The Whole Package

From the Ancient Tarots of Lombardy, the Eight of Swords:

Have you ever had an insight that allowed you to see into your thoughts and behavior - a spiritual epiphany of sorts? I always think that once I have such a realization, I'll never again let my thoughts go unquestioned, leading me like a ring in the nose. Yet it takes no time at all before I find myself overwhelmed by emotions caused by thoughts left to run amok. As I look at this card, I see half the swords pointing upward and half downward. The skyward ones imply that half of my ideas are based upon fantasy and assumptions, while the ones with points toward the ground symbolize ideas based in reality. An example would be like me thinking "I would like to build a bicycle" (which might be possible) followed by "and ride it to the moon" (definitely not a possibility). The Eight of Swords encourages me to examine all my thoughts; just because a few are based in reality doesn't mean the whole package should be labeled as truth.

From the Lenormand de Marseille comes the "Rider:"

When I think of the horseback riders from years ago, I imagine them as the Pony Express or visitors who brought information from distant places. The keywords generally associated with the Rider are news, approach or delivery, and because Lebrowski uses the Nine of Cups with this Lenormand card, I interpret it as the arrival of something beneficial. With the tarot card above, I see it as information that will ground my thoughts back into the reality of "what is" instead of "what may be."

Habitual Thinking

This week I'll be using the Ancient Tarots of Lombardy, a deck originally created by Ferdinando Gumppenberg in 1810 and later republished by Lo Scarabeo.  Today's draw is Death:

There is a wooded lot filled with large, old trees that I pass on my walks every morning. In late spring and early summer, a throng of shade-loving wildflowers bloom there. Recently I enjoyed this lovely sight, only to come back the next day to find the city mowers had cleared the lot. Sudden, unexpected endings can shake me and make me look at the world from a new perspective. They are like zen koans that force me out of my habitual thinking and allow new ideas to be planted.

The oracle deck I'll be using this week is the Lenormand de Marseille, created and published by Edmund Zebrowski.  This morning's draw is "Clouds:"

Here in the South, clouds are usually welcomed as they bring shade from the intense summer sun and rain for the farms. But if you're trying to see something clearly - for instance driving during a thunderstorm - the decrease in visual clarity is not so well received. Thus this Lenormand card is often tagged with keywords such as confusion, uncertainty, and instability. In pairing the Clouds with Death above, I couldn't help but think of the recent passing of a gentle, kind, soft-spoken man I have known for  years. Though not young, he was not elderly either; I have battled the "but why" question ever since I saw his obituary. Trying to find those kind of answers is as useful as nailing jello to a tree.  They only create more confusion and frustration with no positive returns. I must accept that life is full of natural changes, beginnings and endings; as Lao Tzu stated, "Let reality be reality."  

Weedy Thoughts

From the Norse Tarot, the Queen of Swords:

This queen holds her sword horizontally, like a tennis player ready to return either a backhand or a forehand shot. She stands in a field of wheat, but in the foreground of the cards there are weeds. The Queen of Swords is no daydreamer; she will not tolerate thoughts that won't yield a harvest. She is especially diligent in slicing down those ideas that choke out the ones that are promising. She encourages me to be aware of anything I give free rent in my head that is not beneficial in some way.

From the Wolf Pack comes the card "Well:"

A wolf peers down into the bottom of the well, probably wishing for opposable thumbs so he would have easier access to the water. Petro explains that this card is about the "well within," the inner place inside everyone that holds answers and guidance, if we will only be still, quiet and receptive to hear it. In keeping with the tarot meaning above, I believe this card tells me to look deeply if I want to find out why I keep having "weedy" thoughts; I must be fertilizing them with something, so I need to uncover the motivations behind them.

Storm Walker

From the Norse Tarot, the Tower:

Barrett uses Ragnarok ("doom of the gods") to depict the Tower - a Norse mythical cycle in which the cosmos is destroyed and subsequently recreated. In the image above, Bifrost, the rainbow bridge connecting the realm of the gods with the earth, is shattered. The darkness of the void came after the massive destruction, and later from it emerged the new creation. I am reminded by this card of the ways we humans try to protect ourselves from the natural cycles of life. We build towers made of such things as religion, money or intellect, imagining these to be what will safeguard us. Unfortunately when we refuse to come out of our "safe house," we miss all the signs that the inevitable (change) is upon us. It is the shattering of our egos that makes us face reality. I once tried to microwave a peeled, boiled egg because it was cold from being refrigerated. The resulting explosion and tiny bits of egg I cleaned off of everything in a five yard radius convinced me never to try that again. Waking up to Truth can sometimes be a messy process.

From the Wolf Pack deck comes the card "Lessons:"

A mother wolf tries to teach her pup the art of hunting. Generally, the very young (of any species) have limited attention spans and constantly get distracted by other things. Therefore the lessons have to be repeated over and over before the they learn. Unfortunately, I too can easily be distracted (especially by something more pleasurable) and not grasp the wisdom my life experiences offer. But pain or emotional turmoil will catch and hold my attention firmly.  In the words of Haruki Murakami, "When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in."
 

Celebrating vs. Settling

From the Norse Tarot, the Four of Wands:

A man takes a break to appreciate the work that has been done and the progress made in building a house. I believe it is important to recognize and celebrate the milestones I reach as I move towards my goals. If I don't, I'm likely to become burned out by my continuous effort, which would result in either apathy or abandonment of my plan.  It's like taking a long trip that's made bearable by taking fun or interesting pit stops along the way.  Some folks may think it's a waste of good time, but if it makes the journey more pleasurable and keeps me enthused about my goal, it seems more a plus than a minus.

From the Wolf Pack deck comes "Risk:"

A wolf tests a lake that is beginning to thaw and shows cracks in the surface.  Maybe he would like to take a short-cut home instead of walking so far in the snow.  In looking at this card with the one above, I am reminded of the risks in getting so caught up in celebrating my progress that I become complacent. To settle for halfway is really settling for nothing at all.

Solid Support

From the Norse Tarot, the Ten of Cups:

This card reminds me of an anniversary celebration, with plenty of friends and family to lend their best wishes. The ten of this suit generally encompasses several positive meanings: happiness and joy, contentment and satisfaction, peace and harmony. But there is one meaning that is the foundation for all the others - emotional stability. Robert Schuller once asked the question, "What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?" I think it could just as easily be phrased as, "What would you attempt to do if you knew you had the solid emotional support of others? Though it may not allow us to move mountains, I think such support can at least help us reach the top of them.

From the Wolf Pack deck comes the card "Self-reliance:"

This wolf finds himself alone, without the help of a pack to help him hunt and survive. At some point, I think all of us find ourselves in this place. It may be that we now have to care for an aging parent, make major life decisions after losing our significant other, or find a way to financially support ourselves. What well do we draw from when we feel overwhelmed by the task? Sometimes knowing that someone else believes in my abilities (even when I question them myself) can offer the encouragement I need.

The Future and Past Moves to the Present

From the Norse Tarot, the Ace of Swords:

The sword in this Ace speaks volumes with its position. Instead of being pointed upward like an antenna gathering information, it is pointing towards the ground. It represents a firm encouragement to stop assimilating facts, looking for more inspiration, and listening to the ideas of others. Now is the time to do something with what I have; it is time to ground the potential available and turn it into a reality.

From the Wolf Pack comes "The Past:"

I like Petro's use of an old, western ghost town to represent the past. Very fitting since only "ghosts" live in that dream world. I may wander around replaying and rehashing old conversations or incidents, but nothing will change what has happened. I'd do better to learn from my mistakes and move on, focusing on what is in my world today.

Slippery Self-deception

From the Norse Tarot, the Seven of Cups:

Three dwarfs wake a man, offering seven cups full of possibilities of things that might fulfill him. Is he alert enough to make a rational choice? Sevens are about coming to a crossroads and having to make a decision about which way to go.  Hopefully before I make that choice, I'll look back at the results of my previous actions; I'll also take into account both the short-term and long-term consequences of my choice. With the Cups suit, emotion can be somewhat tricky to deal with. What may bring me short-term pleasure may ultimately conclude with long-term pain or struggle. It's not the dwarfs who will be responsible for deceiving the man, it's his own impractical, rose-colored dreams. Before making any major decisions, I need to rein in my emotions and let the muddy water in those cups settle.

From the Wolf Pack deck comes "Trickster:"

Instead of a wolf in sheep's clothing, here is something hiding under the fur of a wolf. There are times when I want something so badly, I'll ignore every red flag raised in order to shape it into the reality I desire. Of course, things never end well when I do this. Petro's card reminds me to keep my senses alert to situations that seem "off." Instead of reacting, I can watch and eventually catch the trickster in his or her true form.

