Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal Cards

Do The Thing

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Today’s meditation was just over ten minutes long and was more of a quiet reflection time with measured breathing and piriformis stretching than the guided meditations that I’m used to.   That’s because I ran across this little graphic (to the right) and it really hit home on me today.

Resonating as it did, I decided to spend my meditation thinking on it, reflecting about what it had to say, and taking the advice given there to heart.  I know this advice is good, as it’s something that the cards have said to me many times.  Especially during recovery from my MDEs when I feel like I should be recovering faster, and yet the lingering traces seem to stretch on and on far longer than I’ve anticipated they might.

Inspiration Tarot and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is is the High Priestess card, which is traditionally about hidden knowledge and secret wisdom. It’s about the subconscious and an understanding of these quiet, secret places that we all have within us, and what lies within those places.  The High Priestess is about finding those places, about rousing one’s intuition, and reading between the lines.

There is an element of self love in the depiction of this particular High Priestess.  It lies within her posture and the tilt of her hand, the position of her hands, the eyes that lie closed instead of open indicating looking inward.

The addition of the Thera-Pets card indicates an experience earlier today when one of my clients reached out for a reading.  I was feeling a little unsure of myself as I’ve been feeling quite tender the last couple of days. That sensation of tender vulnerability can sometimes make reading for others difficult.   I did warn them of this prior to the reading, and they were good with going ahead anyway, though.

The reading went well and it turns out I really had nothing to worry about.  Sometimes?  You just have to do the thing and trust that it’s going to work out.

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

The Sacred Grounds Tarot Club Prompt
Question: How can I better ground myself at this time?

Petrak Tarot

Reading Summary: There is a color progression between these three cards that indicates how they should be red.  The depth of red in the Knight of Wands corresponds to the deep red in the lower half of the Six of Discs.  The connection here threads through the center Five of swords, but only barely.  The connection is also present between the center Five of Swords and the end Six of Discs through the depth of blue, also, the connection between the center card and the Knight of Wands is minimal.

What these connections say is that I need to make sure that I’m rooting myself in the Red.  Rooting myself, therefore, in the things that “light my fire” and spark my enthusiasm.  The blue is shared only at the top of all three cards.  The location of the blue hues combined with their depth speaks of the mind.  The Five of Swords touching upon the Six of Discs within the mind’s arena is about pulling back on the battle to reason my way out of doing the stuff that is good for me… avoiding being generous with myself.

Take Away:  The cards here are speaking about my time out in nature either hiking or forest bathing.  I have a great deal of pleasure and enthusiasm for this, and it helps me immensely in staying balanced and grounded.  But I find myself from time to time forcing myself to not do the things that help me feel better.  This is a self destructive urge manifesting into reluctance for self care… and the encouragement  here is to DO THE THING.  Be generous to myself and get my ass out there.

DECK USED:  PETRAK TAROT

#DiscordTarotolicsApr2021 Challenge Prompt
Question: What piece of advice is needed right now to help you achieve your dreams?

Inspiration TarotReading Summary:  When uncertainty clouds your view (The Moon… eyes closed) make sure that you are tapping into your inner generosity (Six of Pentacles) and giving yourself room to ground, stabilize, and provide yourself the nurturing nourishment you need (Queen of Pentacles).  Also, take time to talk to Z (Six of Pentacles beside Queen of Pentacles)

Take Away: The message in these cards is twofold.  Both relate to situations and instances when I’m feeling the need to shirk away from confusion and feeling particularly uncomfortable with “being in the dark”.

During these times, these cards indicate that I need to pause and remember that it’s okay to be afraid and give myself the space, self care, and self kindness needed to get through these situations.

Secondly, this specific combination of cards (the Six of Pentacles combined with the Queen of Pentacles) is Z.  The cards here are reminding me that speaking to Z during these times can be infinitely beneficial.

DECK USED:  INSPIRATION TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I told Gideon about feeling tender the last couple of days.  I really don’t want him thinking I’m not interested in playing both the sets of chars that we made.  I like them both a lot.  I just have been feeling a bit tender and I guess that’s making me lean more towards the nurturing dynamic right now in play.

