using tarot for guidance

Purpose Behind the Pain

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

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The @GlitterbyInk #MayMoon26 Rise Root Return Challenge
As Above Prompt for May 4th : Expansion
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Art History Tarot For Past Lives - The Tower card

Today’s draw is The Tower card, which is traditionally a representation of sudden change, chaotic transformation, destruction, and the tearing down of something within one’s life or beliefs that leaves room for something new to take its place.

Like a germinating seed, you can’t grow unless you’re willing to crack the shell that protects you in order to reach beyond it.

I often wonder if the plagues and pandemics that have stricken humanity over the centuries aren’t a form of population control. After all, the Earth can only sustain so many, and humans are resource hogs. Just like thinning seedlings allows the ones left behind to grow and flourish, perhaps these plagues and pandemics are a way of doing the same for humanity. Wildlife culls itself, after all, but humanity simply grows and grows.

That doesn’t make the suffering in the moment any less, though. Nor the grief and loss that follows.

The message in today’s Tower card and “expansion” prompt is a reminder that even growth requires balance. You have to let go of certain things in order to allow room for new things to take their place. You have to weed out the things that would otherwise become an obstacle to your growth… even when that weeding hurts. Instead of focusing on the pain during these necessary times, try seeking out and focusing on the purpose.

DECK USED:  ART HISTORY TAROT FOR PAST LIVES

@ambitiouslyalexa May Journal Prompts
Prompts for May 5th, 6th, and 9th

Oracle Reading with the Fractals of Nature Oracle

Something I’m genuinely proud of

Jellyfish : Let me not look for allies in life’s battlefield, but to my own strength.

Your independence and resilience. You are able to navigate life’s hurdles and obstacles on your own steam with your own strength and determination.

Although you are learning how to ask for help and depend upon others, you have the confidence and strength to handle things on your own when you need to.

This self-reliance is something that you are proud of.

Just keep in mind that the self-reliance you take pride in is not diminished when you ask for help. Asking for help is merely another tool in your “self-reliance toolbox”.

What abundance looks like in my life

Wood and Vine : He who wants to do good knocks at the gate; he who loves finds the door open.

The love and caring you feel for others gives you a natural “in” when it comes to being a part of their lives and influencing them through your words and actions… and even through your mere presence.

For you, the concept of abundance includes this soul-deep caring within you, and the connections that it fosters between you and others. It creates authenticity in your relationships, allowing you to connect with others on a deeper level when they are open to recognizing and receiving that caring from you.

It’s about love, authenticity, and the connections they grow from these things.

Where I keep missing the moment I’m in

Lichen : When the moon fades, the ocean does not grieve it; it waits for another pull.

It’s easy for you to forget the cycles of nature and life when you are too busy pushing for success and accomplishments.

If you are willing to ease up and sense the natural flow of things, trusting it to carry you along through its natural cycles instead of trying to fight it’s currents, you will be able to stay more in the present and miss less of what’s going on in the moment.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Wood Fern for Exorcising Negative Influences
Scotch Pine Cone for Purging Negative Influences
Foraged Parmeliaceae Lichen for a “Breath of Fresh Air”
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: FRACTALS OF NATURE ORACLE
Daily Self Kindness

This is a catch up post, and I’m not entirely sure what the self kindness was for this day.

What’s Really Important

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

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The @GlitterbyInk #MayMoon26 Rise Root Return Challenge
As Above Prompt for May 3rd : Clarity
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Tarot of Pagan Cats Borderless Edition - Four of Pentacles

Today’s draw is the Four of Pentacles, which is traditionally about stability and gratitude (sometimes to excess, which can turn miserly) for what you have. This is a stagnant sort of appreciation that speaks of not reaching for more, but instead being focused on what you have in the now.

It’s time to assess what’s really important, and what can be discarded. Sometimes we allow things to pile up around us, our mind deciding that everything is of equal value, and thus we end up stuck in the middle of a mess.

At these times, it’s important to sit back and really consider what is important to us and what things we have within our environment that support us in those important pursuits. This means our needs, but also the pursuits that help foster a healthier and happier you.

And then… discard the rest.

No matter how much you like something, if it’s not a need, and it’s not something that helps to support a healthier and happier you, why are you giving it your time, space, or energy?

