#TheOctoberChallenge

The Mermaid with the Violin

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TasseomancyToday’s meditation was skipped.

In my tea today I saw a mermaid playing a violin.

This is a reminder that sometimes whimsy and fun makes everything better.  Don’t let the seriousness of life drag you down and make you boring. Instead, add a little fun into each day so that you have a chance to enjoy life… even during the moments when you’re doing responsible things.

Something as simple as some fun music, or a little bit of play, added into mundane tasks can turn a task that’s mind-numbingly boring into fun and energizing.

Teeny Tiny TarotToday’s draw is the Seven of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of thinking strategically, getting away with something, taking only what you can carry, and sneaky shit and/or deception.

What stands out to me in today’s imagery is the two pins left behind.  The hand holds five, all full of string, and that appears to be nearly more than they can handle at once.  Thus, the two other pins get left behind.  Maybe they’ll come back for them later… maybe not.  But they can’t take them all on at once.

Where in your life are you trying to take on more than you can carry?  Today’s card encourages looking at these things and picking those that are of lowest priority and letting them go.

They only seem important until the moment you realize that they’re really not.

DECK USED:  TEENY TINY TAROT

Mr Lionhart’s Seasons of the Witch Challenge Prompt
Questions for October 24th thru 26th – The Haunting

Mini Divi Decks: Ghosts, Curiosities, and DreamsPumpkins, costumes, trickery, what does my inner kid need this Hallowe’en?

Tornado and The Corner Ghost – Your inner child needs you to take control and instill stability by reassessing whose company is benefiting you, and which are causing chaos and problems.

A black cat’s omen, a raven’s foresight, what cometh to me on Hallows night?

Soaked Ghost and Lonely Ghost – Don’t fall back on old habits when difficult emotions arise. Instead, communicate. Turn over a new leaf in how you deal with these things.

Now as the veil keeps growing thin, show me how to prepare for this Samhain?

Teeth Falling Out and Christine – As your ancestors and spirit guides grow stronger, make sure you are listening to what they have to say. Seek out their counsel instead of working to tune them out.

DECK USED: MINI DIVI DECKS – GHOSTS, CURIOSITIES, AND DREAMS

#DiscordTarotholicsOct2022 Challenge Prompt
Question for October 25th: Haunted – What is haunting you right now?

Teeny Tiny TarotReading Summary: The desire to learn how (Page of Swords) to instill more guilt-free pleasure (Nine of Cups) and enjoyment upon your life’s path (The World).

Take Away: You’ve discovered that the key to a better and happier life is to instill fun, play, and pleasure into the every day, but you’ve yet to figure out how to do this without feeling guilty about it.

Once the holiday rush is over, this might be an area that you need to focus on more closely, and work with. That guilt is unfounded, and the pleasure needed. Although this shadow needs to be set aside for now, don’t let it carry on unchecked.

DECK USED: TEENY TINY TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

This is another catch-up post, and I cannot remember what self-kindness I did for myself on this day.

Single Minded Focus

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

Cruel Thing TarotToday’s draw is the Chariot card, which is traditionally a representation of control, determination, direction, and autonomy.

What stands out to me the strongest today in the imagery of this card is the dust he leaves in his wake. The charioteer stands strong and in control, facing ever forward. He does not look back at what is in his wake, nor does he look left or right to the past or future, but always forward to what is right in front of him in order to take on the present challenges head on with strength and determination. The charioteer knows that to let these other things distract him would be to weaken his resolve, and thus it is with single minded focus he meets his challenges and moves forward.

This card begs the question… what distractions are tampering with your resolve? Where is it we need to buckle down with focus and determination? Where is it we feel there is a lack of control in our lives, and what is holding us back from taking these matters in hand more fully and firmly?

DECK USED:  CRUEL THING TAROT

HealingThruTarot’s October Shadow Work Challenge Prompt
Questions for October 22nd and 24th

Clash of the Yokai Game Cards and Veritas Magia TarotHow does my shadow block my joy?

Hōnengyo and Tearai-oni – Your shadow tells you that you need alone time when in truth, you are in need of people instead. Yes, you require a certain amount of alone time, especially in places wet and dark and filled with trees, but it has to be healthy alone time. Your shadow tries to pull you into withdrawing into alone time when it is unhealthy for you.

What can I do to ease this block?

Two of Wands and Seven of Swords – Don’t be impulsive about your alone time, but instead plan it in advance. This way, when you steal away into the wilds, you know it is with a healthy plan and healthy goals, instead of spurred on by the whispers of you shadow.

How do I demean myself?

