Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal Cards

Bend… Don’t Break

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Today’s meditation was just over twelve minutes long, and was the seventh installment of the Foundations II series on the Balance app.  This session went more in depth with the labeling techniques that had been introduced earlier in the series, and gave more autonomy throughout the process to allow for a more in-depth practice of the method.

Alchemia Tarot and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Eight of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of setbacks caused by either willful ignorance or an inability to see “the whole picture”.

Combined with the Thera-Pets card for today, the theme here is about how when we feel like life is against us and we struggle to find our way, these trials are not meant to break you, but to temper your strength and improve your flexibility and adaptability.

These times offer us an opportunity to look closer, open our eyes and seek a deeper understanding, and confront  these issues from a new perspective.

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

Mr Lionharts’ #TheAugustTarot #SOLTarot Prompt
Topic: Write down your blessings and draw a card for each.

Animism TarotThe Support of Those Closest To Me

Ten of Wands – There is no need for me to overburden myself because I have those closest to me that are willing to support me. Not just emotionally, but in my work and in my endeavors as well. They are there to help, even when I forget to reach out for them sometimes, or feel guilty for asking for the help I need.

My Relationship With Gideon

Knight of Wands – The relationship we have is something that we have built together and are both deeply invested in. We know what we want from (and for) each other, we know what we want from (and for) ourselves, and we’re willing to make sure we both get what we want and need, and have our desires fulfilled. There is no hesitation here, just boundless passion.

The Stability and Security I’ve Built

Nine of Wands – That stability is not just something I value, but it’s a hill that I will stand on and die on if necessary in order to protect. This stability and security is something I feel that I need, and I’m willing to defend it vigorously in order to keep it.

I Am Still Able-Bodied

The Magician – Keep up the yoga and the physical therapy, the stretching and the exercise, CT scans and check-ups. All of these are tools in your arsenal that are needed in order to keep your body functioning properly, and to keep yourself out of the hospital dealing with replacement parts and reconstructive surgeries.

Freedom of religion and expression

King of Wands – Not only do you express yourself well and show the world your beliefs, values, and practices. But, you also inspire others to follow in your footsteps and do the same. You lead by example, without even realizing it most of the time, because you’re too wrapped up in your own passions and interests to notice that you’re doing it.

My Bond With L

Page of Swords – Somehow there is always new things to discover in this relationship. A lifetime together from womb to the present with very little time apart, and yet she can still take you by surprise and teach you something new damn near every single day.

DECK USED: ANIMISM TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsAug2021 Challenge Prompt
Topic: Do Spread #2
Question: How can I head off this approaching depression and mitigate its effects?

Alchemia TarotReading Summary: Gratitude and leaning on others may not be enough (Ten of Coins), this is going to take experimenting with some new (Ace of Wands) and unorthodox methods (The Hierophant).

Take Away: Ugh. I know what the cards are suggesting. And I know that if I don’t try it? I’ll regret it later. I’ll up my meds. I’m super nervous about it, and I’m going to need multiple people keeping a watchful eye on me, but… I need to try it at least once at the onset of a depression to see if it helps.

DECK USED: ALCHEMIA TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I struggled with insomnia last night and did a variety of self care things in order to try and overcome the issue, including soaking in the tub. I finally managed to get some sleep around mid-day.

Depression Lies

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Today’s meditation was skipped.  Although I had intended to do it, things just got away from me and it didn’t end up getting done.

Wild Spirit Tarot and Thera-Pets Animal Support Affirmation CardsToday’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, creativity, and intuition.  This often translates into authority figures that have an understanding and supportive nature that inspire you to stand strong, that give advice on emotional topics such as relationships when needed, and have a grounded, supportive air about them as well as a compassionate nature.

In my case personally, the King of Cups can often represent my partner Gideon. He has always been a very “King of Cups” type of person, very personable with others, a dominant personality that is both supportive and filled with strength.

Yesterday, I switched over from the How to Be a Wildflower Deck to the Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal Cards due to an awareness that I am struggling with the onset of depression. The Thera-Pets cards are geared specifically towards depression and anxiety, and will hopefully help keep me from sliding down that slippery slope into a full blown depressive episode.

As the Thera-Pets card says, depression lies. The advice between the two cards today is to make sure that you are checking in with those that you deeply trust for reality checks during times of low mood and dips into depression. Reach out to those that are supportive and offer strength for you emotionally.  You need this support right now to help in keeping you from believing depression’s lies, and sinking deeper as a result.