Instead of holding onto these things, get rid of them. In doing so you’ll find yourself feeling happier, healthier, and lighter as well.

The message in today’s Four of Pentacles and the “clarity” prompt is encouragement to begin weeding out those things that have no true value in your life in order to make room for more things that make you happy and healthy.

DECK USED:  TAROT OF PAGAN CATS

One Card Tarot Journal Activity by @mariasofia_astro
Chapter 1 | Entry 3 – Self-Care and Personal Development
Affirmation : “I seek out spontaneity and adventure to cultivate more joy in my life.”
Prompt : Choose a card that depicts an area of your life you can develop or explore that you may not have previously considered.

Tarot Activity from The One Card a Day Journal by Maria Sofia Marmanides - Tarot of Syndey Sime - The Hierophant

What feelings came up when I pulled this card?

My first thought was that the Hierophant really isn’t a “new” theme in my life, although it has been quite a while since I took on a new mentee or taught a class.

I noticed that the thought didn’t create the same amount of overwhelmed that I’ve been experiencing during my hiatus, though.

What elements of the card’s meaning resonate with me and this prompt?

I enjoy sharing my perspective with others, and using my perspective to help teach others new aspects of their own life and practices.

Sometimes I do this through sharing my photography with the world at large, and other times by sharing my gardening adventures, jewelry design ideas, and other pursuits. I’ve also done this through teaching tarot in a mentee/mentor capacity, as well, and teaching the occasional class.

What in the artwork spoke to me?

The Hierophant’s hand on the smaller figure’s shoulder speaks to me of a mentor/mentee relationship, while the school of fish in the background speaks to me of a classroom environment. This is encompasses both aspects of the teacher relationship in the same card.

Added to that, in the background there is a flight of geese and clouds with a face in the cloud. This really speaks to me of advancing one’s knowledge and exploring new perspectives.

I think it’s important to remember this just because a perspective is foundational or traditional, doesn’t mean that it can’t also be new. It may not be new to you, but it can be new to those who have never encountered it before and are still learning.

My prompt response and reflections.

A few years ago, I set aside my “teacher” hat primarily because mutism can make it a great deal harder to teach that I’m often able to put my energy into. That means that in a lot of cases, the effort of doing classes and taking on mentees becomes too much simply because the communication aspect is a challenge.

This card speaks of an opportunity, at this time, to step back into this role that I thought was lost to me… if I want it.

As the prompt for this activity speaks about spontaneity, the suggestion here is that perhaps instead of structured lessons, a little “pop-up” class now and then could be just the thing to inspire more energy and joy in the process.

Other elements included in this reading:
Rose Quartz D20 and D6 Gemstone Dice

DECK USED: TAROT OF SYDNEY SIME

#DiscordTarotholicsMay2026 Challenge
Prompt for May 3rd : Do Spread 1

Tarot Reading with the Tarot of Pagan Cats Borderless Edition

What positive quality do I have that others admire?

Ace of Swords – Despite your mutism, you express yourself very well. It may not always feel like it, but your communication skills do well at not just expressing what you want to say, but also how you feel and what you need and want from others.

It also helps that you are open to communication with anyone for any reason. You allow people to come to you with open arms so that they can communicate with you when they need to, and are often a good listener due to your interest in wanting to see and understand things from more than just your own perspective.

What positive quality do I wish I had that I admire in others?

Six of Cups Rx atop King of Wands – The ability to selfishly say no to those around me without fearing losing their loyalty or interest.

You want to be able to pursue your own interest and take others with you, without them trying to stir the pot or mess things up for you along the way. You see others do this and they make it look so easy. In your experience, though, it’s not half as easy as it seems to pursue your interests and endeavors with others at your side without the need to people please interfering.

What step(s) can I take now to work toward developing that quality in myself?

Five of Pentacles atop Ten of Cups atop Ace of Wands Rx

When you cherish those around you through the good times and the bad, they are less likely to jump in and take over new ideas and adventures that you are interested in.

Make sure to share these journeys with them. As a result, instead of trying to take over, they will give you the room that you need to show them what you’re up to and what you really want.

What step(s) can I take to make the positive qualities I already have shine brightly?