Aircraft Directors

This week I'll be using the Norse Tarot, a book and deck set created by Clive Barrett and published by Aquarian Press.  This morning's draw is the Princess (Knight) of Swords:

The arm positions of this princess made me think of an aircraft director on a carrier. Landing a plane or helicopter on solid ground takes skill, but landing one on a ship in the middle of an ocean requires an extra bit of help. I spent most of yesterday talking to old friends; one I met at a coffee shop in the morning, the others I gathered with for a summer solstice ceremony. Sharing the thoughts floating around in my head with another person, especially when what I'm thinking about creates fear, helps me stay in reality. Though they may be powerless to actually change my situation, just listening can direct me to solid ground.  

The oracle deck I'll be using this week is the Wolf Pack, created and published by Robert Petro.  Today's card is "Fulfillment:"

The expression of contentment on this wolf's face reminds me that is I'm waiting for everything to be "perfect" in my life before I feel satisfied and fulfilled, I'm going to be terribly disappointed. No matter how many fires I put out, there will always be more that pop up. The people or situations I wish were different will never change simply because I desire it. If I want to find the serenity of fulfillment, I need to take Byron Katie's advice and "love what is."

Clans and Courage

From the Llewellyn Tarot, the Ten of Pentacles:

What a lovely, peaceful picture of an extended family Ferguson has painted. It's easy to see from the home, clothes, and apple symbolism that they are fortunate in the areas of health and wealth associated with this suit. But I do find it interesting that the banner over the doorway has only nine pentacles; the tenth lies on the table next to the child and young woman. Its placement brings to mind how important a sense of belonging can be, regardless if it is found in a clan, tribe, family, club or group of friends. No matter how much I enjoy the blessings I have, real fulfillment comes when I have someone to share them with.  

From the Beasts of Albion deck comes the "Lion:"

 

According to http://www.internationalheraldry.com/, the lion is the beast most often used in heraldry. No surprise there, since most people would like to be associated with the strength and courage of the lion. As I was thinking about this card, it dawned on me that the Sutherland Clan (of my ancestral line) uses a Scottish wildcat in its crest with the motto "No Fear." These two cats, both with messages about being courageous and strong, remind me that the relationships I treasure are worth nurturing and protecting to keep them going. Love can replace my fear of commitment. 

Riding Off Into the Sunset - Or Not

From the Llewellyn Tarot, the Knight of Cups:

 Ferguson's knight rides out of the crashing surf on a white horse with his cape billowing behind him. It doesn't get much more romantic than that; it reminds me of the paintings of chivalrous knights rescuing maidens in distress, like the one above by Frank Dicksee. And while it's nice of these guys to help out in such dramatic ways, I think the most romantic part of love is when your partner sticks it out for the day-to-day dramas. For instance, those days when the toilet is overflowing, the cats are hacking up hairballs, and the central air unit has gone out (with temperatures projected to be in the high 90's). Now that's what I'd really like to see these knights tackle. I am reminded by the Knight of Cups the real heroes are the ones who deal with the ups and downs of reality without looking to escape by jumping on their horses and riding off to something more fun or exciting.

From the Beasts of Albion, the "Wolf:"

Gray's meanings behind the wolf include a mentor, cooperative partner and companion. In the small family packs of wolves, each has a role to play and tasks to perform. In our family, I tend to be the one who uses the power tools to build or fix what is broken; we each do what we're good at doing, but no one has to do it all. However there are situations when one of us may have to take on the lion's share, if only temporarily. Our roles may change as life changes, and if we're going to continue to be a functioning, cohesive unit, we must adapt as well.

Searching for Mr. Sandman

From the Llewellyn Tarot, the Four of Swords:

Pure, sweet slumber - what a gift it is.  I've always taken it for granted until now, as I struggle with insomnia on a nightly basis. I've tried every pharmaceutical and herbal remedy available, and I try to be mindful of what I eat and drink during the day. I get regular exercise and avoid anything too stimulating before bedtime - all to no avail. I'm learning quickly that lack of sleep over an extended period of time makes a person completely nutso. It leads me to entertain ideas about "permanent" solutions to the problem, like a hose hooked to the back of an exhaust pipe (not that I would actually choose that answer). It also fertilizes small worries with Miracle-Gro, turning them into full-blown panic attacks. I am quickly beginning to feel like the "woman-tree" in this card.  Come on Sandman, where the hell are you?

