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, August 3, 2016

Detaching and Rowing Forward

From the Llewellyn Tarot, the Six of Swords; from the Beasts of Albion, the Hound:
          I've been working on a digital oracle for my personal use (I'm calling it The American Pen, with quotes from poets and novelists). I came across something Anne Lamott said that fit the Swords suit perfectly: "You don't always have to chop with the sword of truth. You can point with it too." It seems fitting for the Six of Swords, as the boatman points them toward another island in the distance. I always wondered about the RWS version of this card - why would you stick swords in the bottom of a boat? But then it dawned on me that sticking them in something solid (the ground, a dead body, on the wall, etc.), means they are immobile, unlike the boat. When my ideas and attitude are stuck, my thinking is very black and white (this is right, that is wrong), and my serenity is firmly attached to things being a certain way. But being miserable has a way of goading me into a new mindset. Yet what about the loyal Hound who's been left behind? Unfortunately moving from one truth to another can leave companions feeling as if I've abandoned and betrayed them. I experienced this when I left the church. But surely true friendships can look past religion, politics and such to what is good and kind underneath, right?

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13 comments:

  1. Carolyn TindorAugust 3, 2016 at 9:25 AM

    Fascinating that you can do your own oracles, another gifted artisan. Ellen is a painter and Sharyn weaves tapestries, you are all so gifted. I on the other hand can't draw a stick person. Still I paint rocks and leave around town. I love that Anne Lamott quote and have it written down somewhere as well. Your interpretation of six of swords goes a long way...

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    1. thesycamoretreeAugust 3, 2016 at 9:35 AM

      I'm more of a mental creator, and have nowhere the artistic talents of Ellen or Sharyn. :) But still, any creative outlet is a joy. I completely went "off script" for this blog post, because I realized the dog wasn't in the boat. I've had so many experiences where former friends no longer considered me a friend simply because we didn't share the same ideas about things anymore.

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  2. Sharyn Mallow WoerzAugust 3, 2016 at 10:38 AM

    What do you make of the cup of water pouring down on the hound?

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    1. thesycamoretreeAugust 3, 2016 at 12:23 PM

      Possibly the dog's connection to the Celtic god Nodens, who was associated with the sea and hounds (whose function was to heal).

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  3. Inner WhispersAugust 3, 2016 at 11:56 AM

    I'd agree that true friendships look beyond religion and politics. And yet, it is also true that it's hard to be friends with someone you constantly argue or disagree with. Your post reminded me of when my mum sent me to a Christian summer camp (there were no non-Christian summer camps in Germany, and she wanted me to practice my German). At the end of the two weeks, I told my "best friend" from the camp that I wasn't really a believer, and she said she couldn't stay friends with me. Perhaps we wouldn't have managed to stay in touch anyway...
    Sometimes, the Six of Swords may say, it's best to just move on :)

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    1. thesycamoretreeAugust 3, 2016 at 12:25 PM

      It is sad that people can't see beyond beliefs (which aren't really facts, just opinions). I have a few acquaintances who can, but as you described, most relationships like this don't last very long.

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  4. revel7August 4, 2016 at 8:37 AM

    The deck you are creating holds much to consider. I am struck by your comment about leaving church as I am in the middle of leaving my denomination. It has been painful to consider that the people I called colleagues and friends will no longer exist in my life in many ways. My church is dysfunctional as is the larger denomination I am currently ordained in. It has become abundantly clear that I must go. Your recognitions regarding how you are viewed by others when you become the changer is spot on. Having said that each of us must learn to grieve losses. I hold no illusions that I will be missed for long. I'm looking forward to healing, and to finding a new way along my path. Your reading came at a time I sorely needed it. Thank you for such a gift.

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    1. thesycamoretreeAugust 4, 2016 at 9:04 AM

      Revel7, I wish you a smooth transition from where you are to your exploration of other paths. It's not easy, especially when you have a history with a group of people. My biggest challenge was to not to shut those people out of my heart I disagreed with, but to allow them to be them while I allowed me to be me. I appreciate you stopping by and leaving a comment! :)

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  5. UnknownAugust 4, 2016 at 9:07 AM

    It takes a lot of courage to find your own truth, because it often means leaving friends and sometimes even family behind if we can't accept someone else's 'truth'. But if it means the difference between your own happiness and unhappiness, I'll always choose my own truth because that is what will set me free. Free to be me, and free to be happy. I've always loved this card the Six of Swords. He's dignified and moving from a turbulent situation and feelings toward a serene, calmer state into a peaceful passage through insight.

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    1. thesycamoretreeAugust 4, 2016 at 9:13 AM

      I lived the first half of my life believing the truth I was told to believe, never questioning whether I actually believed or accepted it as truth. I just can't do that anymore. I want everyone to be free to find that kind of happiness, just as you have!

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  6. UnknownAugust 4, 2016 at 9:37 AM

    It good having life experiences, even negative ones because you find out exactly what you don't want and it enables you to find what you do want! Big Hug to you Bev <3

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  7. revel7August 4, 2016 at 9:57 AM

    Thank you all for such caring support. I am a minister in a mainline Protestant church. Protestant churches are bleeding all over the place. While a generalisation, what I see is a struggle and a tension between long standing members and folks who understand that everything changes. For many years I have tried to be perfect for the people I served. I am human just like everyone else. I could no longer bear the tension between what I believe and what church doctrine tells us we need to believe. I'm "well educated" about church, but as has been written here I want to be happy and free. In the church I'm not.
    Yes! To having life experiences even the trying ones. I view them as the impetus one needs to make changes that will make our hearts soar. Again thank you all! You cannot imagine what a blessing this conversation is to me.

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    1. thesycamoretreeAugust 4, 2016 at 10:40 AM

      My heart goes out to you Revel7; as a leader you carry a much heavier load. I belong to a book club in the Deep South that is made up of folks with wide-ranging religious backgrounds (a rabbi and retired Episcopal priest included). We are all searching for that truth that rigid doctrine just won't give us. I hope it gives you strength knowing that there are pockets of people just like you searching their hearts as well!

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