Vivid Journey Tarot

Healthy Retreat vs. Bad Timing

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Today’s meditation was ten minutes long and was an energy cleansing exercise using selenite and black tourmaline at the end for helping in closing things back up after.   It was very relaxing and went far more quickly than I thought it would.  I hadn’t actually set a timer, just the interval chimes for changing my piriformis positions.   It went well and was very relaxing.

Next World Tarot - The HermitToday’s draw is The Hermit card, which is traditionally a representation of retreating for self reflection and contemplation.  This isn’t about retreating to hide, but rather because sometimes when you are digging deep into yourself you need to do it away from others so that you can lower your defenses and get a clear look at what’s going on and the path to take forward.

What stands out to me the strongest today in the artwork of this card is the colors. The absolutely speak to me of being alone, but they don’t speak to me of the healing that is needed. It means that the imagery on this card today speaks to me not about alone time, but about retreat and closing off.

I feel like closing off today.  I feel like a bit of a failure today, and a disappointment. The thing is?  A little alone time or self reflection may be a good thing, but too much is unhealthy… as is bad timing. Now?  Is bad timing.  It’s not healthy to let these feelings fester and grow, and if I follow that urge to close off right now?  That’s exactly what will happen.

DECK USED:  NEXT WORLD TAROT

#TarotForGrowthAugust Challenge Prompt
Topic: I’m struggling to move past trauma.
Question: What can I do to prepare myself for obstacles along my healing journey?

Hero Analysis for the Future #79 MHA Tarot

Reading Summary: Make sure that I don’t allow my fears (Nine of Swords) to close me off from (The Hermit Rx) the emotional support and healing warmth that others have to offer (Queen of Cups).

Take Away:  When I am feeling vulnerable, I find it extremely difficult to reach out to others, especially for comfort and emotional support.  This is not a healthy way to deal with things, and the cards here indicate that I need to not just keep in mind that there are people that want to support me, but that my healthiest and most healing option is to reach out to them and allow that support and comfort to wash over me.

DECK USED:  HERO ANALYSIS FOR THE FUTURE #79 MHA TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsAug2020 Challenge Prompt
Philosophical Question: Which is more real… mind or matter?

Vivid Journey TarotReading Summary: Matter carries on (Ten of Pentacles) long after the mind has passed on (The Fool), no matter the legacy we wish to leave behind (Queen of Wands).

Take Away:  Reincarnation is very much a part of my faith, and thus the Fool in this spread is a representation of rebirth.  And yet, in our rebirth, we do not automatically maintain the memories of our past lives and experiences. We must start anew.  This is why love and wisdom are shared while you are alive, and material possessions are passed on after death.   The continued existence of material items even after the death of the mind and moving on of the soul, therefore, makes material more real (in our human reality).

DECK USED:  VIVID JOURNEY TAROT

Lionharts #TheAugustTarot #ElementalChallenge
Question: Air, how should I begin to apply your teachings?

Monstarot

Reading Summary: Work at looking at your work in a different way (Eight of Pentacles atop The Hanged Monster) and resting when you need it (Four of Swords). The emotional and inspirational connection will come back if you stick with it (Ace of Cups with Knight of Wands).

Take Away:  The teachings referred to here have to do with yesterday’s reading about bringing emotions, pleasure, and joy back into my work.  The answer here is that it’s something that will come over time with a bit of determination, as long as I make sure to be mindful about instilling this more joyful perspective into my work and make sure I’m not allowing myself to become overburdened or burnt out by taking healing rest when needed.

When I am overburdened, I shut out the pleasure and joy and emotions… and bear down on the responsibility aspects.  To instill these tenants back into my work, it is important to avoid putting myself in situations where the urge to block out these things rises up.  Be aware, pay attention, and act with intention rather than reacting.

DECK USED:  MONSTAROT

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question: How can I get better at expressing my feelings without hurting others?

Spark and Pen Tarot

Reading Summary: Take a pause (Four of Pentacles). What would Gid do? (Knight of Cups) Approach as a friend (Three of Cups) and climb that hill slowly and carefully (Knight of Pentacles).

Take Away:  This is about moving slowly rather than just blurting out in a reactionary manner.  By taking a pause and actively looking to others who express their emotions in more socially accepted ways, I can then learn how to express my own better as well.

There is also a reminder here that I need to approach those that I’m trying to speak to about my feelings as a friend.  This is another skill that is something I’m learning, as my normal mode is not usually so… warm.   These are skills that take time to learn, but I am on that path.  I just need to remember not to get impatient and careless.  It’s not a sprint, but a long journey of growth.

