Innie or Outie?

From the Badgers Forest Tarot, the Wheel; from the Gemstone Oracle, Carnelian:

Abiding nowhere, awakened mind arises.

—Diamond Sutra

This mouse will soon discover, as he climbs further out on that branch, good fortune doesn't last and misfortune doesn't stay away. As the Wheel of life constantly turns, "abiding nowhere" is a wise option in this world of flux and impermanence. We often work ourselves into a lather as we try to move the Wheel faster toward what looks enjoyable, pull the emergency brake on places of contentment, or backpedal when something unpleasant appears. The Sutra tells us to let our minds open to where we are - enjoying happy times, taking care of our emotions, and dealing with challenges as they appear. Carnelian symbolizes courage and determination, two virtues that can help us deal with the transitory nature of this life. Yet these virtues are states of mind, an internal perspective based on understanding. We can be innies, working with our thoughts, or outies, expecting the world to arrange itself to our desires. As Thomas Oppong wrote: "When you stop forcing reality, clarity arrives on its own."

Relishing

From the Badgers Forest, the Knight of Rabbits (Wands); from the Gemstone Oracle, Citrine:

I am going to try to pay attention to the spring. I am going to look around at all the flowers and look up at the hectic trees. I am going to close my eyes and listen. 

—Anne Lamott

This Knight is described as always on the move with no clear direction. Head (and ears) on a swivel, he looks for what is agreeable, what is unpleasant and what is boring - moving toward the first and avoiding the last two. He notices things, but does he take the time to appreciate them? Does he see the flowers' colors, hear the owls hoot, feel the sun, smell the salty ocean air, or taste what he eats? Excitement and enthusiasm can cause us to tear through the moments rather than savor them. Citrine, which represents a fresh perspective, is paired with a quote by Rachel Joyce: "You could think you were starting something afresh, when actually what you were doing was carrying on as before." Relish rather than run, little rabbit.

Circle Up

From the Badgers Forest Tarot, the Hanged Bird; from the Gemstone Oracle, Aquamarine:

In a circle, there are no experts – instead there are stories, questions, tears, longings, dreams – and a bunch of equal people who trust their own wisdom and each other’s. 

—Heather Plett

Everyone knows someone who can be described as "never giving an inch." These folks believe their opinions are infallible and should always be heeded. But inevitably, the hard-liner meets reality head-on - hopefully realizing how little power or sway they have. Situations are rarely all black or white, so without knowing or understanding all the circumstances, we should avoid issuing any decrees. Aquamarine symbolizes a dose of common sense with a hefty helping of self-awareness. Can we see beyond what we think is right or wrong, and instead listen to others' experiences and just do something that might help?

A Second Look

From the Badgers Forest Tarot, Temperance; from the Gemstone Oracle, Pink Aventurine:

Sometimes the most significant power lies in what is left unsaid, in restraint, in timing, in the ability to pause. ―Egbearor Favour

This doe must feel a little bit squeezed as she walks through the trees growing so close together. It reminds me of being grounded as a teen, put on restriction for unruly behavior. Humans prefer to indulge their senses and emotions, not simply to satisfy but to submerge ourselves to the point of overflowing. Yet restraint is not a punishment, but a freedom; we don't allow our impulses to influence us irrationally and then end up being forced to deal with the consequences. Pink Aventurine is paired with Marcel Proust's words: “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” Restraint allows us to be resourceful rather than heedless. It allows us to find new, nourishing ways to create, say or do things that our impulses often overlook.

Wonder

From the Badgers Forest, the Kit of Badgers (Page of Swords); from the Gemstone Oracle, Moss Agate:

The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity. 

—Dorothy Parker

Curiosity is what gets this Kit/Page out of bed every morning. It's not so much that he craves certainty, it's just that the world is so interesting and surprising that it pulls him like a magnet.  He follows a mystery, asks questions and reads to find answers, only to discover another wonder to uncover. Moss Agate symbolizes growth and natural cycles. As Frederick Douglas said, "Inaction is followed by stagnation." Our minds work the same way - if we think we have all the answers, they become closed and inflexible. As Socrates said, "Wisdom begins in wonder."

Better or Worse?

This week I'll be using the Badgers Forest Tarot, a deck created and self-published by Nakisha VanderHoeven. Along with it, I'll be using my Gemstone Oracle (with actual stones). Today's draws are the Seven of Crows (Pentacles) and Blue Lace Agate:

Patience entails choosing not to respond reactively, allowing other possibilities to arise.

—Gil Fronsdal

What is it that we are waiting for to ripen - test results, an ongoing project, a package in the mail, or simply for traffic or the line to move? Impatience is anger on simmer, and it benefits neither us nor progress. For most of us, it is a habitual reaction - we just don't know what to do with our frustrated energy. The quality of patience involves gentle restraint, calm endurance, and acceptance of what is. If we want to practice it, we first need to distract ourselves, so we'll calm down. Blue Lace Agate embodies the qualities of patience and calmness (it's a great touchstone when we hit simmer). And the quote that accompanies it has sage advice: “Every human interaction offers you the chance to make things better or to make things worse.” (Barbara Brown Taylor)

 

Effort + Encouragement

From the Animal Totem Tarot, the Chariot; from the Blum/Gern Rune Cards, Ansuz:

We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort. —Jesse Owens

Orcas are powerful, swimming up to 34.5 mph and armed with four-inch teeth. Our dreams can be just as potent and require us to stay firmly in the lane of reality rather than fantasy (imagination builds, fantasy escapes). When we hit roadblocks or delays, we might be tempted to wig out or give up, but creativity can be a great resource if we avoid those options. Ansuz represents communicated wisdom that inspires and guides. When we're in need of inspiration, we should choose our encouragers with care. As J.W. Goethe wrote, “Instruction does much, but encouragement everything."