two of Pentacles

Dropping The Ball

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Today’s meditation was supposed to happen just before my nap this afternoon, and I did start it.  And then I dozed off before I finished it.  Which, was not my intention, but was a risk in doing it when i was feeling tired.   I will try again at bed time and see if I can’t complete a full meditation before bed.

Traditional Manga Tarot - Two of PentaclesToday’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.

I have identified rather strongly with the Two of Pentacles throughout most of my adult life.  I’ve juggled up to five part time jobs at once… and until this year? No less than three at any one time.  I’ve struggled with balancing in personal time and home life, with committing time to my employers, and yet giving all that I can to my home business.  Finishing high school while trying to live and thrive on my own, putting myself through uni while recovering from surgeries and working to support myself.

For me, life has always been a juggling act.  But what stands out to me the strongest in the imagery of this card today is more than just the juggling act going on, but also the currents that swirl around the figure’s legs.

The thing is?  Sometimes juggling is harder than others.  Sometimes outside influences come in and distract your focus, and you drop the ball.  The important part is that you keep trying.  Keep working at it, and you’ll find a balance that you can sustain even in the middle of distractions.

DECK USED:  TRADITIONAL MANGA TAROT

LionHart’s As Above So Below Challenge Prompt
Mercury Question: How can Mercury’s curiosity help my current journey?

ICER Intuitive Art Tarot

Reading Summary: It can help me to cut through hesitations and delays (Two of Wind Rx) to allow me to concentrate on my craft (Eight of Earth) and excel at it with enthusiasm (Fire Princess).

Take Away:  The cards here indicate that Mercury’s curiosity can help me in finding purpose and assist me in excelling at those things I choose to become skilled in by circumventing my natural moment of hesitation and allowing me to leap forward into the learning process more readily.

DECK USED:  ICER INTUITIVE ART TAROT

#DiscordTarotolicsNov2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: Advice I need to hear at this time concerning my work life.

Sabbath TarotReading Summary: The greatest warriors meditate to center themselves (Four of Cups) and strategize (Seven of Swords). What you plan for and begin now (Two of Wands) will predict how things come to an end (The Demiurge).

Take Away: In a lot of ways, the holiday rush is like being in battle.  It’s overwhelming and exhausting and chaotic, a wild thrashing energy that swirls around you and drives you on, and you have to withstand the storm in order to reach the other side intact. Like all battles, there is a need for planning and strategy in order to achieve the results you want… and a need for grounding and a centering within oneself to build up the strength to carry you through.

DECK USED:  SABBATH TAROT

Heal & Transform November Challenge Prompt
Question: How can I help heal others?

Ring Cycle Tarot

8 of Walsungs – Guiding others to their personal independence and doing what feels right for them.  So many people are dictated by what they feel are society’s expectations, or familial expecations, or other influences beyond what is right for them and healthy for them. The 8 of Walsungs card indicates that one of the ways in which I help others to heal is by helping them in finding their personal independence and identify what is right for them instead of what others say should be right for them.

King of Gibichungs (Hagen) – Helping people to learn to think for themselves and to think things through rather than going with their first reactions. This is similar to what is noted above, but it’s more about finding that place where you are able to see things from all angles and reason out what’s happening.  The King of Gibichungs card indicates that another of the ways in which I help others heal is by helping them see beyond their initial reactions and emotional responses to see the bigger picture.

Sun (Natural Rhinegold) – Assisting people in finding their joy is where the Sun card comes in with answering how I help others heal.  Fostering someone’s enthusiasm and helping them in finding the things that resonate with them helps them in finding joy and enjoyment in life.

DECK USED:  RING CYCLE TAROT

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question: What personal qualities do I struggle with?

Bosch Tarot

Reading Summary: My struggle to see (The Hanged Man) beyond my mothers influence King of Swords).  The Lovers card is the focus here, indicating that the path to finding this perspective is one that is healthy for me… but also something that requires a conscious choice to explore.

Take Away:  There have been a great number of reminders in my readings today about how I help and heal others, and here we have a message that is about helping and healing myself.  My fear about becoming my mother is something I struggle with often, and I work hard to not wander down that path but rather to excel and become a better person.  A kinder person.  Keeping my eye on this goal and my gaze focused on seeing myself as more than just “my mother’s son” takes choice and a deliberate effort, as it is not something that comes naturally to me.

