The Tessera Oracle

The Bell 

There is something you need to pay or bring attention to.  

The Bell calls for your attention. Perhaps there is an injustice or accomplishment that needs to be brought to light. Those around you may not fully understand until they hear what needs to be spoken. 

Speak your truth, but also keep in mind that speaking the truth has consequences. Weigh those consequences carefully and prioritize your own well-being. 

Remember, once a bell is rung, it cannot be unrung. The only thing that will silence it is time. 

Is there something that you want to call attention to, but are worried about the repercussions?

Have you accomplished anything that has gone unnoticed, and would its appreciation improve your life? 

The Moth 

You deserve the moon,

not a pale imitation. 

You have completed a transformation and emerged from your metamorphosis. Don't waste the beauty you have created on something that is not what you want, or less than what you deserve.

Don't be fooled by a lesser light. It will only burn you in the end.

What are your goals, and what little things are distracting you from them?

How can you give yourself more credit for the growth you have achieved?

The Hammer 

Creating something is hard work,

but it’s worth it. 

You have the power to create something unique and beautiful, but it won't be easy to do— the path will be difficult, but the reward will be worth the effort. 

You have the strength, the knowledge, and the power to make something wonderful, something important. It can be in the form of an object, an idea, or even a change in your life, but it will be hard. It will take your sweat, blood, and tears to bring it into the world, but don’t be afraid of that. Instead, look it in the eyes and embrace it. 

What can you create? 

What are you afraid to start because you don’t think you’re ready? 

What important challenges are you avoiding because they seem too difficult?

The Crow

Your intelligence and creativity can solve any problem but don't get distracted by shiny things.

Do not underestimate your intelligence, creativity, or abilities, especially when they are different from those of others. A crow who spends all their time looking at frogs will start to think, "am I bad at jumping?" instead of thinking, "I can fly!"

Every drop of energy you put into comparing yourself to others is less energy you have for your own goals. When you don't appreciate your own potential, it is easy to become distracted by things that seem shiny and new.

Value the perspective you bring to every situation. You don't think like everyone else, understand that this is a gift.

How is your intelligence different from that of the people around you?

What are the strengths you are convincing yourself are weaknesses?

What are some things that are distracting you from your goals?

The Anchor

Hope, stability, and steadfastness

The Anchor represents the wisdom to recognize your own safe harbour - be it a person or a place - and the strength to know that journeys or goals that come from a place of stability have the greatest chance for success.

You are very close to achieving your goals, and it's important to rest and gather yourself before the final push. Don’t let yourself burn out or run out of energy.

Through treacherous seas and unforeseen adversity, remember: hold firm; don't give up; that rest and self-care are not the same as quitting; and that you have the power to create your own stability.

What is my personal safe harbour?

How can I be more aware of my needs?

What do I need to hold on to and what do I need to throw overboard?

The Lighthouse

A light to help you find your way through troubled waters.

Some things we see clearest in the dark.

When things are difficult it becomes even more important to pay attention, not just for the light outside of self but to the light that glows within, stay alert, look around, there is a light shining for you.

You have to power to find hope and light in any situation because your heart is that light, listen to yourself and follow that advice to your safe harbour.
At the same time, remember you can try to show people the way you but you must never try and force them to walk it. Light your lighthouse, show your truth, Do not spend your energy trying to redirect another person's ship. Theirs is a different journey, and you are the captain of no ship but your own.

What light can you shine to help others?

Where have you yet to look for a solution?

The Mosquito

A theft.

It feels like only a small thing is being taken, but it is not. It may be just a little drop -- a small annoyance -- and then you can ignore it, but it is not.

Maybe someone is taking too much of your time, or maybe it is someone making unkind comments. It is not nothing. Something is being taken from you -- it may seem to be only a little thing, but you can suffer a death by a thousand cuts.

Defend yourself, even when the attack seems small.
There is a difference between something being given and something being taken. Do the people in your life know the difference?

Who or what is stealing your energy?

Where would that energy be better spent?

The Path

Finding yourself in an unfamiliar place doesn’t mean you’re lost.

Often we find feeling like we know where we are and where we’re going only to have the path in front of us divide in two, leaving us feeling both lost and trapped. 

We can ask for help and advice, but in the end, the only one who can find the way is you. Have confidence in yourself, your abilities your intuition.

When you are in the depths of the forest it can be easy to feel like you’re lost, but remember, finding yourself in an unfamiliar place doesn’t mean you’re lost.

Do you feel you are on the right path?

Where are you going?  

Where is your path leading you?

The Dawn

New beginnings. A fresh start and new opportunities. 

A new beginning is on the way. This is a positive thing, but it is also unstoppable, which can make you feel intimidated. Being out of control can be scary, but remember, just because you don’t control something doesn’t mean it controls you. Let yourself bask in new possibilities and all the opportunities they provide. 

