From the Druidcraft Tarot, the Ten of Wands; from the Druid Animal Oracle, "Seal:"
The Druidcraft companion book describes this card as demands that result from initiatives set into motion without a great deal of thought first. All those things that originally sounded like a great idea have evolved into a heavy load. As the fellow in the card struggles up that rocky path, I wonder if he ever pauses and peers at the flowers blooming in the nooks among the rocks. I wonder if he takes time to stop and look at the green, lush vista below him. I can maintain my enthusiasm and drive if I can have some fun and enjoyment along the way. Otherwise my attitude is going to make me feel as if I'm wearing lead boots.
The seal reminds me of the legend of the selkie woman. She shed her seal skin to become human and dance on the beach, but a fisherman who had witnessed her transformation stole it. She was then in his power and was forced to become his wife. Though she was a good wife, he frequently caught her gazing with longing at the sea. One day he forgot to take the key with him that kept her seal skin locked away. When he returned, she had reclaimed her skin and returned to the ocean. These two cards remind me to be discerning before I obligate myself. Is it worth sacrificing my passion and joy of life?
"Use that bundle of sticks for a bonfire!" that was your comment on this card on my blog :D
ReplyDeleteMy first reaction was throw them all away and pick up the one you long for the most.
You have such a good memory! :) You make a good suggestion about taking an inventory and seeing which one is the ONE. Then I'd use it as a walking stick and get the heck out of there, lol.
ReplyDeleteIt seemed like a good idea at the time.. a sound epitaph for so many of us. ;)
ReplyDeleteAmen sister, amen. :)
DeleteI love the illustrations of this deck. The colour is subtle but vibrant.
ReplyDeleteThe Soul Skin-Seal Skin my very favourite story I think.
I sold my painting I did of this to a Newfoundlander, and one of my painting teachers, which was a great thing, because went to the right person!
Yes you have fun or at least some good enjoyment along the way. Absolutely essential! All about the journey and that should be fun!
I love the version retold by Clarissa Pinkola Estés in her book "Women Who Run with the Wolves." I bet your painting was beautiful!
DeleteI love seeing you use the Druid Animal Oracle. The cards are so lovely, but I've never quite been able to apply them to my life - mostly laziness on my part, and the feeling that I ought to be using the book, rather than just what the animals evoke for me. Not sure why that happens, given I find it easy to go with intuition in tarot. Maybe because I don't understand the underlying system for the oracle... Sorry, just rambling. Reminds me that those wands can be unused decks I carry about :/
ReplyDeleteThank you. :) Animal cards were the first oracle I ever used (Medicine Cards), so I connect easily to them through the myths about the animals or their actual characteristics and habits. I don't think the book/let that comes with this one is very good. I like to be know "why" a particular animal has a meaning, not just be told that it has a certain meaning. Which is why I often come up with my own interpretations! :D
DeleteYes, I think something has to make sense to me, rather than just being "told" that's what it is! I'm loving your interpretations, and your links to myths, zoology and whatever else inspires you :D
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