DECK USED:  SPARK AND PEN TAROT

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?

Vivid Journey Tarot, White Light Oracle, Botanical Inspirations Oracle

Earth – Knight of Swords, The Moon, Garden Heliotrope – You may feel a bit directionless this week and uncertain in your path forward concerning hearth and home and that stability you crave. It’ll take some determination to move beyond those feelings of uncertainty. You’ll need to use that inner fire that lives inside you to push through these feelings and keep your eye on the prize.

Air – Six of Wands and Hibiscus –  Aesthetic is everything this week.  Not just what appeals to you, either, but what appeals to the masses. You make beautiful things with your hands every day.  Take some time this week to explore some of those “brilliant ideas” you’re always having, paying special attention to those that have extra aesthetic appeal.

Water – Knight of Cups and Violet –  Another message about ego and restraint, which is the second or third of these messages this week.  Take care to practice some modesty and restraint in how you feel about the results of your creative endeavors.  Getting too confident could end with you tripping over your  own feet.

Fire – The Devil and Hydrangea – You may feel yourself falling a bit more deeply into the trap of self soothing in unhealthy ways this week.  Instead of indulging and perpetuating the cycle, it would be helpful and healthy to step aside and examine what is triggering these impulses. Once you understand where they are coming from, you can then explore solutions.

Waning – Lasya of Parvati – Gentleness and grace are the tenants of Lasya of Parvati, and in this card you are being told that this week will not be as gentle or as graceful as you might like.  Although it won’t be the smoothest or easiest ride, it also won’t be the end of the world.   Just take a deep breath and keep moving.

Waxing – Solve Polluti 741Hz – Make this week a time of clearing out of negative energies and cleansing.  Sometimes harmful energies have a way of sneaking in to wreak havoc a little bit at a time.  A little extra meditation and adding in a cleansing ritual to the process this week would benefit you greatly.

This card also feels like it is looking at the Fire position in the spread (directionality within the imagery).  This indicates to me that the cleansing mentioned here will benefit me in this area of my addictions and bad habits used to self soothe.

Take Away –  Use your enthusiasm for the creative process and appreciation for appealing aesthetic to pull yourself past the feelings of uncertainty that well up this week.  Focus on the pleasure in the work and not the end result. As pleased as you are with your finished projects, the finish line is not the point of the work.   Make sure you are doing extra self cleansing this week…. perhaps add in a second salt and vinegar soak in the tub and a couple of energy cleansings during your meditation practice.

DECKS USED:  VIVID JOURNEY TAROT, WHITE LIGHT ORACLE, BOTANICAL INSPIRATIONS ORACLE

A Whole Person… Not Half

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Today’s meditation was ten minutes long and was a second day of pranayama exercises for pain management.   Is it bad that I don’t wanna go back to work and feel like I need a few more days off?  Not that I’m taking a few more days off, I’ve been easing back into work a little each day for the past few days, so that I won’t be overwhelmed tomorrow.  But still…. it feels like this week went by way too fast.

Tarot of the Sidhe - Dreamer TwoToday’s draw is the Dreamer Two (Two of Swords) card, which is traditionally a representation of making hard choices and weighing your options in an effort to come to a decision, as well as can be an indication of avoidance.

This card is, in fact, the same card that I pulled yesterday, although the imagery is vastly different, and the message I see in this card is different as well. What I see in the imagery of this card is two halves making a whole.  I see clarity through diversity.

A lot of times we divide ourselves into pieces.   Things like “head/heart” or “good/bad” and then we weigh one side against the other and raise one up while the other is pushed away. What I see here in the imagery of this card today is the equality of accepting both halves and allowing them to give you a wider perspective and the “wings” to move forward with knowledge and certainty.

The message in this card today is about allowing both “sides” of you to have a part in your life.  It is not a “bad side” and a “good side”.  They are you… and you are not whole without them both.  This is whether we are looking at the dynamic of good and bad, or head and heart, or any number of divides people use to slice themselves into pieces.

Be whole… seek balance.  These things are what make a person complete.

DECK USED:  TAROT OF THE SIDHE

#TarotForGrowthAugust Challenge Prompt
Topic: I’m plagued by anxiety.
Question: How can I better listen to anxiety’s messages in the future?

Encore Tarot

Reading Summary: When anxiety pops up and you trip over it (Wheel of Fortune Rx), don’t immediately jump on yourself (Eight of Wands) and make judgements, but take the time to really pay attention to what is going on (King of Swords).