DECK USED:  BOSCH TAROT

Staying Open to Change

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Today’s meditation was ten minutes long and another of the harp strings meditation sessions.   Another session that I had a bit of a struggle in concentrating, mostly because of the whole aggressive customer issue that was going on this morning and getting that dealt with.  I hate having to turn from kind and courteous customer service into that more firm and authoritative voice.

Anyway, it messed up my groove a little bit and because I was all stirred up and my brain was in “compose this message” mode, I really struggled at staying focused in the meditation today.

Herbal Tarot - Two of Pentacles - Yellow DockToday’s draw is the Two of Pentacles, which is traditionally interpreted as struggling with multiple priorities, the juggling of responsibilities, and finding balance (or being out of balance) between one’s obligations.

What stands out the greatest to me in the imagery of this card today is the combination of the yellow dock on the page, and the two sailboats off in the horizon.   The meaning of the sailboats in today’s message is twofold, as they speak both of freedom as well as adaptability and how, through that adaptability, freedom can be obtained.    The Rumex crispus is one I needed to brush up on, as I could only remember that it was a good cure for athletes food and edible in small quantities.

What I found is that the spiritual properties of Rumex crispus lies in the purging of what is no longer working for you, clearing out stagnancy in order to help strengthen what is left and allow for room and growth.     This message is very much in line with my current goals.

The message in today’s card is a reminder that I need to stay open to change in order for change to happen. If I close myself off, even if it’s subconsciously, it will effect my progress.  So stay present, stay aware, and stay open.

DECK USED:  HERBAL TAROT

#TarotForGrowthJune Challenge Prompt
Question: What unconscious rhythms have settled into my life?

Brady Tarot

Reading Summary: This reading is about “greener pastures syndrome” and the fact that when I am feeling fulfilled, I can’t stay still.  The progression here is in the new shiny thing (Ace of Roots) that I learn and master (Nine of Cups) and as a result end up bored or frustrated (Eight of Cups) and ready to move on to the next new thing (Six of Arrows).

Take Away:  Actually, this isn’t an uncommon rhythm for me, but it is one that I’ve experienced again and again throughout my life (although, not as often as Z apparently *LOL* who is where I got the “syndrome” title from).   It has to do with interests only being interesting for as long as they are a challenge, but not so much of a challenge that you can’t conquer them.   So you fall into this pattern of finding interests and exploring them until you feel you’ve reached a level of expertise, and then going “meh” and discarding them for something else.  Fortunately, I have far more staying power than Z, although I do this often with my periphery interests. 

DECK USED:  BRADY TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsJun2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: Philosophical Question: Is it easier to love or be loved?

Grimalkin TarotReading Summary:  In the center of this reading, we have a cat that stares adoringly at a firefly while the firefly is without any interest in the cat at all.  On one side, we have unrequited affection.  On the other we have homecoming and celebration shared with others.

Take Away:  In both scenarios (the right side and the left) there are emotions involved and in both the emotions involved include having “full cups” (even if on the left there are not as many full cups as you might desire.   I would say that, from these cards, it is better to love than to be loved.   I’m not entirely sure that I agree with that, but this is what the cards say to me.  They say that when you focus on your own heart, you will always have love… whereas if you focus on other’s hearts and love directed at you, you will always feel as if you are missing what you seek.

DECK USED:  GRIMALKIN TAROT

#TheJuneTarot Challenge by Lionhart
Question: Think of something you are proud of and draw a card for input.
Pride: Fostering stability and responsibility in my life.

Everyday Witch TarotReading Summary: The Queen of Swords (for once) did not immediately bring to mind my mother.  Instead, in this card she appears to be saying, “Good job.  Your independence is admirable. Keep it up.”   She is a reminder to listen to that good, strong, and proud inner voice that lives within me, and to not allow my inner critic to interject.

Take Away:  You are smart and resourceful. You can be the Queen of Wands without turning into your mother.

DECK USED:  EVERYDAY WITCH TAROT

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question: What good habits do I have?

Tarot of Passing Showers

Reading Summary: The ability to look at personal hardships (Three of Swords) and find the positive (Hanged Man and Art).

Take Away:  In the Thoth tarot (which is the system this deck is based upon) the fourteenth card in the Major Arcana is not Temperance, but rather Art, and speaks of taking something mundane and turning it into something precious.  Balance also plays a part in this card, and when combined with the new perspectives presented in the Hanged Man’s card, it demonstrates how I approach the struggles and strife in my life… and how I heal from them.

