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

Monday, April 20, 2015

Dangling the Bait

From the Prisma Visions Tarot, the Three of Swords; from the Secret Language of Color Cards, "Violet:"
          With the skulls on the hilt of the swords, there's no doubt what was intended for this poor buck. When someone intentionally harms me, how do I handle it? Usually not well. I get hooked by the story, like a fish who's taken the bait. Pema Chodron describes well what happens:
At the subtlest level, we feel a tightening, a tensing, a sense of closing down. Then we feel a sense of withdrawing, not wanting to be where we are. That’s the hooked quality. That tight feeling has the power to hook us into self-denigration, blame, anger, jealousy and other emotions which lead to words and actions that end up poisoning us.
The key to getting off the hook is found in the symbol of the butterfly on the buck's antlers - my thoughts. If I stay in the story, I stay hooked on the line. But I can instead stay present in the moment, filling my senses with all that is around me. Which leads directly to the next card, Violet, and creating a balanced life. I may read tons of books on meditation and mindfulness, but I must put what I learn into practice if it is going to be helpful. Knowing is very different from doing. Meditation can help me relax and be receptive to what comes up without the habitual thoughts stuck on. 

4 comments:

  1. A great combination of cards and a very welcome reminder to pick up my meditation practice again. How easy it is to "forget" to meditate. :D

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    1. I hate to admit it, but emotional or physical pain is what often reminds me!

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  2. Wow this is a powerful Three of Swords, and a great combination. I just pulled that one yesterday. I love that you pointed out the butterfly, which always symbolizes serenity, freedom and transformation. It would have gone unnoticed otherwise had you not pointed it out.
    Violet, my very favourite, a very spiritual colour. Bev I am sending along one of my posts I did on this topic.

    http://catherinemeyersartist.blogspot.ca/2015/04/what-to-do-when-people-do-your-wrong.html

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    1. Yes, there is something about an innocent animal that has been killed that strikes at the heart. Thanks for the link, I'll head over and check it out.

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