Tied Up, Untied

From the Ellis Deck, the World; from the Brownies Oracle, Tempest-Tost:

This young dancer has figured out that she in not apart from creation, but a part of it. She rests at the bottom of one loop of the ouroboros, after completing her journey. Her crossed leg in the shape of a 4 indicates stability; what was scattered has been brought together. But the dandelion flowers she holds will turn into puffballs once planted. Seeds will be scattered in all directions, and the dancer will be on the move again. The Tempest-Tost card shows the Brownies dealing with a storm at sea. When a crisis has finally ended or a big project is finished, my first reaction is relief. It feels good to relax and enjoy the peace of completion. But then there comes an uneasy feeling of restlessness, a desire to get off my bum and get moving once again. There is a period of indecision when I may bounce back and forth about which direction to move in. But at some point, I'll spot a dandelion seed that looks promising, and head off in that direction.

'Now' is dropping the agenda and just being completely curious...

~ Pema Chodron 

Tough Love, Tender Love

This week the tarot I'll be using is the Ellis Deck, created and self-published by Taylor Ellis. Paired with it will be the Brownies Oracle, created and self-published by Doug Thornsjo. Today's draws are the Queen of Swords and Reaping:

This Queen of Swords wears a heart on her crown rather than her sleeve; she can't afford to be dramatic about her feelings when there is a realm to govern. Yet the blood-stained tear and the bottle for tears suggest that she is not devoid of emotion, she just mourns in her own private way. She's gotten a bad rap for her stoicism, much like the black-widow spider on her neck. These spiders bite only when threatened but are otherwise non-aggressive. The oft-told story of the female biting and killing her mate is more the exception than the rule. Those who come to the queen for guidance know she won't be giving out cuddles, but she will be objective, fair and honest. The Brownies show what this queen knows - we will reap what we sow. We can't go back and change history if we get briers rather than melons, but the next season we can learn from our mistakes and change the seeds we plant and nurture. Tough love is not closing the heart, but allowing life to teach its own lessons in hope that it will change the course of future actions.

Please Don't Wake Me

From the Prairie Tarot, Judgment; from the Medicine Cards, Rabbit:

Life is short. Stay awake for it. ~ Caribou Coffee slogan

          An angel has blown her trumpet and even uses a gesture to wake the dead, but still they sleep. There are times when we pretend not to know what we know. We use every form of denial and delusion available to stay in our cocoons, so we don't have to deal with the uncertainties and insecurities of life. Yet none of these strategies provides a mind wipe; we'll still have the knowledge tucked away and trembling in a dark corner. Rabbit represents fear that keeps us immobile. Instead of fighting or fleeing, we freeze. I think most everyone has been exposed to circumstances that leave their heart racing and feet in concrete while the mind invents worst-case scenarios. It is incredibly hard to leave our hearts and minds open to such vulnerability - it feels safer to build a wall or live in a tower. But since this type of reaction isn't going to change reality, we could instead stop reinforcing our walls and be awake and watchful. We don't have to believe everything we think (especially those emotion-fueled thoughts). We can just pause and be with what is without adding to our distress. With the extra mental space we've created, we will be able to see with clarity and respond with wisdom. 

Hunting Expedition

From the Prairie Tarot, the Fool; from the Medicine Cards, Raven:

          This young man with his rifle and trusty hound is about to embark on a hunting expedition. But what he will be hunting is not food for his belly but food for his spirit. At this point, he's open to whatever comes with no expectations or judgments. He is fueled by excitement and curiosity, trusting that he will find what he needs with a wide perspective. What exactly is it that fills the soul? Plenty of adults who have been spiritual seekers for years could easily sing along with Bono that they "still haven't found what I'm looking for." I don't think of myself as a seeker as much as an explorer; I have found what fills my spirit (secular Buddhism), but I still have much to learn (most of which will come from practice). Raven is a complicated totem with multiple meanings - from trickster to light bringer. Elders often called on Raven to clarify what they saw in visions, as they knew what the eye sees is not always the whole truth. When a seeker has settled into a religion or philosophy, it's easy to feel he or she has figured out the Truth of Life. Raven would remind me that truth is not something that can be grasped as a solid object or used as a mallet on other people. It is a way to help me navigate my own journey rather than that of anyone else.

