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

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Discerning Knowledge

From the Nigel Jackson Tarot, Temperance; from the Viking Lenormand, Book:
          The colors this angel wears suggest to me two extremes: the fiery passion of our beliefs, values and opinions (red) and the innocent mind that goes along with the flow (white). Jackson calls Temperance the supreme combination of opposites, which in this case might be called discernment. Living on this earth requires the ability to make decisions and act on them, so going with the flow (while sounding serene) is not always an option. If there are situations in my world that are unjust, harmful or destructive, I need to step out of that flow. On the other hand, completely operating from my preferences or prejudices places a veil in front of reality. All my preconceptions can keep me from seeing with clarity. If I am discerning (the middle way), I will be able to see what is actually unfolding without blinders. The Book suggests knowledge and information based in fact. There is so much fear and paranoia, hate and blame in the world right now, but most of it seems based in ignorance. It is easy for me to let my emotions outrun my intellect, and not ask myself, "Do I absolutely know this to be true?"
Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity. 
― Martin Luther King Jr.

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4 comments:

  1. EllenJuly 20, 2016 at 6:11 AM

    These are certainly times when ignorance is not bliss.
    It is always a challenge to walk the middle way in a world of duality and opposites

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    1. thesycamoretreeJuly 20, 2016 at 6:21 AM

      Between the presidential race as well as racial and religious tensions here, we need it desperately! And watching too much of the media can definitely allow my emotions to overpower facts if I'm not mindful.

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  2. Carolyn TindorJuly 20, 2016 at 9:13 AM

    Most of the time I am happy to see Temperance. Temperance reminds me that there are angels that walk among us; there to help us during troubling and trying times. That is a lot of red and white.

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    1. thesycamoretreeJuly 20, 2016 at 10:19 AM

      Temperance reminds me that pink is a nice alternative to all that red and white. :)

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