using tarot for guidance

Contingency Plans

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

Tarot of the Lantern Path - Two of WandsToday’s draw is the Two of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of planning, decision making, looking ahead, and themes to do with progress.

In the imagery, the woman seems very enamored with her plans as she looks at the globe in her hands.  This intense focus begs the question of what she might be missing by being so intently focused on one thing.

All plans go awry now and then.  Today’s card asks us what we are doing to make sure that we are not stymied by when things don’t go as planned.  Are we so focused on the desired outcome that we haven’t made any contingency plans?  Are we prepared to adapt and be flexible? Or is any small unexpected stumbling block going to cause a major hold up or cause everything to fall apart?

DECK USED:  TAROT OF THE LANTERN PATH

OwlandBonesTarot’s #BothSidesOfTheTarot Prompt
Questions for September 7th and 8th

Black Cat Tarot and Tarot of the Secret ForestWhere could you splurge?

Nine of Coins – No need to splurge right now. You have all that you need.

Where could you save?

The Magician – Time, resources, energy, and effort. When you realize that you have all that you need , then there is no need to push yourself so hard for more.

Finding Balance Between the Two – All the new stuff in your life and foundation building your working on doesn’t have to be introduced immediately (Ace of Coins). It’s okay to have to work for it sometimes, save up for it, and take your time instead of always jumping on the “go” (The Magician atop Seven of Coins).

What brings joy?

King of Swords – Lots of knowledge.

What brings sadness?

The High Priestess Rx – Lack of knowing.

Finding Balance Between the Two – Get in close with those that possess the power/knowledge that you seek (Strength). This requires getting in touch with what you value, and what you don’t, so that you don’t go after knowledge that you don’t need or that would be useless to you (Six of Wands Rx atop Seven of Wands).

DECK USED: BLACK CAT TAROT AND TAROT OF THE SECRET FOREST (trimmed naked)

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2022 Challenge Prompt
Questions for September 8th thru 10th

Tarot of the Lantern Path and Haikyuu Fantasy TarotCreate – Two of Cups – Connections.

Evolve – Five of Swords – How you deal with confrontation.

Balance – The Star – Hope and optimism is needed for both of the above pursuits, and for your life in general as well, to create a sense of balance that you need. You lean too far into pessimism, and it is through consciously instilling optimism and hope that you are able to balance out those more negative tendencies.

What do you need to focus on for self-care for this full moon?

King of Cups, Eight of Wands atop Judgement – Get your ass in gear and spend some time with Gideon this full moon. He is in need of your attention to keep his outlook good, and you are in need of his to help in taming your inner demons.

What personal growth should you be directing energy toward at this time?

Temperance Rx atop King of Swords, Three of Cups Rx – There is no moderation needed when it comes to working towards improving your communication skills. Not doing so creates isolation that can be avoided by mastering communication with others, even when you are in authority positions.

DECK USED: TAROT OF THE LANTERN PATH AND HAIKYUU FANTASY TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I’ve decided that I need to get myself one of those sleep number beds.  They are fucking spectacular.  Not that I can afford it right now, but I’m definitely going to be looking into it.

Taking Things Too Far

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

Mountain Dream Tarot - Five of SwordsToday’s draw is the Five of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of conflict, tests, trials, or hardship in the area of one’s education, intellect, thoughts, logic, ambitions, or communication.

This card can often translate into themes that have to do with “winning at all cost”, and can be a reminder that sometimes the costs are just too steep.

The appearance of this card today asks where are you pushing too hard right now? What are you sacrificing in your effort to “win” or succeed?

Today’s card is a reminder that we need to be mindful of just how far we’re willing to go and what we’re willing to sacrifice.  Not just if we’re willing… but if we really should be going as far as we are considering taking it… or should we back off instead?

DECK USED:  MOUNTAIN DREAM TAROT

Mr Lionhart’s #TheSeptemberTarot Between Dusk & Dawn Prompt
Questions for September 7th thru 9th – CONTEMPLATE

La Flora Tarot and For Strange Women Botanical OracleWhat am I holding onto that is holding me back?

The Tower and Frozen Lilacs – What happened in the end of your last “relationship” continues to hold you back. It was violent, ugly, and painful. The destructive end to that friends-with-benefits relationship was definitely a surprise, and the after effects of it continue to linger.

