Garden of the Soul

This week I'll be using two self-published decks: The Bonefire Tarot by Gabrielle Angus-West (now released by Schiffer) and the Day of the Dead Lenormand by Edmund Zebrowski. Today's draws are the Queen of Cups and 'Mice:'

          In the past, I've looked at the Queen of Cups as a mush muffin - too emotional and sensitive for my tastes. Today, I'd be willing to vote her in as President of the United States. She is what balances cold-hearted logic with intuition, callousness with kindness, and ambition with compassion. Her softness is not a vice but a virtue. The Queen of Cups reminds us that the purpose of life is not to collect the most toys and 'win,' but to evolve humanity by helping each other. The Mice card from the Lenormand deck generally means a gradual loss that is being gnawed away. With the Queen's draw, I suspect this 'gnawing away' has less to do with material things and more to do with the heart. Harboring and feeding anger and fear does not change what is external. In the words of Oscar Wilde, it simply sows "thorns in the garden of one's soul."

No Ground to Stand On

From the Motherpeace Tarot, Death; from the Toltec Oracle, 'Koskakuautli:'

The world we find ourselves in, the person we think we are—these are our working bases. This charnel ground* called life is the manifestation of wisdom. This wisdom is the basis of freedom and also the basis of confusion. In every moment of time, we make a choice. Which way do we go? How do we relate to the raw material of our existence? [*In Tibet the ground was frozen, so the bodies were chopped up after people died and taken to the charnel grounds, where the vultures would eat them.] ~ Pema Chodron

          Would a snake refuse to shed its skin? That would be ridiculous; it would be unable to accommodate any new growth. When a loss is experienced, it's not the grief that prevents us from moving on but refusing to let go. Sanchez writes that Koskaduautli, the Vulture, is the beginning of a new cycle: "Death is the growing that happens through letting go. Vulture is the growth that incorporates the remains of what was."

The next time there’s no ground to stand on, don’t consider it an obstacle. Consider it a remarkable stroke of luck. We have no ground to stand on, and at the same time it could soften us and inspire us. Finally, after all these years, we could truly grow up. ~ Pema Chodron

Like Water

From the Motherpeace Tarot, the Son (Knight) of Cups; from the Toltec Oracle, 'Koatlikue:'

          Having read that the U.S. ranked number ten in the world of the most dangerous places for women to live (the only Western country in the top ten), I am concerned that Americans - males and females - have lost touch with their feminine side. It has been taken over by the masculine, the part that pays attention only to the head rather than the heart, fears any form of vulnerability, seeks progress without regard to the loss of resources, and protects itself with no concern for what it sees as 'other.' The Son of Cups arrives to encourage us to embrace our feminine side again, the part of us that nurtures, is receptive and like water, doesn't violently force its way. Koatlikue, the Toltec representation of Mother Earth, seems to underscore this need. Her encouragement does not mean passivity; after all, water does erode stone over time. But violence, whether mental or physical, is not what our world needs more of right now.

The best, like water,

Benefit all and do not compete.

They dwell in lowly spots that everyone else scorns.

Putting others before themselves,

They find themselves in the foremost place

And come very near to the Tao.

In their dwelling, they love the earth;

In their heart, they love what is deep;

In personal relationships, they love kindness;

In their words, they love truth.

In the world, they love peace.

In personal affairs, they love what is right.

In action, they love choosing the right time.

It is because they do not compete with others

That they are beyond the reproach of the world.

~Tao te Ching

Take a Break

From the Motherpeace Tarot, the Four of Discs; from the Toltec Oracle, 'Senteotl:'

          According to the companion booklet, this woman is closing off the world for a brief time in order to rest. It made me think of the novel The Red Tent in which women would go away from the tribe during their monthly cycle; it was a time for them to relax rather than work. I think everyone would benefit from a monthly sabbatical, even if it was only a weekend. Nothing wrong with giving our bodies a little tender care and consideration since we require so much from them. Senteotl literally means 'divine unity' and was seen as a genderless energy that was the whole made of many parts. The different gods of this culture were simply facets of one giant gem (Senteotl), each representing the nature of reality's parts. Both cards are a reminder that there should be times set aside for work, rest and play. Though some parts of life are more fun than others, we need the totality of all to be a healthy whole.

