#thenovembertarot

Make Room For Both

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Today’s meditation was not a triumph, but an effort all the same.  I did lie down, and I did try.  I couldn’t quite get my brain to shut the fuck up, nor could I manage to focus on my breath for more than a few seconds at a time, but I did make the effort for a good fifteen or twenty minutes.

Dragon Companions Tarot and How to Be a Wildflower DeckToday’s draw is the King of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of a projective alpha energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s intellect, education, aspirations, and communication. This often translates into themes that have to do with professional acumen, authority figures in the education sector, cunning strategists, and those skills that are often referred to as having a “silver tongue”.

The thing about the King of Swords is that the energy of this card is often measured and restrained. Like chess, each move made is thought out and planned. Strategy is often a theme involved here, and strategy requires forethought and planning.

The affirmation card then encourages us to “run free” which speaks of allowing yourself time to step away from this  more strategized and structured approach to life, and allowing the freedom to be spontaneous now and then.  To enjoy time away from this mindset, time to enjoy life and the world around you without needing to plot the course as you go.  Other than when hiking? I’ve always struggled in this area.  I’ve struggled at that mentality of freedom without plans and plotting and strategy.  Today’s cards are a reminder that these opposites can live in harmony.  You can give yourself both.  They may mix like oil and water, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make room in your life for both.

DECK USED:  DRAGON COMPANIONS TAROT AND HOW TO BE A WILDFLOWER DECK

Mr Lionharts’ #TheNovemberTarot Solitary Tarot Challenge Prompt
Questions for November 2

Secret Woods Cards and Tarot of the Mystic SpiralWhere am I asked to give space or make space for myself?

Performer and The Magician – It’s okay to seek approval. Stop looking down on yourself for this, and instead start seeing it as a useful tool to inspire.

How can creating space for this help me on my journey?

Empath and Judgement atop Knave of Cups – In letting others see your learning journey as you create what you want out of life while continuing to follow the guidance of your moral compass, you inspire others to try the same. It allows them to see what is possible and reach for their own dreams.

DECK USED: SECRET WOODS CARDS AND TAROT OF THE MYSTIC SPIRAL

#DiscordTarotholicsNov2021 Challenge Prompt
Question for November 2nd: Advice I need to hear at this time concerning my personal happiness.

Dragon Companions TarotReading Summary: Prioritize a more nurturing attitude towards yourself and things will flourish with less strife and struggle (Queen of Pentacles). You don’t have to push so damn hard (Temperance) and always be up in arms (Seven of Wands) to get where you want to go in life (The World).

Take Away: I can’t figure out why I equate trial and struggle with success, but this isn’t the only reading lately that has essentially told me “work smarter, not harder”.

“Smarter” includes caring for myself better so that I can put my energy into the things I want without feeling so drained during or after doing so.  It means giving myself those things I need to replenish my energy, my positivity, and keep myself uplifted.

DECK USED: DRAGON COMPANIONS TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I finally got some time with Gideon today.  We played going trick-or-treating, which is something I’ve been looking forward to doing with him for… at least two months.  It was so nice and the time with him was so… good.

Healthy Renewal Needed

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Today’s meditation was yet again… skipped.  It’s an orders day so, that’s probably not much of a surprise.  Then again, with how much I’ve been skipping lately?  It’s probably not a surprise regardless.

Tarot of Sacred Realms and How to Be a Wildflower DeckToday’s draw is the Queen of Pentacles (same as yesterday), which is traditionally a representation of a receptive alpha energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s finances, resources, health, hearth, manifestations, and the physical world. The energy of this card is down to earth, and that of a nurturer.

As with yesterday’s cards, today’s cards are about getting out in nature. It’s something I need.  I need to feel the nurturing energy of the forest surrounding me.  I need to lie down on the wet moss and soak up that energy, let it sink in and spread throughout, saturating me with its cleansing gift in the way the rain saturates the soil.

I need to feel the freedom of this experience… and I need to find a way to do this that isn’t going to further inflame my right infrapatellar fat pad. There’s the rub, right?  First it was my left Achilles tendon, and now the right knee.  I still need to find a way to get that time in nature, though, and today’s card is a reminder that that time out in nature is important for my health and well being.

