A Field at Rest

This week I'll be using the Tyldwick Tarot, created and self-published by Neil Lovell. I'll also be using the Antiquarian Lenormand, created and self-published by Maree Bento. Today's draws are the Four of Swords and House:

Take rest; a field that has rested gives a beautiful crop. 

—Ovid

The wheelchair in this card reminds me of hospital policies that require those who are discharged to be wheeled out to the car that picks the patient up. Though they do it mostly to limit liability, the staff also knows the body can be weak and wobbly from a hospital stay. Yet in the Four of Swords, the body is not what is incapacitated but the mind; it is the part of us that desperately needs a break. It's time to take a mental health day - go for a walk, feel the breeze, listen to bird song, and enjoy the flowers making their debut. The Home card suggests a sanctuary that can offer support. As Maya Angelou said, "Home is a refuge not only from the world, but a refuge from my worries, my troubles, my concerns." However, don't let your mind lure you into worrying about what needs to be cleaned or fixed!

Holy Encounters

From the Touchstone Tarot, the High Priestess; from the John Waterhouse Oracle, Then Missal:

When the eyes and ears are open, even the leaves on the trees teach like pages from the Scriptures.

—Kabir

The High Priestess coyly asks why we want to learn to meditate and uncover hidden knowledge. Most of us would answer that we want to master relaxation and discover how to transcend all the daily worries and challenges we encounter. She would reply, "But I only offer a way to Truth, not a way to bypass the hard parts of life. However, the insights you glean can allow you to engage life wholly, wisely and compassionately." The Missal depicts a young woman reading from a daily prayer book. The open window suggests that spirituality's purpose in not just to make us comfortable; it is meant to be carried with us so that it positively affects all that we encounter in the world. 

But Don't Forget...

From the Touchstone Tarot, the Page of Cups; from the John Waterhouse Oracle, Jason and Medea:

Intuition, like first impressions, serves the brain’s need to predict and prepare for what will happen next.

—Psychology Today

The sensitive Page of Cups embodies that tug on the heartstrings feeling. It's no wonder this Page is given a big fish (intuition); his airy nature needs to grow to compensate for his surplus of emotions. Scientifically, intuition is the brain's ability to automatically process information, recognize patterns, and make rapid decisions using past experiences. But it only helps us if we pay attention to it. Jason and Medea are perfect examples of the heart ignoring all reason. Medea gave Jason a potion to help him succeed in all the tasks for him set by her father. Jason is eventually victorious and marries Medea. But later, he desires another wife, leading to Medea poisoning his new bride and his sons. As Alfred Adler said, "Follow your heart but take your brain with you."

Seeds

From the Touchstone Tarot, the Moon; from the John Waterhouse Oracle, the Priest of Aesculapius (a trimmed portion of A Sick Child brought into the Temple of Aesculapius):

For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light. —Luke 8:17

A young woman stands between two statues as she stares at a crab. The statues mimic the pillars of the High Priestess, but here there is only confusion rather than wisdom. Sane Americans are feeling a bit looney right now, as if we are losing our sanity. But it's really a normal reaction to the antics of the Looney Tunes characters in Washington, D.C. Kat Black says of this card, "Nature's cycles always turn; that which is hidden will be revealed." May clarity soon find a foundation of action. Aesculapius, the Roman god of medicine, was revered for his ability to heal. With regards to our nation and its democracy, that healing must begin with us. As poet Dinos Christianopoulos reminds us, "They tried to bury us. They didn’t know we were seeds."

Be Your Own Advocate

From the Touchstone Tarot, the Two of Swords; from the Waterhouse Oracle, John Waterhouse:

Don't waste your energy trying to change opinions... Do your thing and don't care if they like it. 

—Tina Fey

The Touchstone's portrait is of Christina of Denmark; Henry the VIII ordered a painter to go out and paint pictures of young women for him to consider for marriage. Henry fell for Christina, yet she is said to have replied that she might consider his proposal, "if I had two heads." No wonder this young lady was not given a blind fold - her eyes are wide open with that choice. John Waterhouse was known for depicting the inner life of women from myths and literary works. His crossed arms suggest that he likes what he paints, regardless of other opinions. These two cards brought to mind a phrase made popular by Archie Bunker (All in the Family); "If they don't like, they can lump it; take it down the road and dump it." 

Rewriting History

From the Touchstone Tarot, the Seven of Swords; from the Waterhouse Oracle, Cleopatra:

Envy is the tax which all distinction must pay. —Ralph Waldo Emerson

Cleopatra VII was the last ruler of Egypt before it was annexed as a province of Rome. She was fluent in a number of languages and was an effective diplomat and administrator. Her involvement with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony came about after she had already successfully steered Egypt through a difficult period. Yet envy and vested interests attempted to steal her intelligence and success through defamation. Roman historians painted her as a sultry seductress who threatened Rome and paid the price. Kind of reminds me of all the insulting names Trump has called female reporters who asked him hard questions.

Be Aware and Be Wise

From the Touchstone Tarot, the World; from the Waterhouse Oracle, Mariamne Leaving the Judgement Seat of Herod:

The most expensive thing you will ever do is spend time with the wrong people. 

— Germany Kent

From a spiritual perspective, the World offers us a 360 degree view. We arrive at a place of understanding that allows us to see more of the whole rather than just our assumptions. People aren't just naturally assholes or saints - everything is in relationship to other things. We are all shaped by the flux of conditions and causes that surround us. Yet awareness allows us to be mindful of these impacts, and wisdom pauses to assess these interconnected pieces. If a situation isn't healthy or kind, we can step back rather than identify with it. Waterhouse's painting of Mariamne shows Herod's wife being led to her execution after Herod's sister and mother made false accusations against her (in a move to protect their own interests). Who we surround ourselves with, the places we go, and what we feed our mind can create causes and conditions that impact us in unintended ways. Be aware and be wise.