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

Sunday, August 28, 2016

Tender Touch

This week I'll be using the Motherpeace Tarot created by Karen Vogel and Vicki Noble and published by U.S. Games. As a companion to the deck, I'll be using Noble's book Motherpeace. The other deck I'll be using this week is the Toltec Oracle deck and book set, created by Victor Sanchez and published by Bear & Co. Today's draws are the Six of Discs and Ketsalkoatl:
          The illustration of one woman using healing energy on another made me think of how important gentle, physical touch can be in the human world. Some instances that I know of are:
  • Reiki offered to patients in 'chemo chairs' as they let chemicals drip into their bodies.
  • The presence of a friend who sits next to another while she anxiously awaits news.
  • Tender caresses given to an elderly person, particularly one in a nursing home.
  • Giving a hug or holding someone after a great loss (no words needed).
  • Rocking a distraught child.
While none of these things make the problem disappear that caused the distress, it is amazing how something as simple as physical contact with a caring individual can help restore our equanimity. Ketsalkoatl - 'feathered serpent' - symbolizes the integration of opposites (in this case, the eagle and the serpent). Consider all the things that create conflict and cause imbalance: the things we cling to and don't want to release and the things we push away and don't want to accept. Perhaps the physical presence of a compassionate person can help us find that integration and balance. Then maybe we can embrace the whole of life instead of just the parts we like.

8 comments:

  1. A long time a go I read an article about craving skin to skin contact. They called it "Skin Hunger" It particularly addressed the problems of younger widows....Some cuddles can't be replaced that easily
    Although I do love to hug my girls! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I see this with folks in the nursing homes. They get touched by doctors and nurses, but it's not the same as someone sitting with you and holding your hand.

      Delete
  2. Akk, here I am with the reply window open, and got sidetracked into what a civilization is and isn't. I really enjoyed my year with the mesoamericans

    ReplyDelete
  3. After I has injured in tornado and and finally out of the halo I spent some time with an energy healer and I think her work on me did help me help/recover a bit faster.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I definitely think there is something to a healing, compassionate touch (such as with energy healers) that doesn't seem to come through with regular doctors and nurses.

      Delete
  4. This post made me think of times I could have offered compassionate touch and out of shyness didn't. A good lesson ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It took me years to feel comfortable enough to just give someone a pat on the hand or shoulder. :)

      Delete