Investment

From the Somnia Tarot, the Ace of Coins; from the Spirits of Nature Oracle, Air:

The key is in not spending time, but in investing it.

—Stephen R. Covey

In a half-buried chest, a treasure awaits - but not necessarily the kind we can put in the bank. Each day we have the resource of time to spend, and some moments hold something valuable. It may be unexpected free time to practice a new skill or enjoy a hobby. Perhaps it is a day with lessening pain or illness that allows us to move more freely. What bit of contentment can we uncover today? Air is given the keyword 'ruach,' a Hebrew word that means spirit, breath or wind. How could we spend a little of our day investing it in what inspires us, what fills us with a joy for life?

Adaptive or Maladaptive?

From the Somnia Tarot, Judgment; from the Spirits of Nature Oracle, Cave:

Guilt is just as powerful, but its influence is positive, while shame is destructive. Shame erodes our courage and fuels disengagement.  ―Brene Brown

Judgment is a wake-up call. It's like being in a dark house with all the windows and doors covered and shut, and then suddenly opening them and allowing the sun to shine through. Our perspective is completely changed, and we see clearly our mistaken views and misdeeds. Problems arise when instead of feeling guilt (I did something wrong), we feel shame (I'm a worthless person). Research has shown that guilt is adaptative (we have a positive focus - amends and restitution). But shame is maladaptive and often associated with substance abuse and other problems. The Cave implies an initiation, and shame is a hellish one. How do we move into and through it? Consider seeing a therapist or joining a support group. Pause any negative self-talk and replace it with something positive, such as: "I am worthy and deserve to have a good life." Don't give up; that light will shine again.

Vitality

From the Somnia Tarot, the Sun; from the Spirits of Nature Oracle, Water:

The opposite of depression is not happiness, but vitality.

― Andrew Solomon

A life of loathing, fear, and misery will keep us behind a gray wall, away from warmth and joyful enthusiasm. But this fellow has realized the trials of life can shape him with wisdom rather than resentment. Atop the wall, he enjoys the Sun that now provides him with clarity and fills him with exuberance. Water is given the keyword 'lifeblood,' an indispensable factor that gives something its strength and vitality. What is this factor? It is our attitude toward what shows up on our doorstep each day. As Andrew Solomon wrote, "I hate these feelings but, but I know that they have driven me to look deeper at life, to find and cling to reasons for living, I cannot find it in me to regret entirely the course my life has taken. Every day, I choose, sometimes gamely, and sometimes against the moment's reason, to be alive. Is that not a rare joy?"

Creeping Upward

From the Somnia Tarot, the Five of Cups; from the Spirits of Nature Oracle, Lotus;

At first it numbed me, pleasure leaching from my days like a summer leaf draining of sap to greet the autumn. Then loneliness came, a creeping oily stain that stopped me from enjoying it at all.

―Kat Dunn

The insidious part of sadness is that when we steep in it long enough, it becomes depression and despair. We imagine we have no control over anything, that we are incapable of feeling happiness ever again. Lotus, a flower whose seed lies in the mucky mud, will begin to root and gradually move upward through murky water to the sunlight. It symbolizes resurrection and restoration. That deep well of unhappiness has plenty of room to hold joy too, if we are willing to make some changes. A trustworthy friend can listen and remind us of our resilience, and walks in the sun can awaken a body that has been shut down. We can savor calm moments and rekindle our gratitude. Perhaps most importantly, we can reframe our thoughts, acknowledging there is sadness but recognizing the capacity for joy is still within us. We turn our attention to the good rather than ruminating on the past.

Roly-Poly Position

From the Somnia Tarot, the Three of Swords; from the Spirits of Nature Oracle, Rice:

I know it hurts, but the sadness is your friend.

—Katie Hawkins-Gaar

I have drawn the Three of Swords often this year; it's hard not to be heartsick as the Trump regime's wrecking ball destroys our nation. Almost everyone has been personally affected in some way (unless you're a billionaire). Yet as Tom Edwards reminds us, "we are grieving and, in our grief, have become increasingly isolated and disconnected from one another." Anguish is normal, but staying in a roly-poly posture will not be useful. Symon Freck explains: "This grief we carry should not paralyze us but mobilize us. Our shock and anger are signals of our values. If we grieve because we care, then we must also care enough to push back and forage a healthier life for future generations." Rice symbolizes nourishment and encourages us to find time to fill ourselves with beauty, laughter, dance or song - whatever will fill us with joy so that we in turn can reach out to others and help them find their own. When our spirits are full, we have the inner strength to withstand and stand up to what is ahead.

On Fire

From the Somnia Tarot, the Five of Wands; from the Spirits of Nature Oracle, Earth:

The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire.

—Ferdinand Foch

People get excited when they think they have a novel idea. But if several people are working on the same creative proposal, you can bet there will be mayhem. Each person will likely try to out-shout the others, while attempting to douse the other ideas with doubt. It can help if we model respectful listening, giving everyone a chance to present their strategy. Earth gives us additional hints on how to make a good impression. First, ground the idea in practicality. How exactly would this be accomplished? Secondly, ground the result in the target population's needs or wants. How will this benefit these people? Every fire needs fuel to burn; airy ideas have little staying power. 

Breaking the Resistance

This week I'll be using the Somnia Tarot and its companion book, created and self-published by Nicholas Bruno. I'll also be using the Spirits of Nature Oracle, created by Steven Farmer and published by Hay House. Today's draws are the Seven of Wands and Desert:

To fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting. 

—Sun Tzu

It's interesting that the fellow on top of the hill has no sword or cannon, only a shield - his primary interest is defending his stance, not attacking others. The geometric compass on his shield implies wisdom, self-control, and the ability to circumscribe desires within moral boundaries. Standing up for ourselves has nothing to do with dishing dirt on others. If we take that approach, what is important gets lost in the chaos. A Desert is defined as a geographical area that gets 10 inches or less of rain (meaning even the Arctic and Antarctica qualify). Desert suggests that we are in dire need of something (water or warmth). But in the case of self-defense, it can hurt our goal if we get caught by the need to people please, to want others to like us and make us feel worthy, rather than accept our stance.