Take Away:  It’s natural to immediately go on the defensive when anxiety spikes.  These reactions are often (not always) mixed signals of fight and flight that tangle up in themselves and make a mess out of things… so when you then immediately go on the defensive you are discounting anything that the anxiety might have been trying to say before getting all tangled up and “tongue tied”.  Instead, you need to own this moment.  Own it and examine it, listen to what the anxiety is saying and work at communicating with this reaction to suss out where it came from and what to do about it.

DECK USED:  ENCORE TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsAug2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: What do I need to focus on for self care this new moon?

Hero Analysis for the Future #79 MHA TarotReading Summary:  Your creative juices are flowing (Page of Cups) and you have the energy and enthusiasm to follow where they lead (Page of Wands), but you’ll have make sure to stay in control and be quick on your feet to keep up (The Chariot).

Take Away:  The rest through the waning time of the moon’s cycle seems to have really done me a lot of good.  I was feeling a bit overwhelmed by the time my days off came around this month… really overwhelmed.

My recovery has helped me in feeling more myself, and that includes the kindling warmth of creativity and inspiration that begin to get snuffed out during my phases of overwhelm and burnout.  The cards here indicate I should embrace that kindling flame and direct it where I want it to go.  Now is the time to add a little control and direction to the situation so that that kindled spark of energy doesn’t get wasted.

DECK USED:  HERO ANALYSIS FOR THE FUTURE #79 MHA TAROT

Lionharts #TheAugustTarot #ElementalChallenge
Question:  A loving reminder as I allow myself to feel, breathe, and heal.

Pride Tarot

Reading Summary: When it feels like the walls are starting to crumble (The Tower), lean on your friends (Three of Cups) and step back from impulsivity (Knight of Swords) into a more measured approach forward (Page of Swords)

Take Away:  The reminder here is that I have loved ones that care for me and support me.  Sometimes they hop in and help on their own, but they’re just as happy to help when I actually reach out and ask.  The help mentioned here is emotional support, and the cards indicate that if I reach for them for emotional support instead of acting impulsively on my own, I will benefit from their influence in guiding me to a more measured approach to the issues and my recovery from them. 

TL:DR; You’re not alone.  Don’t act like it.  Slow down when needed and accept emotional support when you need it.

DECK USED:  PRIDE TAROT

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question: What stops me from sharing my gifts?

Vivid Journey Tarot

Reading Summary: Concern that instead of finding a beneficial unifying experience working with another (Two of Cups) and a different perspective provided through their influence (The Hanged Man), that instead I’ll end up having to defend myself against somebody stealing my shit (Seven of Wands) and fucking up my business (The Tower).

Take Away:  Okay so… Fear.  What stops me from sharing my gifts more openly is the fear that I will have my creative endeavors stolen from me or what is the positive results of my endeavors threatened.  This result would be not just devastating to my endeavors and possibly my future stability, but also to my emotions as when my trust is crushed I have a habit internalizing those emotions and turn them upon myself.  This risk is represented in the fact that the Two of Cups was used for representing collaboration with another.

DECK USED:  VIVID JOURNEY TAROT

Growth and Experimentation

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Today’s meditation was a shortie at only eight minutes long, primarily because I just couldn’t seem to convince the girls (including Miss Luna) to leave me alone long enough to get in a full meditation.  It was still quite nice, but at the same time, aggravating due to the interruptions.

Tarot of the Sidhe - Maker Princess - Page of PentaclesToday’s draw is the Maker Princess (Page of Pentacles) which is traditionally a representation of a receptive omega energy, personality, or person in the areas of manifestation and creation, finances and resources, as well as hearth, health, and home.

The “Gift of Creativity” is a terrific prompt for this card, as is the Fae burdened with pregnancy.   The Page of Pentacles is a card filled with possibilities.  It indicates a time of learning, of growth, and of manifestation that is very eloquently expressed through the swollen belly of pregnancy… the ultimate act of manifestation.

This is the message of today’s card (not the pregnancy).  It’s about potential, and about allowing yourself to be open to learning and growing, so that  not just you grow, but your potential grows with you.

Whether you are creating another person, a piece of artwork, an opportunity for others, or your own comfortable nest… the act of manifesting something out of nothing is a miracle.  It takes growth and experimentation.

