Perfectly Imperfect

Today’s meditation was yet again… skipped.  So much for accountability through blogging, right?  Right.

Черное Таро and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Chariot card, which is traditionally a representation of control in action, moving forward with determination and willpower, motivation, and the success that is bred through these themes.

The combination of the Thera-Pets card joined with the Chariot speaks of rising above self doubt in order to acheive success.

Sometimes, when we have things to accomplish or goals to go after, we can have a bit of a struggle getting up the motivation to complete them. Especially if we’re stumbling over a bit of self doubt.

I personally struggle with the “not good enough” issue all the time. No matter how much I do, or how hard I work, or how -good- the things I create are? It’s never enough.  It’s a work in progress. I’m… a work in progress.

The cards today are a reminder that I don’t have to be perfect.  No one has to be perfect.  We can be amazing… without ever being anywhere close to perfect. We can be amazing… and we can accomplish our goals and have the successes that we dream of… even while we are perfectly imperfect.

DECK USED: ЧЕРНОЕ ТАРО AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

The #EmbraceYourAlterEgo2021 Challenge for Sacred Grounds Tarot Club
Questions from October 8th and 10th

The Compleat Windrow Ravenswood Deck and Cruel Thing TarotWhat changes is my Alter Ego facing?
Crab Invasion, King of the Sea, Seven of Cups, The Moon

Pressure and potential overwhelm as you struggle to make choices on what to pursue and what to leave behind. Your focus is split and you are torn in multiple directions, which is creating inner conflict and uncertainty.

How does my Alter Ego overcome these challenges?
Three Cogs, Intersecting Flying Fish, The High Priestess, Ace of Coins

When new and unusual ideas come up, try them instead of automatically discounting them as impossible. Listen to your intuition instead of logic, for some impossible things are meant to be, if you’ll just give them a chance.

This is a reminder that you don’t have to put your emotional side away during the holiday rush. It is possible to balance both, but you have to be open to trying it.

DECKS USED: THE COMPLEAT WINDROW RAVENSWOOD DECK AND CRUEL THING TAROT

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge Prompt by E Roebuck-Jones
Questions for October 1st, 9th, and 12th

Черное ТароA message for my spiritual path.
Wheel of Fortune and Ten of Swords

Make sure that you aren’t treating every setback as some sort of catastrophe. Remember that ups and downs happen, and everything isn’t going to fall apart if you take a little rest here and there. That rest will actually help you deal with these ups and downs more gracefully.

What are my divination challenges?
Death atop The Hanged Man

Sometimes the pause you take to ponder over perspectives allows for shifts in the outcome to slip in and change things right under your nose. Your best readings will always be the ones where the answers leap out at you from the start. Thinking too much mucks up the works.

What is my biggest challenge with my spiritual practice?
Knight of Swords and The Magician

Impatience. Just because you have the tools and knowledge to do something doesn’t mean that thing is going to go quickly, or even be something you can do right away… or, for that matter, finish right away. This is something you struggle with often.

DECK USED: ЧЕРНОЕ ТАРО

Daily Self Kindness

I made sure to eat every three hours today while working on orders.  Since I have to go to my aunt’s tomorrow, I needed to get as much done today as I could, and so I had to use my phone to make sure I was prioritizing eating.

Love Languages

Today’s meditation was skipped again.

Gothic Tarot of Vampires and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Nine of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of boundaries, stalwart strength, persistence, and the resilience needed to stand strong even in tough times.

In the imagery of today’s card we see a vampire, still young and spry, kissing goodnight his beloved that has aged and withered over time. He has set aside all of the adventures that immortality could hold for him to stay with her all this time and make her life full and happy (as seen through the many pictures on the walls).

This card speaks of knowing what one values most and protecting it steadfastly until the end. He is the sentinel of her life and happiness, even as he grieves her soon passing.

This makes me think of my relationship with Gideon. He is always there and so strong, dominant and supportive. I lean on him and he supports me, helps me, guides me. He allows me a place to feel weak and small that has never been allowed in my day-to-day life until he came into it.

