From the Albano-Waite Tarot, the Devil; from the Rumi Cards, He's Here:
By the Sycamore Tree
Monday, December 4, 2023
Bedeviled
Sunday, December 3, 2023
Sitting with Awareness
This week I'll be using the Albano-Waite Tarot, recolored by Frankie Albano and published by U.S. Games. The oracle deck I'll use is the Rumi Cards, created by Eryk Hanut, illustrated by Michele Wetherbee and published by Tuttle. The cards drawn for today are the Knight of Wands and Awareness:
Saturday, December 2, 2023
Worthy Summit
From the Tarot of Durer, the Six of Coins; from the Philosopher's Stone deck, Apogee:
Friday, December 1, 2023
Laying Down the Load
From the Tarot of Durer, the Ten of Wands; from Philosopher's Stone, Light:
Look closely and you will see that what is being burned is not a real house but a painting of one. Sometimes we have to continue doing the same thing in the same way until it becomes a colossal failure. We often have to experience suffering to see beyond our blinders and find our way to relief. Light suggests clarity and the willingness to see reality as it is. Because of that vulnerable openness, we see what is clearly; truths are discovered and understanding is found. What a relief to lay down that load.
Wednesday, November 29, 2023
Financial Education
From the Tarot of Durer, the Ten of Coins; from the Philosopher's Stone, Abundance:
This guy is enjoying his retirement, but he might want to take a peek at his savings rather than just letting the hawk keep an eye on things. The problem with living on a fixed income is that the prices of things keep going up but not always our investments. My bank insisted on going paperless, which means I have to check my monthly statement online. I have not been very diligent lately, and last night I was shocked to see that I forgot to record not one but several purchases in my account register - my balance was much lower than I thought. Thankfully, I ponder before purchasing, so I don't generally spend extravagantly unless it is for health or repairs. But it was a good lesson in keeping a closer eye on things. Abundance might suggest financial prosperity for some, but for me it reflects well-being in mental and emotional ways as well. Which makes me think of the advice of Martha Beck: "Stop fixating on stuff you can touch and start caring about stuff that touches you."
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
A Privilege
From the Tarot of Durer, the Wheel of Fortune; from the Philosopher's Stone deck, Depth:
The Wheel of life is constantly in motion, creating ongoing change. No amount of wishing or begging will make it otherwise. The phrase "seize the day" on this card reminds us to take each day as it comes, making the most of it. We might have a boring day and feel restless followed by a day of dealing with a crisis. We might have a pleasant, lazy day followed by a day of friendship and laughter. Things change. The Depth card reminds us to look deeper, especially when life doesn't roll along according to our preferences. We can get fixated on the one thing that we desire or want to be different and forget the other good around us.
Monday, November 27, 2023
Everyday Reality
From the Tarot of Durer, the Three of Swords; from the Philosopher's Stone, Skill:
Trust takes time to develop but can be destroyed in a moment. Our connections to others make us feel secure and accepted, but when severed can create a mental or emotional crisis. We tend to be sensitive about our ideas, opinions and sense of self; a joke at our expense, a dig at our viewpoints or a snarky comment about about anything we identify with can feel like a betrayal. Yet Skill hints at the ability to use our mind to cultivate clarity and wisdom, seeing what's beneath our reactions (rather than focusing on what someone else said). We may realize that we all want similar things (joy, companionship, etc.), but we all have different ways of getting there. Rather than accepting any abuse heaped on us, we can simply choose not to hate the other or be swamped by self-pity.