thinking positive

The Soul’s Exhale

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Today’s meditation was a self directed ten minute session that was focused on a Forest Meditation card, which states, “The Home of Senses” and, in the guidebook, encourages seeking comfort in your surroundings by expanding your senses and letting them guide you, then focusing in on what drew you in the first place.

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Forest Meditations and Casanova Tarot's Eight of WandsDaily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Eight of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of action, speed, alacrity, fast paced events or change, or having a target goal in your sights that you are charging towards.

Where in your life do you feel most at ease? Where is that place where your inner tension eases up and the knot in your solar plexus unfolds? Is it your own home where you find that deep breath for the soul? Is it another house? In the woods? In your car? At the beach?

We all need these moments where we breathe easier and tension falls away. We all have places where we don’t have to work at these moments of peace, but instead it feels almost as if they’re gifted to us.

Today’s message asks us where these places are for you, and encourages visiting them and appreciating them posthaste.

There will always be times when you need that breath of air for the soul and ease of tension. The message for today is an encouragement to identify where these places are, acknowledge what those places gift us, and not to hold back on giving yourself that when you need it.

DECK USED:  CASANOVA TAROT AND FOREST MEDITATIONS

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2025 Challenge
Prompt for September 21st : Do the Second Harvest Spread

Second Harvest Oracle Reading with the 100 Dragons Oracle

Amber – Where do I need to work on my emotions to create more balance in my life?

Taco Drake – Your issues with scarcity mean that you’re always grasping for more and never feel like you have enough. This mentality translates to your emotions that you are never enough and can never do good enough. To create more balance in your life, you need to work on easing up on this cycle that your issues with scarcity create.

Cedar – How can I use my present day fortitude to strengthen my future protection?

Pansy Plucker – Even during times when you are struggling and at the end of your rope, make sure that you are continuing to seek out the small pleasures and little joys in life. Being able to bring this positive practice forward with you into the future will help to protect you from the negative self talk in your head.

Marigold – Where should I focus on my health in order to develop a happier outlook?

Metal Nibbler – Pause before you put stuff in your mouth. Work on eating healthier, instead of just grabbing whatever is available and easy. Quick snacks are all well and good until it turns out that that’s all you’re eating all day long. When your diet is balanced, you feel happier and healthier.

Walnut – How can I be more discerning in picking positive friendships?

Teacup Lung – Make sure that those you choose to associate with aren’t adding more drama to your life. Look for those that are there to support you when you need it and care about your well-being, instead of having their own ulterior motives that leave them unconcerned with your struggles.

Sapphire – How can I best discern between logical thought and true wisdom?

Tinker Imp – Play with these thoughts and look at how to apply them to different scenarios in life. Wisdom doesn’t need tinkering, but logic often does.

Yarrow – How can I move from a place of trauma into a place of healing?

Oracle Wyvern – Stay open to working with your ancestors and guides. They are there to help you if you’re open to it, and will come to you when you’re ready if you trust them to step in when needed; but no sooner.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dehydrated Pansy Flower for Hearing the Heart More Clearly
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: 100 DRAGONS ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I bought myself frosted two-bite brownies today, and they are delicious.

Never Good Enough

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Today’s meditation was a ten minute long self-directed session based upon @thelatestkate’s affirmation that says “Maybe today is not an “improve yourself” day. Maybe it can be an “accept yourself and get through” day instead.”

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Chang'an's Illusion Tarot and The Latest Kate AffirmationThe @GlitterbyInk #SeptemberSoul25 Challenge
Seeds of Intention Prompt for September 20th : Equinox
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Five of Cups, which is traditionally a representation of pessimism, regrets, doomsday thinking, disappointments, and occasionally, failure (or at the very least, the perception of failure).

I have a tendency to push too hard and expect too much. And, as true as this is in regards to other people and things around me, it’s significantly more so in how I treat myself.

I was raised to understand that “doing your best” requires self sacrifice… and that you should never do less than your best. That means that to do your best is to neglect your own needs for the cause. You put everything you have into the perfection that you are seeking to achieve. And, at the end of the task, you don’t look at what you’ve accomplished with pride, but with modesty and humility. Because secretly you know you could have sacrificed more, and in doing so done better.

This is the mentality I was raised with, and one I still struggle with even now. I know it’s unhealthy, but it’s deeply ingrained and difficult to root out.

The message for today is to take a look at your expectations, especially towards yourself. Where are you pushing so hard that no matter how good you do, it’s never going to be enough? Take time today to examine why you are treating yourself this way, and look at ways to ease up on yourself.

After all, no harvest is perfect. So, consider how you can be happy with your achievements and celebrate them, instead of tearing them down.