DECK USED:  WILD SPIRIT TAROT TAROT AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

Mr Lionharts’ #TheAugustTarot #SOLTarot Prompt
Questions for August 21st

Colour Goddess Casting Cards and Mystic Faerie TarotWhat am I asked to nurture in support of what I love?
Ivory and Ten of Wands

A huge part of the trick of not overwhelming yourself is making sure that you look at things prior to doing them, and prepare yourself so that you can act with a measured gait and poise rather than saying “I can do it”, and knowing from the start that you will have to scramble just to get it done.

What am I asked to work on in support of what I love?
Magenta and Queen of Wands

Diversify when it comes to your business. You’re still getting the warning not to put everything in one basket when it comes to your passionate pursuits. Clearly PayPal was not what this message has been warning you about since it’s still coming through even after shit hit the fan with them.

DECK USED: COLOUR GODDESS CASTING CARDS AND MYSTIC FAERIE TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsAug2021 Challenge Prompt
Question: What do I need to focus on for self care this Full Moon?

Wild Spirit TarotReading Summary: Use reflection on your past (Six of Cups and Judgement), and your newfound understanding of the separation between past and present (Queen of Cups and Six of Cups), to help you heal from past wounds (Six of Cups). Lean on others to allow you this time to process and heal, and for their support along the way (Three of Cups).

Take Away: For a very long time, the past dictated my actions and how I treated myself. As I have begun to understand this relationship with my past, I’ve begun being able to confront those unhealthy habits and destructive treatment of myself and deal with them in a more objective way.  These cards are an encouragement to keep up this new perspective and not let it slip away.

DECK USED:  WILD SPIRIT TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

Again, I took a nap today.  I also spend some time outside on the balcony working on transitioning to end-of-summer.

Deal With Today, Then Let It Go

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Today’s meditation was skipped because it was a drive across the country day and I woke up late.

Broke B Tarot and Thera-Pets Animal Support Affirmation CardsToday’s draw is the Queen of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of a receptive alpha energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s thoughts, intellect, logic, communication, or instinct.  This often translates into themes that have to do with strong and supportive individuals that give spectacularly good advice based upon their own experiences and creative thought processes. They are willing to support your dreams, especially if those dreams involve broadening your horizons and education.

Z went home today after living with us for well over a year and a half.  I drove her up north and took her over the border.  Helped her get settled in at her place, then came back across for mail, et al.   The border crossing was a bit harrowing, but she doesn’t have to quarantine, and thus can now care for herself now that she’s home.

It was a rough day.  Lots of traffic and shitty drivers, lots of people with attitudes in stores and stops along the way (although, other than a crapload of paperwork, the border people were very nice today).  The message in these cards is to own the day and be creative and clever in getting through it… and then at the end of the day?  Let it go and look forward to something better out of tomorrow.

DECK USED:  BROKE B TAROT AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

CoffeexTarot’s Who’s Your Spirit Guides? Prompt
Questions for August 20th and 21st

Spiral Oracle and Broke B TarotWhat are your limitations?
A New Sprout and Two of Swords

“My limitations come into the picture during the times when you’re in your power, have direction, and know what you’re heading towards with purpose. I’m not here for you when things are new and easy, that’s for someone else to deal with.”

How do I open myself to your guidance?
Stories of My Mother and King of Coins

Slow down and pay attention. (Said an a crotchety old grandpa voice. Southern accent.)

DECK USED: SPIRAL ORACLE AND BROKE B TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I took a nap when I got home from my drive today, even though I didn’t really feel like I had the time for it.

Self Worth and Personal Values

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Today’s meditation was skipped because it’s orders day and I’m trying that new schedule I mentioned in a previous post.

Undersea Tarot and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Justice card, which is traditionally about “evening the scales” of life, repercussions as a result of one’s actions, and themes that have to do with law and the justice system. This is often known as the “backlash” card, whether that backlash is directed at you or somewhere else, and can often come up as a reminder to pay attention to what you’re doing and whether it has the potential for unpleasant consequences.

That last bit above is what I see in today’s card, especially when combined with the Thera-Pets card for today.

Sometimes when we’re feeling low or are having a hard time, it can be really difficult to stick to the demands of our values and moral compass. This is because when we are unable to value ourselves or see the impact we make upon the world around us, it can be difficult to see any value in our moral compass and what it has to say.  In the image we see the merman hold his sword high, the blade gleaming brightly in the sunlight.  I see this sword as those values, and that gleam of light upon it as our reminder of just how important our values and moral compass is… even when we’re feeling worthless.

