremely difficult to swallow these bitter pills and take it on the chin when things begin to fall apart.

The universe gives you these moments, though, in order to clear out what is in the way of something even better coming along that has the potential to make you even happier than before.

DECK USED:  BLOOMING CAT TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I really wanted to have some time with Gideon tonight, but orders night was too busy to make it happen.  I did manage to get a 20 minute nap tho.

Still More to See

Daily Calm with the Calm appToday’s meditation was ten minutes long, and one of the Daily Calm sessions with the Calm app. I kind of spaced out in the process of this one.

At first it had the focus on the breath, and then after a moment there was the explanation and guidance towards the topic of the meditation… but I was some at peace with my breath work that I forgot to listen.

In fact, even after the session was over, I lingered for a bit longer.

Vice Versa Tarot - Page of CupsToday’s draw is the Page of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of a receptive omega energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s emotions, relationships, creativity, and intuition. This often translates into themes that have to do with the resurfacing of old relationships, delving in to explore new creative endeavors, and the growth of one’s emotional intelligence.

The imagery in this card makes me think of secrets and the things we don’t know.  This fits with the Page, as there are many things that the Page has yet to learn.

The message in today’s card is a reminder that no matter how much we reveal about ourselves and our emotions, there’s still more to discover and learn.  Stay open to new lessons and new discoveries.

DECK USED:  VICE VERSA TAROT

@Lionharts #TheMarchTarot Wander Lust Challenge Prompt
Question for March 8th
: What inner strength can I draw on to empower myself?

Forest Folklore Tarot - Six of Wands, Ace of Rings, Ace of Pentacles, Four of WandsReading Summary: Your independence allows you to not worry so much about what others think (Six of Wands Rx) when opportunities knock (Ace of Rings), instead you look at what works best for you and furthers your core goals of stability and comfort (Four of Wands).

Take Away: Your independence is one of your greatest strengths.  This does not mean that you do everything yourself or have to stand alone, but rather that you know what you like and are not vulnerable to peer pressures.

This strength allows you to stay true to your own goals and desires when new opportunities arise instead of becoming distracted by what others want or think you should do.

DECK USED: FOREST FOLKLORE TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsMar2023 Challenge Prompt
Philosophical Question for March 8th
: Is love an inherent emotion, or is it learned behavior?

Vice Versa Tarot - Hanged Man, Nine of Swords, Three of CupsReading Summary: Everyone sees love differently (The Hanged Man). It can be a bane that hangs around the neck and makes us miserable (Nine of Swords), or an elixir of life we are forever grateful for (Three of Cups).

Take Away: These cards indicate that love as itself is absolutely inherent and something that we all have within us and the ability to experience.

That doesn’t mean we all react to it or experience it in the same way, though, nor view it in the same light. For some it’s a blessing, for others a curse.  It all depends on  your perspective, and the experiences that you have along the way.

DECK USED: VICE VERSA TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I took a really long nap today.  I’ve been feeling a little prickly like I’m coming down with something, but the napping seems to help.  Ibuprofen as well.

Goal Oriented Snail’s Pace

Today’s meditation was skipped.

Oh, What a Wild Life! TarotToday’s draw is the Knight of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of an projective beta energy in the area of one’s finances, resources, health, home, manifestations, and the physical world. The Knight of Pentacles has a “go get’em” energy, but moves at a slower pace and marches to the beat of their own drum.

The fact that the moose in the imagery stands at the top of the mountain shows that even if we’re moving at a slow pace, we can reach our goals.

It might take longer than we anticipate, as instead of racing headlong, we’re moving at a snails pace… at the same time?  You can still get there with a little patience, effort, and focus.

@lucet.in.aurora.tarot’s #lucetinauroraMaartTarotChallenge Prompt
Prompt for March 8th: A pentacles card and the same amount of coins.

DECK USED:  OH WHAT A WILD LIFE! TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsMar2023 Challenge Prompt
Question for March 7th
: National Cereal Day – What three small things can you do to improve your physical health?

