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

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

The Hindrances of Having

From the Tarocchi Celtici, the Nine of Earth (Coins); from the Elements of Recovery, Hindrances:
          All the minor cards in this deck are associated with an ogham letter and plant; the Nine of Earth is represented by tinne ("bar of metal" or "ingot") and holly. Tinne implies mastery while holly suggests energy and intensity. As this card represents a certain independence and self-sufficiency, I can see how these symbols are applicable. But look at the little gnome trying to sneak into the other's abode. He reminds me of the people who embezzle from corporations and rationalize their actions because the company seems to have so much money. Yet the young gnome with the raven helmet has worked hard to get what he has, and so he is sitting atop his home keeping watch. He may not appear to be aware that he's being taken advantage of, but he's got a magical, weasel-seeking spear that is going to pin the thief to the ground if he takes anything. The Elements card shows a large-mouth bass with a lure stuck in its lip, which is similar to how we get hooked by our strong emotions. These emotions hinder us from seeing clearly and acting rationally. Pema Chodron describes them as a "tight feeling" that "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." What will the young gnome do when he catches the thief? He may feel ashamed that he has more than someone else and give the fellow money, thereby enabling him to continue his crooked ways. He may become so fearful and paranoid, that he ceases to trust anyone and isolates himself. He may become so angry that he goes overboard with his retaliation and punishment. Hopefully he will let his head clear (and get the emotional hook out) before he takes any action.

6 comments:

  1. Only after I read how being hooked was described by Pema Chodron I understood how this prevents us from being in the present moment. Our emotions tend to distort reality and then it is hard to step back and listen to what our wise mind has to say about the situation
    I love your drawing of the Bass. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. She was the one who really helped me understand what being hooked by your emotions is like and what kind of effect it has on us.
      Thank you! :)

      Delete
  2. Betrayal is a hard thing to forgive. When we lose trust in another, the balance in the relationship is hard to restore.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am intimately familiar with betrayal, especially with someone close to me. Forgiveness doesn't necessarily mean we condone their behavior or that we see them as trustworthy. In the words of Anne Lamott: “Forgiveness means it finally becomes unimportant that you hit back. You're done. It doesn't necessarily mean that you want to have lunch with the person.”

      Delete
  3. Or the people who follow the home delivery services around the neighborhood this time of year. They have, I want. weird viewpoint, but understandable with the constant barrage of gotta have it now media

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. People following delivery trucks?! That is bizarre. But yes, that greedy side is definitely a hook too.

      Delete