Leaning Post

From the Anima Mundi Tarot, the Emperor; from the Nature's Pharmacy Deck, Feverfew:

I can't promise to fix all of your problems, but I can promise you won't have to face them alone. 

—Mac Miller

The Emperor is illustrated with a Douglas fir, an evergreen that is one of the tallest in the pine family. Its evergreen nature - no matter the season - brings to mind those trustworthy friends or family members who have our back. It doesn't matter if the timing is inconvenient, if they're tired, or if they are in the middle of having fun; when we really need their help, they come. Feverfew is marketed as an herbal aid to prevent migraines and help with symptoms (pain, nausea, light sensitivity). However, when taken on a regular basis and then abruptly stopped, withdrawals symptoms such as rebound headaches and muscle and joint pains occur. No one can be a constant leaning post; everyone is subject to health issues and their own unexpected crises. At some point. we have to learn to be our own supportive, best friend. 

Know Your Own Welfare

From the Anima Mundi Tarot, the Empress; from the Nature's Pharmacy Deck, Myrrh:

Don’t give up your own welfare

For the sake of others’ welfare, however great.

Clearly know your own welfare

And be intent on the highest good. 

—Dhammapada, chapter 12

The peony is a beauty that can stop people in their tracks; the Chinese call it the "flower of riches and honor." Ants are attracted to the nectar on the outside of its buds, though they do not cause harm. In fact, it's likely the ants deter other harmful insects. This Empress has figured out how to give abundantly while also caring for herself. Myrrh is a gum-resin extracted by making cuts in the thorny tree Commiphora myrrha. The resin has been used as an analgesic for toothache pain, bruises, aching muscles, and sprains. There is evidence to suggest certain compounds in myrrh interact with central opioid pathways in the brain. Extreme sacrifices can be like a drug, making us feel we are making a difference when we are really only harming ourselves. Know your own welfare.

Just Keep at It

From the Anima Mundi Tarot, the Seven of Wands; from the Nature's Pharmacy Deck, Horseradish:

Don’t wait for inspiration. It comes while working.

— Henri Matisse

Sometimes the only way to silence the cynics is to keep our heads down and continue working rather than trying to explain things or win them over. The first blush of success (as with this stem bursting with blooms) can often turn their loud growls of disapproval down to low mutterings. If we're waiting on validation from others, we'll probably never have the confidence to keep going. Horseradish makes every sauce and condiment bracing with its biting flavor. In herbal medicine, it is used for sinus issues, like cold and flu, because its pungency helps to relieve congestion. It reminds us that no matter what our accomplishments, we're going to need to spice up our projects when the usual becomes stale. It can be challenging to move away what was favored and try something new, but even if it falls flat, doing something different can shift our imagination in new directions.  

I've been volunteering at the library for about 5 years now, creating artwork for the display case in the foyer and for the children's bulletin board. (These were for our summer reading program this year.) I have to rely on Maya Angelou's wisdom: “You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”

Awake

From the Anima Mundi Tarot, Judgment; from the Nature's Pharmacy Deck, Purple Coneflower:

People were struck by Buddha's extraordinary radiance and peaceful presence. One man asked him who he was. “Are you a celestial being or a god? A saint or sage?” “No,” responded the Buddha. “Well then, what are you?” The Buddha replied, “I am awake.” —Dona Sutta

Like the view of the golden eagle, Judgment asks us to move out of our personal concerns and look at life from a spiral that leads upward and outward. This viewpoint wakes us up to an other-centered perspective, allowing us to see the cause and effect of our actions and inactions on the whole. Extracts of Purple Coneflower's root can reduce the risk of recurrent respiratory infections and related complications. However, it is contraindicated for those taking medicine for heart disease and autoimmune diseases because of undesirable interactions. Judgment requires discernment, recognizing that just because we want something to be so doesn't it make that way.

Full of Beans

This week I'll be using the Anima Mundi Tarot, created and self-published by Megan Wyreweden. Paired with it will be the Nature's Pharmacy deck, created by New York Botanical Garden and published by Chronicle Books. Today's draws are the Hanged Man and Common Sage:

When you’re full of beans, you just blow a lot of hot air. 

—Amy Tan

Roombas often react saner than humans; when they hit a wall, they turn around and go in another direction. We tend to find ourselves giving the same advice over and over or forcefully trying redirect a situation in the way we think it should go. It's frustrating to realize we have no control, but there is freedom and peace found in letting people and things be. Common Sage has been considered one of the top essential culinary herbs for generations. It is also a digestive aid, relieving gas and bloating. There have even been studies to add this herb to cattle food in an effort to reduce methane (a greenhouse gas). Sage asks us to reconsider if our 'help' is tinged with a hint of moral superiority, filled with platitudes, or if it is simply a strategy to arrange things in a way that would benefit us. Others can generally tell if we're sincere or full of beans.

Just a Few Adjustments

From the Margarete Petersen Tarot, the Eight of Flames (Wands); from the Elemental Dice, Wind (Light + Air):

There is a muscular energy in sunlight corresponding to the spiritual energy of wind.

—Annie Dillard

The Eight of Flames tells us it is time to act, but not impulsively. We must hone our focus, concentrating on the task rather than imagining the outcome. Now we must stay centered in what is important and needs to be done rather than allowing discursive thinking to distract us. Wind indicates that change is brewing, but if we're paying attention, we'll catch it. We might need to be flexible and make a few adjustments to adapt. Even so, all is not lost; as John McGraw said, "one small breeze doesn't make a wind storm." 

Not an Expert

From the Margarete Petersen Tarot, the Hierophant; from the Elemental Dice, Sky (Air + Air):

True teachers are those who use themselves as bridges over which they invite their students to cross; then, having facilitated their crossing, joyfully collapse, encouraging them to create their own.

―Nikos Kazantzakis

The Hierophant teaches ideas to others, with the best of them offering wisdom without dogmatism and judgment. True teachers are not afraid to say, "I don't know." When their feet are in the fire, they don't blame but take responsibility for their mistakes. They realize knowledge can change as new information comes to light; they know traditions are provide a way for people to connect to each other but are not truth. Sky represents spaciousness, especially in the realm of the intellect. It is a reminder that we all learn more when we keep an open mind and don't act as if we're experts on life.