Ten of Pentacles – Share your gratitude, good fortune, and the results of your hard work with others. Let them celebrate with you in your accomplishments and successes.

Other elements included in this reading:
Black Spruce Needles to Boost Self-Confidence and Positive Thinking
Dried Rosebuds for Potential and Beauty Waiting to Unfold
Dried Purple Heather Flowers for Independence and Luck
Foraged Parmeliaceae Lichen for a “Breath of Fresh Air”
Dried Cedar Bundle for Protection from Negative Influences
Dried Rhododendron Leaf for Fostering Confidence
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: TAROT OF PAGAN CATS
Daily Self Kindness

This is a catch up post, and I’m not entirely sure what the self kindness was for this day.

❤️ 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?

Self-Care Saturday Tarot Reading with the Tarot Du Vin Monochrome edition and Phantasmagoria II LE Playing Cards

Earth – Three of Swords – Be wary of dropping into feelings of disappointment concerning where you are at this time. Resources, money, work, and your health are all up in the air at the moment. Remember that things aren’t as bad as your negative and pessimistic inner narrative is trying to tell you they are.

Air – Four of Wands – There’s a lot to be said for hearth and home. Make sure that you are doing what you can to make these spaces, places, and people as welcoming as possible for you right now. You need to feel that sense of welcome to help combat what’s going on in your head.

Water – Page of Cups – A part of growth is pain. That’s why it’s called “growing pains”. It’s all a part of the process. Don’t give up just because it hurts. That pain actually means you might be getting somewhere instead of being stuck in the mud.

Fire – Queen of Swords – Do what you need to do to support what needs supported… and no more than that. Don’t allow others to put upon you responsibility that don’t belong to you. Instead, teach them to take responsibility for their own shit.

Waning – Ace of Clubs and Queen of Spades – Now is not the time to be proactive in connecting with those from your past. Leave it alone. Looking back isn’t always the answer.

Waxing – Five of Spades and Nine of Clubs – As long as you avoid connecting with those from your past this week, you will have no reason to be on the defensive and ready for attack.

If you choose to ignore the advice in the Waning position of this reading, though, you need to make sure that you have defensive measures in place in order to be the one that comes out on top when conflict arises.

Take Away – Just because things don’t -feel- like they’re going the way you want them to doesn’t mean you have to buy into that reality. Stay afloat by using those places and people that feel like home to help you feel both uplifted and comforted, and take care to avoid those from your past that could damage this support that you need right now.

DECKS USED: TAROT DU VIN MONOCHROME FIRST EDITION AND PHANTASMAGORIA II LE PLAYING CARDS

Clarity In Communication

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Today’s meditation was a ten minute long #DailyCalm session from the @Calm app.

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The @GlitterbyInk #MayMoon26 Rise Root Return Challenge
As Above Prompt for May 2nd : Attunement
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Old English Tarot - Ace of Swords

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.

You can’t be on the same page with others if you aren’t communicating clearly and honestly with them.

Today you go under the knife. Make sure that you answer all questions with the doctor honestly and clearly. No hedging. No beating around the bush or trying to make things sound more palatable. Be honest and direct in your communication.

The message in today’s Ace of Swords and “attunement” prompt is that if you want to be “in tune” and successfully aligned with another, the quickest and easiest way to get there is through forthrightness and honesty. Today’s message encourages us to be direct and authentic. In doing so, you facilitate the attunement you’re looking for, leaving no room for misunderstandings.

DECK USED:  OLD ENGLISH TAROT

@ambitiouslyalexa May Journal Prompts
Prompt for May 2nd and 3rd

Tarot Reading with the Nuovo Tarocco Ligure Piemontese and Every Day Oracle Vera Sibilla Italiana

A part of my life I’ve been taking for granted

Casa, I’ll Diavolo, Falsita

Your ability to read those around you, and in doing so suss out lies and deceit both in yourself and in others.

You don’t allow dishonesty to stand, but instead use the stability of what you feel is “right” to test the waters and reveal what isn’t. This means that deception is often easy for you to identify as it doesn’t “feel” stable to you.

What brings me genuine joy lately

L’Amante, La Stella, Allegrezza al cuore

Enjoying old pastimes with Gideon. It lifts your spirits, and gives you a touchstone for emotional grounding to spend time in pursuit of these endeavors you share.