Bending In The Wind

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Today’s meditation was skipped again.  This time it wasn’t interruptions, though.  It was sleep.  I got home from the farm and took a shower, then sat my ass down on the bed for a minute to look at the messages on my phone and… fell asleep.  It was a good nap tho!

Botanical Grace Tarot and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Ten of Fire (Wands) which is traditionally a representation of allowing your enthusiasm for something to overburden you to the point of overwhelm and potential burnout.

I’m actually a bit confused by this card due to the illustration.  The herb that is (according to the guide) supposed to be represented by this card is Zanthoxylum americanum (Prickly Ash Bark), but the illustration on this card looks like Jasminum flowers.

What I find today is that the today resides not so much in what card popped out (Ten of Fire) but rather the confusion that surrounds the card’s illustration.

Combined with the message on the Thera-pets card for today, what we see here is a message about acceptance and adaptability.   Don’t allow the unexpected to knock you off track or make you doubt yourself.  Stay open to new experiences and new perspectives.  Bend like a tree in the wind and you will weather the changes far easier than if you hold yourself rigid in the storm.

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

The #httSelfImprovementTarotChallenge Prompt
Question: What needs to be released to unburden my soul?

Lunaria Tarot

Reading Summary: Trying to pretend you can ignore (Five of Inkwells) new ideas and inspiration (Ace of Pens) is creating a situation where you end up judging yourself harshly (Judgement) and allowing anxiety to thrive (Nine of Pens).

Take Away:  Essentially?  The cards here are telling me to pull my head out of my ass and start writing down my ideas again as they come up.  Allow them to pour out onto paper and keep a log of them.  As a result I will feel like they have been preserved and not be so down on myself for not pursuing them right away, or forgetting them and then feeling anxious about what I’ve lost with my forgetfulness.

DECK USED:  LUNARIA TAROT

#DiscordTarotolicsApr2021 Challenge Prompt
Trolley Problem: Do you divert the course of nature let one person die to save five strangers, or let nature take its course and let five people die?

Botanical Grace Tarot Reading Summary: Instinctive reaction (in the fire colors within the first two cards).  I would instantly go for (Two of Fire Rx) the thing I feel passion for (Knight of Fire). And then spend the rest of my life judging myself (Judgement) and retreating to beat myself up inside (The Hermit Rx atop Eight of Water).

Take Away: That sounds about right. Honestly?  I’m a selfish fuck and… I would probably kill the five to save the one that matters to me.

In that moment of panic? I can absolutely see myself making that choice, no matter how wrong it might feel later on down the road (or how wrong it might feel if I’d taken time to think). No time to think? I’d just do it… then spent the rest of my life beating myself up about it.

DECK USED:  BOTANICAL GRACE TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I forced myself not to work today, even though I was very, very tempted to do some work.  I want to try and give myself the most rest and recuperation that I can.   Going back to work will happen soon enough.

Endings Sometimes Hurt

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Today’s meditation was skipped because I couldn’t convince anyone (even the cat) to leave me alone.  Every time I tried to get a few minutes of peace, someone was popping in to ask a question, lick my ears, or complain about something. I finally just gave up and said fuck it.

My Garden Deck and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Ten of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of painful endings, coming to the end of a painful or uncomfortable journey, and taking a pause to acknowledge that you’ve lost and then pick yourself up and try again.

It’s the latter that I see represented here in this particular imagery, with the person that lies beneath the pinning tips of the sword also represented walking away from that experience.  It is a reminder that bad shit happens, but the strong carry on from it and continue moving forward.

Combined with the Thera-Pets card for today, the message that I see here in today’s cards is that sometimes endings hurt.  Sometimes?  They really hurt.  But there’s a light at the end of the tunnel of all that pain if you just hold on and keep your focus trained ahead.   Take a breath, learn what you can from the experience, and carry the knowledge forward as you keep going and move beyond the ending and the pain.