How is this holding me back?

Ten of Pentacles and Clairvoyant – Being able to find a sense of security and stability in your accomplishments has taken a hit as a result of that experience. Finding your sense of stable footing and purpose was not so much a problem prior.

What can I do to rise above that which is holding me back?

Page of Cups and Roots – Continue to explore your emotions and dig deep for the hidden truths that will serve as an elixir to healing.

If I could change one thing for the better, what would you suggest I should change?

Six of Swords and Maidenhair Fern – Don’t rush into this. You need to slow down and take things at a more sedate pace for the changes that you want to happen to actually stick.

DECK USED: LA FLORA TAROT AND FOR STRANGE WOMEN BOTANICAL ORACLE

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2022 Challenge Prompt
Philosophical Question: What is humanity’s biggest mistake?

Mountain Dream Tarot - Queen of Wands, Knight of Pentacles, Nine of SwordsReading Summary: Humanity’s biggest mistake is in not worrying enough (Nine of Swords Rx) about taking things slow (Knight of Pentacles) and exploring one’s passions in depth (Queen of Wands).

Take Away: We rush through so many things, even those things that are meant to be slowly savored and enjoyed. This rushing to and fro is a mistake, as it means that humanity is missing out on the good stuff that comes with moving at a slower pace and truly savoring the present and our surroundings.

DECK USED: MOUNTAIN DREAM TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

Jer and I were both very tired at the end of the day today and decided that, instead of going back home, we would stick around and sleep over, then continue with getting stuff done tomorrow.

Interconnectedness in Life

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Today’s meditation was

Artist's Vision TarotToday’s draw is the Star card, which is traditionally a representation of hope, renewal, positive outlooks, faith, and the connection between physical, emotional, and spiritual realms.

There is so much going on in this card, yet, what stands out to me strongest in the imagery today is the house in the center and how the roof blends almost perfectly into the background.

So many aspects of our lives are interlaced with each other. How we feel physically can influence how we react emotionally. How we feel emotionally can have a direct influence on our drive and ambition. It is all interconnected.

Today’s message is about paying attention to those interconnected aspects of our lives. Explore how they influence each other and seek out the influences that inspire hope and optimism, as opposed to letting more negative themes flourish.

DECK USED:  ARTIST’S VISION TAROT

OwlandBonesTarot’s #BothSidesOfTheTarot Prompt
Questions for September 5th and 6th

The Essential Tarot and the Pythia Botanica Oracle v2Where could you give more?

Nine of Wands – You could stand to evaluate your boundaries, and shore them up a bit more. Make sure that your protections and wards are in place in your home, that you’re locking and using the katy bar on the door, and are otherwise being proactive in increasing your safety practices.

Where might you dial back?

Page of Cups – Although your emotional growth is important to you and so is your creativity, right now might be a good time to put more logic into action in your life rather than leaning into the emotional side of things.

Finding Balance Between the Two – Banksia and Larkspur – Be vicious about your protections and pour it on a little thick for good measure. Now is not the time to slack on such things, and leaning into the practical and logical will only assist you in this.

What’s in?

Ten of Cups – Doing what you need to do to not just find happiness in your life, but to share it with others in your life that matter most.

What’s out?

Nine of Swords – Anxiety, discord, over-worrying, and stressing about shit you can’t do anything about.

Finding Balance Between the Two – Jasmine and Lilac – Focus more on them instead of yourself, and let them distract you from the negative inner narrative that sometimes wants to take control.

DECK USED: THE ESSENTIAL TAROT AND PYTHIA BOTANICA ORACLE v2

To Cull & Gather #VennoxesTarotChallenge Prompt
Questions for September 6th thru 9th – TURNING LEAVES

Artist's Vision TarotWhat part of me is changing?

Strength – You are learning to develop better social skills and emotional intelligence that are helping in making you a more compassionate person.

How can I shed gracefully what needs to be left behind in this process?

Ten of Swords – Don’t focus too hard on it, and thus end up letting it overwhelm you as a result.

Why is this change is important to me?

Three of Swords – You don’t enjoy revisiting the times when you are disappointed in yourself, and as a result you want to be a better person and do better as a whole.

How to I embrace this evolution?