DECK USED:  CHANG’AN’S ILLUSION TAROT AND THE LATEST KATE AFFIRMATION

Tarot Reading with the Tarot for Pregnancy Deck#DiscordTarotholicsSep2025 Challenge
Prompt for September 20th: What do you need to focus on for self-care for this month’s New Moon?

Reading Summary: Rest remains your number one focus for this new moon (Four of Swords), as well as making sure that you’re staying connected with those that are important to you and enjoying your time with them (Three of Cups). You have a lot to be thankful for, and you should be enjoying these things instead of torturing yourself with uncompromising expectations (Four of Wands atop King of Swords).

Take Away: Although as time goes on this month, you’re trying to create a little wiggle room, don’t get so wrapped up in it that you forget that you’re supposed to be resting and waiting, not taking action. Don’t become so obsessed with your little experiments that you lose sight of that. Spend time with others that you like and care about, and enjoy their company. Give yourself some time to relax, and make sure that your aspirations and impatience for movement don’t cause you to get ahead of yourself.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Silver Maple Key for Bouncing Back to Thrive
Ceramic Red Maple Leaf Impression for Adaptability and Connection
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: TAROT FOR PREGNANCY

@de_tarotjuf Time for Yourself
#detarotjufseptembertarotchallenge
Prompts for September 19th through 21st

Tarot Reading with the Chang'an's Illusion Tarot and Change Your Mood OracleWhat lessons can I take with me from the past?

Judgment and Maternal – All of them. You carry those lessons forward with you through your life and into death and what comes beyond.

The one that you seem to be most resistant against thus far is your “mother issues”. You may want to get that sorted out before something happens that makes it impossible to do so.

How can I accept myself more as I am?

The Lovers and Natural – Open yourself up to vulnerability in healthy, low risk ways. Instead of discounting those things about yourself that are positive and good (as you have a tendency to do), take time to appreciate them instead. Foster self acceptance by making choices that validate yourself and those areas of vulnerability.

How can I improve my mind-body balance?

The High Priestess and Pacific – Go with the flow of what you know through your intuition, rather than through logic. Sometimes it’s that inner knowing that has the real answers you need, even for the mind and body. When you connect to your intuition and listen to what’s going on on within you, it allows you to gather knowledge that you wouldn’t otherwise have about yourself and your needs.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Fuchsia Flowers for Stability in the Face of External Disruption
Pressed Pansy Flower for Hearing the Heart More Clearly
Foraged Purple Heather Sprigs for Independence and Luck
Rose Quartz for Gentle Kindness to Self and Others
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECKS USED: CHANG’AN’S ILLUSION TAROT AND CHANGE YOUR MOOD ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I remembered to bring a pair of gardening sleeves with me to protect my arms from the rose thorns.

Preparing to Pivot

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Today’s meditation was a self directed ten minute session that focused on the affirmation on the back of the Witch Magick card drawn for today.

The affirmation: “The word ‘will’ is redefined in modern witchcraft as ‘willing’ — to be of service.”

I disagree with this affirmation on so many levels. The greatest of which is the fact that in witchcraft the word “will” is about setting intention and applying willpower. It has nothing to do with service or being willing to do something, which is completely different than putting your willpower forward into an endeavor.

Then there is, of course, the concept that in modern times witchcraft is supposed to be all about “being of service” to others. Solitary witches are often only of service to themselves, and not everyone’s practice resolves around society and community.

I feel like this affirmation is a push to make something happen, force an individual’s values on others, and set a “standard” that is not realistic for everyone. Witches are human too, and not everyone wants to be “of service” to others. The branching out of witchcraft and spirituality in modern times has only made practitioners and their craft that much more diverse. This affirmation feels like an affront to that diversity.

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Magickal Cats Tarot - Knight of Pentacles and Witch Magick CardsThe @GlitterbyInk #SeptemberSoul25 Challenge
Seeds of Intention Prompt for September 19th : Realization
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Knight of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of an active, projective beta energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s finances, resources, health, home, labors, and manifestations. This often translates into a slow moving but determinedly forward moving energy, personality, or person that has their eye on the prize regardless of the slow and steady speed they may be moving at.

Okay, the cat in this card does not look like a cat. It looks like a pig. Just sayin’.

Then again, I really can’t see any cat trying to ride a frog. A pig, on the other hand, seems  unpredictable enough to handle the ride somehow. The thing is, when we’re fixed on our goals, even if we’re moving slowly towards them instead of at speed, there’s always going to be a chance for something to come and surprise us along the way. I mean that frog’s little front legs don’t look like it could go very fast, but then you look at its’ haunches, and it could really take a flying leap without any warning, right?

