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

Saturday, July 18, 2015

Indulging the Ego

From the Tyldwick Tarot, the Four of Staves; from the Antiquarian Lenormand, the "Cross:"
          Judging by the blotches of paint on the palette and the handles of those brushes, I would guess a painting has been done and set aside to dry. It is a good feeling to create something, even if it's only in the beginning stages. I often do a sketch in pen and then later add color with pencils or paint. Perhaps this artist is eyeing his work and thinking about the finishing touches he will apply later. Yet even with more to be done, there is still reason to celebrate because the inspiration is finally being made manifest.
          Bento uses an advertising poster for recruiting nurses in World War I for the Cross. This depiction is one of my favorite for this particular card because it emphasizes such sacrifice is for a selfless cause, a purpose with meaning. We humans tend to like attention, however, and it is easy to turn the focus on my effort instead of the reason for it. I want to be lauded and praised for my personal sacrifices instead of keeping the main objective in the forefront. The Cross reminds me to concentrate on the progress and breakthroughs instead turning it into something self-centered.

10 comments:

  1. Personally I think we are entitled on a little bit of both. Walking the middle path where we can enjoy our own accomplishments and be proud of them and also keep our goal in sight and the work that still has to be done. We paint to create a painting.but the praise feels good :D

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    1. I guess I was trying to bring out that sometimes our expectation of praise can outweigh the joy inherent in the work itself. :)

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    2. I can relate to that. Sometimes I am "coloring between the lines" out of fear that other won't like my experimental work. So then I am aiming for praise I guess. Does that make sense?

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    3. That makes perfect sense to me Ellen. :)

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    4. Yes, that is exactly what I was talking about! :)

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  2. I love this 4 of Staves. I was the first person to sign up for the Tyldwick, he asked me if I wanted Deck #1 but it didn't matter to me the way it does to some so I think he had me down for 2 or 3. In the end I didn't have the money to buy it when it was published after two years, so I had to pass. This card reminds me why I liked it so much.

    Glad to see it getting a workout on your blog though.

    (Still urethaning, my right leg is all swollen, hoping to ring the Bell today or tomorrow. I'm so far behind now I need a nurse. Oh wait, there's one in your Lenormand card...)

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    1. From comments I've read, the Tyldwick seems to have those who love it or hate it. I like its mystery and murkiness; I enjoy walking through the Old English estate, exploring all the nooks and crannies, trying to uncover its secrets. I hope one day you will own with this lovely deck too.
      I'll send the nurse along to give you a hand. :)

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  3. Nah, I wouldn't buy it. I don't want to spend money on any expensive decks. This would cost me $122 CAD with shipping--no way.

    My deck buying days are probably over unless it's a deck under $25 CAD.

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  4. Never been tempted by the Tyldwick, but I like this card. Laying down the foundation for something creative, and maybe there's a life lesson in there... As you say, valuing the creative process itself. Or else that beginning is great, but finishing is a different form of joy... ☺️

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    1. There is joy in the process and the completion - just a natural side effect. :) Unless I start loading on the expectations!

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