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, August 8, 2015

Balancing Your Birds

From the Vision Quest Tarot, the Mother of Air (Queen of Swords); from the Bird Cards, "Lovebird:"
          The Mother of Air has qualities that reflect the eagle that flies behind her. Intelligent and objective, she can see the big picture of situations, including the likely consequences. She doesn't hold on to preconceived ideas or prejudices, but observes and listens as if meeting each person or circumstance for the first time. However when she speaks her truth, her words may be just as sharp as that eagle's talons and beak. Her honesty can leave you feeling like you've just been flayed.
          The lovebird is a small parrot, known for its social nature and affection. Its common name came from the strong monogamous bond it forms and the long periods it spends sitting with its mate. This card is plainly a counterbalance to the Mother/Queen's tendency to be blunt. Tough love is fine as long as I don't forget to include the compassion. As Pema Chodron says, “Honesty without kindness, humor, and goodheartedness can be just mean.”

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8 comments:

  1. RoseAugust 8, 2015 at 9:34 AM

    Pema Chodron herself seems to be a perfect embodiment of this pairing, the best each has to offer.

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    1. thesycamoretreeAugust 8, 2015 at 9:57 AM

      That' the reason she is one of my favorite Buddhist teachers! :)

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  2. EllenAugust 8, 2015 at 9:36 AM

    "Tarotsisters"!
    In my opinion these two cards together represent the perfect image of the Queen of Air. For me she is so much more than blunt, honest and sharp. She is also a mother

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    1. thesycamoretreeAugust 8, 2015 at 10:00 AM

      This Queen is like the mom who thinks like a scientist and often wants to give intellectual explanations and advice, but often fails to do what her children want her to do - just listen without trying to fix! But the second card rounds her out very well. :)

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  3. Sharyn Mallow WoerzAugust 8, 2015 at 10:16 AM

    I think we are all on the same page today.Reading Ellen's post today galvanized my crotchety 5, and here you are sorting focus too.

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    1. thesycamoretreeAugust 8, 2015 at 12:17 PM

      Yes indeed. We queens would make a formidable group today!

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  4. UnknownAugust 8, 2015 at 7:13 PM

    Beautiful cards and great interpretation Bev.
    If I don't have kindness in my heart and in my thoughts, I will not think, or act with kindness. First comes the thought then comes the action.

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    1. thesycamoretreeAugust 8, 2015 at 7:23 PM

      A bit of honey can always make even a hard truth easier to swallow. :)

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