The Devil – Allow yourself to feel enthusiasm for it, and lean into it in healthy ways. Watch out for those addictive tendencies of yours that try and take over and send you too far over the edge. Self-awareness is important.

DECK USED: ARTIST’S VISION TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

Todays self kindness is claiming a free night at the casino hotel in the newly renovated wing to rest and relax instead of trying to drive home exhausted tonight.

Out of Character Moments

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

Lonely Dreamer Tarot - Five of WandsToday’s draw is the Five of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of conflict, tests, trials, and struggle in the area of one’s passions, drive, determination, principles, values, and willpower.

In the imagery of this card, others watch on from the left while a man filled with determination and fervor prepares to beat on one fallen but still pushing towards rising. It reminds me of the saying “this is the hill you choose to die on”… meaning there are some things that we are closed minded about and will not change our minds no matter what, even if we’re wrong, and even if others try to force us.

The watching faces to the left and the abject violence of the man with the club also feel as if there is a warning here about acting out of character in the face of frustration in these types of situations, and the impression that such out of character acts can give others, no matter how right we may be.

The message in today’s card is to take care that you don’t go overboard or let yourself fall into acting out of character when trying to get your personal perspective across to another. Some people will refuse to see, even if you beat them over the head with it.

DECK USED:  LONELY DREAMER TAROT

The #ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge Prompt by E Roebuck-Jones
Questions for September 4th thru 6th

Dragons Tarot and Universal Dragon OracleHow can I work on building my confidence?

Knight of Wands and Protect Your Ideas – Put value into those things that you are passionate about by protecting them from others who might take them as their own. You gave away a lot to the world, but you don’t have to give away all your good ideas as well. Instill value in them instead.

How can I speak my mind more clearly?

Ten of Swords and Bliss – Communication struggles and troubles of the past that you have already overcome still hold you back. Remember that you already learned from these mistakes and the struggles that they created. There’s no reason that you will repeat them now that you have learned these lessons, so don’t let them dampen your enthusiasm and cause you to hold back.

What makes me “bulletproof”?

Seven of Swords and Research – You are clever, cunning, and a strategist at heart. Your methods are based in logic with a foundation in knowledge. Being able to circumvent subjective emotions and influences allows you to see things clearly and always come out on top.

DECK USED: DRAGONS TAROT AND UNIVERSAL DRAGON ORACLE

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2022 Challenge Prompt
Questions for September 5th and 6th

Lonely Dreamer TarotWhat are you ignoring that needs rooted out and dealt with?

Reading Summary: Your need to be in control (The Emperor) is getting out of hand and overwhelming you (Ten of Wands) . You need to make sure that you’re interests and passions remain fluid and open in order to be able to touch upon the joy that they can bring you (Page of Wands atop The Sun).

Take Away: Focus on being less rigid and easing your grip on your control of everything around you. There is more strength in flexibility and going with the flow than you will ever find in rigidity, and it opens the door for joy to flourish too.

What makes you feel…

Excited – Six of Swords – Opportunities to take the initiative to make life better for myself, or to help and/or guide others into doing the same.

Happy – Five of Pentacles Rx – Times when your sense of security flourishes, and your feelings of scarcity have faded into the background.

Calm – Six of Wands Rx – Independence. The ability to make your own choices and choose your own path. The knowledge you are able to stand on your own with confidence.

DECK USED: LONELY DREAMER TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I asked for help with orders today instead of doing it all myself.

Kindling the Fire Within

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

Primordial Tarot - Knight of WandsToday’s draw is the Animal of Blood (the equivalent of the Knight of Wands), which is traditionally a representation of an active beta energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s drive, willpower, motivations, values, principles, and determination.

What more primal motivation is there other than the base determination to survive? Here in the imagery of this card we see that most primal instinct spurred into action as a giant angry bear towers over a man with a spear in hand. Only through determination and willpower backed by that basic desire to survive can the man make it out of this situation.

Today’s card asks us to examine where in our life do we need to fight for survival? What is it that needs our attention? What needs us to pour our energy into it in order to make it happen?

Are you safe? Are your needs being met? If not, what fire within you needs to be lit in order to make sure these things become a priority and are taken care of?

DECK USED:  THE PRIMORDIAL TAROT

Mr Lionhart’s #TheSeptemberTarot Between Dusk & Dawn Prompt
Questions for September 4th thru 6th – SLOW DOWN

Serpieri TarotIn what area could I slow down to honor my personal space?