DECK USED:  TAROT OF PASSING SHOWERS

Movement Needed

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IMG_2827Today’s meditation was just over ten minutes long and focused on taking time to enjoy the little things that make you feel good, happy, and contented in life.

I think that we all sometimes take these things for granted, and I know that I have definitely been guilty of this lately.   Today’s meditation was a good reminder that when times are hectic and stressful, it’s important to take a step back and just let yourself enjoy the little things a bit.

I guess it could be called “smelling the roses”, which is my mother’s favorite phrase for this sort of thing.   Although, I don’t think that encompasses those things that truly give you comfort.

zx5iwpctToday’s draw is the Two of Stone (Pentacles) which is usually seen as a representation of finding balance in one’s responsibilities and daily life among other meanings.

When I look at the imagery for today’s card, though, I’m not so much feeling that sense of balance I usually feel when the Two of Pentacles appears.  Instead, this card speaks to me of being in the in-between space.   Like being in that moment of transition between one moment and the next, one choice and another.   Hanging in the balance between the two, rather than juggling.

The appearance of this card reminds me that you can’t hang in limbo forever.  Sooner or later, you have to move.

DECK USED:  MAJESTIC EARTH TAROT

#TarotForGrowthFebruary Challenge Prompt
Question: How can I improve my relationship with rest?

Britt's Third Eye Tarot

Reading Summary: I love the Emperor card in this deck.  Just sayin’.

To improve my relationship with rest I need to allow myself (Emperor) to set aside what doesn’t work (Six of Swords) and disappointments (Five of Cups) and make the choice to move forward from them into something better (The Lovers).

Take Away:  One of the ways in which my drive gets in the way of my rest is by beating myself up for my failures and those things that just don’t work out or that I can’t finish for whatever reason.  When I try to rest, this habit of berating whispers sneak in to tell me that it’s because of those restful moments that I failed in the first place.  It’s bullshit… but that’s what happens.  The cards indicate if I want a better relationship with rest, I need to truly set those things aside and make the choice to look forward with hope and ambition rather than backwards with disappointment and degradation.

DECK USED:  BRITT’S THIRD EYE TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsFeb2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: What is the difference between living and being alive?

Gay Tarot

Reading Summary: Instead of allowing yourself to be overwhelmed (Seven of Cups) accept that each of us evolves (The World) to find our own path that is right for us (The Fool).

Take Away:  The difference between living and being alive is choice.  It’s tailoring your life to fit you personally, and following that personal path rather than allowing others to force things upon you that aren’t a good fit.

DECK USED:  GAY TAROT

Owl and Bones February Two Card Challenge
Question: Theme for Next Month / Lesson to be learned

The Binding of Isaac TarotTheme for Next Month: The Page of Pennies (Cups) indicates that the theme for next month will be one of discovery and finding a path forward into reconnecting with and feeding my creativity.

Lesson To Be Learned:  Sometimes you have to let go of something in order to grab on to something even better. You may mourn what has to be let go of, but all is not lost in these moments… instead, it’s a time to fostering hope.

DECK USED:  THE BINDING OF ISAAC TAROT

Playing Favorites

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So, Pagan Perspective is back online after their winter break and did new videos this week, but I felt very uninspired by the topic, which is about looking back at 2019 and ahead into 2020 and what our plans are.   I’m a bit burnt out on the whole transition from 2019 to 2020.   It seems to be all that’s focused on at this time of year from YouTube videos to writing prompts, tarot prompts, journal entries, etc.

So… I decided to do a different topic for this week.  Namely, since a few days ago I focused on what my favorite Major Arcana card in the tarot is (The Hanged Man), I thought today I would focus on a similar question.

Topic for the Week of 1/6: What is the card that you identify with most strongly from the Minor Arcana?  And, if it is different, what is your favorite card from the Minor Arcana?

Two of Pentacles

This is probably not surprising, but in the Minor Arcana, I associate most strongly with the Two of Pentacles.   I struggle with finding balance, and when I look at the imagery on most two of pentacles, that’s exactly what I see.   I see an eternal juggling of responsibilities, as I seek a balance that works for all.

The relationship and identifying I feel with this card isn’t surprising.  I hold down between three and five part time jobs depending on the season, plus run a home business.  I’m on my building’s administration board, and in a long distance relationship that requires my time and attention.  Add into this family responsibilities, medical responsibilities, and all the other things that make up a life as well as my own personal self care?   It’s a lot to keep in balance as the needs and responsibilities for each element are constantly changing.