DECK USED:  MY GARDEN DECK AND THERA-PETS EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL CARDS

The #httSelfImprovementTarotChallenge Prompt
Question: What lights my soul on fire?

Future Ancestor Tarot

Reading Summary: Creating opportunities (Two of Seeds) for others to grow and manifest what is right for them in their lives (Eight of Cups). In this endeavor there is an element of nurturing energy that I put towards these things as I give gentle nudges to help people to grow and make the choices that are best for them (Listener of Seeds).

Take Away: I was actually surprised to see this come up as the answer to this question.  There are a few different things I thought might come up, but this wasn’t at the top of the list.  Not that I don’t take a great deal of joy in helping others in this manner, as I absolutely do and it’s a part of the reason that I do tarot readings for others.  It brings me a great deal of joy to help people find the path that’s right for them. 

DECK USED:  FUTURE ANCESTOR TAROT

#DiscordTarotolicsApr2021 Challenge Prompt
Question: Where in your life do you need to direct more gratitude?

My Garden DeckReading Summary: It’s the ones around you that you hold dear (Two of Cups) that help create the security and stability of your home life (Ten of Coins) and encourage you foster connections with not just them but the world around you as well (The Star).

Take Away:  I need to remember and acknowledge more often that I am not an island unto myself.  The people in my life are my support system, my encouragement, my cheerleaders, and often my inspiration. 

I often take these people for granted.  Perhaps we all do from time to time.  Hopefully not so much that they feel neglected, but I’m sure that they could absolutely benefit from me directing a bit more gratitude their way.

DECK USED:  MY GARDEN DECK

Daily Self Kindness

Honestly, after I passed out at the grocery store, I wasn’t feeling completely up to RP.  I’m glad that I did it anyway though, as it helped me find my center again and get comfortable in my own skin after the glucagon shot.

(Wo)Man Behind The Curtain

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Today’s meditation was just under ten minutes long and was another of the guided “Daily Calm” meditations on the Calm app, which was combined with an interval timer for my piriformis stretches.

The focus of today’s meditation was about finding peace within the chaos of life through the mindfulness techniques learned during meditation.  I think that this is a valuable lesson, that you can find inner peace in the middle of chaos.  But I also think that there is also a need for actual external peace through quiet and solitude.  Both are important and necessary for inner balance.

Tarot of Baseball and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the High Priestess card, which is traditionally a representation of secret knowledge and esoteric wisdom.  It’s about intuition and the subconscious, and being aware of the secrets both within oneself and the world at large, and using that knowledge in a way that helps others.

In the theme of baseball (which is the theme of this deck) this role is filled by the girlfriend/wife.  She knows the secrets of her husband or boyfriend. She shares her insights, watches and supports, and that secret self and secret life she shares with him is something only she and he share with each other.

This speaks of those things in life that are not for public consumption, and when combined with the Thera-Pets card for today, the message that I see here is is a reminder that even if you’re not out on the front lines and in front of all the eyes, you’re still important.  Not everyone wants or needs to be in the limelight.  Sometimes?  Being the support in the background is the most important job of all.  So don’t sell yourself short just because you’re not in the spotlight.

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

The Sacred Grounds Tarot Club Prompt
Question: Where does my sense of play need nurturing?

Friends Tarot

Reading Summary:  Make sure that you’re not being too harsh of a taskmaster (King of Swords). Pushing yourself to always strive for more and better (Eight of Pentacles) is not showing yourself kindness or nurturing that inner child (Queen of Pentacles Rx).

Take Away: Fostering my inner child is important, and allowing the harsh slave-driver that is always seeking perfection is –not– nurturing to my inner child or my sense of fun and play.  The message here is that if you don’t give your inner child room to slowly creep its way out of the shadows into the light… if you lean too hard into responsibility and innovation… then that inner child will continue to hide away in the dark.

DECK USED:  FRIENDS TAROT

#DiscordTarotolicsApr2021 Challenge Prompt
Question: What is the most important lesson you need to learn this spring?

