I am going to stray from my usual ghost content to share a part of my morning ritual. As someone who deals with anxiety, I like to have some type of self-care routine in place. In a time of COVID-19, taking care of yourself is especially important.
In this post, I’ll describe my morning ritual, which involves tarot, meditation, and journaling. I’ll also discuss how I organize my materials.
The Box
What you (could) need (adapt to your style and beliefs):
- A box or basket
- A tarot deck (there are also free apps and websites that let you “pull” a daily card if you don’t have a deck available)
- Candle + matches/lighter
- Journal + pen
- Extras: cloth bag, crystals, tarot cloth
So why put everything in a box? First, it saves me time gathering supplies in the morning. Second, by making this ritual mobile, I can move it outside easily when the weather permits. Third, I have always loved the idea of having multiple altars for different purposes. Of course, you can do this ritual (or your adaptation of it) without a box.
*I linked the stores I purchased some of the items from in the list above.
The Ritual
- I usually make some tea (I like CBD Chamomile or Cup of Calm) before I start (I like writing with fluids around, I don’t know).
- I light a candle and say: Peace surround me, I am present in the moment (from Arin Murphy-Hiscock’s The Witch’s Book of Self-Care)
- I mediate 3-10 minutes (usually using a guided meditation).
- I then pull a card for the day. Sometimes I’ll ask a specific question, but I usually just pull a card.
- I write down or doodle the card, along with a brief description of its meaning. This exercise is also helpful for learning tarot card meanings and interacting with your desk’s design and symbolism.
- Then, I journal. I usually ask myself: What is this card telling me? Does it apply to something going on in my life currently? Sometimes I’ll create an affirmation for the day (based on what comes up during the reading) and write it down in my planner.
- I close my session with a statement of gratitude: I thank the universe for my many opportunities to reflect and explore my spirit. May I always be blessed (from Arin Murphy-Hiscock’s The Witch’s Book of Self-Care).
- Then, I put out my candle and start my day!
If the morning is rushed, I’ll set a timer when I’m journaling or do a truncated version of the ritual. I understand mornings are difficult especially with complicated sleep schedules, children, long commutes, etc. This can easily change to a weekly ritual. Pull a card for the week on Sunday!
Maybe this my inspire you to start a new daily/weekly ritual!
I hope you and your loved ones are well during these trying times. ♥
Notebook of Ghosts 