I use tarot and oracle cards as tools for reflection and contemplation. Rather than divining the future, they are a way for me to look more deeply at the "now."
"The goal isn't to arrive, but to meander, to saunter, to make your life a holy wandering." ~ Rami Shapiro

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Generation after Generation

From the Daniloff Tarot, the King of Pentacles; from the Kwan Yin sticks, #55:
Looking at this king, I notice a tower on top of an elephant, on top of a tortoise shell, on top of an ox head. This guy's kingdom is built on animals that might not be fast, but they're sturdy and steady. They might not have the sharpest teeth, talons or claws, but they have the power and strength to endure. There is a sense this king knows he "stands on the shoulders" of others. He depends on the resources of the earth and the skills of his people, and he uses his talents to manage it all successfully. Taking care of these resources and people keeps his kingdom from being toppled. He reminds me to be a good steward of all that I have as well.
The Kwan Yin verses for stick 55 read:
A long row of bamboo stalks
joined together
reaches to a bubbling spring.
Generation after generation can draw on the water.
It's easy to think what I do or don't do doesn't have much of an affect on the world. But what if doing one unselfish thing could make all the difference for another? I can't see into the future, but I can look back and see how the generosity and kindness of others affected me. Though they are no longer alive, their actions live on in me.  

4 comments:

  1. left to it's own devices bamboo will take over the space, edging out all else...

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    1. I suppose being a good steward involves thinning things out when necessary. :) This plant has found its way into my yard (runners from a neighbor's yard I would guess), and it has been almost impossible to eradicate.

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  2. I like the symbolism in the crest of this king. We manage our household but are also dependent on the contribution of our family. So often we take those little chores they do for granted. This card reminds me to express my appreciation more often.:)

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    1. I was reminded of this when I went out of town and depended on my family to take care of the pets, plants, etc. while I was gone. :)

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