Oracle Lumí AirSpiritualité – Keeping that spiritual connection thriving supports your physical health, whether you realize it or not.  It provides you with the strength to keep going and to connect with yourself in greater depth.

La Confiance Dirigée – Stay on track with your goals.  This isn’t a huge endeavor, but rather is as small and easy as keeping your goals in mind even at the times when you’re not actively working on them.  By keeping your eye upon the ball, even during times of rest, you allow yourself to continue working towards those goals instead of losing sight of them along the way.

Sa Majesté le Chêne – Allow yourself time in nature. You have neglected this a lot of late, but you need that time among the trees and moss.  You need time to enjoy and breathe in the sweet solitude and allow yourself to sit with nature and enjoy.

DECK USED: ORACLE LUMÍ AIR

@Lionharts #TheMarchTarot Wander Lust Challenge Prompt
Question for March 7th
: How can I use nature to cultivate a deeper sense of inner peace?

Oh, What a Wild Life! TarotReading Summary: You can benefit from more stability (Four of Pentacles) in the development of your emotional intelligence (Page of Cups) by stepping outside and spending more time in nature (The World).

Take Away: You have lost touch with just how much being in nature can help you to find inner peace.  Step outside and into nature, soak up the gift that the trees and liminal spaces have for you.  Allow yourself to feel their stability and strength.

Inclement weather has been a bit of a struggle.  First the heat of summer, the holiday rush is it’s own beast, then again when the weather became dangerously cold this winter.  That is no longer an excuse, though.  You have a habit on procrastinating on those things you need most… but this is one of them you should take care not to add to that list.

DECK USED: OH WHAT A WILD LIFE! TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I weeded through my KS projects that I’ve backed and unsubscribed from another fifteen of them.

Invite In Vibrancy

Daily Jay on the Calm appToday’s meditation was eight minutes long, and was a “Daily Jay” session in the Calm app. The session today encourages celebrating the good things in life instead of letting them pass you by.  Sometimes, celebration comes in moments of gratitude instead of parties and fun.  Sometimes, it comes in just acknowledging that something good happened.

Doing this will allow you to lighten each of your day by minuscule amounts, that just like pennies in a fountain, will add up over time until there’s a fortune of goodness to help with your day to day perspectives.

Student Tarot No. 6 - The FoolToday’s draw is the Fool card of the Major Arcana, which is traditionally read as a card representing innocence, new beginnings, naivete, and boundless enthusiasm.

There is a novice and untried air to the Fool, as he has yet to have tripped over a single pebble or stubbed his toe on a single root yet on his journey. There is also a hint of anticipation, as adventures await the Fool, and he’s eager to begin.

The message in today’s card with its vibrant colors and the hint of determination on the features of the Fool, is to make sure you are leaning into open minded exploration rather than just wandering along without focus. Don’t close yourself off. Your life can be so much more vibrant and colorful if you put a little effort into enthusiastic exploration.

DECK USED:  STUDENT TAROT n6

#DiscordTarotholicsMar2023 Challenge Prompt
Question for March 6th
: What do you need to focus on for self-care for this full moon?

Infinity Tarot - Nine of Coins, Seven of Cups, TemperanceReading Summary: Prioritize gratitude (Nine of Coins) and self care (The Empress) over everything else (Seven of Cups).

Take Away: You’re not yet out of the weeds when it comes to your depression.

You need to make sure that you continue to lean into gratitude and self-care.  Don’t set aside these pursuits and think all will be well.  You need to continue to push toward positivity and optimism, and take care of yourself.

If it comes down to choosing between responsibility and self-care?  Make sure that you choose the self-care option for once.

DECK USED: INFINITY TAROT

@Lionharts #TheMarchTarot Wander Lust Challenge Prompt
Questions for March 6th

Student Tarot No. 6 - Page of Swords, The Hierophant, Ten of Swords, Knight of SwordsWhat can I use, or do, to ground myself?

Page of Swords and The Hierophant – Accept that sometimes the tried and true methods are the best suited for your needs. You don’t have to approach it with a “reinventing the wheel” mindset.

What can I use, or do, to focus my energy?