From the Beasts of Albion, the "Crane:"

In her companion book, Gray explains the ancient Greeks and Romans saw Crane as a sentry. It was depicted standing on one leg while holding a stone with the other foot. If it fell asleep, it would drop the rock and wake itself up. So now I am wondering, what stone (boulder?) am I hugging so tightly that it is keeping me awake? Sounds like it may be time for some stream-of-consciousness journaling...

Scars and Sharp Teeth

From the Llewellyn Tarot, the Nine of Wands:

Sometimes it's the scars that remind you that you survived. ~ Ashley Wallis

Here is the seasoned warrior - the staffs behind him are mementos of battles fought and won. The sling on his arm and bandage on his head show that he's had to pay a price for his successes, but the wisdom he's learned through his experiences has been worth it. He knows there are a few more challenges on the horizon, so he won't let down his guard just yet. This soldier encourages me to draw on my past, remembering what worked well and what didn't, as I deal with the challenges and responsibilities of the day.

From the Beasts of Albion deck comes the "Weasel:"

I know some may associate Weasel with being sneaky and underhanded, but I agree with Gray that it should be remembered for its boldness and agility in attacking prey much larger than its own size. She gives it the title "Holder of the Strength of Mind." With the card above, I am reminded people may try to use manipulation and intimidation to get what they want. Weasel assures me I have what it takes not to be taken advantage of - all I need to do is flash my scars and show them my sharp teeth.

Full of It

From the Llewellyn Tarot, the Queen of Swords:

Don't ever play poker with this woman; she can read every "tell" and will instantly know if you're bluffing. She's married to the King of Swords because he needed someone who wouldn't be afraid to say, "Honey, you're full of it." She stares nose-to-nose with Reality and never flinches. This queen doesn't want to be impressed, she just wants the bare-bones truth. And isn't that the first step in dealing with a situation - to see life as it really is, without all the feathers and fluff, rhinestones and glitter? It's from this place of ground zero that I can build on a firm foundation.


From the Beasts of Albion deck comes "Cockerel:"

Anyone who's ever lived near a rooster will agree with Gray labeling this bird the "Herald of Awakening." If you've ever watched (or been chased by) a rooster protecting his territory, it's also easy to see how the term "cocky" came to be. This bird teaches me to wake up from the lullaby my ego softly sings. If I want to be confident, I need to make sure what I "know" comes from solid evidence or personal experience. Otherwise someone with a Queen of Swords personality might just tell me I'm full of hen manure.
  

Honk If You Get the Message

From the Llewellyn Tarot, the Page of Cups:

The Page of Cups is generally thought of as a sensitive soul. He wears his heart on his sleeve and knows how others are feeling even when they think they're hiding their emotions. Yet this fellow has another gift, shown by the fish in his cup - a strong intuition. He stands on a rock with the waves of the sea crashing around him, but his focus is on the cup. When there is emotional turmoil, whether it is around him or within him, he can trust this innate knowledge for guidance. He reminds me the logical mind should not always be my first choice when looking for solutions.

From the Beasts of Albion deck comes "Goose:"

The two crossed spears in the background give an instant clue as to what Goose represents - the guardian. When I walk in the mornings, I pass two ponds that have geese in them, both domestic and wild. I am always impressed that they spot me long before I ever see them and sound the alarm. At the larger pond, the domestic Swan Geese have one gosling this year. I had to laugh when I approached the fence for a better view, and this pint-sized goose honked as loudly and brazenly at me as the adults did.  Goose teaches me to keep my guard up and pay attention to my surroundings.  With the Page above, I get a clear message to trust my gut and follow my hunches.

Transformation is a Steep Climb

This week I'll be using the Llewellyn Tarot created by Anna-Marie Ferguson and published by Llewellyn.  Today's draw is the Universe (World):

Ferguson's version of the World/Universe is based on Cadair Idris ("chair of Idris") seen here:

This horseshoe-shaped mountain in Wales is regarded as the "Great Seat of Poetry;" legend has it that those who spend the night staring at the stars from its peak will return either as a madman or poet.  When I was younger, I backpacked along the Appalachians.  I distinctly remember the heat and sweat, rocky trails, and copperheads barely avoided.  After climbing hard for several exhausting hours, all I could think of was, "What could be worth all this trouble?"  Then I would reach the top, and the view would be so amazing it would leave me speechless.  The Universe/World encourages me not to give up halfway up the mountain; I will eventually see a broader, holistic view instead of just random details.