DECK USED:  TAROT OF THE SIDHE

#TarotForGrowthAugust Challenge Prompt
Topic: I’m struggling with boundaries in my relationships.
Question: How can I reframe the maintenance of boundaries as a necessary act of self-acceptance?

El Gran Tarot Esoterico

Reading Summary: To have joy (The Sun) you have to actually choose joy (Two of Swords) which means having faith (The Star) that that joy is OK and will lead to a good place (Four of Wands).

Take Away:  Sometimes you have to take a blind step forward in the direction you think is right.  For me, joy is like that. My background makes it hard for me to grasp that joy can lead to positive growth towards my goals.   It’s hard to understand this because I have always been taught both through my youth and experience, that when you want something?  You work for it.  To me, joy and “working for it” seem incongruous. So in order to have the things I want… a lack of joy is necessary.

The cards here indicate that is not the case, and that I need to take that blind step forward to embrace joy and have faith that it will lead me to the stability I want… joy included.

DECK USED:  EL GRAN TAROT ESOTERICO

#DiscordTarotholicsAug2020 Challenge Prompt
Question: Where could I benefit from a new perspective at this time?

Anthro TarotReading Summary: If the uncertainty that’s coming actually happens (The Moon) you need to embrace it and move into it with purpose (Knight of Wands), because it might actually end up being a good thing in the end (Queen of Cups).

Take Away:  There is a possibility that having to move could put me into a position where I’m even happier and in a better, more emotionally strengthened position than the one I’m in now. Although the possibility is still a long way off, if it’s going to happen at all… if it does come to pass, I need to embrace what I see as an uncertainty and a hurdle as a challenge, and move forward with purpose.

In other words, stop looking at this as an upcoming catastrophe and push yourself towards seeing it as an opportunity.  If the rumors that you hear come to be something real and moving ends up being necessary, embrace that with open arms and move forward into the project with purpose.

DECK USED:  ANTHRO TAROT

Lionharts #TheAugustTarot#ElementalChallenge
Question:  What am I currently manifesting? What am I moving past?

Vivid Journey TarotWhat am I currently manifesting? – Knight of Wands – I’m working on taking control and actively preparing for the holiday rush to come.  Although at this moment, I’m taking a few days off, even now I’m planning and preparing, just in a less stressful or aggressive way.

What am I moving past? – Two of Swords – Prior to finally feeling the pull to start preparing for the holiday rush, I felt I was in a moment of limbo and struggling with a bit of lack of direction. Although I was aware of this, I wasn’t really paying much attention to it, but the Two of Swords is a very good representation of that momentary lack of direction.

DECK USED:  VIVID JOURNEY TAROT

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question: What do I love about me?

Alan Tarot

Reading Summary:   I am constantly fed by and inspired by (Ace of Hearts) my connection with the natural world and my spiritual path (The Star), which carries me forward with confidence in the direction I have chosen (Three of Clubs)

Take Away:  This is about my certainty upon my path.  It’s about knowing who I am and where I “fit”… and what fits for me. It’s about hearing that inner voice and following its guidance without fear of it being wrong or doubt in what it says.

I’ve never had a hard time in following that compass, or allowing myself to be pulled upon my spiritual path in the direction that feels right for me.  I see a lot of people struggle with these things, and I am extremely grateful that it is not one of my own personal struggles.

DECK USED:  ALAN TAROT

Abandonment vs With Abandon

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Today’s meditation was curtailed a bit short, as the girls came home from the store and needed help putting things away. Apparently as much as they love Costco, they are not really prepared for the weight of putting away bulk items on their own. It was fine, though.  I’ll fit in another meditation before bed tonight.

Update (as I’m finishing this post next-day):  I didn’t get a bed-time meditation in because I ended up pulling an all-nighter to make sure that I got all the order ready before bed.

Next World TarotToday’s draw is the Eight of Cups, which is traditionally interpreted as a representation of emotional withdrawal, rejection, or abandonment of something or someone due to a sense of disappointment or need to get away.

This card actually gives me a whole new perspective on the Eight of Cups than I’ve ever actually considered before.   Usually, when I see the Eight of Cups, it is about abandonment. It is about walking away from something. But I never considered that this walking away from something could be a walking away from constraints or restraints.

And yet, when you embrace abandon, that is exactly what you do.  You set aside those things that would drag you down or hold you back, and move forward unrestrained to embrace the freedom of having shed those restricting elements.  So in essence, this card shows not just the “shedding” that the Eight of Cups so often represents, but also the result of that shedding.