Ten of Swords and Knight of Swords – Accept that down time is not just important, but necessary, and you can always pick up your sword and charge forward again later when you’re feeling better. There is no race here and taking a breather is not just important, but necessary.

DECK USED: STUDENT TAROT n6

@lucet.in.aurora.tarot’s #lucetinauroraMaartTarotChallenge Prompt
Prompt for March 6th: These cards are enemies of each other.

Original 1901 Tarot and Book of Thoth Tarot Golden Edition

The tarot deck created by A. E. Waite and Pamela Coleman Smith, then published by Rider Publishing in 1909 was a revolution in tarot. The cards were heavy with imagery and symbolism, with a full deck of 78 cards with scenic illustrations on each and every one.

My understanding is that Aleister Crowley had a bit of a contentious relationship with A. E. Waite, and he was not happy with the end product when Waite’s deck was done.  He worked on a revamp of that deck from 1938 through 1943 with Lady Freida Harris.  The Book of Thoth was then published in 1944 alongside a companion book of the same name. This deck holds the same structure and a large number of similarities with Waite’s tarot with a number of meanings changed as well as a handful of the card names in the Major Arcana.

In many ways, the contention between these two men carried forward into the present between the decks themselves. Many readers see using one or the other as an “either / or” situation, feeling that they are incompatible in one’s path and practice.

DECK USED: 1901 ORIGINAL TAROT AND THE BOOK OF THOTH GOLDEN EDITION

Daily Self Kindness

I took some time today to play with Gideon even though it was an orders day.  I just needed some time with him.

Watch For the Quiet Ones

Today’s meditation was skipped.

The Likely Tarot - Five of SwordsToday’s draw is the Five of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of conflict, tests, and trials in the areas of communication, intellect, education, thought, and logic. This often translates into things that have to do with arguments and misunderstandings.

What stands out to me in the imagery for this card is not the feathers hanging in the sky, but the flowers that gather at the bottom and the promise of danger that they pose.   It feels that they are a reminder that there are two different types of people when their angry.  There’s the type full of flash and fire that will confront you head on, and the quiet type that will simmer in silence but is far more toxic and dangerous in the end.

The message in today’s card is a reminder that when it comes to conflict, make sure that you pay attention to the quiet ones.  Everything is not as okay as it might seem, and when they go quiet? It’s time to put in a little more effort to finding common ground.

DECK USED:  THE LIKELY TAROT

@Lionharts #TheMarchTarot Wander Lust Challenge Prompt
Question for March 5th
: How can I embrace and use my natural environment to help me with my current journey?

L'oracle des MurmuresReading Summary: Balance in life (center card) requires a balance of both work (left card) and play (right card).

Take Away: Not allowing yourself enough balance between play and work creates an imbalance in your life that makes it harder for you to communicate with others, and also harder for you to connect with your intuition.

You need to get out in the green, even when there might not be as much green around as you’d like. Take an easy path through the forest, if needed.

Just making sure you’re getting out there at all will help you in balancing out your life so that you can enjoy your work more, and other elements in your life will feel less disjointed as a result.

DECK USED: L’ORACLE DES MURMURES

#DiscordTarotholicsMar2023 Challenge Prompt
Prompt for March 5th
: Do Spread 1 – With spring approaching, it’s time to start cleaning out the old energies of hibernation and stagnation that winter can often bring. In this spread look for those thoughts and things that need to be let go in order to allow you to flourish this spring.

The Likely TarotWhat do I need to let go of to…

Ease My MindAce if Swords and Two of Wands – New plans and new aspirations need to take a backseat as you move into spring this year. Let yourself just live in the moment and enjoy yourself instead of always looking forward to what new opportunities may be just around the corner.

Lighten My Heart Justice Rx and The Hanged Man – You have a choice when you make a decision on how you look at things. You can look at them from a balanced and more forgiving perspective, or as a punisher meting out consequences. Choose the former and allow an attitude of forgiveness to rise up the spring, rather than leaning into harsher viewpoints.

Free My Creative Spark King of Wands and Knight of Pentacles – You don’t always have to be top dog on every passion project. Allow yourself to drop the ball every once in a while, and see how quickly others move to pick it up.

