Pause and Remember

This week I'll be using the Deirdre of the Sorrows Tarot, a self-published set created by Deirdre O'Donoghue and illustrated by Wayne McGuire. Along with it, I'll be drawing from the Victorian Flower Oracle, created by Alex Ukolov, Karen Mahony and Sheila Hamilton; it was published by Magic Realist Press. Today's draws are the Knight of Coins and "Nasturium:"

          Not only does grass grow under this Knight's feet, so do flowers. This gentleman farmer likes to work slowly and methodically; he's liable to take frequent pauses and check his work before moving on to the next task. But look at what's on his riding boots - spurs! Slow and steady might be his usual way of getting things done, but he's prepared to kick up some divots if necessary. As I prepare for the holidays, I feel like him as I check items off my to-do list. The second card, the Nasturium represents sad memories and regrets. The holidays naturally make me think of friends and family members I've lost and still miss. Perhaps the Knight is pausing to honor the memories of loved ones. Although he experiences sorrow, he also feels grateful for having had them in his life.

For Marion 

Spring in the South 

Transforms the wisteria's bare stems. 

Cascades of purple flowers 

Tumble down the towering pine. 

Such graceful charm and beauty 

Disguise an inner strength and tenacity 

That allow it to reach the uppermost branches. 

Marion was skilled 

In the fine art of Southern graces. 

Yet underneath her refined manners 

Lay a will and spirit of steel. 

She was our matriarchal vine 

Gathering her family together 

With a fierce love for us all.