Breathe, Just Breathe

This week I'll be using the Hoi Polloi Tarot published by Hoi Polloi Inc. The oracle I'll also use is the I Ching Pack created by Richard Gill and Anthony Clark, and published by Thorsons. Today's cards are the Four of Swords and 'Earth over Wood:'

          I actually slept well last night (more than 3 or 4 hours) and feel energized this morning. Seeing this knight lying so still makes me want tell him, "Get up! There are packages to track, presents to wrap and cards to send!" Tis the season to be running hither and thither, but this card advises me to slow down and rest not only my body but my mind. There's been a lot going on here at home besides holiday preparations, and so a day dedicated to rest, contemplation and meditation is actually a good idea. And the benefit of being well rested means I won't nod off while meditating. Besides, he's already got three swords on the wall, so there's only one left to deal with. Hexagram 46 suggests striving upward and making progress. It seems at odds with the Four of Swords, until I consider that the advancement has to do with internal development rather than external activity. Looking at the man making his way up the rocky path, I imagine he will soon be clear of rocks and trees with nothing but sky to gaze upon. Clarity and spaciousness is waiting at the top of that mountain, a result of spiritual effort exerted. As Anna Nalick sings, "Breathe, just breathe."