Ambition with Boundaries

From the Prairie Tarot, the King of Wands; from the Medicine Cards, Squirrel:

          This charismatic king is all about pursuing goals, having the courage to follow one's passion, and putting innovative ideas into action. Like all the kings, he is a guide for his people, which makes the barbed wire fence interesting. Even the most adventurous leader knows that it's wise to have some boundaries. In today's world the emphasis seems to be on bulldozing over boundaries with little regard for the long-range consequences. Yet boundaries are a way to show care and respect; they draw the line between ambition and greed by offering protection. Squirrel's medicine is about preparation and gathering - reserving resources for future use. These assets may be income or material things, but they could easily be energy as well. With the king's emphasis on boundaries, it is easy to apply the message of Squirrel to my own mind, body and spirit. It may be a good day to take Anne Lamott's advice: "No is a complete sentence."

Essence of Love

From the Prairie Tarot, the Ace of Cups; from the Medicine Cards, Turtle:

We think we need to be able to trust, just as we think we need to be able to be loved. But we have it backwards. As adults, we don't need to be loved. The only real emotional need, if we want to call it that, is to love. To love is our essence; it is who we are. ― Ezra Bayda

          How do we love with an open heart that is without discrimination? In Pali, mind and heart are considered as one; there is no compassion without wisdom. Chogyam Trungpa coined the term 'idiot compassion,' our ego's version of love that has more to do with our own expectations, self-image and desires than fulfilling a real need. True compassion uses discernment and offers the right action at the right time in response to another’s suffering. It doesn't support or condone an unhealthy situation, attempt to people please, or try to 'fix' a person because we want to escape their suffering. It requires that we question the ego's intentions and self-involved version of reality. Turtle is the oldest symbol for Earth in Native American teachings, and its message is a reminder of the cycle of give and take. In adding it to the Ace of Cups, the idea of self-compassion emerges. No one can build their happiness on the back of another; we each are responsible for our own. When I practice self-care rather than self-indulgence or self- pity, I can keep my own cup full.

Ready to Serve

From the Prairie Tarot, the Emperor; from the Medicine Cards, Raccoon:

          This fellow looks like he's seen a few seasons come and go (and appears to have outlived his totem, the ram). But does age make him a wise ruler? Dr. Ursula M. Staudinger (who has done extensive research on aging) suggests several qualities are associated with wisdom: self-insight; the ability to demonstrate personal growth; self-awareness in terms of your historical era and your family history; understanding that priorities and values, including your own, are not absolute; and an awareness of life’s ambiguities. It takes more than a long life to be a good leader. Raccoon was often called 'little bandit' among the southern tribes and was seen as a protector and generous provider. Raccoon medicine assists without enabling and doesn't need recognition or praise for help offered. The Prairie's Emperor shows his feet on steps, as if he paused between coming and going. His posture reminds me of the Bodhisattva Green Tara, who is often depicted with one foot extended as a symbol of readiness to come to the aid of those who suffer.

Those who believe in the importance of serving others should lead the way by fighting against the temptation we all have, and maybe especially as we age, to close in upon ourselves. ~ Marvin Olasky

Hitch Up the Wagon

From the Prairie Tarot, the Eight of Cups; from the Medicine Cards, the Hawk:

          I appreciate Ator's inclusion of the covered wagon in her illustration of the Eight of Cups. This leaving didn't occur because someone got their nose out of joint and stomped off into the night. There was time to think things through, because all of this person's belongings had to be packed and the horses harnessed. It is interesting that the cups line up as if the relationship had been balanced, but that may be because of common interests - hobbies, politics, culture, religion, etc. On the outside it may have seemed like a stable and equal partnership, but emotionally something was off-kilter. Hawk's keyword is message; the companion book states to "observe the obvious." Rarely does a day go by that I don't see or hear a hawk on my walks. I found a primary feather of a red-shouldered hawk last week (This is a large feather responsible for thrust, direction and lift in flight.) These feathers are shed in pairs, one from each wing, which keeps the bird balanced. Both these cards suggest that in relationships of any kind, it isn't healthy to have one giver and one taker, one who fills the other's cup while their own remains empty. Yet until we clearly see and understand the part we played, our wagon will likely take us to another relationship that looks much the same.

