Sacred Duty

This week I'll be using the Wheel of Change Tarot, a deck and book set created by Alexandra Genetti and published by Inner Traditions. The second deck I'll be drawing from is the Oracle of the Dreamtime, a compilation of Australian Aboriginal art and Dreamings by Donni Hakanson; this deck and book set was published by Journey Editions. Today's cards are the Lovers and Emu:

Choosing someone as our partner means investing in our togetherness; that when one of us goes up or down, the other does too. —Rachel Glik

With the Fool, there is unconditional trust as he steps into the world. The Lovers, a harmony of opposites, need trust too if their relationship is to stay strong. This doesn't mean they can't grow and change individually, but it does require a commitment to being trustworthy (honest, dependable and loyal). Such a relationship is not like a business, full of competition, transactions, and status-seeking. The Dreamtime story of Emu and her sister Wild Turkey tells a tale of infanticide and self-mutilation in an effort to outdo the other. No one 'wins' in these kinds of situations and often revenge plays on repeat. The Marines have a saying that sums up their core principles of camaraderie, duty and loyalty: "No man (or woman) left behind." Good partnerships follow the same principles.

Stockpiling

From the Alchemical Renewed Tarot, the Seven of Swords; from the Oracle of the Radiant Sun, Saturn in Pisces:

We have a choice every day to do whatever we do, and that choice is quite scary because it could absolutely change everything about our lives. 

—Andrew Haigh

This fox is building an arsenal, readying for a battle of words. He is like people who, instead of having a hard conversation, save up everything someone else says. Then after months go by, they blow up and hit the other person with a truck load of words, reminding them of all that was said in the past. It's a lot easier to fix something small than to wait until it's become enormous. The discipline and responsibility of Saturn arrive in the empathy and escapism of Pisces. Dealing with big emotions can be scary (and sometimes we do need to wait a beat). But to stuff things down for a long time rather than accepting responsibility for communicating them can result in a collapse of the relationship when things finally explode. It's time to replace those old communication habits with some healthier ones.

Sunny Side?

From the Alchemical Renewed Tarot, the Five of Coins; from the Oracle of the Radiant Sun, Moon in Leo:

You might ask, is there always a sunny side? Maybe not. Or maybe it just reveals itself a little further down the road when our perspective broadens enough to see the whole picture.

―Richelle E. Goodrich

Place makes the statement that even the wealthy can find themselves in this position. Like the unbalanced beggar who reaches out though coins lie at his feet, we are rarely satisfied and constantly consumed with getting more. Place suggests what is missing is something greater than ourselves - the Quinta Essentia (fifth element) - an incorruptible energy of the universe. Focusing on spiritual principles and values rather than ourselves can give us another perspective of the world. Moon in Leo describes someone who is creative, loyal and warm-hearted, yet they always need validation from others. Unfortunately, this need can tank our self-worth when not received regularly. Instead, we might try validating ourselves, using our own yardstick of core values and goals to see how we're measuring up.

Seeking Answers

From the Alchemical Renewed Tarot, the Knight of Vessels; from Oracle of the Radiant Sun, Mercury in Scorpio:

Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life, and you will call it fate. ―Carl Jung

This Knight of Vessels wades into the shallow end of his unconscious to see what is there. Since it speaks through symbolism, he must not take anything too literally but sort out what these symbols mean to him personally. With Mercury in Scorpio, a sharp intellect meets with psychology, creating a profound drive to uncover hidden truths. Information may come out that causes us to reappraise our life. The Knight card seems to question why we frequently make unhealthy, hollow relationship choices, whether with friends or partners. Mercury in Scorpio would suggest three questions to consider:

1. Has unresolved, traumatic childhood experiences shaped our understanding of how relationships work?
2. Does low self-esteem make us think we deserve whatever we get? Do we define our worth by whether we please someone?
3. Are we so uncomfortable being alone that we grab the first available person?

Dangerous Luxury

From the Alchemical Renewed Tarot, the Hermit; from the Oracle of the Radiant Sun, Moon in Taurus:

A point of view can be a dangerous luxury when substituted for insight and understanding. 

–Marshall McLuhan

The Hermit represents the alchemical process of exaltation, the final operation that elevates a purified substance into its highest state. He's gained a lot of knowledge but also formed a lot of opinions; now he must look within to see how he got to this point. He uses meditation, first concentrating on something to calm his mind, then uses that clarity to gain insight at what is happening internally. He observes that his stream of experience constantly changes. He notices that the internal (mind) and external (outer phenomena) condition each other, shaping how he views his world. Yet this world is constantly shifting too, and he realizes those opinions and assumptions that appear in the moment may not be useful to keep. The Moon in Taurus is a cushy placement that sends us seeking emotional comfort in physical pleasure, security and consistency. This seems to be a pretty human response, yet the Hermit warns of change coming. Enjoy fully what is, he says, without tightly gripping it, whether it's internal or external.

Untamed, Uncontrolled

From the Alchemical Renewed Tarot, the Chariot; from the Oracle of the Radiant Sun, Venus in Pisces:

I know not of any other single thing that brings such woe as the mind that is untamed, uncontrolled, unguarded and unrestrained.  —Buddha (Anguttara Nikaya)

Place's Chariot is illustrated with the mythical figure of Phaethon, the son of Helios, the sun god. The boy decided he had what it took to fly the sun chariot across the earth; unfortunately, he scorched the earth, dried up rivers and injured people. Zeus then sent a thunderbolt and fried him. Arrogance is fueled by an exaggeration of skills, while self-confidence is based on a realistic assessment of abilities. The Chariot asks us if our impulsive thoughts and emotions hold the reins or if we do. How do we know? Norman Fischer explains that we if we are controlled or compelled by them, then they are guiding us. Venus in Pisces is emotionally porous, vulnerable to the energies and moods of the outer world. Learning to observe our mental weather without being swept away can keep us from being at the mercy of those reins pulling us to and fro.

Chasing Desires

From the Alchemical Renewed Tarot, the Magician; from the Oracle of the Radiant Sun, Venus in Aries:

The discipline of desire is the background of character.

—John Locke

Place describes the Magician as the "soul of appetite, focused on the attainment of worldly desires." In the quote, Locke speaks of desire not as romance, but the way we want, take and consume. All desire starts in the mind, a focus that becomes a plan and strategy, that then manifests when we apply effort to create it. Venus in Aries is fiery, passionate, and unabashedly direct, approaching what is wanted with the zeal of a warrior. The booklet suggests we remain assertive but use gentleness and courtesy. As the saying goes, “you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.” Desires are natural, but we need to be discerning about which ones we choose to chase - we might end up with something we didn't bargain on.