Watering the Roots

This week I'll be using the Nature Spirit Tarot, a book and deck set created and self-published by Jean Marie Herzel. I'll also be drawing from the Australian Wildflower Reading Cards, a set created by Cheralyn Darcey and published by Rockpool. Today's cards are the Four of Swords and the Native Passionflower:

          The Swords suit in this deck is primarily represented by the prairie coneflower (aka 'Mexican hat), a drought-tolerant plant. Yet every plant eventually needs a deep drink of water, just as humans all require some quiet and rest to stay sane. The praying mantis represents the stillness this card encourages, and the lily of the valley (in the window) symbolizes stopping to notice and enjoy the sweetness in life. The northern red oak the mantis rests on has a deep tap root as well as extensive lateral roots; it is a reminder to ground ourselves in order to stay balanced in our busy lives. The acorns on this tree require two years to develop before they are mature, suggesting rest can't be rushed. How is it that our society today has decided grown-ups don't get to play or take time off except when we go on vacation (often with the people who stress us out the most)? Even weekends seem relegated to fulfilling obligations rather than taking a time-out. The Native Passionflower card brings the message that "Love starts from within and grows out." There is nothing self-indulgent about taking care of one's body, mind and spirit. A dead tree has no shade to offer or fruit to give anyone; self-compassion requires that I keep my own roots watered if I want to be helpful or effective in whatever I do.