Face-plant

This week I'll be using the Prairie Tarot, created and self-published by Robin Ator. Paired with it will be the Medicine Cards, a deck and book set published by St. Martin's Press and created by David Carson and Jamie Sams. Today's cards are the Six of Cups and Hummingbird:

          Anyone who's spent time outdoors with preschool children has probably received the gift of a dandelion or other weedy flower. On the outside it might not look like much (especially if wilted and bent from being tucked into a pocket). But this humble gift of beauty is a child's way of honoring someone they care about. In the same way, the cup of flowers represents the gift of memory. We have memory cups of all kinds - some filled with briers, others with sweet-smelling blooms, and those with a cloying fragrance. They all reside in the mind, and I can choose which one to dwell on. Hummingbird represents joy; it's hard not to smile when watching these small wonders zip around the garden. Though they take nectar, they also help pollinate the plants. The companion book suggests "Drop your judgmental attitude and relax." Face-planting in bouquets that relive pain and resentment aren't beneficial to anyone. Joy is everywhere - past, present and future - but I will need to open my senses and mind to see it.

Feminine Control

From the Tarot of the Master, the Empress; from the Paracelsus Oracle, Fortuna Major:

          In the tarot decks of old, L'Imperatrice was more of a ruler than a fertile, emotional earth mother. Her keyword for this card is 'control,' suggesting she does more than sit on a throne. Yet she is a balance to her husband's rigid rule. She believes in communicating with rather than to those she leads; maintaining relationships are important. She prefers peacemaking and diplomacy rather than ultimatums and aggression. Quality of life is of utmost importance, and she won't hesitate to morph into protective mode if the situation calls for it. Greater Fortune shows up again from the Paracelsus Oracle, but this version has to do with health. However this has nothing to do with winning the gene lottery, but represents a natural flow of events and circumstances like water running downhill. As the Empress would agree, when you compassionately care for all the parts (whether a kingdom or a body), things tend to run a bit smoother.

The Knowledge of True Importance

From the Tarot of the Master, the High Priestess; from the Paracelsus Oracle,

          The keyword for this tarot card is 'knowledge' and is symbolized by the open book. In Reading the Marseille Tarot, Jean-Michel David suggests a connection between La Papessa and Lectio Divina (Divine Reading), a practice of scriptural reading, reflection and prayer. This type of meditative reading requires receptiveness, patience and trust that insight will unfold. The purpose was not just a divine connection through a word or an idea but for a revelation that opened the heart. In my wheelhouse, this would relate to bodhicitta, an awakened heart and mind. Acquisitio means 'beneficial gain;' it is given the additional meaning of 'ties or bond.' Would you rather have more money than you know what to do with, or genuine friends to share your life with? When I can sink below the rush of daily activities and all my plans, I find that some things are more important than others.

Research and Discussion

From the Tarot of the Master, the Hermit; from the Paracelsus Oracle, Laetitia:

Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens. ―Carl Jung 

          The Hermit's keyword in this particular deck is 'research.' What does he study? The Delphi Oracle would reply, "Know thyself." Socrates thought it was ridiculous that people would try to figure out obscure things before they even knew themselves.

The ground of practice is you or me or whoever we are right now, just as we are. That’s the ground, that’s what we study, that’s what we come to know with tremendous curiosity and interest....If we are committed to comfort at any cost, as soon as we come up against the least edge of pain, we’re going to run; we’ll never know what’s beyond that particular barrier or wall or fearful thing. 

 ― Pema Chödrön

Laetitia means 'joy,' and this card adds the meaning of 'discussion.' The two cards together made me think of the Tibetan form of debate. The goal was not to win, but to discover the truth based on reason and reality, not dogma or opinion. We must learn to hold on to our truth loosely in order to consider other viewpoints. Research shows that we develop 25% of our understanding from listening to teachings, 25% from reading by ourselves and 50% through debating different points of view. So behind the playful aspect of debate (rather than a combative competition) lies a very powerful method of gaining wisdom.

Pause, Preen then Proceed with Wisdom

From the Tarot of the Master, the World; from the Paracelsus Oracle, Via:

          The World always feels like a long-held breath is finally released, and there is both a mix of ease and elation. With completion there is closure (like Death), but with the World it is because choice and effort have brought about this conclusion. The fixed signs of the Leo and Taurus bear banners with the seasons on them, while Aquarius and Scorpio hold a wreath of fruiting and flowering plants. It is harvest time, but like all seasons, it won't last forever. Via literally means 'way,' as in a path toward a destination. It seems appropriate since the lovely lady in the wreath can't stand on that stage forever. The deck also adds the keyword 'wisdom' to this card, suggesting that it would be wise to be guided by prudence and the experiences of others before taking off down that new road.

Learn all you can from the mistakes of others. You won't have time to make them all yourself. 