The pig’s eyes (yes, pig) are wide open and ready, and he is even making sure to hold onto those reins. He may be more comfortable at a slower pace, or a slower pace may be forced upon him, but he’s ready for those surprises regardless.

The message in today’s card is that sometime life slows us down not because we need to go slower in order to get where we’re going, but because a pivot is coming and you might break your neck if you’re not going slow and holding on tight when it shows up.

DECK USED:  MAGICKAL CATS TAROT AND WITCH MAGICK CARDS

@LightningWildflower September Tarot Challenge
Prompts for September 16th thru 22nd

Juicy Tarot, Care Bearz Self-Care Oracle, Tarot de Marseille Gassmann Anima Antiqua, Aboriginal Dreaming Totems, The Cosmic Coven Tarot, Rook and Rose Pattern Deck, Magickal Cats Tarot, California Wildlife Conversation Deck

Queen of Cups

How can I protect my energy while remaining compassionate?

Queen of Swords and Recharge Your Batteries – Encourage others to take care of themselves, while keeping your boundaries in place. It’s not your responsibility to care for everyone else. Care for yourself first, and advise others to do the same.

This isn’t selfish behavior. Instead, it’s ensuring that you have the energy you need when you need it, and that you are taking responsibility for your own needs.

What emotional wisdom have I gained, and how can I put it to the best use?

King of Pentacles and Take Inventory – Take stock of what you have, and what repairs need tended to in your foundation. Maintenance is important. You can’t always be pushing for more… Sometimes you have to pause and take care of what you already have.

Queen of Swords

How can I balance  honesty and empathy as I interact with others?

Nine of Cups and Assuredness – Pay attention to what makes you happy and make sure that you’re standing up for it; even when dealing with other people you need to keep your own happiness as a priority. This doesn’t mean you can’t feel for others, but it means that you don’t allow them to manipulate you into forsaking your happiness for theirs.

What boundaries do I need to address in my relationships?

Ace of Swords and Confidence – You are not a doormat, so don’t let people walk all over you. It’s okay to listen to others in their opinions, it’s just not okay to let them manipulate you through those opinions or by plucking your emotions. Speak your mind instead of staying quiet, as sometimes silence is seen as agreement or consent.

Queen of Pentacles

Where could I create a greater sense of comfort and ease in my life?

Ten of Pentacles and The Face of Light – Lean into practicality as you look toward the future. You feel more at ease when you can see something attainable on the horizon, and have an idea on how to reach it. Comfort and ease, for you, requires a little bit of certainty.

How can I nurture my physical and emotional well-being with more intention?

Four of Pentacles and The River’s Blessing – Lean into gratitude practices right now. It’s too easy, during this time of chaos and uncertainty in your lie, to fall into a spiral of scarcity worries. Instead, counter that pull with adding a gratitude practice to your meditation or bedtime routine.

Queen of Wands

In what way do I inspire others?

Seven of Cups and California Condor – You are a survivor, and through all that you’ve been through and all the things you’ve endured, you’ve continued to make choices that allow you to not just keep going but thrive.

Where others with similar trials have turned harsh and hard, you continue to allow a softness that creates greater potential for the future, without allowing it to weaken you resolve and survival instincts.

What will help me most when I have trouble expressing myself?

Nine of Swords and Downy Woodpecker – Don’t worry so much what others think, or if you are bothering them. Leave their bullshit at the door and do your own thing. Sometimes? People are just too self absorbed to make sense of what you say and do, no matter how clear or obvious you are trying to be. That’s their problem, not yours.

Other elements included in this reading:
Black Spruce Needles to Boost Self-Confidence and Positive Thinking
Dried Purple Heather Flowers for Independence and Luck
Dried Rosebuds for Potential and Beauty Waiting to Unfold
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: JUICY TAROT, CARE BEARZ SELF-CARE ORACLE, TAROT DE MARSEILLE GASSMANN ANIMA ANTIQUA, ABORIGINAL DREAMING TOTEMS, THE COSMIC COVEN TAROT, ROOK AND ROSE PATTERN DECK, MAGICKAL CATS TAROT, CALIFORNIA WILDLIFE CONVERSATION DECK

Daily Self Kindness

I had a little more protein today than usual. For some reason I was craving it.

Too Much Weight

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Today’s meditation was a ten minute long self-directed session based upon @crowtarotmjcullinane‘s Crow Affirmations card that says “Grief : I allow myself to grieve.”

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Crow Affirmations and Biota Reverie Tarot's Two of PentaclesThe @GlitterbyInk #SeptemberSoul25 Challenge
Seeds of Intention Prompt for September 18th : Illumination
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Two of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of juggling responsibilities, work/life balance, and prioritization.