Sometimes it feels like juggling and sometimes it’s even fun, other times it feels overwhelming, but it is a never ending task, which is what I see the infinity loop around the pentacles as being a symbol of in the card’s imagery.

Ten of Swords

Unlike in the Major Arcana where my favorite card and the card I identify strongest with are the same card, in the Minor Arcana this isn’t the case.

In the Minor Arcana, my favorite card in a tarot deck is the Ten of Swords.

This is because I appreciate a good warning that something’s coming that’s really going to hurt. I do predictive readings, and to me? That’s what this card says most often. It says, “Take a breath and keep moving. This shit is really going to hurt.”

It can also often feel a bit like compassionate understanding that sometimes to move through something or move on from something? It has to hurt… and that that’s natural and okay.

Internal Struggles

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Today’s meditation was done on the hardwood floor with my feet up on the bed. I needed the extra support because my back was killing me and the hard surface helped with stabilization and stretching it out. The meditation was not guided and lasted about fifteen minutes of quiet breathing.

Two of Pentacles - Ostara TarotToday’s draw is the Two of Pentacles. This is a card that I usually see quite a bit of chaos concerning. Not in the “Tower” sense of chaos, but just in that it takes a good deal of work to create balance and sometimes that work can feel chaotic.

In this card? It feels even more so. It is the smoke from the bottles, but mor than that, it is the lack of constraint created by the infinity loop that usually accompanies the balancing of the two aspects. There is also the element that the man is floating, which increases that sense of lack of control.

And yet? The birds on the ground are calm and perceive no threat.

Today’s card is a reminder that although creating balance can sometimes feel like a process that is chaotic and anchor less, this is just a trick of the mind. An internal struggle. And if you take a moment to step outside yourself in these moments, you will find that everything is fine, and that the storm is only on the inside.

DECK USED:  OSTARA TAROT

Bonus Reading – #TarotForGrowthNovember

Question: How can I be more trusting of my inner voice?

Tarot of the Little PrinceReading Summary: Take some time to look around instead of holding so tightly to the reigns (The Chariot), sometimes you have to look back at the things you’ve done in life and forgive yourself for your faults (Judgement) snd instead focus on all the good you’ve done instead (Six of Cups).

Take Away:  The cards are indicating that I am too hard on myself, and too harsh and stringent with myself. They are saying that if I want an even better connection to that inner voice, I need to let up and treat my inner self better.

DECK USED:  TAROT OF THE LITTLE PRINCE

Write It Down!

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Today’s meditation was ten minutes and thirty seconds, and focused on the frenetic energy we ride within ourselves on the day to day, and how important it is to be aware when we are on that particular “ride” so that we can take a step back and hope off now and then.

I liked the title of the theme, which was “City Energy”, as I think that fits really well.   When we are in a hurry or even just going about our day to day, sometimes we are connected with an energy that is very much like a busy city.  There’s so much going on in our minds that it sets us on a path of higher adrenaline, and thus we react with physical strain (increased heart rate and breathing, higher blood pressure, etc) and the eventual fatigue both mentally and physically that can be the result.

Today’s meditation was an encouragement to pay attention to these times and, when they occur, take a moment to slow down and breathe, and settle yourself before moving forward.  This frenetic energy may -make- you feel as if you are getting things done at a faster pace or accomplishing more, but in truth it usually isn’t.   By calming yourself, a lot of times it gives you the focus needed to move along at a quicker and more thorough pace without the adverse mental and physical effects.

Two of Pentacles Today’s draw is my old friend, the Two of Pentacles, which is a representation of balance, duality, cooperation, partnerships, and division in the area of finances, resources, and the physical world.

I want to pause here to explain what I mean by “the physical world”, as this card is not just about money or resources.  This card touches on areas pertaining to the earth (both as an element and the planet), and also upon areas such as hearth and home, as well as the manifestation of things brought into the world such as ideas being brought forward into reality.

I think that’s an important distinction to make in today’s draw because today’s card is more about manifestation than money or resources.

Today’s appearance of the Two of Pentacles is a reminder to WRITE SHIT DOWN!! Ideas need to be written down, otherwise the clutter up the mind and never get done.  When they are written down, they then become something tangible that can be worked with and juggled rather than something lingering in the brain, flitting in and out, but never quite making it to the point of manifestation.

I have not been writing ideas down of late, and… yeah.   This is my reminder to stop cluttering up my brain and write it all down already!

Deck Used: Student Tarot v5