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Safety from the Healing the Inner Child Oracle by Nina Mongendre, illustrated by EdieArt

The Invitation: Many of us did not grow up feeling truly safe. Perhaps you lived in an environment where your physical or emotional wellbeing was uncertain. Maybe there wasn’t a consistent adult you could turn to when you felt scared, overwhelmed, or alone. When safety isn’t a given, our nervous system adapts. It stays on alert, scanning for invisible threats—even when none exist. This state of constant vigilance is deeply draining.

Take a moment to check in with your body. Do you need a glass of water? Something nourishing to eat? A warm blanket or a jumper? Tend to your needs first. Then pause. Are you safe in this moment? Feel your feet. Notice your breath. Soften your jaw. You are allowed to come home to your body.

We cannot access joy, connection, or our deepest longings while our survival brain is switched on. This card invites you to soothe your nervous system—gently and consistently—so that, over time, you begin to feel safer with your feelings. This is the ground where healing begins.

Inner Child Reflection: Can you recall a moment in childhood when you felt completely safe—at ease and protected, like the child in this image? Maybe it was lying in the sun, cuddled up beside someone you trusted, or feeling held by nature. If no memory comes, simply step into this card.

Imagine yourself as the child beneath the rainbow-crowned tree. Feel the soft grass, the warmth of the sun, the hush of foxes and sheep sleeping nearby. Let your senses come alive as you breathe, gently lengthening your exhalation. Say aloud: "We are safe. This is safe".

The Journey: Place your hands behind your neck and interlace your fingers, just like the child in the image. Let yourself lean back. Without turning your head, bring your eyes all the way to the left. Breathe here. Wait for your body to release—perhaps with a sigh, a yawn, a swallow.

Then slowly bring your eyes to the right and breathe again. Wait. When the body has responded, return to centre. Take a long, deep inhale. Hold it briefly. Then exhale and release your arms. This simple practice can be used anytime you want to return to presence, grounding, and calm. You are allowed to feel safe now.

Charms: The Wheel of Fortune & the Dope Leaf

The Wheel reminds you that nothing is fixed. You are not stuck where you began. Life moves in cycles, and something is shifting in your favour.

The Dope Leaf offers a moment to soften, to surrender the pressure, and allow your body to rest. It speaks of letting go of hyper-vigilance and returning to a more peaceful, present state of being.