Kappa and Baku – You beat yourself up and drown yourself in recriminations for not living a fuller life and completing goals you’ve chosen to move on from instead of continuing to strive to accomplish.

How can I turn this behavior around into something more healthy?

Eight of Cups and Ace of Swords – Recognize that yes, there is much you have abandoned, but that it was to start new and better things that you found suited you far better.

DECK USED: CLASH OF THE YOKAI GAME CARDS AND VERITAS MAGIA TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsOct2022 Challenge Prompt
Question for October 24th: What do you need to focus on for self-care for this new moon?

Cruel Thing TarotReading Summary: Stop being so hard on yourself and worrying that you are straying from your path (Judgement Rx) whenever you find something that you enjoy (Nine of Cups). Share it with others instead (Queen of Wands).

Take Away: Fun, play, and enjoyment are supposed to be a part of life… the absolute best part of life, and one that that you should share openly with others. Work on remembering that making time for these things and taking pleasure in them is not something to feel guilty about, so stop shaming yourself concerning them.

DECK USED: CRUEL THING TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I had myself a late morning, even though I didn’t really have the time.   A little extra time in bed was nice.

The Comfort and Security of Home

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

Sihr Tarot by Dark SynevyrToday’s draw is the Four of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of harmony, the celebration of homecoming, as well as the joy and comfort of home.

It is interesting to me that the Four of Wands in this deck depicts only one wand in its imagery. The Ace of Wands is about new interests and enthusiasm, and what I see here in using one single wand in this Four of Wands card I see as a message to turn your enthusiasm to your home and what you value about it.

Today’s card asks us what are we taking for granted at home?  Do we take for granted the comfort?  The safety?  Do we celebrate the pleasure of having a space all our own in which to settle and enjoy when we come home each day? If not?  Why not?  The appearance of this Four of Wands encourages us to treasure and enjoy, to cherish and savor.

DECK USED:  SIHR TAROT

HealingThruTarot’s October Shadow Work Challenge Prompt
Question for October 23rd: Which mistakes do I hold against myself?

Mythical Creatures Deck and Black Water TarotMistake – Dire Wolf – Ruthlessness.

How to let it go.

The Devil – Holding these times of necessary ruthlessness against yourself is a form of your self-destructive tendencies. To let it go, you need to accept that it needs to be let go, for your health and well-being, and will require confronting those self-destructive tendencies head on and dealing with them.

Mistake – Harpy – Theft.

How to let it go.

The Fool – Accept that at the time of your life when this happened, you were young and dumb, and you did dumb things as a result. You’re a better (and different) person now than you were then. There is no point in carrying around this guilt from something that was a part of your past during desperate times.

Mistake – Eight-Forked Serpent – Deception

How to let it go.

King of Wands – In order to have what you desire in life, sometimes you have to do a little deception on the side. The question is, has this minor (or even major) deception helped in building what you want in life as a result? If so, then it had a higher purpose. It served its purpose and hurt no one.

DECK USED: MYTHICAL CREATURES DECK AND BLACK WATER TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsOct2022 Challenge Prompt
Topic for August 23rd: Do Spread 2
Question: Where can I safely “drop the ball” for right now in order to give myself a little wiggle room?

Sihr Tarot by Dark Synevyr and Halloween Postcard SetReading Summary: The background in all three of the tarot cards pulled have a color connection with the light that glows within the windows, the lantern in the anchor card, and in the the moon. This connects these cards to indicate a path towards light and warmth… a positive change.

In the Eight of Cups, the shape of the antlers connects with the brambles and the legs of the spider, both located on the left-hand side of the anchor card. This speaks of the old patterns of getting frustrated and walking away not being the answer (both of these corresponding symbols are outside the house instead of within), representing that there is no warmth in that path. Instead, the shape of the cup in the Eight of Cups corresponds to the lower right hand window of the house in the anchor card, and indicates a need to look inward instead of walking away, even if it feels a bit backwards to do so at this time ( as per the inverted curtains).

In the Heirophant, something in the shape of the face and the eyes in the figure connects to the symbol above the door on the house in the anchor card. The door is dark, though, as is the majority of the Hierophant card. These symbols are centered, speaking of the present. They encourage stepping away from teaching for the time being. This is where you can drop the ball at this time, as for the moment those activities are only a burden for you and not a joy.

The skull in the window in the anchor card and the skull in the Page of Pentacles are a reminder to take things slow as you move forward into the future (skull is located on the right side of anchor card and skeleton faces to the right in the Page of Pentacles). The holiday rush can allow for a certain amount of slowness and measured pace, and this will give you the time and space moving forward that you need to add a little bit more light into your days.