DECK USED:  TAROT OF SACRED REALMS AND HOW TO BE A WILDFLOWER DECK

Mr Lionharts’ #TheNovemberTarot Solitary Tarot Challenge Prompt
Question: On this very day, these are three things that I know to be true:

Bloodstone and EarthFlesh TarotI feel… The Empress atop Seven of Swords – A need to get out in nature (well hello there COTD). These cards are a reminder not to allow the treacherous whispers of my inner narrative to negatively influence my self-nurturing choices. Instead, lean into the nurturing as a balm to those wounds.

l am… Ace of Swords – A writer. A communicator. A wordsmith. Miscommunication happens to everyone now and then, and is a part of life. That doesn’t change these things that are a part of my nature.

I want to… King of Swords and Ace of Wands – Win. At everything. I’m a fast learner, and I have a habit of demanding quality from myself at any endeavor that strikes my interest and I put my energy into.  I’m demanding, discerning, and expect the absolute best from myself at all times because I don’t like to fail. This doesn’t mean I can’t take failure gracefully, but rather that I take even failure as a learning experience that will allow me to improve and do better.

DECK USED: BLOODSTONE & EARTHFLESH TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsNov2021 Challenge Prompt
Topic: Do the All Saints Day Spread

Tarot of Sacred RealmsA message that your Ancestors would like to give you at this time.

The Moon – “What is there to really be afraid of anyway?” It’s all in the angle of the jaw and the side-eye. The message here is to be brave and not worry so much about the “what if” scenarios and unforeseen issues that might or might not happen.

A message your Ancestors have been trying to convey that you have not been receptive to in the past.

Page of Wands – If you aren’t getting satisfaction out of what you are doing, it’s time to try something new. (I think that I need to stew on this a bit.)

How to be more open to messages from your Ancestors in the future.

The Hanged Man – Listen closer and sit more with what comes through. Consider meditating after your readings instead of before, so that you can take that time to let their messages sink in.

How to honor and connect more strongly with your Ancestors going forward.

Nine of Swords – Prioritize their messages and your connection with them over your fears and anxieties. You blocked out your mediumship abilities for a long time out of fear. It’s time to release that fear.

DECK USED: TAROT OF SACRED REALMS

Daily Self Kindness

It was orders day, but I managed to take a very brief nap between getting home from the chiropractor and when the housekeeper showed up.

Skip the Verdigris

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IMG_7975Today’s meditation was ten minutes long and was another guided meditation with interval timer for my piriformis stretches.

The topic of today’s meditation was about dealing with anxiety during stressful times.  In truth, it was about the calming benefits of taking a breath.  I’ve often helped others find that particular benefit, coaching them in taking a moment to sit tall and seek to put distance between your straight shoulders and your ears before then slowly taking a breath that starts down in the pit of your belly and slowly fills your stomach, then solar plexus, then chest.  The beat of pause, then slow exhale that comes after as you release that air.

One slow, deep breath with your spine straight and your neck not in hyper extended position.  Just one.  And sometimes that one breath is all that is needed to turn the tide on panic, anxiety, frustration, anger, or fear.

Traditional Manga Tarot - The WorldToday’s draw is the World card, which is traditionally a representation of reaching the end of a long journey of growth and development, and stepping through that closure to move on to the next.  In coming to the end of this journey, there is both accomplishment and an anticipation for what new journey lies beyond.  Many consider this card a representation of reincarnation.

What stands out to me the strongest in the imagery of this card today is the embrace that these two figures have upon the earth.  Specifically, though, the figure in the background that appears to curl around the curvature of the earth and rest upon it in a loving embrace.

The message here is that when you come to the end of a journey of growth, it’s not a time to look back and judge harshly what you have done and/or not done along the way.

It’s instead a time to celebrate your accomplishments and look forward with anticipation.  You’ve done good.  You’ve accomplished something.  You’ve found yourself at a place where there has been clear growth and you’re now better in some way than you were before.  Don’t tarnish that or diminish it with negative judgements.

DECK USED:  TRADITIONAL MANGA TAROT

#DiscordTarotolicsNov2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: What do I need to focus on for self care this full moon?

Elemental TarotReading Summary: As I’m working my fingers to the bone to bring in the cash (King of Pentacles atop Justice), don’t forget to enjoy yourself (The Sun) and keep optimism alive (The Star).

Take Away: There have been a lot of these reminders lately, and the truth is? I need them. The thing is, there are consequences to our actions, and the Justice card here is very much all about consequences. When you work hard, the money rolls in. When you work hard, you risk burnout and overwhelm. You forget to look at the bright side.  You forget to smile and have fun. All work, no play is a very unhealthy thing.

And thus the reminder to keep the fun and enjoyment up, and the positivity flowing.  These things are not in my nature and are not easy, but they help keep everything in balance.

