Compare and Despair

From the Granny Jone Australian Tarot, the Three of Buttons (Pentacles); from the Button Oracle, Skull and Crossbones:

Beyond talent lie all the usual words: discipline, love, luck, but, most of all, endurance. 

―James Baldwin

If we're lucky enough to have opportunities available, we can develop a craft through knowledge, technique and applied skills. But nothing will develop fully if we aren't dedicated to focused practice and open to continued learning. Such a commitment creates the kind of talent that is noticed, admired and sought after. The Skull and Crossbones button symbolizes a dangerous hazard. In the world of craftmanship, the "compare and despair" syndrome can tank our motivation and confidence. Rather than comparing our work to someone else (or attempt to copy them), we can study their mindset and approach to see what tools might be beneficial to add to our toolbox. As Martha Graham encourages us, "There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique."

Not a Drop

From the Granny Jones Tarot, the High Priestess; from the Button Oracle, Teddy Bear:

You are not a drop in the ocean; you are the ocean in a drop.

—Rumi

When we come to Granny Jones as the High Priestess, telling her we seek deep wisdom and guidance, she chuckles. She tells us it's not as mysterious as it's made out to be; it is a matter of slipping past the ego that craves control and filters our reality. Once we do, we find that self-absorption has dissipated and our feeling of separation has disappeared, leaving us with a sense of both spaciousness and wholeness. Teddy Bear represents comfort and reassurance; slipping the grip of the ego won't leave us in danger. Ego is simply a mental habit of organizing our life around a solid, permanent sense of "me," and "mine" that must be constantly defended or improved. We can see a lot of possibilities when we are free from those barriers. 

A meditation from Leo Babauta. 

Defined or Strengthened

From the Granny Jones Australian Tarot, the Five of Buttons; from the Button Oracle, Eagle:

When something bad happens, you have three choices. You can either let it define you, let is destroy you, or you can let it strengthen you. ―Theodor Geisel

When we see folks who have a run of bad luck, we automatically try to figure out what they did to land there. It's a way to make us feel better, as if we can prevent it from happening to us. But sometimes we find ourselves in a landslide of difficulties, no matter how savvy we think we are. Do we let these things define us as someone who never gets a break, as someone who always gets a raw deal? You can bet our lives will begin to resemble exactly that if we do. Yet Eagle reminds us to take a broader view of things and to use discernment in our situation. First, we may find allies who can offer advice or help. We may learn to pay more attention to red flags we ignored before. If we look wider than our own pain, we will see troubles come to all and develop compassion. If we zero in on what we can do (rather than what we can't control), we may take a small action that has a domino effect of good results. 

Before They're Easy

From the Granny Jones Australian Tarot, the Two of Wands; from the Button Oracle, Dragon:

All things are difficult before they are easy. 

—Thomas Fuller

When we decide to move out of our current state of affairs and cross into unknown territory, it can be both an exciting and scary transition. Like the cat keeping his balance on the clothesline, we no longer have what was familiar as a safety net. There are new skills and knowledge to acquire as well as new people to connect with. We must let go of the old methods and put our energy into this new version of life. Eastern dragons are portrayed as good, kind, and intelligent, and so the Dragon button represents preserving our well-being. Learning new ways of doing things can make us feel incompetent and awkward, but we don't need think we're burned-out light bulbs. Instead, we can be kind to ourselves, recognizing that mistakes are natural as we adapt and get the hang of things. 

Take Along Your Wise Mind

This week I'll be using the Granny Jones Australian Tarot, created by Rebecca Jones and published by Kangaroo Press. Along with it, I'll be drawing from the Button Oracle, a set I made from a collection of buttons. Today's draws are the Seven of Wands and Cactus:

Never surrender your hopes and dreams to the fateful limitations others have placed on their own lives. Judge not by their words but accept advice based on the evidence of actual results. 

—Anthon St. Maarten

Let others know about a great change in the making or a goal that is strived for, and you can bet a laundry list of likely obstacles and objections will be voiced. In some cases, these critics may feel insecure about their own choices; discouraging us may give their egos a boost. Yet a few may have some genuine concerns and advice that might help rather than hinder us. Rarely do we reach any dream on a linear, level path, so some of these nuggets may be beneficial. The Cactus Button cautions us not to adopt a prickly attitude when everyone is not on board with our plans. We need to be careful that we don't inadvertently antagonize our allies as we huff and puff in frustration. As Karyn Hall encourages, "Wait for your wise mind to be in charge. Your wise mind can take in new information, be flexible in considering alternatives, and be creative in thinking of solutions."

First, Lay a Foundation

From the Buckland Romani Tarot, the Knight of Koshes (Wands); from the Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards, Swan:

Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility. —Saint Augustine

The Knight of Wands is a natural at showmanship. This fellow is always looking to upstage other acts and even one-up himself. He's decided that he wants to be a fire eater, not just a fire juggler. Yet even his horse seems to be giving him a side-eye over this decision. Swans are a symbol of grace and a peaceful heart. These gifts are a result of humility, a product of a mind free from the turbulence of the ego. Humility allows us to learn from others, rather than thinking we're always an expert. The Knight of Wands would do well to embrace and work on this virtue. It might at least keep him out of the ER.

Baiting Hooks

From the Buckland Romani Tarot, the Three of Koshes (Wands); from the Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards, Whirlwind and Storm:

When we have done our best, we should wait the result in peace.

—John Lubbock

When we're ready to extend some creative energy outside our normal bounds, we bait our hook and cast our line in the water. Maybe we're looking for a new job, or perhaps we're seeking a partnership in a new endeavor. Whether it's resumes and interviews or background checks and frank discussions, we put forth the effort and see what bites we get. Patient confidence is a must if we're looking for a beneficial return. The Whirlwind card is a reminder that rarely does life move in a smooth, unbroken line. We can respond on a dust devil level to these obstacles, making a few changes and moving things around, or we can go full-tilt tornado, and likely destroy all the good that we've accomplished so far. Directing and focusing our energy prudently will likely land a fish rather than attempting to get things to shift backwards.