Emotions are Fluid

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

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The Visionary's Tarot - Page of Swords and Christmas Affirmation CardsDaily Mental Health Prompt: Seek a positive message to carry with you throughout the day and offer perspective.

Today’s draw is the Page of Swords, which is traditionally a representation of a receptive omega energy, personality, or person in the area of one’s thoughts, intellect, logic, ambitions, and communication. This often translates into themes that have to do with learning new ways to communicate with others, beginning new educational pursuits, exploring new ideas. and seeking to sate one’s curiosity.

The Page of Swords has then been combined with one of my Christmas Affirmation cards, which says, “These painful feelings aren’t permanent. There are better times ahead.”

You know, I never actually considered a lack of inspiration or lapse in creativity as something that is a painful feeling. And yet, today’s cards to bring this to the fore for me, and highlight the fact that there is actually pain involved in these moments of slump.

It’s the sensation of missing something vital. A piece of me that drives my ambitions and allows me to see the world around me as beautiful. That creative spark within me provides these things, and when it sputters and struggles to catch flame, I’m a bit surprised to discover upon reflection that feel that lack as an actual internalized wound.

The message in today’s cards is the repeat of a message that I have gotten several times of late. That is… It’s temporary. Discomfort is temporary. Sadness is temporary. Uncertainty is temporary. Our emotions are always moving and flowing and shifting beneath us like sand under waves.

That means that these unpleasant moments we find ourselves in are temporary by nature. Sometimes the key is to just wait it out, other times playing an active role can help us learn how to emerge from these times a bit quicker. There’s nothing wrong with being proactive about it.

DECK USED:  THE VISIONARY’S TAROT AND TWIST’S CHRISTMAS AFFIRMATIONS

@aplacetodock #Yuletide Oracle Challenge
Prompts for December 21st and 22nd

Oracle Reading with the Yule OracleWhat is rocking around the Christmas tree?

Fig and Cinnamon – You can be protective without aggression. Consider the power that resides in silence. Within silence there can be warmth and support, comfort and care… there can also be a statement never spoken with more than a glance or an expression on one’s face.

Silence is a tool. Use it to your advantage by exploring it’s power and the unique language it presents, rather than jumping in with words.

What message comes from the fireplace embers?

Candles and Reindeer – Bank your fire instead of letting it leak out into your disposition this holiday season. You will gain more by staying warm and inviting… and learn a lot more about those around you as well.

Other elements included in this reading:
Foraged Acorns for Protection during New Beginnings
Mandala Disk Charged for Serenity and Balance
Carved Rhyolite Leaf for Facilitating Calm Transitions
Raccoon Figure for Problem Solving and Seeking Knowledge
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: YULE ORACLE

@LightningWildflower December Arcana Challenge 
Temperance Prompt for December 22nd : How can I move toward a greater sense of equilibrium?

Tarot Reading with The Visionary's TarotSummary: Stop trying to jump at every opportunity that comes along (Ace of Pentacles Rx). In doing so, you are overwhelming yourself (Temperance Rx), which is in turn causing stagnancy (The Hanged Man).

Moment of Reflection: Why was the Temperance card the one that came out, instead of the Ten of Wands? This is because we are talking about the potential for overwhelm, instead of an actual present predicament of overwhelm.

Take Away: It used to be that any opportunity that dropped in your lap, you jumped on, picking it up and inserting it into your life.  When you were younger and had a crapload of energy, not to mention were ignoring your personal needs and self-care?  This was fine, as you could just keep plowing forward.

Now, though, it’s not the same any longer.  You aren’t the same any longer.  The consequences of acting in this way now are much steeper, as you don’t have as much energy and you are trying to take better care of yourself.  You don’t bounce back as easily, which means you can’t juggle as many projects and responsibilities as you once could as your recovery time after doing too much becomes longer and longer.

In order to maintain equilibrium, moderation is needed.  You just -can’t- continue to jump on every opportunity that comes along, no matter how much you want to. The cost and consequences of doing so end up setting you back far more than the boons involved.

Other elements included in this reading:
Dried Rosebuds for Potential and Beauty Waiting to Unfold
Foraged Lodgepole Pine for Resilience, Growth, and Renewal

Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECK USED: THE VISIONARY’S TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I told Ms B we wouldn’t be coming on Tuesday, since we’ll be coming up there on Wednesday to spend the night, then staying for a little over a week.

Tarotholics Challenge Dec Spread 4

#DiscordTarotholicsDec2023 Challenge Spread 4

Tarotholics Challenge Oracle Reading with the Yule Oracle

Where do you need to practice more tolerance with others?

Holiday Cookies – Turn your focus towards working on preserving those relationships closest to you. You’ve been so worn out, stressed, and dealing with a lot of pain. It makes you a bit snippy with others, and they feel those little snips and snipes… sometimes deeply.  Be aware of this, and work on treating them with more kindness and understanding.