Because I am not a “caretaker” type of person, I often feel like I am burdening him by allowing this and by leaning on him. In his shoes I would definitely feel burdened. Because he is the caretaker type, and very dominant besides, this role for him is natural and not perceived as any sort of burden at all.

Today’s card combined with the Thera-Pets card for today is a reminder that we are not a burden to our loved ones. Everyone shows their love in different ways, and that doesn’t make one way any better or worse than any other, just more suited to “fit” better or worse depending on the people involved.

DECKS USED:  GOTHIC TAROT OF VAMPIRES AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

#DiscordTarotholicsOct2021 Challenge Prompt
Questions for October 8th and 9th

Writing On the Wall Oracle and Tarot del ToroWhat positive theme or event in my ancestral past do I need to acknowledge?
Unification, The Moon atop The Sun Rx

No matter our differences, at times of uncertainty and when the world feels darkest, we come together to support each other. “We”, in this instance, speaking of family and ancestors.

How can I embrace these positive influences carried forward from my ancestors?
Exonerate and Nine of Wands

Forgive those that have hurt you. Good boundaries are important, but so is giving them shelter in the storm. You can do both.

DECKS USED: WRITING ON THE WALL ORACKE AND TAROT DEL TORO

Mr Lionharts’ #TheOctoberTarot #SeasonoftheWitchChallenge Prompt
Questions for October 8th and 9th

Gothic Tarot of Vampires and the Trauma Tarot OracleOne hand skyward (draw a swords card), one to wield fire (draw a wands cards), what emerges (draw a card), what will transpire (draw a card)?

When thoughts of adventure and doing risky shit come up (Two of Swords), if you don’t control those urges (Nine of Wands), things can go awry physically (Fat) and emotionally (Eldritch).

Self destructive urges often go hand in hand with risk-taking behavior, and I’m no exception to this.  These cards are a reminder that when I drive double the speed limit, and otherwise take risks that put myself in danger instead of choosing a safer route, the consequences can be very steep.

One foot in the river (draw a cups card), one foot on the soil (draw a pentacles card), where am I to balance (draw a card) the steady turmoil (draw a card)?

Here we see the message that when we feel the need to indulge in our emotionally inspired pleasures and desires (Ten of Cups) through consumerism (Ace of Coins), all we are doing is ignoring the trauma that causes these urges (Trauma) and allowing it to grow and fester beneath the surface (Desire).

In other words, there is a warning here that self medicating your trauma through consumerism, and using that method as a way to search for happiness will only allow those wounds to fester and grow.  It solves nothing.

DECKS USED: TRAUMA TAROT (ORACLE) AND GOTHIC TAROT OF VAMPIRES

Daily Self Kindness

I remembered to buy spring mix this morning while I was out, so that I have a green to add to my smoothie.  I’ve found that if I add a large pinch of the greens, and then raspberries, you can’t taste the greens at all.  I think it’s working in the same way as when people add lemon to green smoothies to counteract the bitter.  Or maybe it’s just such a small amount of greens that the flavor is drowned out by the other ingredients.

Don’t Go Overboard

Today’s meditation was skipped yet again.  No excuses or anything.  I just didn’t do it.  I did have a good sleep for once, though.  Good enough I didn’t even need a nap today. That’s pretty damn amazing.

The Wizard's Tarot and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Eight of Beasts (Wands), which is traditionally a representation of speed, action, alacrity, and the need to move quickly.

Although I’m still in the middle of getting my days off, I am feeling the need to get at least some things done. I’ve decided to begin doing some of the smaller tasks and other things that need to be done in order to fulfill orders on the 12th.

At least in this way I can prepare myself for the order day that is on the way. I just have to remember not to go overboard on the “getting things done” mindset.

DECK USED:  THE WIZARD’S TAROT AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

PatriciaWestonWitch’s #wwpwHalloweenLenormand Prompt
Questions for October 7th thru 9th

Dark Carnival TarotWhat area of my life needs to light up?

Queen of Axes (Swords) – It’s time to take all that clever knowledge and experience that you’ve gained from one year to the next, and apply it towards what’s coming and how to prepare during its approach.

What skeleton is hiding in my closet?

