a sneak peek at the work station

April 16, 2022

I thought this reading I was doing was a good opportunity for a catch up. I asked whether I'll make it to the end of the year with this no-/low-buy depth project, and while the cards don't speak of calamity and complete breakdown, they illustrate a series of ups and downs throughout the months.

A spread of eight playing cards - first column is the four of spades and the six of hearts, second column - two of clubs and jack of diamonds, third column - five of spades and two of hearts, fourth column - two of spades and five of hearts. Above the spread is an oracle card showing two nude people embracing

I got the feeling to pull two rows of four cards and it seems they're illustrating the year's quarters.

Column one, covering January through March – the struggle is real, feeling like I'm in a mental prison, stuck, no clear direction. By the end of it I do find an inner direction, and learn important emotional lessons, especially about my relationship with myself.
Column two, covering April through June – this Valet looks like he's spending, but the 2 of Clubs gives me a “working” feeling – he's spending to support his work and keep the gears turning. So far this is true – I have purchased some art supplies already this month. They're on the “approved purchases” list, so aren't causing me any inner turmoil. In fact, I've been very productive creatively for that cost of a new sketchbook and a few pencil colors. I'd say that's a big win. I'm hoping to follow this sort of energy throughout Spring – allowing for purchases that help me go Deeper. (Already eyeing a cartomancy book).
Column three – July through September. This one looks a tiny bit dire. I wonder if my health issues will return/get worse/flare up around that time. Summer is my least favorite season when it comes to physical sensations, and I see myself “searching for joy”. This could be a temptation-filled period, but I can prepare myself. There's a book series I wanted (again from the “allowed” list) that's a big splurge all in one go, so I haven't pulled the trigger yet. I'll keep it in my back pocket for this harder time.
Column four – October through December. The difficulties look minor, low temptation, last stretch. I think because Autumn is my favorite time, I'll be rejuvenated with all the feelings that come along then. I'm usually very inspired thereabouts, and I can see how there might not be a big enough emotional hole to feel the need to stuff it full of objects.

To tie it all off in a bow I pulled a general theme card from my handmade found art oracle and got two people tenderly embracing while standing in the sea. I think it's telling me to follow the flow and tone set by the first quarter, where I learned to be more emotionally nurturing towards myself. A year-long challenge of this sort will surely provide plenty opportunities to practice self-compassion and learn even more about my inner workings.

Aside from that little column two summary – very active in my sketchbook in the last two weeks – I don't have that much to report. I barely ever open tumblr anymore. I watch art videos, studio vlogs, sketchbook tours etc as a backdrop for my own activities. There's some gardening.

I've had a tiny bit of a health thing that kind of dampened my youthful, Spring momentum, and I haven't been spending as much time with the Playful Heart tarot as I'd hoped. Especially since the creativity moved from the deck's study journal into a sketchbook, but maybe I can alternate them a bit. I'm sure I'll return to the inner child fun when I'm back on my feet, traipsing through the forest and such.

Hope everyone is having a good start to the Spring months. Keep going with your goals and resolutions!