The message here is in remembering that we have worth.  We -always- have worth, and our values have worth as well.  Don’t abandon them when feeling low, but instead seek out those that help you remember that you hold value. By remembering this, and by sticking to our values and moral compass even at our lowest… we avoid dropping the sword into the sea and perhaps accidentally cutting off our tail in the process.

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

Raven Willow Tarot’s Emotional Exploration Prompt
Question: What role does frustration play in my life?

Rainbow Unicorn Tarot

Reading Summary: Frustration makes me act rashly (The Fool), and will compound upon itself (Ten of Wands) until I’m feeling beaten down and on the defensive (Nine of Wands).

Take Away:  I think that this is pretty common for everyone.  I act at my most rash when I’m frustrated, because frustration creates impatience with myself and the world around me.  The problem is that there’s no real cap on this emotion.  It builds on itself and builds and builds.  Sooner or later it turns into a snarling mess of “leave me the fuck alone”.

DECK USED:  RAINBOW UNICORN TAROT

#DiscordTarotolicsMay2021 Challenge Prompt
Question: What qualities do you possess that others value most about you?

Undersea TarotFive of Swords – My abilities at survival. This one is something that those closest to me value most.  It has to do with continue to keep moving, keep striving, and keep surviving even after serious hurdles and savage setbacks cut me off at the knees. Even then, I continue to survive and thrive.

Eight of Swords – My ability to pull away the blindfold. This is, most often, not an intentional thing or even a conscious one.  It involves speaking something that seems simple and mediocre, but ends up extremely profound and eyeopening to someone else.  It is how I ended up with Gideon… it is how I have managed to support many people I care about even while struggling with not being particularly skilled socially.  Most of the time I don’t even realize I’ve done it unless someone points it out later at some point.  I’ve had enough people make a point of letting me know it’s happened, though, to be aware that it is an ability, even if one hidden from my own eyes and awareness in the moment.

Ace of Tridents – My ability to inspire. I’m not a cheerleader… or much of any kind of leader, to be honest.  It’s not that sort of inspiration I speak of here.  But rather, it’s the ability to inspire people to explore their passions, to seek out what they enjoy and revel in it, and to dive into those things that spark interest and enthusiasm.

DECK USED:  UNDERSEA TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I called and made an appointment to talk to my doc over the phone tomorrow about some concerns I need eased before I’ll be ready to get vaccinated.

The Myth of Perfection

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Today’s meditation was skipped because people are rude as fuck.  ‘Nuff said.

Cosmic Cycles Tarot and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Nine of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of worries, anxieties, insomnia, and nightmares. It indicates the issues that come from the mind’s nagging negative tendencies.

One of my biggest and most significant personal struggles in my life is the “not enough” theme of inner narrative. Directed only at myself and my own performance, this narrative tells me that anything I ever do could have been better if I’d just invested more into it. In that vein, nothing I do is ever enough, and thus I am never enough.

This is my own personal inner demon. Perhaps others can relate. When I see today’s card combined with the Thera-Pets card for today, I see a reminder that that inner narrative, that demon that haunts me, is a lie. Not everything has to be perfect. What matters is you’re trying and the effort and intent put in, not how “perfect” or “imperfect” the end result might be.

DECK USED:  COSMIC CYCLES TAROT AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

Raven Willow Tarot’s Emotional Exploration Prompt
Question: How can I better cope with worry?

Ink Stained Tarot

Reading Summary: Use logic to stand strong (King of Swords) and fight back against the invasion (Seven of Wands). Don’t allow it to become a self-fulfilling prophecy (Ten of Swords).

Take Away:  Worry and anxiety are often illogical in nature.  They creep in and whisper all these different things in our mind that could go wrong or could happen.  But none of these things are based in reality, and none of them are set in stone.  The future is fluid and even those able to predict the future can’t do so with 100% accuracy, as every little thing in life transforms and changes the trajectory of our path and that of other’s paths as well.   That means the unexpected can and will happen… and that predicted future will adjust and change as a result. 

The thing is, though?  If you continue to constantly worry about something, it’s much like when you stare at something while driving.   As you stare at that something, you unconsciously steer towards it.  This is why so many learning drivers end up in ditches or bumping against cement barriers and curbs.  They’re so focused on not hitting the thing… that they hit the thing.  This too happens with worry and anxiety.  We become so focused upon whatever we’re worried about that we bring it into existence through our focus.

Therefore the answer is that to better cope with worry, remind yourself of these things.  Remind yourself of what that focus can do, and how illogical it is what you’re worrying about really is.

DECK USED:  INK STAINED TAROT

#DiscordTarotolicsMay2021 Challenge Prompt
Philosophical Question: What is happiness?