DECK USED:  ELEMENTAL TAROT

Love and Kindness

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IMG_7967Today’s meditation was just over ten minutes long and was combined with interval timer for my stretches.  The topic of this guided meditation was about the small choices we make… in other words, the butterfly effect.

It was about how with each small good choice we make for ourselves in our lives, we foster and encourage goodness and positivity and healthy habits to develop and take root.  And how it’s important to encourage this positive growth, as opposed to feeding the bad habits and making bad choices that hold us back.

Tarot of the Little Prince - Ten of SwordsToday’s draw is the Ten of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of painful endings, the dying off of hard times, and the end of cycles of difficulty and trials.  The swords suit is, after all, a story about tragedy and the Ten of Swords is the end of said tragedy before the hero of the story picks themselves back up and brushes themselves off to try again.

I find the imagery in this card to be extremely disorienting today.  I’m not sure if it has always made me feel this way, but today? When I look at this card it feels as if the entire world has been turned upside down.  And in this chaotic, confusing world the boy curls close the fox that is his companion to protect the fox from being hurt or lost.

The message here is about making sure that you are caring for your heart… your soft squishy insides.  When the world falls into chaos, make sure you’re taking care of what’s important to you… including yourself.  Kindness and love is needed.  It might not conquer all… but it makes everything just a little bit better.

DECK USED:  TAROT OF THE LITTLE PRINCE

#DiscordTarotolicsNov2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: Do Spread #4

Tarots Egyptiens Anima AntiquaWhat have I been taking for granted?

Nine of Coins – I spend so much time focusing on where I’m going and what I need to do that I’ve forgotten to take time to enjoy the present and what I have in the now.  Gideon reminded me earlier today of this. I was sad about having lost my “easy”… that easy going nature I’d had when I was younger siphoned away over time as I started my own businesses and responsibilities piled on my shoulders.

He reminded me that yes, that “easy” was nice, but it was also a time in my life where I was struggling just to feed myself.  In the same way as looking back on what I miss, I often train my focus forward on where I want to go… but in truth?  I need to spend more of my focus on the now, and just how good I have it these days.

What’s been holding me back from seeing my blessings clearly?

Six of Swords Rx – My determination to move forward and claim more of what I want out of life, to achieve more and succeed.  To stake my claim on the future. This determination has made it difficult to ease up and enjoy the present to its fullest.

How can I better express my gratitude in the future?

Knight of Cups – Instead of focusing so hard on responsibilities and goals, seek out the things that bring me joy and satisfaction and go after them instead.  Seek the things that foster a bit of pleasure in the present instead of constantly striving for more out of the future.

What do I need to acknowledge gratitude for in my relationships?

Four of Swords – I am so grateful that those in my life understand my need for alone time and encourage that.  It’s something that I don’t express a lot of gratitude for, but having had some experience in the past few years with some truly extroverted people that need a good deal of social contact?  I have come to realize that the friends and loved ones I have are very unique in that they are supportive of my need for alone time.  I didn’t realize how rare this was until… well, just now when thinking about it.

What do I need to acknowledge gratitude for in my finances?

Five of Cups – This is an echo of the response in my first question of this spread.  It’s about realizing how good I have it now, and feeling gratitude for the present and all that I have in this present moment. I need to stop telling myself that I’m not doing enough… that it’s not enough… that I’m not enough.

What do I need to acknowledge gratitude for in my work life?

King of Cups – I am able to do what truly nourishes my soul.  Sometimes I might feel worn down and tired, and I might not enjoy it as much as I could… or should.  But, the fact remains, I’m doing what I love. I’m doing what I enjoy. And, through my work, I share my pleasure and enjoyment, my emotions and my hopes and the energy of my positive emotions with others with every single piece that I ship out.

DECK USED:  TAROTS EGYPTIENS ANIMA ANTIQUA

Foundations for Joy

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unnamedToday’s meditation was just over ten minutes long and was a guided meditation with interval timer for my piriformis stretches.

The topic of the guided meditation today was consideration for self.  That is to say, it spoke on caring for yourself and making sure that you give yourself kindness and patience.

The guide spoke about how when you speak to your friends and loved ones, you use compassion and patience as a part of the dialogue, and reminded the listener that this is the same way we should be speaking to ourselves.  With that same compassion and patience.  One should not treat themselves as less than one treats others, after all.  There’s no reason for it.

Traditional Manga Tarot - Four of PentaclesToday’s draw is is the Four of Pentacles, which is traditionally interpreted as a solidly grounded message of stability and security.  This can often also lead to interpretations of too much stability or too much security as seen in one that is miserly or greedy.