Abandoning my constraints and restraints for a better, more healthy way of managing my responsibilities is something that I have been working on a lot this year. Today’s card is a reminder of the fact I’ve promised myself some days off each month.  Days off that are just for me.   I work seven days a week (okay, so it’s supposed to be six, but lets be honest here, even on Saturday, I still work… I just do very low maintenance and low stress stuff).  It’s nearly time for another one of those breaks, and the card today is a reminder that that time is coming… and that it’s okay to look forward to it without guilt.

DECK USED:  NEXT WORLD TAROT

#TarotForGrowthAugust Challenge Prompt
I’m struggling with boundaries in my relationships.
Question: Why do I struggle with putting myself first?

Spark and Pen Tarot

Reading Summary: Because I worry about losing (Three of Heart) all that I have gained (Nine of Pentacles), and so instead I indulge in my addictions (The Devil) which then leads to uncertainty (The Moon) as a repercussions (Justice).

Take Away:  I’m being called out. This is about misdirection. I don’t put myself first in one area because I fear backsliding, instead I end up misdirecting that self care into a less healthy area that has the potential to create problems and, surprise surprise… causes backsliding.   If I put myself first in healthy ways instead, it is also possible I’d backslide, but without all of the uncertainty and mess that doing so in an unhealthy way causes.

DECK USED:  SPARK AND PEN TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsAug2020 Challenge Prompt
Topic: Where Are You Content / Where Are You Frustrated

Luminous Void TarotWhere Am I Content?: For a while when the protests and riots started at the beginning of June, I had a lot of restlessness going on.  A lot of discomfort in the fact that I felt like… I was dropping the ball with my community by keeping my distance.  Over the past two months, I’ve done a lot of self-educating, though, that seems to have helped allay that feeling. I no longer feel powerless or up in arms so much as I feel I have learned and am learning… which for me feels far more powerful than anything else I could possibly do.

Where Am I Frustrated?:  Communication with my mother has become fucking torture. I do very much ache for a new start with her… and yet feel defeated because I know a new start won’t change anything, just restart the same old path we are already on.  This repeating cycle is because I want something more… and she is unwilling (or perhaps unable) to give it.  And so a new start would provide nothing for me.

DECK USED:  LUMINOUS VOID TAROT

Lionharts #TheAugustTarot #ElementalChallenge
Question: What part of me would benefit from nurturing at this time?

Vivid Journey Tarot

Reading Summary:  My faith in the universe (The World) and my passionate drive for the things I love (Knight of Wands) will be a nurturing balm for my fears of losing (Three of Swords) all that I have achieved (Ten of Pentacles).

Both The World and the Knight of Wands facing inward implies that they are a force to be applied to the central topic (center cards). The World on left represents looking at the past to see how everything always works out in the end. The Knight of Wands on right is in the position to lead me forward into the future, speaking of using my passions as my guide.

Take Away: You know that fear mentioned earlier about losing all I’ve gained? Here it is again. The cards here indicate that I need to nurture those feelings it by applying my faith in the universe to them, and allowing my burning enthusiasm for what I do to continue to be my guide. 

DECK USED:  VIVID JOURNEY TAROT

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question: What is important right now?

Sacred Rose Tarot

Reading Summary: It’s nothing you can’t handle, no matter which way you choose to go with it (The World), but you need to be aware (The High Priestess) that you are procrastinating (Knight of Wands) and there will be consequences for that (Justice).

Take Away:  This… is true.  And reassuring.  I am aware that I am procrastinating on some things, especially in relation to the business and starting my preparations for the holiday rush.  The reassuring part, though, is in The World card.  There is a reassurance there that no matter what happens, it’ll be okay…. things always sort themselves out in the wash.

DECK USED:  SACRED ROSE TAROT

Do What You Love

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Today’s meditation was ten minutes long and was one of the harp string meditations.  I didn’t extend my yoga/physiotherapy today, and so I didn’t extend my meditation either.  It was a relaxing process, and for once I didn’t have a lot of distracting thoughts dragging me off center again and again.  It was also nice that Miss Luna came to snug up beside me while I meditated today, which isn’t something she does usually during my meditation time. During this time she usually settles in at the foot of the bed a few feet from me instead.

Next World TarotToday’s draw is the Page of Wands, which is traditionally a representation of a receptive omega energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s drive, passion, and that inner spark in the soul that spurs on one’s interests and enthusiasm.