Cosmic Cycles TarotKnight of Wands: Happiness is not a set and stagnant thing.  Instead it is different for everyone.  For some it is having something to work and strive for that sparks their inner passion and drive.

The Fool: For others, it is abandon and freedom that at times backfires, but always creates a sense of adventure to any situation.

Four of Swords atop Five of Swords: For still others it’s about peace and balance, and knowing when to stand your ground, and when it’s better to yield the field to others.

Take Away:   The common denominator between all three of these themes is one of positive energy.  Positive energy creates happiness, no matter which scenario it is applied to or what preferences individuals have towards what their own personal happiness entails. Happiness is positive energy.

DECK USED:  COSMIC CYCLES TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I took the time to use my ice pack today in conjunction with an ibuprofen to help ease the raging anger and inflammation in my back.

Too Much Armor Is Too Heavy

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IMG_1076Today’s meditation was just over thirteen minutes long and was one of the guided meditations from the Calm app with an interval timer added in for my piriformis stretches and forearm flexor stretches.  This often works really well for me as it allows me to listen to the guided meditation, then extend the length a bit afterward to continue until the stretching is finished.

The focus of today’s meditation was about emotional reclamation. That is to say about not rejecting your emotions or feeling ashamed about them, but accepting them as they come and learning how to understand them and process them in a healthy way.  I really liked the Mr Rogers quote included in this meditation, which you can see in the graphic on the right.  It really speaks to me of how I’ve viewed and dealt with my emotions in the past, and the path forward to finding a better way in the present and the future.

Isabel Snail Tarot and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Queen of Cups, which is a representation of a receptive alpha 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 emotional support and those in your life that are good listeners or are there for you on an emotional level.

Here we see Isabel Snail studying the book “Compassion 101” while chilling at the seashore with a cocktail.  To me the imagery here is a perfect representation of what this card is all about, for it is through the self assured Queen of Cups in our lives that are comfortable with their own emotions that we learn how to understand and process ours.  These people are kind and compassionate, and willing to help support you and teach you through their own experiences how to navigate the watery uncertainty of an emotional landscape.

When combined with the Thera-Pets card for today, what I see here is a message about making sure we’re not rejecting help when it’s being offered. It’s great to be able to take on challenges head-on and push forward, but not if it’s going to bury your emotions in doing so.  Sometimes?  Having a Queen of Compassion on your side to keep you in touch with your emotions can help ensure that you don’t put on so much armor that you end up fighting alone… and lonely.

DECK USED:  ISABEL SNAIL TAROT AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

The Sacred Grounds Tarot Club Prompt
Question: Where can I find the energy to sustain myself when I am struggling?

Miracle Tarot by Reiko Shimizu

Reading Summary: When in need of rest and recovery (Four of Swords), you need to slow down and conserve your energy (Knight of Swords Rx). Speak plainly during these times, whether this is in your thoughts or in communication with others (Queen of Swords).

Take Away: Beating around the bush is not your strong suit in the first place, and when you’re struggling and low on energy, trying to do so can be extremely draining.  People are used to your practical, logic-leaning brain and they are rarely taken by surprise when you’re blunt or speak plainly, so when you are feeling you need to rest and recover?  Stop trying to soften your words and beat around the bush. Just speak clearly and it’ll sort itself out just fine.

DECK USED:  MIRACLE TAROT BY REIKO SHIMIZU

#DiscordTarotolicsMay2021 Challenge Prompt
Question: How can you go about adding more fun and play into your life?

Isabel Snail TarotReading Summary: Don’t spend so much time struggling to balance responsibility (King of Thorns) with overwhelm (Ten of Wands).  Find a better path (Three of Wands).

Take Away: This is the fatal flaw in my balancing act, yeah? For a really long time, instead of trying to balance home and work… I was trying to balance responsibilities and my sense of overwhelm. Although this allowed me to get a great deal done? It didn’t allow for any personal time at all, let alone time for things like fun and games.

In the past couple of years I’ve been working at finding a better path, and keeping my focus on a balance between self care and work instead of work and overwhelm. This has allowed for me to care more for myself and fill some of those needs I have been neglecting so long.   The Three of Wands indicates that this same path can also be used to find time for play.  I only have to look for the fun and it will be there for me, ready and waiting to come with me on the journey forward.

DECK USED:  ISABEL SNAIL TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I took a nap even though I wanted to spend that time with Gideon.  I was having some stomach issues and the nap seemed to help a bit, or maybe it was the Imodium… or both.