~Alfred Sheinwold

A Fresh Cup of Water

From the Tarot of the Master, the Star; from the Paracelsus Oracle, Caput Draconis:

         There is something about the fire of pain (emotional and physical) that burns away all that is unnecessary and unimportant. Barbara Brown Taylor writes:

Because it is so real, pain is an available antidote to unreality—not the medicine you would have chosen, perhaps, but an effective one all the same. The next time you are in real pain, see how you feel about television shows, new appliances, a clean house, or your resumé.

Yet it is such pain that often precedes spiritual growth. It empties our cup of strategies and plans, and allows it to be filled with guidance we may not have taken otherwise. That cup contains hope for change and a new regard for the beauty around us never noticed before. Caput Draconis literally means 'head of the dragon' and is a symbol for a doorway leading inward or a new opportunity.  This deck offers the additional keywords of 'restraint' and 'moderation.' When we have been freshly baptized by suffering and gain insights from it, we can become zealous in wanting to spread the good news. But each person has their own star to follow and their own cup to be refilled.

For those willing to stay awake, pain remains a reliable altar in the world, a place to discover that a life can be as full of meaning as it is of hurt. ~ B.B. Taylor

Don't Look for a Diploma

From the Tarot of the Master, the Eight of Coins; from the Paracelus Oracle, Albus:

          Ask any of the leaders whose head is engraved on those coins how they came to power, and I bet they would say through careful management and cultivation. People who get things handed to them on a silver platter generally lose it all because they haven't developed the skills or knowledge needed to maintain and operate what they're trying to run. Prudence and patience are the watchwords when trying to turn potential into opportunity. Albus in geomancy literally means 'white,' and refers to purity, clarity and wisdom. The Parcelsus deck adds the additional keyword of justice to this card, something impossible to attain without clear, unbiased thinking. Looking at the dead horse in the illustration, I might jump to the conclusion that the animal was neglected or worked to death. But it could also be a case of old age; the owner may have laid the animal to rest above ground to burn the carcass. As the saying goes, we judge others by their actions and ourselves by our intentions. Justice in such a situation clearly has the scales weighted on one side. Both these cards remind me that there will always be skills and knowledge I need to acquire; life never hands out diplomas.

A Functioning Unit

This week I'll be using the Tarot of the Master, created by Giovanni Vacchetta and published by Lo Scarabeo. Along with it, I'll be drawing from the Paracelsus Oracle, published by Lo Scarabeo with instructions written by Gina di Roberto. The cards drawn for today are the Six of Batons and Fortuna Major:

          Wands/batons are about doing, and if you've got a group, it helps to be on the same page before you take action. The drum sticks, bugle and reed pipe symbolize the soldiers who were musicians; their responsibilities included keeping up the soldiers' spirits while marching and playing during ceremonies. But by far their most important job was communication during the noise of battle to make sure everyone functioned as a unit. This is the kind of harmonious flow that brings success of a challenge met. The Paracelsus cards include two sets of geomantic figures, with two slightly different meanings for each symbol. Fortuna Major is 'greater fortune' and includes power, protection, and inner strength. For this particular card, it also represents help given or received (as seen by the eagle coming to the aid of the drowning man). No victory or accomplishment comes all on one's own. At some point support (knowledge or material) or encouragement were provided. It may shrink the ego to admit it, but we all need a little help now and then from our friends.

Five guys on the court working together can achieve more than five talented

individuals who come and go as individuals. ~Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Keep a Door Open

From the Tarot of the Absurd, the Nine of Coins; from the Post-psychedelic Cyberpunk, the Internet:

          The tree on this Nine of Coins is shaped in the form of the Hebrew letter Beit/Bet, which literally means 'house.' It is both a dwelling place and sanctuary. Shanahan writes about this card:

I am the fulfillment of my

desire— having sown

I reap command— command!

Her persistent effort has led to her financial independence, allowing her freedom in other areas of her life. But with such success comes additional responsibilities. Falkov describes the Internet as a worldwide electronic network that provides communication, a marketplace, a library of knowledge, and a stage for entertainment. Yet it also sustains hackers, trolls, and misinformation disguised as fact. It's enough to make a person want to hide in her house; thankfully one side is open as a reminder to (as the Goo Goo Dolls put it) 'let love in.' The obligations we accumulate and the dark side of humanity we must deal with doesn't discount the wonder and potential that is also there. When, as Wordsworth writes, "the world is too much with us," we need to seek out some of that beauty and joy to remind us that life isn't all bad.

