Makers of Possibility

This week I'll be using the Urban Tarot, a deck and book set created and self-published by Robin Scott (though now published by U.S. Games). I'll be pairing it with an oracle I created called "Principles to Live By." Today's draws are the Mage (Magician) and Selfless Service:

Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine, and at last, you create what you will. —George Bernard Shaw

The Mage represents the possibility of making an idea come true, of creating a change in his world. It starts inside the mind, as we envision what we desire. Then we commit our focus and energy to make it real, using the tools we have with clarity and purpose. We have the ability to become Makers when we view the world through the lens of possibility, curiosity, and problem-solving instead of settling for what is already there. The Selfless Service tile depicts the symbol of the Alzheimer's Association, an organization dedicated to research and the support of people with dementia. Those whose life has been touched by someone with this disease know the kind of selflessness it requires. Yet like the Mage's mindset, an open mind and inquisitiveness has led to better ministration for the well-being of both the caregiver and the one cared for. Whatever we're trying to create, it all starts with imagining what might be possible.

Don't Listen to Dante

From the Gill Tarot, the Nine of Swords; from The Circle, Choice:

Abandon all hope, ye who enter here.

—Dante Alighieri

We all have times when life throws us a curveball, when we get distressing news that is unwelcome. What now? The Nine of Swords no longer represents pure intellect; it has drifted into the field of imagination and illusion. Rather than rationally looking at reality, we see only the dark corners of it. With such a focus, we inevitably feel a sense of overwhelming pointlessness and misery. Choice reminds us to look at other possibilities rather than only focusing on the worst-case scenario. It doesn't mean we won't have to deal with some hard stuff, but it gives us the energy to do what is needed. As Ryder Carroll stated, "No matter how bleak or menacing a situation may appear, it does not entirely own us. It can’t take away our freedom to respond, our power to take action."

Using Tools

From the Gill Tarot, the Wheel of Fortune; from The Circle, Growth:

Peace is the result of retraining your mind to process life as it is rather than as you think it should be.

—Wayne Dyer

The Wheel of Fortune is a call to embrace change, whether wanted or unwanted. It is a reminder to stay grounded whether we're on top of the world or feel crushed beneath it. Gill's illustration has the four suits around the wheel. Like the Magician's table, we have tools to use to help us stay tethered in this constant movement: the ideas and stories we tell ourselves; our social connections and relationships; our ability to be creative; and our health, home and finances. Growth indicates that we have ample opportunity to develop ourselves as we go through changes, such as cultivating resilience, gratitude, and connection. As Plotinus wrote, "Never cease chiseling your own statue."

Worker Bee

From the Gill Tarot, the Three of Wands; from The Circle, Prosperity:

It’s the job that’s never started as takes longest to finish. — J.R.R. Tolkien

This card shows a wand piercing through an upper barrier. Planning is fun and exciting, but at some point, we must put our ideas into action. The Three of Wands represents the stabilization of creative energy which allows us to begin the work. With clarity and confidence, we cast aside our doubts and get busy. Prosperity shows the industrious honeybee on a comb, reminding us that patience and diligent effort brings sweet rewards.

I made it to Oxford, but it is not that I am particularly clever, much more that I am a worker bee.

—Emilia Fox

Beyond Dogma and Directives

From the Gill Tarot, the Emperor; from The Circle, Magic:

Structure provides freedom. It's not about rigidity. It's about creating a framework that allows us to move through the day with intention and purpose. —Diana Oehrli

The Emperor represents structure and stability enforced through laws or rules. He is a strategic thinker and believes in discipline, readily providing consequences for those who don't toe the line. If he is able to maintain a wide perspective, his established structure will offer freedom with a sense of security. But if his restrictions become too tight and suffocating, creative development will suffer. Magic refers to maintaining a sense of wonder and awe. As Socrates said, "Wisdom begins in wonder." With it, we appreciate the world around us. But wonder can also do things the Emperor might frown upon - it may encourage us to search for answers, question assumptions, and challenge established truths. It's our right and responsibility (no matter what we're told) to expand our world beyond the dogma and directives we've been given.

Filling Up

From the Gill Tarot, the Ace of Cups; from The Circle, Betrayal:

Here are your waters and your watering place.

Drink and be whole again beyond confusion.

—Robert Frost

Like the holy grail that offered healing and restoration, the Ace of Cups is the opportunity to partake of beauty and love. We all may have a place or a person that serves as our grail, or if not, we might find them if we slow down and take notice. These wellsprings flow into us if we are receptive, and once full, we can spread this delight and caring out into the world. Yet Betrayal warns us to be clear and honest about our motives. Does our giving of kindness flow from a place of love, or are there strings attached? Gifts are meant to be given, not used as bait.

Now and Later

From the Gill Tarot, the King of Wands; from The Circle, Flow:

Don't make excuses for why you can't get it done. Focus on all the reasons why you must make it happen. —Ralph Marston

The King of Wands is Fire of Fire, full of aggressive, dynamic energy. When he gets inspired, he uses his strong will to motivate everyone to step lively. He'd prefer to have everything done by yesterday and tolerates no slackers. On the plus side, he's like a lightning bolt - his burning enthusiasm only lasts for so long (which is a blessing to those working for him). Flow comes to remind the King and us that having things done NOW is not always possible; reality often intervenes. We can't always micromanage and force the results we want. Sometimes we must work with what we're given and allow time for things to develop on their own. As Matsuo Bashō wrote, "Sitting quietly, doing nothing, spring comes, and the grass grows by itself."