Ace of Faygos (Cups) – You’re feeling like you just began on your emotional journey, and yet it’s already time to put it away again to deal with other things.

What ghost from my past do I need to banish?

Ace of Duckets (Coins) – Your drive from more, always more. This issue is an influence from your father making you feel like you were never enough. You need to remember that you are enough, and you don’t have to do your absolute best on every single little thing. Sometimes “good” is enough, and it’s not okay to always be demanding more than that from yourself.

DECK USED: DARK CARNIVAL TAROT

The #EmbraceYourAlterEgo2021 Challenge for Sacred Grounds Tarot Club
Questions for October 5th, 7th, 9th, 11th, and 13th

The Wizard's TarotWhat mask am I wearing?

Knight of Cults (Pentacles) – You are still in the “fake it until you make it” stage of trying to slow down and take things at a slower and healthier pace.

What’s underneath my mask?

The Devil atop Three of Cults (Pentacles) Rx – Underneath that “fake it until you make it” mask is the  urge to alienate those that you work with by pushing too hard and expecting too much.

Why is this being hidden?

Three of Beasts (Wands) – This urge is being hidden because you are working on taking a new and better path for yourself. A path that is healthier and kinder for both yourself as well as those around you.

How do I remove this mask?

King of Swords – Easy. Fall back into old habits of control and strategy and ambition. Discard emotion for logic, and return to your old ways of doing things.

What will I uncover about myself?

King of Cults – That you can build and build and build upon your stability and security, but it will never be enough and you will always want to build more and more.

Take Away: Obviously, this is a healthy mask, and one that needs to stay in place. Not all masks are a bad thing, as seen here in this reading.

DECK USED: THE WIZARD’S TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

Laundry.  I’ve been putting off doing laundry for over two months. And the more it piled up, the more massive a project it felt like it was to accomplish until it felt impossible.  But… today?  I did laundry.  ALL of it.  All except the load with Miss Luna’s blanket in it.  I have to do that one tomorrow during the day when she’s not using it and won’t notice it’s missing for a couple hours.

The Thief… and Frustration

Today’s meditation was skipped again today. No excuses or anything, I just didn’t get done.

Dead Waite Tarot and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Seven of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of deception, sneaky shit, conniving, strategy, and… well, theft.

So in our building, we’ve had a rash of break-ins in the underground garage over the past week.  This sneaky fucker has used multiple methods and is very practiced at his craft.  He’s managed to break in three days in a row, and at one point had dismantled our gate to the point it wouldn’t even work properly to let cars in and out.

When I got these cards this morning, I didn’t really see how they relate… and then as a part of the security team for my building, I was contacted when the guy managed to break in a third time.  NOW?  I get it.

The message in today’s cards is not to allow this issue to frustrate me, or to take it as a personal failing.

DECK USED:  DEAD WAITE TAROT AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

Mr Lionharts’ #TheOctoberTarot #SeasonoftheWitchChallenge Prompt
Questions for October 6th and 7th

Oracle Deck of Poe and Golden Age of Horror Comics TarotAs the universe, so the soul, what is my purpose?
The Tell-Tale Heart and Queen of Wands

The pursuit of rightness and fairness are a demanding taskmaster in your life, your moral compass making your path clear in any endeavor you put your energy into.

There is also an element of precise planning and careful execution in these cards that indicates that these elements are a strong part of the way in which you pursue your passions and interests, and how you inspire others to do the same.

What is my role?
The Man of the Crowd, Five of Swords atop Justice

To play witness to the cause and effect that is bred from conflict, triumph, and defeat. To note the intricate details of these experiences and come to understand the balance that is inherent in life through witnessing these themes as they play out around you.

Awaken now, the rooted deep, give my magick a voice to speak…
The Purloined Letter and The Magician

Your mind is your greatest tool. Through your intelligence and clever ability to not just sort and strategize, but also examine other’s actions and make sense out of them, you are able to navigate life and your spiritual path with greater ease and get where you want to go with less stumbling blocks to slow you down.  Combining this knowledge with your spiritual knowledge and other strengths takes this ability from the mind into a truly magical skill.