What stands out to me the strongest in the imagery of this card today is the look on the man’s face.  He just doesn’t look all that happy.  In fact, he looks downright miserable. You would think that as hard as he’s holding onto that coin in his arms, that it would make him happy, and yet… it doesn’t.

The message  here is not to get so wrapped up in monetary pursuits and the need for stability that you lose sight of what brings you joy. Security and stability allow for there to be room in your life for joy and happiness, but they are not joy and happiness in and of themselves.

DECK USED:  TRADITIONAL MANGA TAROT

#DiscordTarotolicsNov2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: Grab a spread of your choice that you’ve been curious about… and give it a go!

Scorpio Sea Tarot - Breath of Fresh Air SpreadWhat To Let Go Of – Four of Cups – Apathy and withdrawal.  These things are not your friends right now, no matter how safe they might feel in the moment.  You need those around you, and you need the connections. You need to allow your emotions space to flow even as you work… don’t shut yourself away and cut everyone else off. Remember that it’s not about “either/or” but rather about finding balance with both.

New Energy In Your Life – The Lovers -The new and better choices you have been making for yourself over the past year are trying to take root.  The soil is not as fertile during this time of the year, and it’s important to give this growth a chance by continuing to focus on making healthy choices for yourself.  Don’t ignore your needs just because things are busy and you’re caught up in the rush.

What Is To Come – Ten of Cups – Soon you will be able to delve back into the exploration of your emotions once more.  You’ll be given the opportunity for growth in this area once again, and those that love and care about you will be there to help you and support you as you return to expanding upon your emotional growth and emotional intelligence once more.

The Way Forward – King of Coins – Take ownership of your actions and responsibilities not just to the business but also to yourself and your well-being. As much energy as you put into the business, this doesn’t make it your most important responsibility no matter how much you focus on it.  Your most important responsibility is to your health and well-being.

DECK USED:  SCORPIO SEA TAROT

Listen More Closely

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IMG_7933Today’s meditation was right at about ten minutes long today, and was a guided meditation with interval timer for my piriformis stretches.

The topic of today’s guided meditation was growth, and the discomfort that we go through as we grow.  It was about how that discomfort is natural and, although uncomfortable, is a good thing.  It’s through these growing pains that we develop into someone better, and become more than we currently are.

If, instead of accepting these growing pains and discomfort as a part of life, we instead turn around and hide from those uncomfortable feelings then we also hide from the experiences that provide us with growth and betterment.

Tarot of the Little Prince - Five of WandsToday’s draw is the Five of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of tests, trials, and conflict in the area of one’s drive, inspiration, willpower, and determination.  This often translates into either struggles that cause you to be held back and you fight against that barrier, or impassioned conflict concerning what one believes in.

What stands out to me in this card’s image today is the fact that the snake is actually fighting using a wand.  I mean… that’s remarkable right?  Okay so when I saw this today, I thought…. “Hm, watch out for unexpected trouble.”

Although to be honest?  I really didn’t expect “unexpected trouble” to come in the guise of a crazy ass 220 pound white guy with a rage issue screaming at me to go back to my “homeland” and take the “China flu back there with you” as he handed me my ass in a parking lot.

Thank you for the warning…. I’m sorry I didn’t listen more closely this morning.

DECK USED:  TAROT OF THE LITTLE PRINCE

#DiscordTarotolicsNov2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: Think of a problem that needs solving and pull cards in relation to… Where To Begin / What Half Way Looks Like / How to End Things / Long Term Ramifications
Problem: Keeping up with the holiday rush

Bosch TarotWhere To Begin – Strength – Remember that you’ve got this. You are capable and strong, you have the inner stamina and strength to make it through, no matter how bad it gets.  You run this gauntlet every year, and you always make it through just fine, if feeling a little ragged by the end.

What Half Way Looks Like – The Lovers – Half way there is a good time to remember that you need to include self care.  It can be really hard to fit in those things that help you feeling refreshed when in the middle of keeping the chaos in line. But you need it.  So don’t skimp on it.

How to End Things – King of Pentacles – Flush from the holiday rush, you will have your finances in a better place than they’ve been in some time.  Make sure you invest that money wisely, save it wisely, and put it towards that stability and security you constantly crave.

Long Term Ramifications – Six of Swords – Somewhere better than where you’re at now.  Positive advancement towards improvement and being “in a better place” financially.  That is what you run this gamut for each year, after all.

DECK USED:  BOSCH TAROT