Take some time to examine what you think you know (Eight of Swords). You are being too rigid in places where you could afford to loosen up (Six of Pentacles).

Being able to loosen up can sometimes take trust. If you’re too tense, things just don’t go smoothly and not everybody gets what they need. In order to achieve harmony and truly honor your personal space, there needs to be a good balance between trust and caution, not blind resistance.

What is something that I would be better off without {for now}?

For now, make sure that you’re focusing on what you need and want rather than the collective around you (Six of Wands Rx). You have the ability to fulfill those needs (The Magician), but not if you’re constantly trying to people please others all the time.

What can help me embrace a calmer flow in support of personal balance?

Knight of Pentacles and Four of Pentacles – Slow down and enjoy the ride.

DECK USED: SERPIERI TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsSep2022 Challenge Prompt
Topic: Do Spread 1
Question: How can I help “moving day” go more smoothly this week?

Primordial Tarot and the Gratitude Postcards SetReading Summary: Pay attention to the uncertainty running rampant on moving day (Anchor card). You can help others see the positive aspects of what is developing and lift up their spirit from one of uncertainty into creative abundance (Spirit of Jewels and Bones of Jewels look up and to the left toward the red Abundance card). You are there to lend stability, understanding, and assistance during this time of uncertainty (Man of Nature looks directly at the Anchor card, and the Anchor card looks back at him in turn).

Take Away: Your presence will provide a grounding affect for others that are feeling the anxiety of  moving day as it takes place. Use this influence to help those in need of it see the opportunities for abundance and creative self expression that the day is providing.

DECK USED: THE PRIMORDIAL TAROT AND THE GRATITUDE POSTCARD SET

Daily Self Kindness

I had a nice nap to recharge today and have tried to take it easy and let myself relax a bit today.

❤️ Self Care Saturday (On a Sunday)

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These Saturday readings are (not usually) bearing in on any one thing or event in my life, as the question used is asking for a more general outlook. This is a self care exercise, and is not meant as a predictive reading… although that, too, happens on occasion.

The question is… What do I need to focus for self-care through the week ahead?

SCS

Overall Theme – Ladybug – Take care to focus on positivity and optimism this week. You will need their extra influence in your life to help combat any tendrils of depression or pessimism that are trying to rise up and make a mess out of things. Lean into happiness instead of self-flagellation.

Earth – King of Pentacles (Blue Morning Glory) – Make sure that you are staying on top of your responsibilities this week. Ground yourself often to ensure that the stress doesn’t start getting to you, and nip problems in the bud before they have chance to grow in your garden.

Air – The Hermit (Eryngos) atop The Emperor (Peony) – You will have very little chances left to take advantage of alone time and turn it to your advantage. Take charge of you urges to waste that alone time in unhealthy ways that could end up harmful to your mental health.

Water – Knight of Pentacles (Field Bindweed) – Make sure that you are being patient with yourself this week. No beating up on yourself for having to take things slow or because you struggle emotionally while trying to understand how you’re feeling or how to handle it. This is a slow journey that you’ve chosen, and there’s going to be times during the development of your emotional intelligence where you feel stalled out or lost. It’s just a part of the process.

Fire – The Lovers (Adonis and Rose) – Healthy choices are going to be needed in order to make the most out of this week. Make sure you’re taking your vitamins, eating healthy, and treating yourself well so that you have full stamina and a well grounded foundation with which to work from.

Waning – The Bat and Hellebore – Take care that you don’t lean too heavily into your intuition’s past advice this week. There is something “off” that needs rectified. Something you missed or misinterpreted along the way, and you need to pay attention so that you can see it clearly and get it sorted out.

Waxing – The Opossum and Peony – Allowing people to think you are shy lets you blend into the background and see things from a different perspective. Hang back and watch this week, as you will learn more from listening in the background than you will from stepping out into the light.

Take Away – Make sure you are taking care of your needs this week, including those that have to do with grounding yourself so that you can stand tall and strong in the face of responsibility, pressure, and uncertainty.  Make sure you are paying attention this week so you can figure out what’s not quite right that you missed the first time around and fix it before it becomes a problem.

DECKS USED: BOTANICA OCCULTA TAROT AND WOODLAND WARDENS ORACLE