I don't know about you, kind reader, but I constantly have demands on my time. Part of the problem, of course, is having varied interests and things I like to support. Recently, I've decided I need to pull back a little and focus on my own health and spiritual wellness. It's not an easy thing to do - but we must all learn to balance setting healthy boundaries for ourselves and not becoming an all-out recluse.

Back when I was in college, Victoria's Secret had a scent called Peach Hyacinth. It was lovely, bright, and inviting – and I remember being so upset when they stopped making it. The use of peach in a romance card made me think of it just as I was scratching my head at the choice. That's what I get for thinking!

Alright, I know I often switch to the Halloween Oracle in October, but I'm going to wait until next week and finish out this week with the Woodland Wardens. For today, we have a card that suggests we put our shoulders into our work and efforts. Set aside distractions, try to push past pity parties (say that three times), and get done what needs done.

This card might seem a bit too specific for a broad audience as this card of the day is intended for. However, all of us are leaders in our own way. Some are leaders within their own home and family, but might not be in public. Others are the grand and dramatic style of leader, full of ideas and receiving a lot of attention.

Most of us go through major changes a few times in our life. Because they don't happen often, it can be difficult to deal with them in a positive manner. Remember that change is normal, and resisting it will only cause more stress. Learning to navigate changes so that you can still be fulfilled and creative is key. Blessings, Thistle…

It's hard to find a better animal to represent determination than the ram (as a Taurus, I might suggest the bull – but I think the ram still fits better)! Use your determination to get done what you want done this weekend, whether that's a special project or just getting your home in order. Blessings and here's to a lovely weekend,

Upon seeing this card, I was going to joke that I needed to prepare for a D&D game tomorrow night! Alas, the author does specify that life isn't all about fun and games. It's true that sometimes we need to take preparations more seriously. Are you not getting where you want to be professionally? Maybe it's time to prepare that path by building connections or getting some additional training.

Another card was strong today, the Skunk and Magnolia that represents protection, but the Wolf and Rose Hip was just a tad stronger. Thought I'd mention that in case the protection element seems better for any of you. But in day-to-day living, and even more so in troubled times, we sometimes need extra guidance other than what we can provide ourselves.

OK, so we are back to our card. I tend to love any card that focuses on hearth and home, so you know this is right up my alley. Luckily, the reverse meaning doesn't apply for me because I have an outgoing partner who keeps us busy (plus, having interest in community gets me out and about). I must say, we've been meaning to give the altar an autumn remodel and a few other things to spruce up the house.

Almost every oracle deck has a card like this and for good reason. Many of us humans suffer one of two conditions: We are too impatient to realize our dreams, moving on just as the Universe is about to help us bring it to fruition, OR we are lost in the fantasy of a dream and forget to put actual effort into making it reality.

Thank you for being patient as I run behind today. I tried to post around 7:45 this morning before my 8:30 appointment, but Wordpress wasn't cooperating (or our system since a restart solved the issue). Anyway, we have today a reminder to be flexible to navigate life's challenges. As a Taurus with a ton of Earth in my chart, I often find these reminders helpful.

I am a crow person, always fascinated by their intelligence, quirkiness, and social behavior. As a child, I remember crows hanging around the garden, especially during late summer/early fall cleanup. I also grew up in southwest Missouri, on the edge of the Ozarks, where redbuds and dogwoods reign supreme in the springtime with their gorgeous blooms. (Literally, the background image on my computer right now is a photo I took of dogwood blooms with redbuds in the background - the Ozarks are magical in springtime especially.) These trees survive harsh tornado storms, partially because they grow under the cover of big trees.

Sometimes, when I draw the three cards that I choose from, I find myself gobsmacked by how on-point they can be. Today is certainly one of them. Yesterday, the news and social media feeds were overwhelmed with people discussing the assassination of a conservative activist in the U.S., as well as a school shooting and remembering 9/11. I saw a lot of people sharing toxic positivity as well as reasonable concern for society.

How's everyone liking this new deck? I like it, overall, but will continue to feel it out this month. Just curious what you all think. The concept of being prepared but not reactive is a good one to carry with us, especially in the world as it is right now. Persist in living your full life - that is the best way to be above the fray - but always be mindful of what and who are around you, be able to adjust your wings and change direction when needed.

However, being busy and being productive are not the same thing. We can become extremely busy, but if what we are doing doesn't feel good, satisfying, or fulfilling, it could be time to examine what we are doing. I've been fairly blessed with fulfilling jobs in my life, but sometimes the day-to-day stuff gets tedious. This can make you put it off.

While memes about cats abound, they often focus on how they really could care less. I doubt that's completely true, but they do tend to be much more independent and free thinkers than, say, dogs (don't get me wrong, I am a dog lover as well as a cat admirer). Today, be like a cat in finding ways to be more independent, finding how you can rely on yourself to get where you want to go.

Often, we have a multitude of interests and ideas in our heads, but only focus on one thing in our real lives. Alternatively, some folks focus so broadly that they get nowhere with anything. Today is about examining the balance of what you're thinking and what you're doing. Are you obsessing? Or lollygagging? If you know you are in balance, this is fortuitous for certain events in life as well as peace of mind.

Yesterday, I did a happy dance when the deck I ordered arrived (it doesn't hurt that a sweet kitty named Silas decided to be cuddly with me when I picked it up at the store)! I haven't felt well the last few days, so this was a nice pick-me-up. I gave it a quick perusal last night, and decided to go ahead and use it most of September.