What stands out to me the strongest in the imagery of this card today is the little green leaf on the staff the figure holds, and the little green lizards.   This is in relation to the very apocalyptic looking surroundings they are in the middle off.  The environment is filled with litter, the bridge in the background appears dilapidated. And yet… there is life here. Not just in the figure that is front and center, but also the lizards that surround her, the sprigs of new leaves on the staff in her hand, and the small tattered looking flowers among the scattered rubble.

This speaks to me of perseverance. Even when everything falls apart?  That inner spark within you will help you to survive, to carry on, and even to thrive under these conditions. This inner spark that lives within your soul is the seat of one’s adaptability as well as the source of life’s burning drive to survive at all costs.  Feed this inner spark the things you love to do… and it will turn into a blaze that will burn through adversity.

Do what you love.

DECK USED:  NEXT WORLD TAROT

#TarotForGrowthAugust Challenge Prompt
Topic: I feel like I’m struggling to see clearly.
Question: How would my life improve if I accepted that reality is inherently subjective and clarity is a myth?

Vivid Journey Tarot

Reading Summary: A crap load of misunderstandings (Five of Wands) and spurred on by clouded judgments (Judgement) making for feelings of defensiveness (Nine of Wands) that get in the way of positive relationships and good choices (The Lovers). Creating imbalance (Two of Pentacles Rx).

Take Away: When you accept that clarity is a myth, you stop striving for it. Yes, perfect clarity is unattainable because we are not omni-cognizant. But, that does not mean that we should not strive for perspectives beyond our own so that we can get a better idea of what’s going on and, as a result, obtain more clarity than we have when we are closed-mindedly willing to only look at our own view and our own perspective.

Once again, I think I missed the point of the question. I understand these questions are supposed to lead people to a healthier outlook, but all I see this question doing is leading them to a more close minded outlook and lack of perspective.

DECK USED:  VIVID JOURNEY TAROT

#DiscordTarotholicsAug2020 Challenge Prompt
Topic:  Hold Tight / Let Breathe / Set Free

Alan Tarot - Il Tarocchi di AlanHold Tight – The World – I need to hold tight to my path and the knowledge that each day is a new day.  Life goes through cycles, and with each cycle we learn and evolve, becoming more than we were before. My chosen path through these cycles is to improve… to become better.  Better at the things I do, better at my influence on others, better at being myself, and an all around better person.

Let Breathe – Knight of Spades and Seven of Heart – I need to ease up on the idea that I always have to move forward and choose which direction to go in right away. So often we feel like every decision needs to be made right away, and that can feel overwhelming. It’s okay to move slow and mull over your choices before making a decision. Giving yourself some space by being a bit less impulsive in your decision making process is a good thing.

Set Free – The Chariot – I need to let go of the idea that participating in any kind of conflict actually gets me somewhere. Things like blatant disrespect or perceived injustices can often cause me to get my back up. The thing is?  During these moments I want to jump in, in that moment, and give a bit of a verbal “smack down” for that kind of thing. But, that is rarely a wise choice and rarely gets you anywhere.

DECK USED:  ALAN TAROT

Lionharts #TheAugustTarot#ElementalChallenge
Question: Earth, I ground myself in you. What is your message for me?

Encore Tarot

Reading Summary: Instilling more joy and positivity (The Sun) will allow you to triumph (Five of Swords) in your work life (Eight of Coins).

Take Away: The message here is to remember that doing what you love is supposed to be fun.  Too often I get so wrapped up in the “work” side of things that I forget to truly focus on and appreciate the pleasure that my work gives me.  This includes not just my jewelry design business, but also extends to my work on the farm, at the nail salon, and even into my client readings as well.

DECK USED:  ENCORE TAROT

#ConnectWithYourDeckChallenge by E Roebuck-Jones
Question: How do I feel when I look inside myself?

Tabula Mundi Tarot in MinimaReading Summary:  Like an esoteric teacher that is also still learning (Hierophant on its side). Someone that walks their own path (Three of Wands), and has a lot of inner shadows (The Aeon Rx).

Side Note: My first impression of this deck is not particularly positive. The imagery feels chaotic and abrasive. I’ll continue to keep it in the rotation for the month, tho, as I need some time with it to get to know it a bit better.

Take Away:  The cards indicate that I identify with being a guide and teacher, but only when I feel that I am learning from others as much as I am giving to them in turn.  The cards indicate as well that when looking inside myself I can clearly see and feel that I have a clear path and direction to my life, but that my soul is clouded by shadows.

DECK USED:  TABULA MUNDI TAROT IN MINIMA