Some Laws are Higher than Others

From the Tarot of the Absurd, the Emperor; from the Post-psychedelic Cypberpunk, the Wizard:

           Oh ho, this Emperor looks as if he will not stand any foolishness with his stern face, pointy finger and big boots. I can almost feel that boot on the back of my neck as I imagine him saying, "If you cross this line, you will be sorry!" I understand that leaders set boundaries and make laws for a reason (a world run on emotion alone would soon be chaos), but it helps to know what underlies those rules to make me want to stick to them. "Because I said so," is not going to be motivation enough. The bright-eyed wizard is a quite a contrast to the no-nonsense Emperor. Falkov says that the Wizard is skillful at using resources to shape reality, but soon finds that the world pushes back. Even the earth has natural laws to keep things in balance.

We have all grown up, one might say, thinking of nature as an

adorable, helpless bunny that some people want to protect and

others, motivated by the will to power... want to stomp into

a bloody pulp just to show that they can. Both sides are mistaken,

for what they have misidentified as a bunny is one paw of a sleep-

ing grizzly bear who, if roused, is quite capable of tearing both sides

limb from limb and feasting on their carcasses. The bear, it must be

remembered, is bigger than we are, and stronger. We forget this at

our desperate peril. ― John Michael Greer

Widening the Mind

From the Tarot of the Absurd, the Page of Blades; from the Post-psychedelic Cyberpunk, the Shaman:

A mind sharp with wisdom is often honed on the strop of curiosity.

~ Jessica Shanahan

          Like all the Pages, the Page of Blades/Swords is an avid learner. Since she learns best by listening, her preferred teaching style is oral. Her mind is full of ideas and questions that she likes to discuss and debate. She doesn't mind reading (as the bookshelf indicates), and she dreams of writing her own books and sharing her truth with the world. But before that happens, she will have to learn tact and the gentle art of persuasion (rather than relying on the blunt force of her tongue). Her logical mind might have trouble understanding the mystical world of the Shaman. A shaman is concerned with the health of the community - the earth and all its inhabitants. Using ritual and altered states of consciousness, he or she moves into the spiritual realm to access information that will be beneficial. Shamans believe all problems have spiritual imbalance at their root and so work to restore balance. Hopefully the curiosity of the Page will override her rational, linear mind, allowing her to be open to another viewpoint that is alien to hers. While the method might not make much sense, the Page might learn something she could use. Sometimes the key is a spiritual solution.

Ecosystems

From the Tarot of the Absurd, the Devil; from the Post-psychedelic Cyberpunk, the Forest:

          I might think this Devil was trying out a yoga pose if it weren't for the chains he wears. What ties me up in a pretzel knot? Fear, anger, and grief mostly. But truly any extreme circumstance can turn my compassionate, rational side into a person who thinks only of herself and her situation. That self-absorption can then transform into a search for something to numb the intensity of it all, and I wind up on the doorstep of the Devil (my selfish side who always has plenty of suggestions). The Forest card reminded me of a book I read about a biologist who studied a small section of an old-growth forest for a year. He describes all the activity there, from tiny organisms to the trees, and talks about the web of interconnection that makes up the ecosystem. I am reminded that ringing the Devil's doorbell (not simply for a party but for oblivion) generally happens not because of one triggering event but a multitude. I've previously made unwise choices and allowed unquestioned thoughts to fill my head. The mind and body are ecosystems in their own right; without attention and care, even small disturbances can cause great impacts.

Self-harm - the world will come at you with knives anyway. You do not need to beat them to it.

― Caitlin Moran

Plodding Forward

From the Tarot of the Absurd, the Eight of Sticks; from the Post-psychedelic Cyberpunk, Matrioshka:

          I must be honest and say that when I saw the sprinters in this card, I groaned. I'm exhausted this morning due to several emotional situations I'm trying to keep delicately balanced. Yet these women aren't blindly running through the woods - they are headed toward a goal line. They have kept a steady pace through the long miles, but now that the end is near, they are digging deep and focusing all the energy they have left to cross the finish line. Me? I'm the tortoise crawling along outside the frame of this card (steady but slow as molasses in the winter). The Matrioshka, or Russian nesting dolls, show about a dozen of a set with the tops taken off. These dolls remind me that there are layers beneath everything. A book is more than its cover, a person is more than his or her labels, and a situation is more than my initial reaction to it. Perhaps as I plod along, I can consider what I might not be seeing...