The oracle deck I'll be using this week is called Beasts of Albion.  It was created by Miranda Gray and published by Aquarian.  This morning's card is "Snake:"

Because of the necessity of shedding its skin as it grows, it makes sense that Gray sees the snake as the "Path of Change."  As I grow spiritually, mentally, and emotionally, there are old ideas and values I must slough off in order to make room for the new ones.  The torc the snake winds around has two ram heads on the ends, reminding me that I will need courage and determination to continue to adapt to each change as it comes.  Like reaching the mountain peak, the result of my efforts will eventually open my eyes (and mind) to a new perspective.

One Moment at a Time

From the Nigel Jackson Tarot, the Fool:

I'm convinced the cat is waiting for the Fool to go off the edge first, so she'll have a soft landing when she jumps.  But the Fool doesn't worry about such strategies; he continues to walk right off the cliff without a second thought.  To have such a childlike trust is almost incomprehensible to me.  I was reading an excerpt from a book by Rami Shapiro who said that faith didn't have anything to do with belief, rather it was "the willingness to surrender to reality."  To me, that describes perfectly the Fool's mindset.  This pure soul takes each day as it comes without regretting the past or worrying about the future.  He's happy and content to live in each moment.

The roll of the dice produced the Sabian Symbol "Taurus 14:"

On the beach, children play while shellfish grope at the edge of he water.

I can remember walking along the beach early in the morning with my daughter when she was just a toddler.  Every pebble and shell she discovered was the most amazing thing ever; for her, nothing was boring or worrisome.  I enjoyed the relaxing sound of the waves as I watched her play.  This symbol is a reminder to rest in whatever harmony and peace I can find, to live and let live.  I don't have to do something about everything - in fact it's an impossibility.  All I have to do is take one moment at a time.

What are You Industrious About?

From the Nigel Jackson Tarot, the Devil:

I like Jackson's rendering of the Devil, because it mirrors the Hierophant in so many ways. But in this card, the grapes and inverted star tell me it is all about the quest for pleasure, power, and arrogant knowledge. Why are there so many people who blindly follow another, even when it means they give up their intellectual freedom? They are obviously looking for a quick fix - something to make them feel better or boost their self-esteem. It is ironic that they mistakenly believe they've gained some sort of power or truth, when actually they've turned over the responsibility to think and act for themselves.

The roll of the dice produced the Sabian Symbol "Virgo 30:"

Having an urgent task to complete, a man doesn't look to any distractions.

I can relate to the quote Hill includes in her book by Henry David Thoreau, "It is not enough to be industrious; so are the ants. What are you industrious about?" Last night I spent at least 2 hours staring at the computer and surfing the web. There was no one more focused than I was, yet I have nothing to show for my efforts. This symbol encourages me to be mindful of what I choose to spend my time doing, and question whether there is any benefit from it. Sometimes all my busyness is merely a distraction because I'm bored or putting off what needs to be done.

In the Wind

From the Nigel Jackson Tarot, the Three of Staves (Wands):

With its sails fully billowed, a ship travels far out in the ocean. The phrase "it's in the wind" crossed my mind when I saw this card. It made me think of blowing dandelion balls and watching the tiny seeds float off in all directions. There's no way to completely control which seed goes where, just as there's no way to have a firm lock on all the variables of a new endeavor. Sometimes the water will be smooth and other times rough; my job is to keep the ship pointed in the right direction and not get blown too far off course by any distractions.

The roll of the dice turned up the Sabian Symbol "Leo 11:"

Children on a swing in the safety of a huge oak tree.

When a person has lived in a threatening situation for a period of time, he or she develops a hyper-alertness. They sleep with one eye and one ear open; they constantly watch people's body language and listen to their words and tone of voice. But when they get away from that environment, it's hard not to carry along those old habits. This symbol reminds me to relax and have some fun with what I'm doing. While I do need to be aware of what's going on, the Universe is not out to get me - there's no need for paranoia.  The adrenaline rush of a new experience should come from excitement, not anxiety.  

Crystal Balls and Lottery Numbers

Today I unintentionally drew two cards, but because they were such opposites I decided to use both (I actually drew them in the reverse order from how they were scanned). From the Nigel Jackson Tarot, the Five and Ten of Coins:

On the left is a happy family with a lavish home, luxurious clothes and harvested grain in the fields. On the right is another family living on the street; they wear tattered clothes and don't know from where the next meal is coming. Looking at the Five of Pentacles, I see three well-dressed people in the background with their backs turned, as if they are trying hard not to notice the poor in the streets. I consider myself blessed that I fall somewhere on the continuum between these two cards, neither excessively rich or poor. I wonder if the rich family has a secret fear that one day they will lose everything and wind up in the streets too. Maybe that is why they try so hard to ignore the beggars as they pass by.

