From the Wheel of Change Tarot, the Seven of Cups; from the Oracle of the Dreamtime, Lightning Man:
On an Indonesian island, an offering has been set out for a fire god. Which bowl will be pleasing to him? We too must choose a focus of effort for what we think will bring us emotional fulfillment. Do we want the passion of the volcano (that includes the fire and chaos when it erupts)? Perhaps we would prefer a peaceful lake (that may at times be boring) or the green valley (that will require the work of cultivation)? The Lightning Man lives in the sky with bolts in his hands and clubs (for thunder) on his knees. When he strikes the earth, it is a warning to humans that change or another approach is needed. With the Seven of Cups, the choice we make shouldn't just be decided on what we get, but also what we can give. Uneven exchanges rarely bring emotional satisfaction in the long run.
The nature of living and loving is the act of reciprocity... To be the guest and the host
simultaneously is to imagine a mutual exchange of gifts predicated on respect and joy.
~ Terry Tempest Williams
Reciprocity and the echange of gifts don't have to occur simultaneously. We often want to balance the scales with presents or money when someone gives us time and energy. Maybe we should learn how to rest in the open space of non giving until the oppertunity presents it self to return the favor.
ReplyDeleteAnd from the emotional side of things, it is good to vary being the supporter or supported as the occasion presents itself. :)
Deleteare you familiar with the term potlatch? A giving party when the chief gives most of his good away to the tribe. So the communal is as well or weakas the leader. I wonder if this were required every year, how it would change what we accumulate?
ReplyDeleteThe damaage to the nw west tribes by the whites is unforgivible.
I am familiar with it. I find it much easier to give material things than trust.
DeleteThose are both really busy cards. I like the thought that Sharyn poses, giving our 'stuff' away then how much would we accumulate? I guess we would begin to view what we collected differently. I try to remember when giving a gift of anything, that once it leaves my hands it is no longer mine and never expect anything back in return.
ReplyDeleteAn act of kindness could be seen the same way (no expectations).
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