From the Llewellyn Tarot, the Queen of Pentacles; from the Beasts of Albion, the Toad:
It seems I'm going to be journeying through the Pentacles this week! This lovely queen is the nurturing aspect of the suit, a role that can be rewarding or overwhelming as James Ricklef (
Pithy Tarot) points out: "Caring for others out of love is a joy; doing it out of a sense of duty is a burden." The irony is the person I'm caring for the most these days is
me, and I'm tired of it. I want to be strong, pain-free and healthy again
now. But everywhere I turn, I keep getting the message that this life is worth the effort we put into it. Mary Oliver asks, "Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" Pema Chodron writes: "Beginning to realize how precious life is becomes one of your most powerful tools." I think my gratitude might be slipping... Gray explains Toad's message is to look beneath the surface level and find self-acceptance, which will lead to physical and mental healing. How do I get to this place of gratitude and acceptance? Above the entrance to Gampo Abbey (where Chodron resides) is hand-lettered sign that reads "Enjoy your life." Chodron explains that this is not a quest for hedonism but an encouragement to maintain a sense of curiosity:
There is a common misunderstanding among the human beings who have ever been born on earth that the best way to live is to try to avoid pain and just try to get comfortable. You see this even in insects and animals and birds. All of us are the same. A much more interesting, kind and joyful approach to life is to begin to develop our curiosity, not caring whether the object of our curiosity is bitter or sweet.
You may be still trying to deal with shock, unawares?
ReplyDeleteThat is quite possible.
DeleteThere is the toad, bearing a message. The toads showed up a few weeks ago on Sharyn's blog and we all had a bit of fun with it. Your toad is back and has something to say. "take your time and heal" I think that is the Staples 'easy button' on the toad's head giving you the advice you need to hear. "Easy does it."
ReplyDeleteHeehee, I love the idea of the toad bringing the "Easy" button!
DeleteI spent too many years not being able to really take care of myself. Then at the same time and in many ways I felt like I was constantly having to take care of myself. There never seemed to be any one else to lean on, and I too got real tired of it. Sometimes we need someone else to help us and be willing to reach out. I can't cut my nose off to spite my face. Cats and other critters don't have any problem getting their needs met. We could use a lesson from them.
ReplyDeleteCuriosity to me is living a simple creative life, this does bring me great happiness as does gratitude and living life on life's terms.
In some of the First Nations cultures frog is seen as the spiritual helper of the shaman. Frog lives in the natural world on land and water, but also lives in the supernatural spirit world. A great communicator and the voice of the people.
We all need good friends to lean on once in a while and Froggy is a good friend to have also. ;) I try to listen to my inner Froggy!;)
This Queen is all about taking good care of herself and others if it suits her purpose. She's a wise one. After all if we can't take good care of ourselves we can't help others either.
Catherine, your comment for some reason made me realize that I'm very good at taking care of other people. For the last few years, my life has revolved around doing this. But what I've not done much of is take care of myself (well, it hasn't been a priority at least). But I imagine if that Queen could talk, she'd tell me that I need to make it a priority (and no whining!). :D
DeleteLol. Yes no whining! Lol. Well as women we are brought up and praised for being care takers aren't we? We quickly learn this. It becomes our identity. But there is so much more to us than care taking. This is why it's been my own personal journey to reclaim that inner heroine/feminine and have made it my mission to help other women do the same.
DeleteSorry to hear you've been in pain and having to take care of yourself. We get so used to being able to do certain things, and I know I certainly resent it when I no longer can. Still, finding joy in what is, and curiosity about what could be, sound like a pretty good approach... :)
ReplyDeleteThe accident left me with an epiphany of how much I take for granted, especially with regard to my body! If I widen my focus, I'll find much more than my pain though. :)
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