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

Friday, May 22, 2015

Reset Button

From the Greenwood Tarot, the Four of Arrows (Swords); from the Shaman's Oracle, the "Hunter of Dreams:"
Zen teachers often tell their students, "Return to your original state," meaning the state of mind that is uncluttered and spacious. It makes me think of computers, ipods and other technology that allow you to return the system to its original factory settings if infected with bugs or viruses. Too bad humans don't have such a button; I tend to use walks in nature, meditation (active or passive) and sleep to rest and clear my mind. The Hunter of Dreams isn't just looking for an enjoyable dream. He's looking for ways to open the door of perception so that transforming realizations can enter the mind. Seeing the butterfly hovering over the sleeping man, I'd say that is exactly what's happening.

9 comments:

  1. I could use that butterfly right about now as I lie here, Huntress of Sleep, at 4 a.m. lol

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    1. Insomnia can be frustrating if I push against it. I guess I could look at it as my time left on earth is growing shorter, so my body is trying to give me more awake time to do things. :)

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    2. I'm still in the mothering-of-younger-children phase of my life. And very grateful to be doing so while at the same time wondering if my psyche isn't compensating its need for some quiet, alone time by finding it at 3 a.m.in the close and holy darkness.

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    3. Now that would make perfect sense!

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    4. Maybe that is a reason I wake up so early too. Although my girls aren't children anymore they do bring noise and clutter and need for attention with them.

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  2. I agree with Rose..Sleep is something which won't come easy to me lately. Whenever I am lying down my mind starts working on overdrive. So being active like walking or riding my bike works better for me.

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    1. I'm listening to the dawn chorus now, such as it is in my very urban location. And there's also the white, furry fact of a little dog wedged warmly against my side, the earth of her body happily traversing the dream-embroidered realm of animal sleep. So the company is actually quite nice despite the lack of sleep.

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    2. Ellen, I find myself doing the same. Long walks aren't an option right now, but at least I can draw, bird watch, etc. until the leg/foot get better.

      Rose, that sounds so lovely - I felt I was reading a poem about lying awake. Too bad we all live so far away. We women could have an Unable-to-Sleepover. :D

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    3. Thanks, Bev. It appears we are having one right now though you and Ellen are likely up and about your days by now.

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