Are They Kind?

From the Norse Tarot, the Three of Cups; from the Wolf Pack, Release:

We harm ourselves as well as others if we become callous. To judge without being judgmental requires empathy. ―Charles H. Webb

This Three of Cups seems more sedate than the usual celebration filled with dancing. It reminds me of my husband's uncles and aunts from Alabama (sadly now all departed) who used to come to Georgia to visit. They were originally a large farming family, but once they retired, they sought out their kin. I think they missed that feeling of belonging. Release encourages a letting go of our personal opinions about others. We must judge - discerning whether something or someone is safe and healthy for us - but to be judgmental slides into the area of intolerance. We think other people's beliefs are ridiculous and without worth because they are so different from our own. Yet curiosity will show that we are all shaped by individual experiences in different ways. A better scale would be to ask, "But are they kind?"

Untitled for Now

From the Norse Tarot, the Three of Wands; from the Wolf Pack, Persistence:

You cannot swim for new horizons until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.

 — William Faulkner

As the saying goes, if we want something different in our life, we must do something different. Expanding our horizons, regardless of whether it has to do with our finances, other people, or simply learning something new, requires us to be willing to be uncomfortable and uncertain for a while. Persistence underscores this necessity, encouraging us not to give up because we feel a bit lost or nervous. As Bob Goff wrote, “Embrace the uncertainty. Some of the most beautiful chapters in our lives won’t have a title until much later.”

Just Wanted to Call...

From the Norse Tarot, the Six of Cups; from the Wolf Pack, Support:

We were never meant to go it alone. Every small act of care becomes a thread in the tapestry of belonging. ―Ken Breniman

Two adults - possibly family or friends - chat while watching children play. Doing so brings up memories that they laugh or groan over. "Remember when you picked all of grandfather's green tomatoes off the vines, thinking you were helping?" "What about that time we were a bit intoxicated and went go to the grocery store; we got sunglasses off the spin rack and put them on all the produce!" Those memories remind us of and reestablish our connections. As the Support card reminds us, we all need someone in our corner, whether a group or a few friends. Yet bonds begin to fray if we don't take time to keep them strong. Who might we need to call or send an email to today? 

Last Mile

From the Norse Tarot, the Eight of Wands; from the Wolf Pack, Home:

There is no mile as long the final one that leads back home.

― Katherine Marsh

The long, slender ships of the Norse (aptly name longships) were built for speed. In calm waters or during surprise attacks, they dropped the sail and used oars. These men, seeing the familiar coastline of their village, are likely rowing for all their worth, ready to get back to familiar, friendly faces and relax with some hot food and good drink. Home brings up mixed memories for me. What I consider my original home was my grandparents' house, which was demolished for a hospital parking lot. It would take many years - after I married my husband - that I felt as if I had found another home. As Maya Angelou wrote, “The ache for home lives in all of us. The safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.”

The rambling, roomy house on Mimosa Drive

Welcomed its first family in 1928.

The Garrisons would grow there and grieve there,

Celebrating an abundance of joyful times and finding refuge during loss.

Throughout the years, its walls, floors, and roof

Were suffused with the affection and devotion of family.

Bulldozers have now crushed its beams and crumbled its foundation,

Yet the love that grew there still remains.

How appropriate that it will soon provide parking space

For those in search of comfort and healing.

―BK

Busy Hands, Light Heart

From the Norse Tarot, the Ten of Wands; from the Wolf Pack, Reunion:

There are no menial jobs, only menial attitudes. –William J. Brennan, Jr.

Barrett describes this fellow as a merchant who doesn't mind getting away from the sales counter and doing work that isn't quite as prestigious. When did hard work become something we thumbed our noses at rather than what we were proud of? Just because we can afford to pay someone to do a job that we could do ourselves doesn't make it lowly or inferior. Reunion, while usually referring to two separate people, might refer to two parts of ourselves. Remember as young children when we were proud to accomplish simple tasks on our own? Yet even when we're older, there are reasons to appreciate such work. As Tad Williams wrote: "One should treasure those hum-drum tasks that keep the body occupied but leave the mind and heart unfettered."

The Cave of Treasure

This week I'll be using the Norse Tarot, a book and card set created and self-published by Clive Barrett. Paired with it will be the Wolf Pack, a deck created and self-published by Robert Petro. Today's draws are the Seven of Discs and Transformation:

If we are painstaking about this phase of our development, we will be amazed before we are halfway through. We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness.

―AA basic text

This young fellow sits atop a sand dune, watching the waves roll in and the birds fly by. He's supposed to be fixing the broken shields below, but he finds daydreaming much more pleasant. It's one thing to take a relaxing break, but another to idle away the hours without any intention of doing any work. It might seem like a life of pleasure is the way to bliss, yet as Transformation hints, it's the work and challenges we go through that lead us to contentment. We gain confidence, skills and knowledge, as we learn; because we are trustworthy, we form deep bonds. As Joseph Campbell wrote, “The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.” 

Take Your Place

From the Nigel Jackson Tarot, the Seven of Staves; from the Viking Lenormand, the Man:

Head high, my dear! Eyes up! Take your place in the world!

―Rebecca Stead

Spokespeople for major organizations and corporations must be thick-skinned, not easily rattled, and above all, have a comprehensive understanding of the work they represent. This fellow is so composed that he looks bored. He's done his homework beforehand and has answers and explanations to whatever the angry mob throws at him. The Man suggests an assertive and protective response to those who would like to knock us from our perch. We don't need to get angry, but we do need to be resilient. As Colleen Hoover said, "I'm choosing to stand up taller. I'll probably get knocked down a few more times before this life is through with me, but I can guarantee you I'll never stay on the ground."