The roll of the dice this morning produced the Sabian Symbol "Aries 9:"

A seer gazes intently into a crystal ball before him.

I suppose it would be handy to have a crystal ball that could tell you what stocks to invest in for a great return, the winning numbers for the next big lottery, or the fastest horse to bet on. What any type of divination can tell me is to always expect one thing: change. The toggle switch will constantly slide between extremes; my best defense is to appreciate the good while I have it, but don't get attached to it. When the unexpected shows up, I can do what I need to survive and realize it won't last forever. This too will pass.

The Imperfections of Love

From the Nigel Jackson Tarot, the Ace of Cups:

Jackson uses the phrase "house of the heart" to describe this card. For me, the three drops of water above the cup represent love, joy and forgiveness. But wait a minute...  is that a sheet of Saran Wrap over the top of the cup? The red roses around the goblet remind me that all beauty has its thorns; there is no such thing as perfection. If I want those drops to penetrate the barrier, there are a few things I must remember: I can love without liking every detail about a person. I can relish the joy and pleasure I find without needing it to last forever. And I can forgive without excusing someone's behavior.  

The roll of the dice for a Sabian Symbol produced "Scorpio 27:"

A military band marches noisily through the city streets.

One of the quotes Hill gives with this symbol is one from Leonard Cohen: "Love is not a victory march."  How has love become such a competition in our society?  There seems to be some weird sort of status associated with people who are married or who are in a serious relationship with someone.  And Facebook is all about how many people have "friended" you or given a thumbs up to something you've posted.  Love is not a sport, it's a gift freely given and received.

Moms and Masks

From the Nigel Jackson Tarot, the Empress:

I had to smile when I chose this card for my morning draw, as I leave this morning for an overnight stay with my mom. For the past couple of years she's hosted what I call the "cousin summit," a summer get-together for me and the three cousins I grew up with. My mom is now the matriarch of the family, and she feels a responsibility to keep us connected. She knows that everyone is always busy, and left to our own devices, we would probably not make the effort. Unlike the insanity of the holidays, our time is spent relaxing, talking, playing lots of card games, and taking long walks. We put aside our personal political and religious views and concentrate on what's important - our love for each other.

 The roll of the dice for the Sabian Symbols produced "Aquarius 18:"

 A man being unmasked at a masquerade.

Though I would like to pretend I don't wear masks, I know I do. I suppose I consider it a way to protect myself from others who may not share my likes and dislikes. But if I'm not careful, this can become who I am - the pretender. I may not unmask myself to everyone, but I do need a few folks (like family) I feel safe enough with to be vulnerable. And if I do it enough with them, perhaps I can learn to do it outside my comfort zone.  

Nothing But the Truth

This week I'll be using the Nigel Jackson Tarot (aka Medieval Enchantment) published by Llewellyn. Today's draw is Justice:

Justice sits alone on a mountain top, far away from anything that might influence her objectivity. I've often thought being an honest judge would be a hard job; I'm not sure if I could render verdicts without allowing my personal proclivities to influence them. I suppose that is why judges are allowed to recuse themselves if there is a conflict of interest or an inability to remain impartial. But here is Justice, asking me to detach and look at a situation with eyes not influenced by my emotions or attachments. If I do otherwise, that scale might become so imbalanced, I'm liable to take a tumble.

The oracle I'll be using this week is the Sabian Symbols based on the book 360 Degrees of Wisdom by Lynda Hill. I have a set of dice - one with astrology symbols and one with 30 sides - that I roll to come up with the Sabian Symbol. This morning's roll produced "Virgo 28:"

 A bald-headed man in uniform seizes power.

I immediately thought of a skinhead group with this image, but a quote Hill includes from Alice Walker reminds me that sometimes such a confrontation is more subtle: "No person is your friend who demands your silence or denies your right to grow." There is no such thing as justice when under the influence of threats; I don't want to be in a relationship or a situation where I feel if I'm honest I'm going to lose something. If I find myself in that position, what I need to be questioning is why I'm associated with such a person rather than why they are asking me to either lie or keep my mouth shut.