Tarot of BaseballReading Summary: Sometimes when you stall too long to find direction (The Hanged Man) in the middle of chaos (The Tower), it leads to uncertainty and indecision (The Moon atop Seven of Caps).

Take Away: There is a difference between stepping back to get some perspective, and stalling your way into indecision. One is a productive way of sussing out the best path forward, and the other is harmful and diversionary.

The cards here indicate that the most important lesson I will need to learn this month is about how to tell the difference, and make sure that my searching for perspectives doesn’t end up going on so long that I end up worse off than if I’d acted without pausing at all.

DECK USED:  TAROT OF BASEBALL

Daily Self Kindness

I’ve struggled a bit today with being kind to myself about taking time off.  I ended up spending most of the day playing with Gideon again, which was wonderful.  I also put off working on blog posts and catching up because it felt a bit overwhelming.

Growth Is a Journey

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Today’s meditation was just over ten minutes long and was another of the guided meditations in the Calm app combined with an interval timer for my piriformis stretches.

The focus of today’s meditation was about how when you focus too hard on a goal or endeavor,  you often end up missing so  much else going on around you… and all of the fun as well.

Fine Line Tarot and Thera-Pets Emotinal Spport Animal CardsToday’s draw is The Hermit card, which is traditionally a representation of taking time to one’s self for the purposes of contemplation and self-development. The Hermit is the solitary time needed to cast light upon new paths in one’s life and growth.

The Thera-Pets card combined with the meaning behind the Hermit card leaves he in a place of remembering what was said in my Self Care Saturday spread this week.  That is to say, that this week needs to be about enjoying… having fun… relaxing.  Leaving the mundane and weight of responsibility behind and allowing myself time to breathe.

Sometimes… okay, almost always, this is extremely difficult for me. But, when I first started allotting time off for myself on a semi-regular basis last  year… it was nearly impossible.  It’s no longer impossible, it just takes a bit of effort. A bit of struggle.

Slowly but surely, I’m becoming more accustomed to taking this time off and enjoying it, and with each time I do it and feel the benefits that I reap from it, I learn a little more about how to do it more easily and with less feelings of pressure and guilt entangled into the experience.

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

The Sacred Grounds Tarot Club Prompt
Question: What role does play hold in my life?

Sidewalk Chalk Tarot de Marseille

Reading Summary: Sometimes you get a little carried (Cavalier de Bâton) away in overburden yourself (Dix de Bâton) with those things that you’re really enthusiastic about and want to explore creatively (Cavalier de Coupe).

Take Away: My creativity is my where play resides in my life.  I’ve never been much of the “carefree” type.  I don’t fool around or spend a lot of time doing the whole “fun and games” thing.  I find joy and pleasure, passion and spark, in my creative process and all the different ways in which I express myself creatively.

The problem with this is that my work is also creative in nature, and sometimes when I’m diving into one or the other, they blend together, compound on each other, and I end up overwhelmed.  Then the fun dies and I’m left with feelings of overburden and responsibility… and no pleasure or play at all.

DECK USED:  SIDEWALK CHALK TAROT DE MARSEILLE

#DiscordTarotolicsApr2021 Challenge Prompt
Topic: Do Spread #1

Fine Line Tarot and Carrot CardsWhat does this loved one need less of from me?
Eight of Cups and The Rolling Rabbit

Stop ignoring the need for fun and pleasure, or pushing it away and considering it not a priority or not important.  It is important and shouldn’t be rejected, ignored, or devalued. A part of his purpose, he feels, is to give me a chance to cut loose and find pleasure in life. Don’t reject the value of these things or view them as inconsequential.

What does this loved one need more of from me?
Eight of Pentacles and The Safe Burrow

Lean in and let him do what he does best, which is making you feel safe and secure, helping you to relax, and sheltering you when you are feeling out of sorts or overwhelmed. Expressing when you are feeling this way is important, and it’s important to him to provide that safe haven for you when you need it.

