Power Play

From the Tabula Mundi Tarot, the Two of Swords; from the Words of the Brehon, "Three laughing stocks:"

The mental flexibility of the wise man permits him to keep an open mind and enables him to readjust himself whenever it becomes necessary for a change. —Malcolm X

The Two of Swords in the Thoth tradition represent a peace gain through mental flexibility. Like the moon, we need to be able to change our ideas when necessary. Cognitive elasticity enables us to enhance our problem solving, regulate our emotions, and improve our relationships because we see other viewpoints. The angry man, jealous man and miser in the Brehon card are ridiculed because they are trying to control what they can't and lose the power they have. The angry man loses control to his emotions (which now control him); the jealous man loses the ability to fully appreciate and enjoy what he has; the miser becomes what he fears - functionally destitute - because he refuses to use his resources. If we can master our attitudes, then we can master change.

Effort's Honey

This week I'll be using the Tabula Mundi Colores Arcus Tarot, created and self-published by M. M. Meleen; I'll also be using the Words of the Brehon Oracle, created and self-published by Olivia Wylie. Today's draws are the Nine of Disks and "The three things for which a friend is hated:"

It’s not so much how busy you are, but why you are busy. The bee is praised. The mosquito is swatted. —Mary Flannery O’Connor

Gain is the keyword for the Nine of Disks, yet it doesn't refer to some unexpected windfall. It is a consequence of diligent and dedicated work: a satisfying result that allows for a comfortable cushion. The effort and energy we put in will be reflected in the outcome, but only if our work is beneficial and intentional. As O'Connor notes, we can be busy without actually doing anything useful. The "Three things for which a friend is hated: trespassing, a distant manner and fecklessness" also hints at what makes friendships solid: respecting boundaries, being warm and friendly, and taking responsibility for one's actions and promises. Friendship has many rewards, but as the bees would tell us, it requires time and energy to thrive. 

Power Claimed

From the Tarot of the Cat People, the Empress; from the Insectorum Divinorum, Butterfly:

If you don’t get out there and define yourself, you’ll be quickly and inaccurately defined by others.

―Michelle Obama

The Empress may not have the authority of the Emperor, but she definitely has power. While he is concerned with control (law and structure), she's interested in flow (growth and sustenance). Hers is an inclusive approach; she rules with empathy and understanding, seeing all the parts and not just a conglomerate. Butterfly is given the keyword fragility: as a creature hypersensitive to the ecosystem, it is a symbol of the climate crisis. This insect reminds us that regardless of our station in life, we can still raise awareness when things have gone off the rails. As Alice Walker said, “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.”

Old Shoes

From the Tarot of the Cat People, the Tower; from the Insectorum Divinorum, The Nest:

An old belief is like an old shoe. We so value its comfort that we fail to notice the hole in it.

— Robert Brault

We all hold old beliefs; they're like amulets designed to protect us. But we can get so comfortable with them that we ignore little changes until a big shift knocks us off our feet. We grasp for anything that promises solid ground, but we need to be careful that we're not putting our trust into another illusion. The Nest represents safety and comfort, a place that allows us to grow. Rather than relying on the group or institution that fed us false beliefs to begin with, we need to take time to look at our experience realistically and see where our ideas led us astray. As Vanessa Zuisei Goddard explained, "On the spiritual path, to study means to immerse yourself in the landscape and not just read the map."

Ropes and Snakes

 From the Tarot of the Cat People, the Nine of Wands; from the Insectorum Divinorum, Parasitism:

To heal is to touch with love that which was previously touched by fear.

—Stephen Levine

The booklet describes this Nine of Wands as "expecting difficulties." People who've experienced domestic abuse, an unhealthy work environment, or trauma due to war or natural disasters have a hard time relaxing. As the Arabic proverb says, "Those who have been bitten by a serpent are afraid of a rope." Parasitism, represented by a flea, is a relationship where one organism (the parasite) benefits - taking nutrients or resources -at the expense of another (the host). An Al-Anon or Nar-Anon member would quickly make a connection to such a relationship. Dealing with someone whose chaotic lifestyle creates unending demands keeps a person sleeping with one eye open. Those of us who have trouble enjoying life because we think the objective is to survive it need help to heal. We need those who are compassionate and discerning, people who can point out the difference between ropes and snakes.

Keep an Eye Out

From the Tarot of the Cat People, the Knight of Pentacles; from the Insectorum Divinorum, Hemiptera:

Slow and steady wins the race, not the person who wants to climb the whole stairs in one stride. 

—Michael B. Johnson

The Knight of Pentacles would agree with Aesop: consistent, patient effort is usually more successful than quick, erratic bursts. The Knight is very deliberate in his approach, keeping his eye on the task at hand while avoiding useless distractions. Come hell or high water, he intends to get the job done. Hemiptera is an order of insects known as 'true bugs.' They are distinguished from other insects by their specialized piercing-sucking mouthparts and partially hardened forewings. These insects suggest we slow down our rush to the finish line and pay attention to details. As John Wooden said, "It's the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen."

Inner Awareness

From the Tarot of the Cat People, the King of Cups; from the Insectorum Divinorum, Dimorphism:

Far from interfering with rationality, the absence of emotion and feeling can break down rationality and make wise decision-making almost impossible. —Antonio Damasio

Neuroscientist Antonio Damasio found that emotions provide the brain with signals about what options are valuable or dangerous. Without these emotional cues, logical analysis becomes paralyzed by endless possibilities. But, the King of Cups cautions, when stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline flood the brain, our focus becomes severely narrowed and our capacity for reasoning greatly reduced. Recovery groups, knowing the danger of becoming emotionally hijacked, emphasize emotional sobriety. As Bill Wilson explained, ""If we examine every disturbance we have, great or small, we will find at the root of it some unhealthy dependency and its consequent unhealthy demand." Dimorphism is the condition when the same species of insects display different characteristics. Look on social media and it seems everyone is living the good life, with perfect jobs, families, and vacations. Yet it is an illusion of happiness; we shouldn't let the outer smiles fool us. This life contains both joy and suffering for all, and our job is to learn how to manage our intense emotions without acting out in dysfunctional ways. It starts with inner awareness.