Take Away: You can eek out more wiggle room and a bit more time by letting go of your feelings of obligation to those you teach, and the processes you use to educate. All of that will still be there when the holiday rush is at an end.

DECKS USED: HALLOWEEN POSTCARD SET AND SIHR TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I made sure to make time to spend time with Gideon tonight.  Something that we both were sorely in need of.

Upholding Healthy Boundaries

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

Yokai Yochi Tarot by buboplagueToday’s draw is the Nine of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of boundaries, defensive maneuvers, and protection of what you hold dear.

Often, the Nine of Wands is displayed as a passive card instead of an active one in its illustration. Here in this imagery we see the active participation of defense and holding up one’s boundaries. This displays the boundaries are not always stagnant, neither are they  something that you stand behind without a care. Boundaries are something that actually needs defended in order to be upheld.

This card asks us where are we being too lax in our boundaries? Where is it that we are allowing other people to cross our boundaries because we are not actively defending them as they need to be defended?

The message today is an encouragement to look at our boundaries and those that cross them, and examine why we allow them to cross those boundaries and what we can do to make sure they don’t continue to do so in the future.

DECK USED:  YOCHI YOKAI TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsOct2022 Challenge Prompt
Question for October 22nd: Seance – What guidance do your ancestors offer at this time?

The Oracles by Libby BoveReading Summary: Make up with (The Lonely Heart) those that you’ve shut out of your life (The Feud) before it’s too late (The Blasted Bell).

Take Away: I understand and hear what the advice and guidance is here… I’m just not sure I can make up with those I’ve shut out.  If that means that when I’m finally ready, that it’s too late, then that’s something I’ll have to live with.  But for me?  It’s not time yet.

I’m not ready, and I may not be for some time to come.  That doesn’t mean that I’ll never be ready, but I’m not at the moment.

DECK USED: THE ORACLES

Mr Lionhart’s Seasons of the Witch Challenge Prompt
Questions for October 21st thru 23rd – The Wheel

Yokai Yochi Tarot by buboplagueThe wheel it spins, around, again, what should I begin?

Eight of Coins – Lean into your work, for now is the time when things begin to pick up and you need to be at the top of your game.

How will it end?

Nine of Swords – There will be, as always, push back from your anxiety and mental health issues.

And as the serpent bites its tail, what will recur?

Seven of Cups atop The Empress – When all is said and done and the holidays have drawn to a close, you will have to make the choice to go back to nurturing yourself and taking good care of yourself once more.

What must I prevail?

Temperance Rx – Leaning into dealing with your lack of moderation is the next step in your personal growth. Make sure you are working on not letting it get out of control.

Sage wisdom comes with seasoned days, what can I learn and use today?

The Devil atop Nine of Wands – Take care today and throughout the season ahead to make sure that you do not allow your addictions and temptations to override the boundaries you’ve set in place for yourself.

DECK USED: YOCHI YOKAI TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I grabbed a handful of protein bars and trail mix bars on the way out of the house in an emergency instead of just saying “fuck it” and depending on there to be somewhere to get food along the way.

It Takes Guts

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Today’s meditation was skipped

Dead Waite TarotToday’s draw is the King of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of a projective alpha energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s finances, resources, home, health, labors, and other elements of the physical world.

The poor Zombie King may not have much contained in his ribcage anymore because you can see all the way through to his spine, but he’s still got his guts.

It takes guts to be king.  It takes guts to be in charge and be responsible for your actions, for your family, for your own health, for your stability.

Today’s card is about those guts, and about making sure to acknowledge just where your strengths lie, and what you use those “guts” for.  Where do your strengths shine? Where do you dig deep in your core for strength to create stability in your life?  Where can you reach a little deeper?  Where have you done more than enough?  Take time to examine these questions today, and your answers to them.  Are you happy with what you come up with in answer? Or are there things you’d like to change?

DECK USED:  DEAD WAITE TAROT

HealingThruTarot’s October Shadow Work Challenge Prompt
Question for October 21st: Which emotions drive my sabotaging behaviors?

Tricks & Treats OracleEmotion – Witch – There is a savagery within you that is harsh and cruel. It seeps into your inner narrative and is turned inward upon yourself.

What can I do to mitigate this?

Strength – Sometimes you have to literally strong-arm your inner critic under control. Consider the ways that have worked most successfully to force your inner narrative to yield to a more positive influence and use those tactics again.

Emotion – Potential – You set your expectations for yourself far too high. This sets you up for failure.

What can I do to mitigate this?

Four of Cups – Take time to turn things over and consider before committing to anything. If you already have enough on your plate, perhaps refusing the extra cup being offered is a good idea, instead of trying to convince yourself you can take on a little more… that always turns out to be a lot more than “a little”.

