New Breath After Burnout

Bearded Journey Tarot B&W Edition and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s meditation was ten minutes long, and was focused on the affirmation that is printed on the card included in this post. The thing about negative self narratives is that you live with them for so long that they become reality in your mind. We truly are our own worst critic most of the time, and some take that a lot further than others, until it reaches unhealthy levels and beyond.

I worked very hard to turn this tendency around in my self, but I still struggle with it on a daily basis. It can be extremely difficult to remember to treat myself with the the same kindness that I treat others.

Today’s draw is the Ten of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of overwhelm, overburdening, and other themes to do with either taking on too much or having too much thrust upon you.

Although this card is usually about burden and overwhelm, burnouts and pushing ourselves too hard, what we see here in the depiction in this specific deck is that there comes a time when you need to rebirth yourself out of those times of burden as well. Just as we must eventually emerge out of burnout to breathe easily once again.

DECK USED:  BEARDED JOURNEY TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

Instead of pushing myself to finish a few blog posts from earlier in the week, I gave myself a break and deleted them.

The Importance of Play

Agni Roerich Tarot and Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal CardsToday’s meditation was ten minutes long, and was mantra based with breathing exercises. The mantra was pulled from the Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal Cards.

A great deal of my life was spent playing the “two steps forward, one step back” game, except the ratio was more along the line of five forward and four back.  I didn’t realize it at the time, though.  Mostly? Because I was too busy pushing and striving for more.  Burnout would then hit and send me crashing down into a mess of exhaustion (and sometimes also depression) that would cause me to lose all the progress I’d gained.  But I’d ignore that part, and keep pushing, saying to myself “look how much you are getting done!” the rest of the time… not acknowledging how much I fell behind in the burn out.

Over the past few years, I’ve been working on breaking this cycle.  It means that things I’d normally get done quickly now take a lot more time, but I don’t have the debilitating stretch of time between projects -because- I’m stretching out that progress over a longer period of time.  It’s far more healthy, but i sometimes chafe under the slowness of it all.  The mantra for today’s meditation focused on reminding myself I’m not -really- accomplishing things in more time than before, I’m just stretching things out over the time that I’d usually be unable to work and -can- now that I’m working healthier than before.

Today’s draw is the Two of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of juggling one’s responsibilities, trying to balance one’s obligations, committing to use of one’s time wisely, and being adaptable in order to keep things in one’s life in balance.

In the imagery of this card I see a woman that stands tall and seeks to deal with responsibilities, feeling as if she is being watched constantly (by the bird above on the eaves at least) and needing to stay on track as a result. And, before this figure, an antelope (perhaps a gerenuk or impala) that desires to romp and play.  The conflict displayed here is something we all go through and struggle with.  It’s the need to find balance between work and responsibility… and our need for fun and play.

That need for fun and play is something I denied myself for a very long time, and today’s card is a reminder that it’s important.  In fact, it’s just as important as work and responsibility, so don’t neglect it.

DECK USED:  AGNI ROERICH TAROT

@Lionharts #TheJuneTarot The Seeker’s Path Prompt
Questions for June 4th thru 6th – Embark

Agni Roerich Tarot and Deck of Many Things Colors of MagicWhat new adventures/explorations can I embark on to expand my horizons?

Death and Euryale – It’s time to work on expanding your perspective when it comes to change. You explored this before, but you need to begin to lean into seeing change as opportunity for growth and something better, rather than simply an inconvenience or something to be avoided or dreaded.

What hidden treasures await me as I explore the depths of my true nature?

Four of Cups and Star – Exploring the depths of your true nature will allow you to find an inner peace and a better connection with hope and optimism. Right now that hope and optimism is something that you have to force, but if you allow yourself to delve deeper and know yourself better, you may find that a natural inclination towards it will develop over time with the use of your meditative practice. This is a latent potential for an “upgrade” to your current modus operandi.

How can I begin my journey of embracing my nature on this very day?

Ace of Cups and Talons – Explore your sharp edged feelings towards change rather than ignoring them or pushing them away. It’s time to turn over an emotional new leaf in that area.

