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

Friday, July 17, 2015

Buildings and Bears

From the Tyldwick Tarot, the Six of Wands; from the Antiquarian Lenormand, the "Bear:"
          The laurel wreath in the Staves card is a call back to the Greek wrestlers on the Five of Staves card I pulled this past Tuesday. It implies a challenge was met and conquered. The Greek/Roman architectural design would likely have been a plan for a temple to honor a god or goddess. The design reminds me of the temple built by Octavian (Augustus) to honor Mars after winning the battle of Philippi. Any leader worth his salt won't fail to recognize those who helped him secure his victory, whether god or human. Some of my greatest successes only materialized because I listened to the input of others, leaned on their support and learned from their wisdom.
          Bento uses an Ursa Major illustration for Bear. The Latin name for this constellation means "Greater Bear." It sounds like a title given to a triumphant person at the top of their game (like golfer Jack Nicklaus, know as the "Golden Bear"). In Lenormand-speak, this card can represent both strength and protection. This bear is facing the Six of Staves as if on guard. I am reminded that the second half of any victory involves maintaining it; my own complacency can be my worst enemy.

14 comments:

  1. Maybe it is the heat or the humidity speaking but why should you want to maintain a victory. Is not the victory the beginning of a new era, new developments and challenges for which you will need the strength of a bear?

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    1. Well think of starting a "get healthy" program, then reaching that place of good health. There has to be a maintenance plan if I want to keep enjoying what I've worked hard for. :)

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    2. Sorry, now I've got it. Silly me :D

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    3. You're not silly; our brains are just moving in two different currents today. :)

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  2. Maintenance...sigh...that's really where the story unfolds, doesn't it! Subtract the initial heady enthusisam of starting a new project with its visions of victory and you've got the breath by breath reality of seeing something through to its conclusion. That bear looks like he's familiar with staying the course.

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    1. Yes, I think that's where the real work and perseverance begins. :)

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  3. LOL, as I read through the comments, I too am thinking about the "maintenance" of my goals once they are under way. I hope I have the strength of the bear, because I'm going to need it. :)

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    1. I suddenly have the urge to go look in the mirror and growl... :D

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  4. I love the personal meaning for you Bev of these cards and especially the significance of the bear to daily maintenance, which always seems to be the hard stuff. But for me the more difficult part is not maintaining and then trying to get back on the right path again to daily bear maintenance.

    But today I'm busy being a monkey! ;) Eee ee ee oo oo ooo!

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    1. You're funny, woman. :) I think making the choice to get back on the path is one of the most important decisions we can make.

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  5. Complacency is a tough one. If we can never feel comfortable, what kind of victory is it? Yet if we lose everything again because we lost our focus, that's no victory, either! So, the need to find the strength to make changes we can maintain, without it feeling like we have to fight the battle afresh each day. Very interesting reading, Bev!

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    1. I guess it's like buying a house. Once you buy it, there's still upkeep. :) Sort of like being a good steward of what you have.

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    2. Inner Whispers your points are well taken thank you!

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