Memory lane discussions and writing together allow for you to not just connect with him and feel the comfort of his love and his presence, but give you an emotional boost at the same time.

Other elements included in this reading:
Bird Figurine for Fostering Hope, Positivity, and Renewal
Desert Rose and Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECKS USED: NUOVO TAROCCO LIGURE PIEMONTESE AND EVERY DAY ORACLE VERA SIBILLA ITALIANA

#DiscordTarotholicsMay2026 Challenge
Prompt for May 2nd : How could you benefit from adding more fun into your life?

Tarot Reading with the Old English Tarot

Reading Summary: It would allow you to learn new things (Page of Swords) and explore new passions (Ace of Wands) on your way to becoming the person you want to someday be (Judgement).

Take Away: The self-development in growing into the person that you wish to someday become isn’t just about achieving goals and following one’s moral compass. It’s about learning new things, experiencing life, and exploring the world around us.

By adding more fun into your life, you facilitate these experiences, allowing yourself to have more of them along the way. As a result, you become an even more rounded version of that possible future self.

That doesn’t mean you are being waylayed from this development and growth, but rather that it gives you a more “well rounded” and dynamic result than you would get without inviting more fun into your life.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Cedar Bundle for Protection from Negative Influences
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED:  OLD ENGLISH TAROT
Daily Self Kindness

This is a catch up post, and I’m not entirely sure what the self kindness was for this day.

Moving At a Snail’s Pace

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Today’s meditation was skipped.

•    •    •    ◈    •    🌷    •    ◈    •    •    •

The @GlitterbyInk #MayMoon26 Rise Root Return Challenge
As Above Prompt for May : 
Daily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Moondust Tarot - Page of Pentacles

Today’s draw is the Page of Pentacles, which is traditionally a representation of a receptive “omega” energy in the area of one’s finances, resources, health, labors, home life, and manifestations. This often translates into themes that have to do with work apprenticeships and learning a new ability or skill.

Slow is not stuck. Just because we’re moving slow, sometimes it can feel like we’ve fallen into stagnancy; a snail’s place sometimes feeling like we’re not moving at all.

The truth is, though, that if we pay attention to what’s going on, and take the time to acknowledge even our smallest of wins, we’ll see that we are not actually standing still at all.

The message in today’s Page of Pentacles, combined with the “stillness“ prompt, is that even when we feel we are standing still and stuck in stagnancy, we can sometimes create a sense of movement to hold on to by acknowledging our small wins and accomplishments.

Even the little things are still movement, after all.

DECK USED:  MOONDUST TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsMay2026 Challenge
Prompt for May 1st : Do the May Day Spread 

May Day Tarot Reading with the Next World Tarot Pocket Edition

Dandelion: How can I use my inner strength to help me in healing old wounds?

Five of Swords – Look at who’s really winning now. They may have been tough on you then, but that only helped you find a better place in the future than the one you were in at the time. Acknowledge that you survived these times when you weren’t coming out on top, and how far you’ve come from that person you used to be into the person you are now.

Bees: Where could I put in more effort to help my community?

Knight of Cups – Show them how you feel about them and how grateful you are to have them in your life by sharing your imagination and creative ideas with them. It’s in sharing your creative spark that the true love you hold in your heart comes through.

Garnet – What do I need in order to foster a greater sense of self-empowerment?

Three of Wands – Direction and movement. It’s not enough to have a plan, you have to actually be moving in order for that plan to mean anything. It’s in the movement where empowerment comes from, for with movement comes momentum, growth, and eventually, success.

Swallow: Where do I need to more openly display my love and loyalty to others?

Three of Pentacles – Involve others in your efforts and ideas instead of trying to do it on your own. Invite them to share their perspectives, and lend their own skills to your endeavors, so that you’re not the only one contributing to the whole.

Malachite: How can I better use intention to bolster the abundance in my life moving forward?

The Fool Rx – Don’t just wing it.

Winging it is all well and good when it’s all fun and games. But, you actually need a plan when it’s something serious that you want to accomplish.

If you really want to grow abundance in your life, you need to have a plan. In the Swallow question above, the cards speak of motion, but it also speaks of having a direction to move in… and that is true here as well.