There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, 

Than are dreamt of in your philosophy. 

~ Shakespeare, "Hamlet"

Living from the Heart

From the Tarot of the Absurd, the Ten of Cups; from the Post-psychedelic Cyberpunk, the Tower:

          A happy little family spends time together inside the sacred space of their home. The five cups on each side symbolize the balance of partnership between the man and woman. There are two practices that keep those cups stacked up neatly rather mindlessly tossed about: generosity of the heart and gratitude. Without them, relationships quickly begin to crumble. The Tower in this deck has more to do with ego than a lightning bolt moment. Just look on any social media platform, and it's easy to see the emphasis on accumulating 'friends' or 'followers' has absolutely nothing to do with actual relationships. In partnerships, such self-centeredness will convince one person that their needs and wants are more important than anyone else. Self-absorption will eventually place a person high above everyone else in the top of that tower, yet the price paid will be alienation and loneliness.

Living from the ego is painful and exhausting. It’s like feeding a hungry monster that’s never satisfied. In contrast, generosity requires that we open our hearts to the world and each other. We accept that in life there are challenges, and we meet these challenges with humility, patience, and compassion. This is the work of the spiritual warrior, to open our hearts and allow ourselves to be vulnerable. ~ Cindy Ricardo

Rationally Consider the Irrational

This week I'll be using the Tarot of the Absurd, created and self-published by Jessica Rose Shanahan. I'll also be using another self-published deck, the Post-psychedelic Cyberpunk by Masha Falkov. The draws for today are The Moon and 'The Virus:'

          A mother eating her child is a disturbing image, although in the world of animals it happens frequently. Often the baby is sick and won't live, or the mother is undernourished and can't nurse it. Yet this isn't real life, but the unconscious sending up a signal through symbolism. The Moon's message is never literal because that is not the language it speaks. The Cyberpunk card shows a virus - a tiny bit of genetic material inside an encapsulating shell. It just sits there until it finds a suitable host, and then they infect and take over cells like pirates raiding a ship. There are similar 'viruses of the mind,' thoughts just waiting for a person to invite them in (like opening an infected link in a computer). Instead of inviting in paranoia, I need to rationally consider the irrational. Whatever is playing out in my dreams likely has an emotional base that my unconscious has written a story around. The story isn't true, but the feelings are valid.

The general function of dreams is to try to restore our psychological balance by producing dream material that re-establishes, in a subtle way, the total psychic equilibrium.

~ Carl Jung

Conflict, Change and Reason

From the PetraK Tarot, the Five of Wands; from the Astrodice, Uranus-Capricorn-7th House:

          This painting doesn't have the combative feeling of most Five of Wand cards. The gentle undulations of the water between the posts seem more like a calm discussion between folks who care about each other. Instead of being argumentative, there is more brainstorming and sharing the pros and cons of the situation. From the glowing center pole, it appears a solution or strategy has been reached. In the Astrodice, the radical change of Uranus meets with the orderly progression of Capricorn in the House of Relationships. I got a phone call last night, one that took the breath right out of me. It is definitely a Five of Wands situation with an ending that left my heart aching for everyone involved. Hopefully I can be a calming (orderly rather than impulsive) influence on the parties involved.

If passion drives you, let reason hold the reins. — Benjamin Franklin

~~~

Resolving conflict is rarely about who is right. It is about acknowledgment

and appreciation of differences. — Thomas Crum

Conscious Change

From the PetraK Tarot, the Six of Wands; from the Astrodice, North Node-Gemini-10th House:

          In my pre-coffee imagination, this painting was a peeled orange in sections. I remember as a kid pulling off parts of this juicy fruit and sharing them with friends. Victory is just as sweet and should be shared among those who helped create the favorable outcome. Each wand has a different top, suggesting the various skills each person brought to the endeavor. The Astrodice bring together the spiritual development of the North Node with the footloose versatility of Gemini in the House of Reputation. The North Node can calm some of the restlessness of Gemini while using their need for variety; the combination can offer a wise, fresh perspective on a situation. The conscious action of the 10th House will make sure the success that comes is not a Pyrrhic victory. What a shame it would be if the slices we shared were tart and bitter rather than delectable.

Every action in this world, every word, every thought, has an effect. But the actor is also

acted upon by his action. The condition on which you are allowed to make a change in the

world is that the world changes you as well. ― Yael Shahar