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

Thursday, August 10, 2017

Self-Worth

From the Sasuraibito Tarot, the King of Wands; from the Soul Cards, Shame:
"The queen and I are starting a replanting program to replace some of the trees lost in the storm. Do you have a spot where you could plant one?" "Of course!" I answer, unable to resist his sweet smile (and anyone who walks around with a sapling tucked in his robe). As I take the little tree he reminds me just how much attention and care will be required, especially the first year. He is after all, the king of follow-through. But suddenly, my good feeling begins to evaporate as old tapes play in my head. I hear the voices of the past tell me I am worthless, that I can't do anything right. One voice in particular tells me that this tree will never thrive under my care. I begin to physically and mentally curl up, as if to hide. The king notices my body language and says, "We are all vulnerable to making wrong choices. Yet no single mistake, no matter how big, should be a global assessment of one's worth as a person. Life gives each of us a chance to learn as we live each day." He points out the beautiful autumn colors of the maple I planted years ago, and reminds me of the good I have grown. I take a deep breath, emerge from my mental shell and hold my hand out for the sapling.
 [Compassion] calls for acknowledging that it is easy to beat yourself with hindsight over the limited awareness you may have had in your past. ~ Bernard Golden



13 comments:

  1. What a wonderful and meaningful encounter with this King you've had today!

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  2. Beautiful storytelling! No single mistake should be a global assessment of one's worth - really resonated with me today :)

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    1. It's ironic how we punish ourselves for things we would easily forgive someone else for!

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  3. You are smart and fortunate in the directions in which you have chosen to grow. Any tree would be thankful to have you for a mom.

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    1. Thank you for that vote of confidence. :) I think we all need some encouragement now and then.

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  4. Thank goodness for your loving care for trees. What a wonderful being a tree is. Shade, place for a picnic, birds and nests. Cooling breezes. A huge source for oxygen for our lovely planet. What a legacy you will leave with your trees.

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  5. Your writing and message are just beautiful!

    And wow, that Soul card. For me, today, I see the shame of a body in the autumn of life. Yet, the leaves from her belly echo the beautiful theme of your blog. And your maple is a reminder of the great beauty that the autumn also holds...

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    1. Thank you for such kind words, my friend. :)
      I think if shame had a weight, humans would sink our planet.

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    2. And as an aside, I got this tarot deck after seeing your 'unboxing' video of it!

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    3. Ha yes, sink the planet! And I'm glad you found the unboxing helpful in choosing the Sasuraibito. I loved how you connected to this very zen King of Wands. He seems far calmer than I normally associate with such a fiery chap. Yet, guru's do have that charisma, just in a calm way :D

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    4. Her Kings seem very approachable - a nice change. :)

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