 But your brain’s ability to focus only lasts about 90 minutes before you need to take a break.

If you ignore signs from your body that you need a rest — difficulty concentrating, physical restlessness, irritability — your productivity will wane. Instead, completely focus your energy in 90-minute cycles. Set an alarm, turn off your phone, close unnecessary windows on your computer, and put a sign on your office door. When the time is up, take a needed break, even if you’re on a roll — go for a walk, take care of an easy task, read an article, etc. Once rested, get back into your focused state. ~ Harvard Business Review

Physical Relationships

From the Motherpeace Tarot, the Empress; from the Toltec Oracle, 'Tekpatl:'

          The Empress is a sensual being, fully aware of what is going on inside and outside of her body. I was recently listening to some speakers lecture about trauma and somatic therapy. It seems that those who have experienced trauma (emotional or physical) tend to become hypervigilant - excelling at observing and hearing what is going on in their environment. Yet they become underdeveloped in paying attention to what is happening within themselves, completely missing clues of stress or impending illness. A large part of their healing comes from learning to develop a relationship with their body so they can recognize and attend to its needs rather than focusing solely outward. Tekpatl represents flint, a mineral that can be knapped and used as a knife. This figure suggests carving away what distracts us from awareness and discernment in order to find wellness and wholeness.

I have come to the conclusion that human beings are born with an innate capacity to triumph over trauma. I believe not only that trauma is curable, but that the healing process can be a catalyst for profound awakening—a portal opening to emotional and genuine spiritual transformation. ~ Peter Levine

Object of Focus

From the Motherpeace Tarot, the Three of Discs; from the Toltec Oracle, 'Witsilopochtli:'

          Women work together to construct a building that the community can enjoy. Each knows her liabilities (such as a fear of heights) and her strengths (strong legs for climbing). Their focus remains on the group's objective, not who does what. As Jesuit Father Strickland said, "One may do a great deal of good in this world if one does not care who gets the credit of it."  Witsilopochtli means 'left-handed hummingbird.' For the Toltecs, the hummingbird was considered a brave warrior because its heart was so big in relation to its body. 'Right' meant logic and strategy while 'left' referred to mystery and spirituality. So this figure was a spiritual warrior whose job was to work on himself in order to overcome his own weaknesses. Just as a group can get much accomplished when no one worries about accolades, so too can much good be done when each person focuses on their own actions rather than pointing fingers of blame at other folks.

Misguided Grasping

This week I'll be using the Motherpeace Tarot, created by Karen Vogel and Vicki Noble and published by U.S. Games. I'll also be using Noble's companion booklet published separately by Harper Collins. The other deck I'll be drawing from is the Toltec Oracle, a deck and book set created by Victor Sanchez and published by Bear & Co. Today's draws are the Ace of Discs and 'Miktlantekutli:'

          According to the companion book, this Ace represents a gift of earth energy - the birth of something in material form. The toddler, the acorns, and the jaguar cub all suggest resources are available for projects or opportunities if effort is applied. Miktlantekutli is the Lord of Death in Toltec lore; the impermanence of life was at the core of Toltec philosophy. Embracing this awareness meant a greater appreciation of the preciousness of life. Death was considered to be sacred because everything that was living was sustained by that which was dying. The death of a tree, its disintegration, and the return of its nutrients to the soil is an example. When we tightly grasp that which is leaving, we have no chance to welcome what comes.

The middle way is a view of life that avoids the extreme of misguided grasping born of believing there is something we can find, or buy, or cling to that will not change. And it avoids the despair and nihilism born from the mistaken belief that nothing matters, that all is meaningless.

~Sharon Salzberg

Kicking the Bee Hive

From the Sacred India Tarot, the Five of Lotuses (Cups); from the State by State Playing Cards, 'Georgia/10 of Clubs:'

          In this Hindu story, the gods are suffering because of a demon, and prophecy says only a son of Shiva can defeat him. The creator god (Brahma) tells Parvati (goddess of fertility) to go make a baby so they can be rid of the demon. Kama (literally 'longing and desire') decides to help things along by awakening Shiva from his intense meditation state by shooting him with an arrow. