I use tarot and oracle cards as tools for reflection and contemplation. Rather than divining the future, they are a way for me to look more deeply at the "now."
"The goal isn't to arrive, but to meander, to saunter, to make your life a holy wandering." ~ Rami Shapiro

Saturday, January 18, 2014

Do It Anyway

This week I'll be using the Wheel of Change Tarot, created by Alexandra Genetti and published by Destiny Books. The card drawn for this morning is the Hierophant:
Genetti describes this image as "a golden idol receives the oblations of his worshipers." I understand the need to create pictures, statues and mythologies around our ideas of the Divine. We humans find it hard to have a relationship with something without limits and boundaries, but isn't it ironic that we give it parameters anyway? Yet I liken it to using a phone to call a friend; I would never assume the phone is my friend, it is just a tool to contact her. But what happens when I think my ideas and boundaries are the right one? Genetti asks, "What are you putting your faith in? Am I using dogma to justify my behavior?" I have no identifiable religion, yet I constantly struggle to find a spirituality that fits. Maybe I should make sure that "fit" isn't there to be exclusive but inclusive. I think whatever the Divine is, it would want us to try to build bridges rather than burn them.

The other deck I'll be using this week is the Oracle of the Dreamtime, with text written by Donni Hakanson and artwork by a variety of aboriginal artists. The publisher is Journey Editions. Today's card is the "Gymea Lily:"
The legend around this image involves a warrior who made a continuous effort to save his people, even though he realized his sacrifice and hard work would probably be in vain. I have to admit, even though I wrote about "building bridges" above, I thought about how some people will stubbornly cling to their beliefs and shun those stretch out the hand of peace. Some folks will gladly debate with you, but they don't care to have a respectful dialogue. Yet like the warrior in the story, I am prodded to make the effort anyway.

5 comments:

  1. I think faith is so personal. No two people will believe the same things otherwise they don't think for themselves and only follow dogma. Religious dogma is for me just a way to control the masses.I am searching for a way to reconnect to the Divine. I can be inspired by so many religions, books, other peoples ideas but in the end it is up to me how I want to relate to God

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    1. I too think it should be a personal endeavor, but we have so many groups who use fear to manipulate the masses into believing their dogma. But belief out of fear doesn't seem much like true devotion to me.

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  2. I love the dreamtime deck and look forward to more images from the other!

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    1. I've always been curious as to why this oracle didn't garner many fans, since the art is so lovely and the companion book such a great help and interesting read.

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    2. Perhaps it's because it has a steep learning curve - it's not what I'd call a plug 'n' play deck. You have to be willing to put in the time to learn about the myths and connect to the cards. It looks lovely, but I don't love it enough to take the time right now. Still, I'll enjoy reading your interpretations and synopses :D

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