Emotion – Mysterious – When you are feeling uncertain, you blame yourself for these anxiety inducing feelings, and berate yourself for feeling vulnerable.

What can I do to mitigate this?

The Emperor – Own your feelings instead of shaming yourself for having them. Accept that everyone has times when they feel uncertain or vulnerable, and it is in owning your feelings that you can overcome them… for when you bury them or berate yourself for them, you’re only making things worse.

DECK USED: GARBAGE PAIL KIDS TAROT AND TRICKS & TREATS ORACLE

#DiscordTarotholicsOct2022 Challenge Prompt
Question for October 21st: Buried Alive – What in the past needs to be dug up and dealt with?

Dead Waite TarotReading Summary: The passions and desires you had in the past and the places you were going with them (Page of Wands) have been swallowed up over time by life (The World) and the choices you’ve made (Justice).

Take Away: You aren’t on the path that you started on so many years ago. Your job is different, your goals are different, and those things that you had planned on accomplishing did not get done, in favor of other things and distractions that pulled at your attention along the way. You need to let go of the disappointment you feel towards yourself concerning these things you didn’t finish.  You didn’t “drop the ball”, but rather, you intentionally let them go in order to focus on what suits you far better.

DECK USED: DEAD WAITE TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

This post is a catch-up post, and I have no idea what my self-kindness for today might have been.

Grace and Patience

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

The Untamed Mystery Tarot Noir EditionToday’s draw is the Temperance card, which is traditionally a representation of moderation, balance, and patience.

A bleeding rose and an hourglass of skulls stands out in this card, as does the fact that everything in the card (including the crane) is tied together by ribbons of energy that flow throughout the card’s imagery.

There is a certain beauty and grace that comes with moderation. A serenity that I struggle to understand and instill in my life.  And yet, when moderation is not given its due, and we are impatient or over eager, there is a tipping point where things become harmful to us.  A point where the death of moderation breeds damage to our well-being.

Today’s card speaks of the need to look at those places where we struggle with moderation and balance, and acknowledge the damage that allowing ourselves to get “out of hand” can cause.  How can we do better?  What mindfulness tactics are needed to keep things gracefully balanced and flowing smoothly?

DECK USED:  UNTAMED MYSTERY TAROT NOIR EDITION

HealingThruTarot’s October Shadow Work Challenge Prompt
Question for October 20th: What self-destructive behaviors do I exhibit?

The Lantern Guide Deck and Trauma OracleBehavior – Emotional Abuse – That inner narrative you have going on is vicious and cruel, and is focused on tearing you down one brick at a time.

How can I help myself turn this around?

Two of Birds (Wands) – Have a plan and stick to it. You know how to shut up that voice and steal its power, so make sure you do these things and have what you need in place to foster healthier practices.

Behavior – Ignored – You neglect yourself, your needs, and your self-care. Everyone needs nurturing and care. You are no exception. By ignoring issues that need tending, you neglect and ignore things you need to tend to in order to stay healthy and well.

How can I help myself turn this around?

The Hanged Man – Take a new perspective with the things you are tempted to ignore. See them as the small things they are rather than the huge things your feelings try to say that they are, for when you ignore them they only grow and fester larger and larger until the become as massive as you thought they were all along.

Behavior – Disesteem – Putting yourself down is something carried over from your past. You took to the task when they were no longer able to do so.

How can I help myself turn this around?

Eight of Lanterns (Cups) – Do not allow your negative inner narrative to take control or have a voice. Instead, turn away from it toward the warmth and understanding that work better for your well-being.

DECK USED: THE TRAUMA ORACLE AND THE LANTERN GUIDE DECK

#DiscordTarotholicsOct2022 Challenge Prompt
Question for August 20th: Windowsill Candle – Where do you need to lean into the light (positivity/optimism)?

The Untamed Mystery Tarot Noir EditionReading Summary: You have a tendency to fall back into doomsday thinking (The Devil) when confronted with the fickle turns of fate (Wheel of Fortune) instead of leaning into the new path with your emotions that you’ve been walking upon the past few years (Page of Cups).

Take Away: Sometimes, it’s still difficult for you to pull away from the pessimism and see a more positive perspective.  Remember that this is a journey of exploration. Experiment with positivity and optimism to better explore its potential during these times when uncertainty and negativity feels like it’s getting the upper hand.

DECK USED: UNTAMED MYSTERY TAROT NOIR EDITION

Daily Self Kindness

This is another catch-up post, and I didn’t write down my self-kindness at the time, nor can I remember what it might have been.