DECK USED: ORACLE DECK OF POE AND GOLDEN AGE OF HORROR COMICS TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsOct2021 Challenge Prompt
Philosophical Question for October 6th:
Do ghosts exist?

Edward Gorey's Fantod Pack and Dead Waite TarotIt happens when there is a lack of boundaries, and the grief of those left behind is too great (Nine of Wands Rx atop Three of Swords). The spirit lingers instead of moving on to a new start (Ace of Wands Rx), bound by the inability to see beyond the grief of their loved ones (Eight of Swords).

So… yes. I wouldn’t say that this is the only scenario that causes the phenomenon, but it’s probably one of the most common.

Topic for October 7th:

ForgiveThe Ancestor and Four of Cups – The things done to you as a child where horrible, but continuing to hold anger, pain, or sulking dissatisfaction in your heart only hurts you at this point.

Accept The Effigy and King of Pentacles – Your need for constant and ever-growing security and stability comes from your past, and is a direct reaction to the uncertainty of earlier times. It’s time to accept that you are sacrificing yourself on the altar of past events.

HonorThe Bundle and The Star – You need to honor the fact that you can leave these hurts and injuries in the past, and start fresh by using optimism and hope to guide you.

DECK USED: EDWARD GOREY’S FANTOD PACK AND DEAD WAITE TAROT

Daily Self Kindness I got a nap.  I’m not really happy about it.  But I think I pretty much hit the nail on the head while we were talking earlier.  I hate that there’s not more hours in the day so that I can both take a nap, and get more time with Gideon.  It’s like I have to choose… and that sucks.

It’s All In Your Head

Today’s meditation was skipped in deference for sleep, yet again.  And yet?  I still also ended up having a nap as well.

The Curio Tarot and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Eight of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of action, speed, alacrity, and having a target goal in your sights you are charging towards.

I often feel like I’m not getting anything done, even when I have productive days.  It’s like, no matter what I manage to do, it’s never enough, and I feel like I should have gotten much more done with my time.

This feeling persists even during the time when I take days off, and especially at this time of year when preparations for the holiday rush are underway.

The thing is? I -am- getting things done.  I really am.  Just… not as much as I feel I should.

Today’s cards are a reminder that just because you aren’t moving forward at the pace you -think- that you should be moving at, doesn’t mean that you aren’t moving forward.  It also doesn’t mean that you’re not doing a good job.   Keep going and you’ll see… that slowness and feeling of not enough? It’s all in your head.

DECK USED:  THE CURIO TAROT AND LESS ANXIETY AFFIRMATION CARDS

PatriciaWestonWitch’s #wwpwHalloweenLenormand Prompt
Questions for October 3rd thru 6th

Fantastique Tarot Halluciné du Docteur ZarielWhat spooks me?

Obtaining the security and stability I crave (Roi des Carreaux), only to then be forced into a situation where I have to make the choice (Deux de Piques) to start over (L’étoile).

What am I hiding from today?

Responsibility. I have no desire to be in the public eye today (Six de Trèfles), regardless of the need to start rebuilding (La Maison Dieu) what will be needed in the months to come and to inspire others to do so with me (Strength).

Where do I need to stir things up today?

Today is a good day to take some control over (Le Chariot) addictive behaviors (Le Diable).

I have already done this quite a bit this morning by going through my KS pledges and backing out of quite a few of them that I’ve decided won’t suit. I will be taking another pass through later today.

What do I need to lay to rest?

Lie to rest the process of taking time (Le Pendu) thinking over each potentially new deck to add to my collection (As de Piques).

Don’t hem and haw too long on the deck decisions mentioned above. Any deck can be useful and I can read just about anything, but in this case it’s okay to be impulsive on the discard instead of pondering over just how I might use each one and what my clients might like it.

DECK USED: LE FANTASTIQUE TAROT HALLUCINÉ DU DOCTEUR ZARIEL

The #EmbraceYourAlterEgo2021 Challenge for Sacred Grounds Tarot Club
Questions for October 6th, 12th, and 19th

The Curio TarotHow do I bring my Alter Ego to light?

Ace of Wands – First and foremost, you have to want it.