DECK USED: AGNI ROERICH TAROT AND DECK OF MANY THINGS COLORS OF MAGIC

#DiscordTarotholicsJun2023 Challenge Prompt
Topic for June 4 : Do Spread 1

Agni Roerich TarotHow is the rise of summer energies manifesting in my life?

Four of Swords – The rise of summer energies makes you restless, and unable to settle and get all of the rest that you need. You are doing well at channeling that energy into things that don’t land you into working more, though. So you are still getting a break, just not the type you would normally indulge in.

How can I harness these summer energies for my purposes?

Death – Don’t. Change your outlook so that your energy is not always poured into work… not everything is about work. This is something you always do, and it lands you into working more and more instead of getting the rest you need over the summer months.

Instead of harnessing the summer energies towards your purpose, let them flow around you and use them to do little enjoyable things that will make you happy or make life better for you.

Where would I be best served in directing these energies throughout the summer months?

Ten of Cups – Direct that energy towards the things that make you feel happy and content. Have fun and enjoy time with others, rather than always putting your nose to the grindstone every minute of every day.

DECK USED: AGNI ROERICH TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

This is a catch up post, and I don’t remember what self kindness might have gone on for today.

Energy Management

Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal Cards and Alexander Daniloff's Orient TarotToday’s meditation was ten minutes long, and was mantra based with breathing exercises. The mantra was pulled from the Thera-Pets Emotional Support Animal Cards.

I realized something about this mantra about half way through my meditation. It doesn’t say you’re doing the best you can, it says you’re managing the best you can. There’s a big difference between the two, for when we do our best on every little thing in our lives, there’s not enough of us to go around.

What’s better is to manage out efforts and energy wisely, so that we can save our energy to do our best in those things that actually matter, and still do just fine with the rest.

Today’s draw is the Ten of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of the end of a painful journey and other painful endings, the pain of betrayal, and moments of loss or defeat.

There’s something in the angle of the head that speaks to me of this figure’s situation being self inflicted.  Not in that he tied himself up and put these swords in his own back, but rather that he was the catalyst of how this situation came about.   The message in today’s card is that sometimes shit falls apart, because you are unwilling to give yourself the rest you need, so the universe forces you into that position where you must rest whether you want it or not.

DECK USED:  ALEXANDER DANILOFF’S ORIENT TAROT

@TheTarotDiagnosis #TTDMentalHealth Prompt
Prompts for June 3rd and 4th

Alexander Daniloff's Orient Tarot and The Language of Flowers OracleI can be …

Four of Coins and Tuberose – Miserly to the point of outright greed.

and still…

Six of Cups and Star of Bethlehem – reconcile with your inner child and connect with their wants and desires.

Take Away – Your inner child doesn’t care about expensive gifts and toys, they just want your attention. You can’t bribe them, so it’s okay to be greedy with your funds and resources… just don’t be greedy with your time and attention.

A way I can invite creativity into my day…

Six of Swords and Lunaria – when escaping into play tonight, make sure that you were honest about your knees, and true to what you are most in need of.

DECK USED: ALEXANDER DANILOFF’S ORIENT TAROT AND THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS ORACLE

#DiscordTarotholicsJun2023 Challenge Prompt
Question for June 3
: What do you need to focus on for self-care for this full moon?

Alexander Daniloff's Orient TarotReading Summary: Remember that no matter how unpredictable life becomes (Wheel of Fortune), you have your hands on the wheel  and the ability to plow forward (The Chariot) in whatever direction you’ve decided to go (Two of Wands).

Take Away: Sometimes when the unexpected happens, it feels like it derails you, taking you off track. These cards indicate that even during those times when things feel uncertain and go awry, your qualities of stubborn determination give you the ability to stay on track no matter what. Don’t allow the inconsequential shifts of fate to steer you off your chosen path.

DECK USED: ALEXANDER DANILOFF’S ORIENT TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I did some organization stuff today that I’ve been procrastinating on for a while. It feels good to have things sorted and put away instead of stacking up in the background.

