Heart of a Lion

This week I'll be using the Roots of Asia Tarot, created by Amnart Klanprachar (artist) and Thaworn Boonyawan, and published by AG Mueller. The oracle deck I'll be using is Earth Power, created by Stacey Demarco and published by Blue Angel. I've severely trimmed this deck to get rid of all keywords. Today's draws are the Six of Wands and "Palenque:"

The booklet for the Roots of Asia describes the Six of Wands as "right perception." To understand that Buddhist concept, it might be helpful to know what it isn't. Cortland Dahl explains: "Impure perception is basically everything that we see, perceive, and label at the moment. It is not that something is wrong out there and that's why everything is impure. Instead, it is because, at the moment, whenever we perceive something, it is always filtered through our emotions, our desire, jealousy, pride, ignorance, and aggression." So basically, to successfully meet our challenges, we need to not let our emotions get the best of us. As the card's image suggests, the victor may have the heart of a lion, but he sits calmly in meditation.
The oracle card depicts the ancient Mayan site of Palenque in Mexico. Though it may look peaceful and deserted now, according to the paintings and bas reliefs in the temples, many human sacrifices took place here. It boggles my mind that people believed they needed to kill men, women, children and animals to please a deity. Obviously love and mercy weren't a part of their dogma. Palenque is a none too gentle reminder that being successful doesn't mean I have to throw someone else under the bus. I can be strong and objective without setting aside compassion. Besides, the other way didn't work out too well for the Mayans.