Is that what I’m doing? Am I trying to juggle hope and grief? Is this why I’m struggling to move under the weight of uncertainty and stress?

I have actively avoided making an online shopping/commerce site for about… 12 years now. I’ve instead depended upon Etsy as my platform. It seems, though, that maybe this was a mistake. I’ve been hoping for them to provide some sort of a tool on their site for dealing with this tariff issue. Instead, I’ve heard rumblings about them having been trying to decrease seller numbers for years, and changes to how they do things on the site are also coming. Combined with their radio silence on helping sellers navigate the whole tariff thing, I’m starting to worry that perhaps the time for a standalone site has arrived.

If so, it makes me sad and ache inside. Not that I can’t do it, but I love selling on Etsy.

I suppose what’s being illuminated here today is that it’s time to create a new balance, because it doesn’t look like the old one is going to return… Not even, possibly, a shadow of it.

The message in today’s cards is that sometimes in order to find a healthy and sustainable balance, you have to let go of some of the things you might not really want to let go of. It’s okay to grieve during this part of the process, but sooner or later you’ll have to pick up what’s left and work to create a new balance without those lost pieces.

DECK USED:  BIOTA REVERIE TAROT AND CROW AFFIRMATIONS

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2025 Challenge
Prompts for September 18th and 19th

Biota Reverie Tarot, The Mushroom Oracle, and Arcane Limbus Tarot ReadingWhat projects and energies are you taking with you into Autumn?

Reading Summary – You need to focus on walking away from what isn’t working and is harming you financially (Four of Pentacles and Eight of Cups), and begin leaning into what will create long-term sustainable results that you’re more miserly self will appreciate (Seven of Pentacles and Four of Pentacles).

Stop – Ten of Pentacles atop Page of Swords; Bolete – Stop slicing away at what you’ve already accomplished as if it’s meaningless. What you have done, accomplished, and survived is the “training” for what lies ahead. Don’t forsake the hard won resiliency that you now possess just because a new and uncertain path is opening up ahead of you.

Start – King of Pentacles and Mycelium – Work on building up a good foundation of communication and collaboration with others. You’re going to need their help, and you need to make sure that you’re communicating with them about what’s going on so that they can be as prepared as you are to move forward and build back up that place of greater stability.

Continue – The Star atop Queen of Wands; Moss – Continue to use your hope and positivity exercises with vigour and allow your guides to help you from falling into the pit. Your fear and uncertainty definitely want to get a foot up and drag you down, and will do so if you let them. Keep up on combating your negative inner influences with the tools available to you, in order to keep both your hope and spirits high.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Rhododendron Leaves for Fostering Confidence
Gneiss Stone for Patience in Moments of Discomfort
Aventurine Goddess for Harmony and Balance of the Heart
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECKS USED: BIOTA REVERIE TAROT, ARCANE LIMBUS TAROT, THE MUSHROOM ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I let myself have a mini stress-meltdown and had a messy cry.

The Benefits of Silence

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Today’s meditation was fourteen minutes long, and was one of the #DailyCalm sessions from the @Calm app.

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Hush Tarot -Ace of SwordsThe @GlitterbyInk #SeptemberSoul25 Challenge
Seeds of Intention Prompt for September 17th : Expansion
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Ace of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of the seed of new beginnings in the area of one’s thoughts, intellect, education, logic and reason, ambition, or communication.

I have “foot in mouth disease”. That is to say that I have a great amount of skill at “saying the wrong thing at the wrong time”. My saving grace is that every once in an extremely rare while, I also say just the right thing at the right time.

The illustration on today’s card looks like a Knight, but is actually the Ace of the suit. This reminds us that sometimes it’s better to not speak, for we don’t know as much as we think we do. When you leap forward to be the first one to speak, you miss the opportunity to listen, observe, and learn.

The message in today’s card is a reminder that the wise listen first, then speak. Don’t be so eager to open you mouth before you’ve gathered all the facts… including the ones you didn’t yet know existed. When you take a moment to listen first, you expand your horizons beyond your own knowledge.

DECK USED:  HUSH TAROT

@de_tarotjuf Time for Yourself
#detarotjufseptembertarotchallenge
Prompts for September 17th and 18th

Woodland Wardens Oracle Reading with the Hush Tarot -Ace of Cups, Eight of Swords Tarot ReadingHow can I clarify my goals?

Ace of Cups; The Bobcat and Blackthorn – Take the time needed to get in touch with your emotions. Your goals require more input than just good logical reasoning. You need to allow your emotions input as well, and not just on the end results you’re looking to achieve, but also about the journey to get there.