How can you foster more tolerance within your heart?

Ornament – Keep your focus on how you want things to be or become, instead of how they are. What healthy and happy future do you want to develop going forward? By keeping your focus here, it allows you to work towards that goal instead of getting caught up in the discomfort or misery of the moment and reacting badly to it.

Where do you need to step up with your self-care over the holidays?

Sparklers – Take care with how much you put on your plate, even when feeling inspired. The more you pile on during this time at the end of your holiday rush, the more weight you will have to bear later on. Give yourself a break and write down your inspirations instead of acting on them immediately.

What do you need to focus on to keep your holiday cheer intact?

Cinnamon – Focus on the abundance of love and support that you have around you. Warm feelings and warm hearts will allow you to see the positive and give you that boost of holiday cheer you’re finally getting a bit of time to savor.

How can you best respond to those that try to “stir the pot” this holiday?

Tinsel – Instead of reacting outright to this “stir the pot” behavior that they’re exhibiting, use your ability to suss out and understand different perspectives to examine why they behave as they do.

How can you express your emotions with more love and kindness?

Poinsettia – View the holidays and this down time with others as a way to explore all the ways in which you are fortunate and all the things you have to be grateful for.

DECK USED: YULE ORACLE

Taking Stock

Today’s meditation was skipped.

Yule Oracle - Candle CardToday’s draw is the Candle card from the Yule Oracle, which in this deck is a representation of warmth, illumination, and “enticing”.

In my life, I have found a Christmas (finally) that feels very close to perfect. I’ve discovered nurturing, motherly warmth.  I’ve discovered the comfort of “home” away from home, and the love of others that are here to help me and take care of me.

Hell, I’m even being fed regularly without having to do any cooking.

I’ve been very lucky this year, and I see this card as a reminder to really take stock and enjoy this time, and seek it again in the future. This year has taught me what holidays -can- be… a potential that I’ve not really seen before and very much cherish and enjoy.

DECK USED:  YULE ORACLE

Magicznie_Czyli_Troche_Magi’s #tarotowewyzwaniegrudzien2022 Prompt
Questions for December 19th thru 24th

Gnomes Tarot Major ArcanaGingerbread: How can I cool my life down?

The Tower – It’s time to reconstruct what you do and how you do it. Rebuild your time to give yourself the self care you need without sacrificing your passions and responsibilities. There is room for both if you put some thought into the construction and organize things well.

Yule Log: What warms me up, gives me power, and increases my creativity?

The Devil – You are passionate and enthusiastic in the pursuit of those things that interest you and you enjoy. Don’t let your fear of your addictive tendencies keep you from enjoying them. Just take care not to let it get out of control.

Entity’s Kiss: How can I bring more love and passion into my life?

The Lovers – Make healthy choices and be true to yourself and your needs. Lean into loving relationships and spend more time with Gideon.

Last Christmas: What were my previous Christmases like and what did they teach me?

The Emperor – Previous Christmases have often felt like a battle of wills. From these experiences you’ve learned that a taciturn approach gives you more control and peace than diving into the fray and trying to strong-arm things your way.

Next Christmas: What does my dream holiday look like?

The Empress – Nurturing, warm, and supportive. Time spent with those that fill you with these feelings, both in receiving from others, as well as in giving of yourself.

The Day When Animals Speak in Human Voices: What does my spirit animal want to tell me?

The Hanged Man’s– Keep an open mind. Don’t allow yourself to become closed off or rigid.  (This advice has been repeated in a couple of different ways in my readings over the past couple of days.)

DECK USED: GNOMES TAROT

Daily Self Kindness

I slept in today and let Jer take care of a task out in the garage that would have had me struggling at the top of a ladder.

Careful What You Wish For

Today’s meditation was skipped.

Yule OracleToday’s draw is the Snow card from the Yule Oracle, which speaks of themes to do with birth, emotion, and purity.

And… this card is a little too on the nose for today, and is a warning on what to expect and to be careful on my trip north.

It’s well below freezing (10 degF), the winds are wild and biting, and there’s two feet of snow in the places where the wind hasn’t created drifts as high as my waist.

A four hour drive took nearly six, and is most assuredly going to take just as long if not longer to make it back home again later today.

And when I look at this card?  All I can think is… no shit.

DECK USED:  YULE ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I changed my shipping dates back to shipping out Tuesday and Friday instead of every day this week.  There’s no way in hell I’m shipping out daily with the weather like this.

Soul’s Reminder Oracle Reading

Yule Oracle Deck

What does my soul want me to remember…

From the Past

Poinsettia and Cherry – Parties and revelry may not be your style, but don’t forget that there are times in the past when you’ve enjoyed such things in moderation, and that is possible again in the future. Don’t go into future opportunities of the same with a negative attitude that might prevent you from finding enjoyment in these get-togethers.

