Temperate Shifts
Cool breath skims
over skin
followed by heat
too miserable
to be in
but the cool returns
once again
and we’re left
wondering
what month we’re in.
Hooray for
no Indian Summer
this year…
I hope.
writing challenge
Gideon’s Challenge
Dream Echoes
Heart and stomach
clenched like rocks
heavy
in the chest
as each takes turns
trying to climb
into the throat
and a hand lifts
to wipe
sleep from
corners of the eyes
while a shaky breath
is drawn
and reality
comes back into focus
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Gideon’s Challenge
Always On My Mind
Every day
I think of you
From the moment
eyes open
to greet the day
to the moment
my head
touches upon
pillow’s softness
it is you
my thoughts return to
again and again
I love you
Photo © ZenStatePhotography
Weekly Creativity Prompt – The Devil
Prompt: “Pull the Death card from your deck(s). Compare the imagery between the card provided below and the card(s) from your own deck(s). How would you read them differently and why?“
Modern Love Tarot – Whips and chains and patent leather really leans into the sexual aspect of the Devil card, and I would normally interpret this card as being about those things you are curious about that might be considered risky or taboo. Out of the four cards I’m interpreting in this exercise, it is the most likely card that I would interpret with sexual undertones, although not always… for it isn’t sex I think about when I look at this card, but the thrill of anticipation when trying something new and/or dangerous.
Midnight Magic Tarot – Hypomyces lactifluorum is a parasidic fungus that takes over the fruiting bodies of other nearby mushrooms. In this card I see the potential for addiction. Not just in reference to drugs or alcohol, but to anything that can provide one the dopamine our brains crave. Sugar, cookies, praise, kisses, driving too fast… the list is endless. What in your life has the potential to take over if you don’t keep it in check? What can you do to help keep these things in check so that they don’t take over and possibly change your life in negative ways?
Margarete Petersen Tarot – Eyes gaze upon you through the sharp angles of judgement as open wounds fill the frame and chaos reigns. In the grip of obsession and addiction, it doesn’t matter how deep the knife cuts… as long as you get what you crave. The imagery in this card speaks to me of wounds, self judgements, and that savage need that grips one’s insides when addiction is upon us. Where in life are you sacrificing pieces of yourself for something that’s slowly starting to take over or sabotage what you once held dear?
The Mind’s Eye Tarot – Again we see eyes watching on and a theme of red. Red is the color of passion, anger, lust, and blood. It’s the color of obsession and the color of gaping wounds. The figure in this card seems indifferent in both her posture and demeanor. Combined with the eyes and the overwhelming red of the card’s coloring, what I see her is a question about what you are ignoring. What bad habits or shadow behavior needs dealt with instead of turning your back upon it and pretending it doesn’t exist?
DECK USED: MODERN LOVE TAROT, MIDNIGHT MAGIC TAROT, MARGARETE PETERSEN TAROT, AND THE MIND’S EYE TAROT
Weekly Creativity Prompt – Scavenger Hunt
Prompt: “Draw three cards. Find something around your home (or where you’re currently staying) that you feel represents each of the cards. Draw, paint, artistically photograph, collage, or otherwise depict these items in some way. Then tell us about the connection you see between each item and the card you matched it with.”
A crystal ball made of glass,
an orb in which to gaze and ponder,
where faces swim into view
and then slip away to wander.
Images whispered through the glass
speak of secret things
and words flow forth to offer up
warnings and hopes and dreams.
A crystal ball perched upon its tree stand and the High Priestess card. Secrets on a pedestal.
A pile of stones clustered close,
diversity offered freely.
To choose the one
that fits our needs
involves soul searching deeply.
Don’t get overwhelmed by choices
just reach for the one that sings most clearly.
A selenite bowl full of crystals, and the Seven of Cups. Choices can be overwhelming, but if you prioritize inner wisdom, the options laid out before you and which ones are suited to your needs become more clear.
An idol carved and sanded smooth,
a reminder of sweeter things.
Of mothering touches and tender care
of support and mothering
Amalthea represented here
a goddess long forgotten
that visits my dreams happy warmth
and a wreath of flowers among her horns.
A carved wooden idol used as a representation of the Manoan goat goddess Amalthea in my practice, and the Empress card. Amalthea is the embodiment of gentle mothering, nurturing, and nourishment.
DECK USED: UNIVERSAL FANTASY TAROT
Weekly Creativity Prompt – Summer Daydream
Prompt: “Pull at least three cards and use them to describe a summer daydream that you’ve experienced recently.”
That the winds of fate will end up leaning into a positive result for her surgeries… which will lead to happiness, healing, and success for her as she moves forward into healing from her injuries. And, as a result, Ms B will return to Empress status in my life, as a warm and nurturing figure I’ve become accustomed to her being.
Things have been a bit rough this year with her breaking her shoulder in February, then needing gallbladder surgery and bile duct surgery in May… shoulder surgery in late June, then breaking her other arm last week. I have become the supporter and nurse, providing and assisting and nurturing. I have daydreamed many times over the summer about things hopefully returning back to status quo at some point.
Twisting the Leaf 