DECK USED: THE LIKELY TAROT

@lucet.in.aurora.tarot’s #lucetinauroraMaartTarotChallenge Prompt
Prompt for March 5th: These cards were “besties”.

Hanson Roberts Tarot and The Herbal TarotAlthough not my first deck (which was a complete disaster and only worth mentioning in discussions about owning decks that don’t work for the reader and/or are unsuitable for learning), these two were the second and third decks I ever owned, and the first that I ever connected strongly with.

The Hanson Roberts Tarot (left) and Herbal Tarot (right) traveled together from living situation to living situation, from shelter to couch to car to cardboard box, and eventually from home to home throughout my mid-to-late teens.

They are the best of friends, and will always be connected in my mind through the bond from those years in my life.

DECK USED: HANSON ROBERTS TAROT AND HERBAL TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I ordered pizza and made chocolate chip cookies for myself today.

Let Them Learn

IMG_E1670Today’s meditation was ten minutes long, and was a Daily Calm session from the Calm app.

The topic of today’s session was non-contention.  That is, how life can move a bit smoother if we choose to allow the struggles and obstacles in life to flow around us and us go with the flow… rather than fighting against the current.

Not everything has to be a fight, and being oppositional all the time holds a great deal of unnecessary struggle and strife.

IMG_E1671Today’s draw is the Justice card, which is traditionally a representation of repercussions and other themes that have to do with cause and effect, and can often indicate the involvement of law enforcement or the legal system within a situation.

I like how the sharp edges in the artwork of this card match so well the theme of Justice as a whole.  That knowing look and the sharp edges of the woman make it clear that there is no mercy here, only repercussions.

Today’s card is a reminder that it’s okay to be harsh now and then.  Sometimes, for people to learn their lessons?  A little harshness is needed.  You cant sugar coat and carefully pillow things forever, or they’ll never learn.

DECK USED:  THE ALCHEMIST’S BOOK OF SHADOWS TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsMar2023 Challenge Prompt
Questions for March 3rd and 4th

IMG_E1672Caregiver Appreciation Day – What caregiver in your life is in need of loving care in return?

Cat Alice – It’s Z.  I can’t even pick out why in this card I see her in the imagery, but I do.  Not just in the pose of the Cat Alice, but even in the transposed shadows on the wall.  It’s her.

How can I provide that person the loving care that they need?

Unseen Dangers atop The Way Up – Offer her a life line. Remind her that you’re there, hand out and willing to help lift her up when she needs it.  Sometimes, that fact gets lost in murky waters and she begins to feel far too alone.

Hug a GI Day – Service comes in many forms, what service can you do for others today?

Decluttering – Give others a hand up by talking with them sincerely and helping them to sort out what is working for them from what isn’t.  This goes beyond just the sorting process, as these people in your life might also need a bit of encouragement to actually leave behind those things that aren’t working instead of keeping it all as litter in their lives.

DECK USED: THE ANSWER IS WITHIN METAPHORIC CARDS

@Lionharts #TheMarchTarot Wander Lust Challenge Prompt
Questions for March 3rd and 4th
And @lucet.in.aurora.tarot’s #lucetinauroraMaartTarotChallenge Prompt
Prompt for March 4th
: A reading by candle light.

IMG_E1673What part of me am I encouraged to show, express or share more?

Six of Cups – It’s important to connect with good memories. When you share history with others that know you and were there, they help you to not just see the good, but see the past more clearly as a whole.

Where am I to use my instincts and follow my intuition?

Four of Cups – Keep going with your meditation. It’s only been a few days, but you know that in keeping up with it, it will allow your intuition’s voice to speak more loudly.

Why is this important for me?

Ten of Wands atop The Emperor – In order to make good decisions for yourself and others, and not feel overwhelmed by it all, you need the balance that meditation provides as well as the stronger connection it provides you to your intuition.

DECK USED: THE ALCHEMIST’S BOOK OF SHADOWS TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I didn’t sleep much last night, so I gave myself license to take a couple of naps today to work at catching up on some of the sleep I’d missed.