What beginnings can you see on the horizon?

Are there any small beginnings that you may have overlooked?

The Flower

Growth, blossoming and development. 

You are growing: spirituality, romantically, and even financially. This growth is positive and important. Nurture that growth, and allow yourself to appreciate the positive developments in your life.

How can you facilitate your growth?

How can you continue your growth?

The Sea

You are on a journey, either inside your heart or out in the world.

When out at sea, sailing your ship, remember that you can’t always sail in a straight line. You may have to tack into the wind. It can seem like you’re off course, but you aren’t; follow your North Star, but don’t expect your journey to be a straight line.

What journey are you on?

Do you know what your personal North Star is? What can you do to find it?

The Fish 

Hard work pays off. 

Luck is preparedness meeting opportunity. An opportunity is coming: make sure you are prepared to take advantage of it. Everything good that happens is because you have earned it, not because of coincidence. 

What opportunities have you been waiting for, and how can you best prepare for them?

The Frog

Dragonflies eat tadpoles, but frogs eat dragonflies: what you fear can fuel you.

Evolution is rarely easy but always beneficial. 

Allow yourself to change. The things that have been holding you back will be the things that fuel you, if you allow yourself to see them for what they are.

What difficult challenge or obstacle is helping you move forward in your life?

The Sword

Conflict, either with yourself or with others.

There is a conflict between you and another person or between you and yourself.

Your spirit has given you the tools you need to shape and protect yourself: these tools are your emotions. In a time of conflict, it is easy to default to anger, fear, or frustration. These are positive emotions -- they exist to help you. However, it is important to make sure you are using the best emotion to deal with your situation, because the first emotion you find might not be the one you need.

Is the emotion you are using the one that will help you the most? 

Has guilt taught you what you needed?

Has your frustration led you to a new path?

What is this feeling giving you?

Is it what you want or need?

The Rabbit 

Take action. Act now or miss your chance. 

It can be difficult to take action. It can be intimidating and stressful, and often we make excuses to delay our decisions, especially if those decisions involve others. It often seems easier to just wait and see, but don’t wait. There is nothing more to see. Act -- your time is now.

Let your arrow fly and trust your aim. 

What action do you need to take?

What actions are you delaying?

The Lantern

Seeing that which was hidden.

You are seeing something clearly that had been hidden or obscured. Though the way is dark, you can see the path. Be careful not to fixate on this knowledge to the exclusion of all else, the way a moth can fixate on a flame.

What are you seeing clearly?

Is there anything you might be missing?

The Mountain

An obstacle stands in your path.

There is a mountain ahead of you. You can climb it, but that will take preparation, planning, supplies and effort. Remember, just because there is a mountain, you don’t have to climb it. There is more than one way to get around an obstacle. Just because there is an obstacle doesn’t mean you have to ‘overcome’ it to be a good or better person. Take time to decide whether you want to go over, around or find a new path.

What is the nature of this obstacle?

Do you have to climb this mountain?

Is there another way, another path around it?

The Hourglass

Value time. Be aware of how time is affecting a situation.

Some things might take longer than you think. Ask yourself how time is impacting what you are facing, and if you are giving your time away. Appreciate your time: it is the most valuable thing you have. Don’t wait until it’s too late to realize that.

Are you valuing your time?

Are you giving too much of yourself -- or your time -- to a situation or person outside of yourself?

The Snake

Letting go of the past, rebirth, moving forward.

The snake is at their most vulnerable as they are shedding their skin, but they can’t keep their old skin after they’ve outgrown it.

You have outgrown your old skin, it is time to shed it and move forward renewed. It is so difficult to leave the past behind, it can feel like cutting off a limb, but it isn’t. It is letting go of that which you have outgrown.

Be kind to yourself.

What is it that you need to let go?

How can you protect and value the most vulnerable parts of yourself?

The Storm

Chaos, creativity and inspiration.

When the Storm is overhead, the world can seem in disarray: everything is difficult and complex, and can feel out of your control.

When things are difficult or changing, remember that it is the rain that waters your fields, and it is the lightning that sparks inspiration.

What is chaos giving you?

Inspiration, insight, or something deeper?

How can you use the gifts that The Storm gives you?

The Hive

Community, collaboration, and gratitude. 

Surround yourself with people you love, and who love you back. Do not settle for half-hearted relationships, romantic or otherwise. Together you will make something sweet!

Community is both a gift and a responsibility: accept the support your community gives you and remember to support them in turn.

Ask for the support you need. Remember that you are not alone. 

What are your most positive relationships?

What are you truly, deeply grateful for, and how can recognizing that impact your life?