A Lesson In What Not To Do

The Spirit of Flowers Oracle - Knave of SwordsToday’s meditation was ten minutes long, and although I did it and remember doing it right up until the last few minutes where she starts talking? I fell asleep somewhere near the end and missed whatever the message was completely.

Today’s draw is the Knave (aka Page) of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of a receptive omega energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s intelligence, education, thoughts, logic, and communication.

I feel like my little blood sugar scare today pretty much just swallowed my day up whole.  There was a lot of stuff that got done today, and yet… it’s that last little bit that takes over the entirety of the day somehow.  The Knave is about learning, taking past experiences and carrying them forward to begin again.  The message here?  Don’t fall back on old habits… learn from your mistakes and don’t forget them. They’re useful in keeping you healthy and safe.  Let this experience today be a lesson in what not to do.

DECK USED:  THE SPIRIT OF FLOWERS TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I just did the card of the day today instead of all the readings I had planned.  A little break.

Be Inspiring

Out of Hand Tarot and and the #DailyCalm Quote by Elliot PageToday’s meditation was ten minutes long, and felt like it was a revisit to the topic of yesterday with a focus on individuality instead of compassion, and how when you show your true self and let your uniqueness shine (aka, let your freak flag fly) you inspire others to be authentic as well.

Today’s draw is the King of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of a projective alpha energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s drive, willpower, passions, determination, and inner spark. This often translates into themes that have to do with a style of leadership that will impassion others to the leader’s projects and causes.

The King of Wands is a passionate soul with the experience to make his passions and enthusiasm glow brightly for all to see. He is the seasoned rock star with hits that everyone sings along with, leading others to partake in his greatest joys.

The reminder in today’s card is that it is by pouring your own enthusiasm into the things you love that you reach this “rock star status”. Share your passions with the world around you, and let yourself shine like a beacon in the night for others.

DECK USED:  OUT OF HAND TAROT

@Lionharts #TheJuneTarot The Seeker’s Path Prompt
Questions for June 1st thru 3rd – Prepare

Out of Hand Tarot and A Voice From the Earth CardsWhat part of my nature am I guided to explore this month?

Strength and North/Gaia – You draw inner strength from your time submerged within nature. Make sure you are taking the time to connect with the Earth and the trees and the ocean, for it is in your connection with all things earth and water that you will find the strength to support yourself and guide others.

What can I achieve by connecting with my nature throughout June?

Four of Wands and East/Incarnation – By connecting with that part of your nature through the month of June, you can create a greater sense of feeling grounded and “at home” within yourself, pulling forth to the forefront feelings of contentment and welcome, comfort and stability.

What steps can I take this month to wholeheartedly embrace my nature?

Ace of Swords and South/Vision – For those times when you are unable to get out in nature, visualization techniques could provide you with a new method to make that connection when you are unable to do so physically.

DECK USED: OUT OF HAND TAROT AND A VOICE FROM THE EARTH CARDS

#DiscordTarotholicsJun2023 Challenge Prompt
Question for June 1
: Dare Day – What have you been hesitant to start that today’s the day to begin?

Out of Hand Tarot - Three of Pentacles, Nine of Swords, Ace of Swords, The SunReading Summary: It’s time to stop worrying that others that work with you will resent you for asking them to pull more of their weight so that things can be more balanced (Nine of Swords atop Three of Pentacles). You need to communicate more clearly what you need from them (Ace of Swords), and as a result, you’ll have greater success in the long run (The Sun).

Take Away: It can be hard to ask for help sometimes when you feel  like you’re being an imposition, but remember that they benefit from the things you do just as much as you do, so they need to put in their part of the work as well.  Don’t allow yourself to drown out of anxiety or fear of asking for the help you need.  When you all work together and communication is open between you?  Everything runs much more smoothly and life is a hell of a lot more enjoyable.

DECK USED: OUT OF HAND TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I made myself go back to work even though I didn’t want to, in an effort to try and get some time with Gideon this evening after my work is done… I hope.