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, June 28, 2014

Heart of a Lion

This week I'll be using the Roots of Asia Tarot, created by Amnart Klanprachar (artist) and Thaworn Boonyawan, and published by AG Mueller. The oracle deck I'll be using is Earth Power, created by Stacey Demarco and published by Blue Angel. I've severely trimmed this deck to get rid of all keywords. Today's draws are the Six of Wands and "Palenque:"
The booklet for the Roots of Asia describes the Six of Wands as "right perception." To understand that Buddhist concept, it might be helpful to know what it isn't. Cortland Dahl explains: "Impure perception is basically everything that we see, perceive, and label at the moment. It is not that something is wrong out there and that's why everything is impure. Instead, it is because, at the moment, whenever we perceive something, it is always filtered through our emotions, our desire, jealousy, pride, ignorance, and aggression." So basically, to successfully meet our challenges, we need to not let our emotions get the best of us. As the card's image suggests, the victor may have the heart of a lion, but he sits calmly in meditation.
The oracle card depicts the ancient Mayan site of Palenque in Mexico. Though it may look peaceful and deserted now, according to the paintings and bas reliefs in the temples, many human sacrifices took place here. It boggles my mind that people believed they needed to kill men, women, children and animals to please a deity. Obviously love and mercy weren't a part of their dogma. Palenque is a none too gentle reminder that being successful doesn't mean I have to throw someone else under the bus. I can be strong and objective without setting aside compassion. Besides, the other way didn't work out too well for the Mayans.

5 comments:

  1. OMG I envy you. A perfect example of impure perception. I see the Roots of Asia card and I want it too!!!!! And I can''t because it is out of print :(.
    Envy, sadness, desire is the root of suffering. So many emotions caused by one card.
    Great post!

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    1. Can you believe I had this deck and freely gave it away about ten years ago? I was so caught up in the RWS mentality that I couldn't see past it, so any decks that didn't fit got given away. I was lucky enough to buy this one at Aeclectic for a reasonable amount. I've wanted it for a while now, but refused to pay an outrageous price. I would love for AG Mueller to reprint this one (minus the weird green borders!).

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  2. Interesting, as well, that the Mayans created such amazing structures, yet in the name of so unpleasant a dogma/set of deities. Such a contrast to the natural beauty portrayed in the Roots of Asia… :) Hope no-one was sacrificed, yourself included!

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    1. Well, I can laugh about it now, but I pulled a muscle in my back later in the day (unusual for me) so I walked stooped over all day! This aging thing is a lesson in and of itself. :)

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    2. Yeesh, sorry to hear that. Yes, ageing is definitely a life-lesson :/

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