Today's cards are from the Ogham rune based Voice of the Trees Oracle cards by Mickie Mueller. Take a moment to clear your thoughts and find the one you need for today, and then click on the Read More to the bottom right to see the revealed cards, and the message that corresponds with it for you today.
Your message today is one of survival. The Ivy is a plant that can thrive where many others simply cannot. Sun, shade, rocks, soil, all of it can still allow the Ivy to thrive and become a robust and tenacious plant. You are meant to be like the Ivy, and take the best of what you have been given, and make it become your strength. Like the Ivy that can climb walls and houses, often times slowly eroding away the strength of that which has blocked it from growing, you can also slowly work through and around all that is in the way of where you are meant to go. Like the ivy as well, looking dainty and delicate as well, many will not see or recognize the strength you have within you. That does not change the fact that you are still strong and capable and tenacious. Your strength is only going to be recognized by those who can truly appreciate it. Don't wait for others to validate it for you. See it in yourself and nurture it.
The wood of a Holly tree is one that becomes stronger after being properly tempered in fire. Just like the challenges that are before you, it is time to make sure you are ready, and go through them in such a way that you come out stronger. Look at the challenges as nothing more than exercises to improve who you are and how you are. Take the challenges as a reminder that you have the skills and knowledge to overcome them, and grow and learn while you are at it. These are not meant to show you your limits, but to help you expand them. The right mind set and the right preparation will take you through it all.
The reversal of this card is a reminder that you can sometimes see what isn't there. But just like those shadows in the dark, they aren't always what you are certain they are. Your intuition is not where this message is coming from right now. Take a day or two to regroup, reground, and possibly even walk away from this situation for a bit. Once we have convinced ourselves that something is there, we will subconsciously look for proof until we know for certain it is something else. Wait for life to prove to you the truth, and know that in the meantime you are safe, and you are just reacting to fear and pain from other parts of your life. The bark of the willow tree is a natural pain reliever, and this is a sign that you might need to ease your pain through another means. But first, you have to acknowledge what your pain is, and what started it. Then you will have a clearer picture of what you are really seeing in those shadows in the dark.