As emotions are not your strong suit, it’s important to take extra time to make sure they are being included. This connection cannot be rushed.

What energizes me when I think about them?

Eight of Swords; The Spider and Passionflower atop The Marten and Foxglove – The ability to block out the world and turn your focus fully on your creative spark and the endeavors born from it. Creativity is your way to play, and through it you enjoy things more. To energize and motivate you toward your goals, creativity needs to be included, in the same way seasoning interspersed throughout food makes the meal taste better.

DECKS USED: HUSH TAROT AND WOODLAND WARDENS ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I gave in and allowed myself half a pain med earlier today.  I just couldn’t get it under control.

Be the Muse

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Today’s meditation was a ten minute long self-directed session based upon @thelatestkate’s affirmation that says “Please take some pressure off; you don’t have to make all the good things happen.”

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The King's Theater Tarot - Queen of Wands and The Latest Kate AffirmationsThe @GlitterbyInk #SeptemberSoul25 Challenge
Seeds of Intention Prompt for September 16th : Embodiment
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Queen of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of a receptive alpha energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s passion, drive, willpower, determination, values, and principles. This often translates into themes that have to do with being supportive of others projects and passions, or searching for inner truth within your own values and principles.

It took me a long time to understand and accept that I don’t have to be “on” all the time, and that it’s not my job to keep others entertained, nor hold their hand through each of life’s learning experiences or personal projects. Nor do I need to supervise their lives and works, hovering over them to ensure that they don’t trip and that they do a good job.

All this hovering is because I care, often too much. This often leads to overwhelm and extra dependency on the part of the other person, which is not healthy. That’s why it’s important to step back now and then, inspire from afar, and do your own thing without worrying about them doing theirs.

The message in today’s cards is a reminder that you can be the embodiment of a muse for others, even while taking a step back and not sticking your meddling fingers in their business. Instead, let them come to you as needed while you do your own thing.

DECK USED:  THE KING’S THEATER TAROT

@de_tarotjuf Time for Yourself
#detarotjufseptembertarotchallenge
Prompts for September 15th and 16th

Augur Charm Casting and Verdance Tarot Reading - Four of Swords and The WorldWhat is the next step in my personal development?

Four of Swords; Money Bag and Clover – You need to work on understanding that everything is going to work out fine even without your interference.

Allowing yourself to rest is important, and making that happen requires trust that sometimes luck will be on your side, and everything’s gonna be okay without you involved in making it so. That includes in concern to your business and your finances. Sometimes you just have to take a step back and relax.

Where do I still need more clarity?

The World; Mountains and Love Letter – Other than wanting the things that you do to make you happy., those that love you don’t care about what you can do or  accomplish. They’re there for you through life’s obstacles and struggles because they’re in it for the long haul. They want to be by your side even when the chips are down and the obstacles feel insurmountable.

Other elements included in this reading:
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: VERDANCE TAROT AND AUGUR CHARMS

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2025 Challenge
Prompt for September 16th

The King's Theater Tarot's Nine of Cups, The Magician, Knight of Pentacles, and The Herbal Healing OracleCreate – Page of Pentacles and Nettle

Create a greater appreciation for patience. When you go slow, you allow yourself room to receive instead of having to create everything you need on your own. By contrast, if you rush, you are on your own to make everything happen and build all those building blocks by yourself.

Patience is the key and there is truth in the phrase, “Good things come to those who wait.” With patience, you are able to take a slower pace and be open to receiving assistance more easily.

Evolve – Nine of Cups and Clover

Relax and appreciate those things that you enjoy, rather than being so preoccupied with whatever next goal post is waiting for you. You’re allowed, in your moments of pause, to really appreciate life and enjoy it, rather than chafing at the bit for what comes next.

Take ownership of your times of pause and rest, and work on evolving them into something positive that you can enjoy… instead of inconvenient pauses you try to push through.

Balance – The Magician and Protection

Your ambition and drive to protect what is important to you has gotten a bit out of control. You may not realize it yet, but you’re back to pressuring yourself to be “on “all of the time and prepared for anything.

Although this is an admirable goal, it’s not a realistic one. Everyone needs down time… even you.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Wood Fern for Exorcising Negative Influences
Pressed Pansy Flowers for Hearing the Heart More Clearly
Handcrafted Sigil for Healthy Sustainable Energy
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECKS USED: THE KING’S THEATER TAROT AND THE HERBAL HEALING DECK

Daily Self Kindness

I didn’t feel well today and spend a great deal of time napping. I also started taking Cold FX and some extra vitamin C to help combat whatever this is.