What in this relationship is being entirely neglected?
The Chariot and Kicking

My dominant nature. Usually this is something that only really displays itself outside of my relationship with him.  There is something about Gideon that specifically pulls on my submissive side.  Outside of him, dominant traits usually reign if only at times in how I control my life and lead in the ways I’m comfortable. But, there are times that it rises up within the context of our relationship.   This is not one of those times.  Yes, that side of myself is being “entirely neglected” right now, but I’m very aware that when those needs rise, I can speak up and they will be welcomed eagerly with open arms.

DECK USED:  FINE LINE TAROT AND CARROT CARDS

Daily Self Kindness

I spent the majority of my day relaxing and spending time with Gideon in play.  It’s been a very “chill” day.

Smelling Roses… or Tulips

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Today’s meditation was skipped because I was lazy as hell and stayed in bed way longer than I had intended to.  As my first day off, I think it’s fair to say that I did a good job in lazing about, even if I didn’t actually meditate.

Rabbit Tarot and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s draw is the Seven of Tulips (Cups) which is traditionally a representation of being presented with a wide variety of choices.  This can be a book of fortune that allows you to select exactly what you want or what is best for you, but sometimes it can also be overwhelming and lead to confusion and indecision.

What stands out to me in this card is the oh-so-very dejected angle of the rabbit’s ears.  He’s really innit now, yeah?  Completely flummoxed and without a clue just which flower he wants to eat first.  His good fortune is in the bounty of options available to him… and yet, it sometimes doesn’t feel that way when you’re having trouble choosing.

Combined with the Thera-Pets card for today, what I see here is a need to slow down. You don’t have to choose your path right this instant.  Life is not a race.  Slow down.  As long as you’re still moving forward, that’s what really matters.  Maybe the rabbit just needs to pause and take some time to smell the flowers before choosing one.

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

The Sacred Grounds Tarot Club Prompt
Question: Where does my creativity need nurturing?

Seventh Sphere Tarot de Marseille

Reading Summary: Everywhere (The World) you are passionate about (Five of Wands), but with moderation and a balanced approach (Temperance).

Weirdness Side Note:  The World card here in this deck reminds today me of a vagina.  The Star card in this deck reminds me today of a uterus diagram.  Both of these connect to a need for that nurturing energy to be poured into how I deal with the conflict I’m feeling in the area of my creativity.

Take Away:  Honestly?  My creativity has been suffering since the new year.  Or… well, maybe since November. Between the holiday rush and then the MDE that followed, my creative spark has been taking a bit of a beating.  And… I admit I’ve been beating up on  myself a little bit for its lackluster enthusiasm in this area.  It’s really not like me… at least not the me I’m used to.

The need for time off and some time to recover has been pretty intense for the past few days, and what I see here is that there isn’t one particular area where I need to direct that nurturing energy, but rather I need to work on being kinder to myself and make sure as I move forward into my recovery that I take things slow so that I don’t overwhelm myself as my enthusiasm starts to respark.

DECK USED:  SEVENTH SPHERE TAROT DE MARSEILLE

#DiscordTarotolicsApr2021 Challenge Prompt
Question: How can you tap into additional inspiration this month?

Rabbit TarotReading Summary: Take things slow and smell the roses (Knight of Tulips). Take time to really delve into and enjoy (Queen of Sticks) the creative manifestation that helps root you (Ace of Daisies).

Take Away:  It’s not so much about going after things as it is about taking some time to appreciate what’s already there. Chill.  Enjoy.  Maybe wallow just a little bit.  It’s okay to have a little fun this month and it’s okay to take a break to do that.

This is a fitting message for my time off, and a reminder to allow myself to enjoy this time instead of feeling bad about not getting things done or pressuring myself to get other non-work stuff done since I’m not doing work stuff.

DECK USED:  RABBIT TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I’m actually playing catch up at the moment, so I can’t really remember what it is that I did on the 3rd for self kindness, but I bet I played with Gideon in our new realm… and that counts!