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, March 26, 2016

Noticing Road Signs

From the Osho Zen Tarot, the Knight of Rainbows (Pentacles); from the A'HA Oracle, the Caduceus:
          The tortoise seems a perfect symbol for the Knight of Pentacles - he's moving and making progress, but he's not in a hurry. He is mindful of what is pleasant, unpleasant or simply dull. Nothing escapes his attention, because he takes the time to look at it all. Rarely does he find himself surprised, because he's noticed all the road signs along the way already. This Knight knows that no matter what one is creating, being attentive and aware can catch many problems before they become insurmountable.
          The "snake on a stick" symbol has been around for a long time. The Greek and Roman gods (Hermes and Mercury) had the caduceus; as messenger gods of commerce and negotiation, they represented balanced exchange and reciprocity. Nurses in the U.S. use it as a symbol for their profession, mistakenly confusing it up with the Rod of Asclepius (Asclepius was a Greek healer whose staff had one snake and no wings). The Hebrew Bible tells the story of Moses making a bronze snake and putting it on a pole, so that anyone bitten by a serpent would live (Numbers 21:9). All of these similar symbols have a theme: mutual and harmonious interconnection as well as healing and wellness. Yet none of these results are really possible without the mindfulness of the Knight.

6 comments:

  1. The turtle reminds me to slow down and enjoy the day and combined with the caduceus gives me a clue; for true health and happiness just be - with the moment.

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    1. It's a shame we tend to get encouraged to move like the hare instead of the tortoise. :)

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    2. Your mention of the hare harks back to all those rabbits in my cards today. What a coincidence, your turtle my hares. Ha.

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    3. Your blog post is what made me think of it! :)

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  2. After the yesterday's page today the knight. He is a great reminder to take it easy tomorrow and don't get to worked up if things don't go as I had planned! Slow and steady and calm and mindful
    Happy Easter!

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    1. Like you said, after the eager Page, sometimes it's good to have a reminder not to go off half-cocked!
      Hope your holiday is joyful and fulfilling my friend!

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