Handful of Water

From the Fey Tarot, the Ace of Cups; from the I Misteri Della Sibilla, the Two of Diamonds:

That is what happens when the heart door opens- you become less yourself than part of everything. Many are the sentinels who guard that door...

― Roger Housden

A young fey makes an offering of a handful of water. It's like the shy smile offered in a group of strangers, a tendril extended to see if any heart responds in kind. That tentative exchange might be stifled by the memory of past relationships, yet we are animals who thrive on belonging and connection. If we are willing to take a chance and be vulnerable, we might find a friend or partner who can help us discover joy. Though I don't often write them, I do appreciate letters. They tend to be more thoughtful and less rushed, more conversation than just the facts. It is a relationship on paper, yet one that allows us to say what we might not otherwise. Letters and notes can be the handful of water that opens a heart.

The Kindness of Connection

From the Fey Tarot, the Queen of Chalices; from the I Misteri Della Sibilla, the Five of Clubs:

Compassion manifests in us as the offering of kindness rather than withdrawal.
—Sharon Salzberg

The drops emerging upward from the Queen's cup are her version of texts, calls, and letters to see how people are doing. She is a listener, one who can empathize with kindness without self-identifying and drowning in the feelings of others. Compassion isn't trying to fix someone - which is often just a reaction to our being uncomfortable. While we may offer advice if asked for, it's more about bearing witness to someone's pain so they don't feel alone and disconnected. The Five of Clubs suggests good fortune that is created by our own actions. As St. Basil said, "They who sow courtesy reap friendship, and they who plant kindness gather love."

Plan Accordingly

This week I'll be using the Fey Tarot, a book and deck set created by Riccardo Minetti and Mara Aghem. This set was published by Lo Scarabeo. The oracle I'll be using is the I Misteri della Sibilla, created by Ettore Maiotti and published by Dal Negro. Today's draws are the Two of Wands and the King of Hearts:

The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun. 

―Christopher McCandless

We all have experienced the restlessness that comes with wanting something new to learn or experience, a chance to broaden our horizons. But when the opportunity arises, do we jump out of our comfort zone or hesitate? The King of Hearts, a mature, often retired man, would suggest a pause. Excitement can make us impulsive, causing us to neglect investigating, planning and preparing. Having experienced much of life (including making his own mistakes), he might bring up McCandless from the quote above. McCandless hitchhiked to Alaska and entered the Alaskan bush with minimal supplies, hoping to live simply off the land. He was woefully unprepared and ended up taking shelter in an abandoned bus. A hunter later found his body; his cause of death was starvation. We all need new ways to explore our world, but there is a big difference between dreams and reality. Plan accordingly.

Learning and Supporting

From the Tabula Mundi Tarot, the Six of Wands; from the Words of the Brehon, "Three speeches better than silence:"

No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn. 

—Hal Borland

The Six of Wands arrives after a period of strife and challenge. Lessons were learned and insights gained that turned things around for us. The animals represent traits that were needed to get to this place: the lion represents strength and courage; the owl symbolizes vigilance and wisdom. It was much more than luck that got us here. The three speeches better than silence involve giving courage to those who are anxious, offering knowledge that might be of help, and praising someone for the skills gained through hard work. We are all struggling, sometimes with small things, other times with weighty matters. Offering words of support and encouragement can be the light that shines in the darkness of others. 

Tick Tock

From the Tabula Mundi Tarot, the Queen of Disks; from the Words of the Brehon, "Three things that show a weak man:"

It's your reaction to adversity, not adversity itself that determines how your life's story will develop. 

—Dieter F. Uchtdorf

The Queen of Disks is associated with Capricorn's sea-goat, a fitting symbol for someone who is sure-footed (capable) and able to move with the flow (resourceful). She takes pride in creating a haven for people and providing for their needs. She often acts as a facilitator, assisting and helping prepare others before they take on a big project or other endeavor. The Brehon's three things that show a weak man - bitterness, hatred, and cowardice - are all ways people try to duck reality rather than dealing with it. Inner strength allows us to move forward, keeping in mind what is truly important; to forgive, as we refuse to take everything personally; and stay grounded as we face adversity. This Queen would agree, reminding us that no one gets to hide in a refuge forever.

Wipe Your Feet

From the Tabula Mundi Tarot, the Three of Disks; from the Words of the Brehon, "Three sons whom folly bears to anger:"

I will not let anyone walk through my mind with their dirty feet. 

—Mahatma Gandhi

The Three of Disks is titled 'Work' - it shows what happens when our will flows consistently in a stream of effort. We begin to see our progress, which is encouraging and can keep us going. It's like mowing grass when it's hot outside; seeing how nice it looks when we're halfway done can keep us on task. This card encourages us to maintain our momentum and stay focused. The three foolish sons of anger from the Brehon card suggest self-absorption that shows up as resentment, a refusal to listen, and ridicule. Some folks can't abide others outshining them in any way. Don't get distracted or drawn in by their antics. Hold on to that determination!

After the Storm

From the Tabula Mundi Tarot, the Six of Cups; from the Words of the Brehon, "Three drops of life:"

If you want to see the sunshine, you have to weather the storm.

—Frank Lane

The intense emotions of pain, fear and frustration have passed, and now calm, contented pleasure arrives. Is there anything more wonderful? Of course, the seas of life never stay calm forever, yet our job (as Pema Chodron would tell us) is to make room for all of it. The Brehon card lists the drops of life as a drop of blood, a teardrop, and a drop of sweat. They represent physical vitality and life; deep love and empathy; and the effort of perseverance in the pursuit of purpose. To think that we can live a human without any hardships is pure fantasy. However, we can widen our perspective when we are going through these challenges so that we can notice the good as well.