Offerings Required

From the Shining Tribe Tarot, the Three of Wands:

How appropriate to draw the Three of Wands on Mother's Day.  Pythagoras considered the number three to be unique in that it equaled the sum of the two numbers preceding it.  Three was the "fruit" of One and Two, and though it may represent a child produced by parents, it could just as easily symbolize a pet adopted by roommates or a business begun by partners.  The decision to expand, no matter what the manner, will require an investment that goes far beyond  the initial excitement of something new.  Pollack uses three manitokans to illustrate this card, wooden spirit figures created by the Ojibwa people of Canada.  They were placed along rivers and hunting or traveling trails to indicate places of prayer and offerings.  For me, their wide arms represent opening to the challenges a new venture will require, as well as the sacrifices (offerings) that will be required of me.

From the wooden oracle tile chosen this morning is "Beaver:"

Anyone who has ever had to use a handsaw to cut down a tree will appreciate the effort a beaver expends in building a dam.  Dozens upon dozens of trunks and limbs are cut and interwoven to produce a lodge; damage done by weather, humans or predators result in constant damage control and remodeling.  There is never any complaining, just continuous hard work to do what must be done.  The beaver reminds me that I too need to avoid procrastination and take care of my obligations.  There will be time to enjoy the fruits of my labor, but first I must nurture and care for them.