The Tower – Then you have to kick it in the ass so that it’s forced to step up.

Ten of Swords – Then you have to accept that there’s no going back, and make your Altar Ego accepts it as well.

What can I learn from my Alter Ego?

The Magician atop Knight of Cups – That I have everything I need to accomplish whatever I desire.

What am I afraid my Alter Ego will reveal?

Justice – That I’m fucking up somehow, and might lose everything as a consequence. I’m not sure how this might be possible, but it’s definitely a worry.  That whole potential for losing everything due to a misstep or screw up.

DECK USED: THE CURIO TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I took a nap, even though I probably didn’t need it. I kind of still felt like I did tho. And it was a long one, so maybe that’s evidence that it was needed after all?

Instant Gratification

Today’s meditation was skipped because I had a fucking migraine.  In fact, I was just up long enough for the housekeeper to come in and do her job, and then I went back to bed and stayed there for hours.  When I finally got up a couple hours later, I felt much better.

Black Cat Tarot and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the “hold my nuts” card.  Okay no.  It’s the Seven of Pentacles card.  It’s just that the imagery on this card really does look like the apple tree is saying “here, hold my nuts”.  I mean… okay, fine. I digress.

The Seven of Pentacles is traditionally about slow growth and sustainability.  It’s about taking one’s time and using patience in order to harvest abundance and rewards.

I am one of those people that struggles with patience.  Not with other people (although, definitely with stupidity), but most especially with myself.  I want results and I want them now, and if I don’t get them in a speedy manner?  Sometimes I can get really vicious with myself as a result.

Today’s cards are a reminder that not everything can be accomplished quickly.  Immediate gratification is nice, but patience and hard work also have a way of paying of… if you’re willing to wait for it and work for it.  Don’t allow these times when things don’t come to a head as quickly as you want to convince you that you’re not doing enough.  That’s not how it works.  Some things?  You just have to wait for.

DECK USED:  BLACK CAT TAROT AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

Mr Lionharts’ #TheOctoberTarot #SeasonoftheWitchChallenge Prompt
Questions for October 4th and 5th

Autumn's Delight Oracle and Skeleton TarotAs within, so without, this I should know without a doubt:
Nourishment atop Strength, King of Cups

Gideon gives you strength and nourishment. He takes care of you and makes sure you are healthy, happy, and grounded. He has your back no matter the situation.

Cauldron, crystals, conjury, what magick resides inside me?
Mischief atop Crossroads, The World

You have the power to choose growth.  Sometimes it can be extremely difficult to stay on track tho. Temptation to dabble in a bit of mischief and mayhem does come up now and then, and try to tease you off track.  Just stand strong and stay focused on what’s truly important. That naughty pixie lurking inside will find more subtle ways to express itself.

DECK USED: AUTUMN’S DELIGHT ORACLE AND SKELETON TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsOct2021 Challenge Prompt
Questions for October 4th and 5th

Black Cat TarotWhat needs my attention in the…

PastThe Magician Rx – Times when you felt powerless and without choices or the ability to change your own fate and future. These times left a lasting mark on how you see the world and interact with it.

PresentThree of Swords – Make sure that you are keeping your disappointment about what’s going on across the street in check, and keep an eye on your depression levels so that things don’t sneak up on you and drag you down.

FutureAce of Cups – Remember that the holiday rush is temporary. Soon enough you’ll be at the other side of it and be able to step back into your efforts towards emotional growth that you’ve been exploring for the past couple of years.

What do I need to focus on for self-care for this new moon?

Although you’ve been encouraged through previous readings recently to get a bit of rest this week, the new moon brings with it the energy you need to start moving forward into the goals that are just upon the horizon (Three of Wands).

Don’t allow anxiety creep in and kill off your enthusiasm (Nine of Swords atop Queen of Wands). Get the rest you need, store up that energy from the new moon, and then release it towards your goals once you’ve gotten the rest and restoration that you are in need of (Four of Swords).

DECK USED: BLACK CAT TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I spent a good deal of time in bed today nursing a migraine.  This absolutely counts as self kindness, as I would normally have tried to force myself to function through the day even through the pain instead of resting.