From the Present

Caramel Popcorn and Fig – You overspent a bit this Christmas, and you learned a valuable lesson from that experience. Make sure in the future that you resort back to shopping throughout the year, rather than trying to do it so close to the holiday season.  You do much better financially when you spread out the spending over time.

Into the Future

Candle and Gingerbread – Don’t lose track of the changes you’ve made over the last few years to better align yourself with more self-care and to lean into optimism and positivity. Carry them forward and let them help you to create a more comfortable future.

DECK USED: YULE ORACLE

Cherishing What Is Before You

Today’s meditation was just about ten minutes long, and was just me and my breathing exercises along with some piriformis stretching.

Vintage Christmas TarotToday’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.

After running around all day yesterday getting things done, today is a day of rest. There is no plan to go anywhere or do much other than some chores around the house.

The imagery in this card is about family and the reminder here in the Four of Pentacles today is to appreciate this time with those dear to your heart. The message here is not to worry so much about what’s coming in the future, and instead be present in this day and this time with loved ones.

DECK USED:  VINTAGE CHRISTMAS TAROT

Mr Lionharts’ #TheDecemberTarot The Path Ahead Tarot Challenge Prompt

 Yule Oracle

See Only With LoveRibbon (Elegance, Formality, Exclusivity) – Take tie this season to try to see your mother in another light. Changing her isn’t in the cards and she sees nothing wrong with her behavior, but you have the opportunity to shift your perspective and find a view that allows you to find peace with her and put to rest expectations you can’t possibly have fulfilled by her.

Speak With Love – Candy Cane (Sweetness, Strong Foundations, Drawing In Love) – Make sure that you are expressing to those around you how you feel about them.  Only the good, though. Focus on the good and let the irritations and other issues go for now.  Use this tie for bonding and pulling those who matter close instead.

Listen With Love – Ornament (Wishes, Ancestors, Beauty) – Now that the holiday rush is over it’s time to open yourself back up to messages from your ancestors and the guidance that they can provide you. Open your heart and your intuition, and allow them to help guidie you toward those things you really want in life.

Mind Boundaries – Bells (Purification, Warding Off Evil, Clarity) – Make sure that you are paying attention to the energy that others are directing your way, and deflecting the negative. Don’t ignore it and think that it will go away on its own, instead deflect and cleanse that negativity out immediately.

Be Kind – Pomegranate (Beauty, Fertility, Promises) – When you take the time to be kind over this season, it will be reciprocated in turn.  Like a smile creates another smie and thus spreads smiles onward through the world, kindness can also travel and spread in the same way, and in turn make the world a better place a little at a time.

Know Your Power – Hot Chocolate (Sympathy, Nourishment, Comfort) – You have the ability to provide comfort and nurturing to those around you with your grounded presence and energy. By spending time with those that are mourning their loss this year, you are giving them more than sympathy, but also support and a greater sense of stability that is currently lacking in their lives.

Be Balanced – Caramel Popcorn (Hiding the Truth, Irresponsibility, Material World) – Don’t allow the addictions that were getting out of hand prior to the holiday rush to step back in and progress as they had been.  The rush has given you a chance to renegotiate the tightness of those chains and find a better fit. Keep with that.

Honor Your Word – Elf (Assistance, Workmanship, Secrecy) – There are a few things from earlier this month that you need to get done now that the holiday rush is at an end.  Readings that need done, specifically.  Make sure over the next week you reach out to these people to get these promises taken care of.

Blessed Be – Christmas Tree (Abundance, Life, Immortality) – Don’t worry about the future right now.  It is bright and beautiful, and filled with promise. Focusing on the what-if scenarios and worrying won’t solve anything and will only hold you back. Focus on the good instead.

DECK USED: YULE ORACLE

OwlandBonesTarot’s #DecemberBones2021 Tarot Challenge Prompt

Vintage Christmas Tarot and Seasons of the Witch Yule OracleNaughty King of Cups – Gideon is my personal King of Cups, and as such this card is encouraging spending some… naughty time with Gideon soon. We have been planning some pirates period-piece type roleplay for after the holidays and I have absolutely no doubt that naughty is sure to fill many of those hours.

NiceThe Sun – This is a reminder to look towards the light.  Have fun. Work on keeping an optimistic view as we move through the few weeks ahead.  The end of the holiday rush has a habit of dumping you into a bit of a drop, and the reminder here is that to couneract that effect, you need to work at staying positive.  It’s not going to happen on its own.

ClarifierMerriment – Have fun! Both during your time with Gideon and on your own as well. Look for the joy and enjoyment in every little thing.  Stay focused on the fun so that the drag of the slump that the end of the holiday rush creates doesn’t pull you under.

DECK USED: VINTAGE CHRISTMAS ORACLE AND SEASONS OF THE WITCH YULE ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

Although I brought work along with me on this trip, I haven’t touched it. Not even today when we stayed home all day and relaxed.