Motion without direction gets you nowhere but going in circles.

Goat: How can i best overcome obstacles before me at this time?

Knight of Wands – Put some “oomph” into your efforts. Drumming up enthusiasm isn’t always easy, but it’s what greases the wheels and really gets the ball rolling. Work on finding that enthusiasm and using it to motivate and thus propel you forward.

Primrose: How can I add more of the exuberance of young love into my life?

Knight of Swords – Take time for it. It’s not enough to want it, or be enthusiastic about it. You have to actually take the time to enjoy it as well. Otherwise, what’s the point?

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Purple Heather Sprigs for Independence and Luck
Japanese Cherry Leaf as a Reminder of Life’s Fleeting Moments
Dried Rhododendron Leaves for Fostering Confidence
Bird Figurine for Fostering Hope, Positivity, and Renewal
Carnelian Agate Mushroom for Focusing On Aspirations
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: NEXT WORLD TAROT POCKET EDITION

@ambitiouslyalexa May Journal Prompts
Prompt for May 1st : What is actually going well right now?

Tarot Reading with the Moondust Tarot

Reading Summary: By allowing yourself to dig in the dirt (Eight of Pentacles) and work on a possible plan for a new idea in your garden (Knight of Wands) next year, you are beginning to pull yourself out of the slump you’ve been experiencing of late (Knight of Swords).

Take Away: In taking the time to work on your balcony garden, you’ve sparked interest in caring for it through the summer months as well as the interest in trying something new out there in the future.

Continue with your planning, and with caring for those living things growing on your balcony. In both cases, by allowing your interest to stay kindled instead of dwindling out, you’re breathing new life into the creative spark you’ve been struggling with over the past few months. At the same time, you’re working on something that doesn’t just catch your interest, but that you find familiar and comforting… sans stagnancy that a lot of other comforting and familiar things tend to cause for you.

Other elements included in this reading:
Pressed Pansy Flowers for Hearing the Heart More Clearly
Mushroom Token for Encouraging Growth
Dried Rosebuds for Potential and Beauty Waiting to Unfold
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: MOONDUST TAROT
Daily Self Kindness

This is a catch up post, and I’m not entirely sure what the self kindness was for this day.

Beltane 2026 – May Day

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The last evening of April through the first day of May is Beltane, which is also my sister and I’s birthday. Like Halloween is a time when the veil between the land of the living and the realm of the dead is thin, this holiday is the time when the veil between our world and that of the Fae is at is thinnest.  I personally often find myself amped up with extra energy around this time of year, which I most often use to spend more time playing in that thinning veil as much as possible.

Spring Lilacs

Like with new moons and full moons, I usually do a spread to check in with myself and give myself some direction for the next couple of months for each solstice, equinox, and other Sabbats. This year’s Beltane reading isn’t structured like my normal Solstice practices, as I’ve been feeling a bit overwhelmed, but instead is a lovely spread provided by @DarkFaeTarot

Beltane Tarot Reading with The Alchemical Tarot of Marseille

Tall wildflowers reaching the sky

King of Pentacles – You strive for the stability that you crave. This is a part of who you are. Instead of trying to abandon this part of yourself, consider working at managing it so that your craving for stability and security doesn’t become stagnancy, but instead creates an opportunity for growth.

Celebrating and embracing the joy of friends & family

Ace of Pentacles – Remember that sometimes when the opportunity lands in your lap to spend time with others, it does so for a reason. Take these moments for what they are… an opportunity to build stable and lasting relationships.

Everything that I am releasing as the days grow longer

Three of Swords – Use the movement of spring and the energies it stirs up to release disappointments and the negative emotions that stagnancy allowed to grow and fester within you. That energy and movement of spring offers a breeze to help blow away the dark pall that lingers and replace it with fresh air.

The grass beneath my feet

Ten of Swords Rx – It’s not over yet, so don’t act like it is. There’s plenty left to do, plenty left to experience, plenty left to enjoy, and plenty left still to overcome.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Silver Maple Key for Bouncing Back to Thrive
Japanese Cherry Leaf as a Reminder of Life’s Fleeting Moments
River Rock for Resilience within Life’s Flow
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECKS USED: THE ALCHEMICAL TAROT OF MARSEILLE