This week I'll be using the Legacy of the Divine Tarot, created and self-published by
Ciro Marchetti (with a mass market edition published by Llewellyn). I'll also be using Steps to Serenity, a deck I made for myself that is based around the principles of the 12 Step program. Today's draws are Faith (Hierophant) and "Prayer:"
In Marchetti's image of Faith, members of the four major religions stand in front of a column of light. The column implies that there is a similar thread that runs through all religions and philosophies if you dig past the rituals and dogma. I am reminded by this card of the long journey I've traveled to find the "right" faith. What I discovered instead is that none of them are a good fit for me. I am one of the "Nones" - a group which considers itself spiritual but not religious. Without a religious label, I can follow moral principles without dogma; I can believe in Something greater than myself without having to use a prepackaged definition. Though I no longer believe any religion is the one true religion, I do think there are some messages of truth to be found in each one. And I can use practices and tools from these various belief systems to keep me spiritually grounded in the every day world. I also find it necessary to associate with like-minded individuals who can keep me from rationalizing and glossing over my self-centered actions.
Prayer is a bit of a buggerboo for me. I don't believe in a deity that interferes in an individual person's life, at least not on the physical plane. I do however feel that I can receive guidance, strength and peace from Something greater than me. I "pray" using
tonglen meditation and
loving-kindness meditation, and I ask for those who I know are suffering to be blessed. This type of "prayer" lets others know they are not alone, reminds me of a kindness I might do for them and helps me remember that I'm not the only one who suffers in this world.
I totally can relate to want to mix and match different faith's and philosophies to personal spirituality. I've tired an discarded some idea's and tried and kept others. It has been and still is a very winding road
ReplyDeletePraying: I do pray, quite a lot as a matter of fact. I don't pray for the granting of wishes but more like you for strength and guidance and to express my gratitude
Wishing you well
Hugs
I don't actually mix and match their beliefs, but I do make use of their practices! ;) I suppose I prefer basing what I believe on my personal experience (though I do think other people will have experiences different from mine, which is fine with me). I hope you are taking care of yourself my friend.
DeleteYeah, I am a None too. What put me off prayer was the cash cow approach to Jesus that I often see in fundamentalist Christianity. When I was studying the Seven of Cups in the Tarot of the Saints, I put it this way:
ReplyDelete"So if Jesus doesn’t give you a Cadillac after you prayed hard and ate your communion wafer, don’t sweat it, that’s life. You might feel better for a bit of prayer and meditation, which is also a result, just not the one you wished for in the Magic Cup of Dreamland."
Yep, that "cash cow approach" bothers me too. I can't tell you how many times I've heard that if I believe sincerely and pray hard enough, I'll get what I want. Tell that to the hungry children who get beaten every night.
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