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

Sunday, May 17, 2015

Use the Cruise Control

This week I'll be using the Greenwood Tarot, created by Chesca Potter and published by Thorsons. Mark Ryan helped write the accompanying text. I'll also be using the Shaman's Oracle, created by Wil Kinghan with text by John Matthews and published by Watkins. Today's draws are the Six of Arrows (Swords) and "Spirit of Nurture:"
          Even though I'm using a different deck, I've drawn the same tarot card as yesterday. Here a man sets sail in toward a tree covered island as the sun sets and moon rises. My attention is drawn to the six-pointed star (hexagram) on the sail. In Eastern philosophies, it represents a union of opposites - physical and spiritual, masculine and feminine. It is the center symbol for the heart chakra, and can indicate all four elements in alchemy. Known as the Seal of Solomon in high magic, it also has come to represent the Jewish faith. Potter gives this card the keyword "transition," and describes it as "an emotional retreat." This description fits nicely with the next card, the Spirit of Nurture.  The cave art shows a spirit house, a refuge in times of adversity. It is a place to recover strength and gather thoughts before continuing on the journey. I could use such a haven now. The hexagram reminds me how the challenges of outer life are also challenging my inner life. Looks like its time to suspend activity (mental and physical) in favor of some breathing space.

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14 comments:

  1. EllenMay 17, 2015 at 8:43 AM

    Each woman should have such a safe place where she can retreat and regain her physical and spiritual strength. Sometimes all we can find is our spirit house which we can reach in an instant by breathing and opening our inner eye. I have a little cottage near the edge of a forest and the sea.There are lots of books to read and I even have a spinning wheel there. In the front garden their is a white wooden bench. in the shade of an oak tree. I like to sit there, sipping my tea which is always ready when I arrive .....
    I do hope you can find such a place too my friend
    Hugs

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    1. thesycamoretreeMay 17, 2015 at 8:56 AM

      If your spirit house existed in the real world, I think I would be catching the first flight over and begging to use it! :D It sounds positively wonderful. But you have a great idea about finding it with.

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    2. EllenMay 17, 2015 at 9:18 AM

      Lets take it one step further: Since it doesn't excist in the real world, you can come over for a cup of tea anytime :D

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    3. thesycamoretreeMay 17, 2015 at 9:32 AM

      Sounds delightful! :)

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  2. Sharyn Mallow WoerzMay 17, 2015 at 10:10 AM

    Great combo this week. I'm in for the cuppa~

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    1. EllenMay 17, 2015 at 10:12 AM

      Any time Sharyn! :D

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    2. thesycamoretreeMay 17, 2015 at 11:17 AM

      Sounds like a party; I'll bring extra chairs in case more folks show up. :)

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    3. EllenMay 17, 2015 at 11:56 AM

      A party in my sanctuary! what!. I thought we would be meditating :D

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    4. thesycamoretreeMay 17, 2015 at 11:58 AM

      We could turn it into a meditative tea ceremony instead. Your place, your choice. :D

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    5. Inner WhispersMay 17, 2015 at 1:21 PM

      Ooh, a meditative tea ceremony sounds like a wonderful retreat! I'm in, too :) Leaving behind thoughts of all I need to get done, and just focusing on nurturing a connection to love, in the form of both friends and spirit :D

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    6. thesycamoretreeMay 17, 2015 at 3:03 PM

      A meditative retreat - with tea and chocolate and delightful company - yes!

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  3. RoseMay 17, 2015 at 1:10 PM

    This is a lovely and seamless pairing. I'm planning to use this Oracle with my Haindl Tarot. We'll see how that unfolds but it feels like it will work nicely.

    I'm in for the virtual sanctuary gathering and I always travel with dark chocolate so hopefully that will be an acceptable offering ;)

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    1. thesycamoretreeMay 17, 2015 at 1:16 PM

      The more the merrier (and of course the dark chocolate will be terrific)!

      I trimmed three sides of the Shaman's Oracle, so the cave art would stand out. I'll be interested to see how this oracle works with the Haindl when you use it.

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    2. EllenMay 17, 2015 at 1:20 PM

      More than acceptable :yummy!!

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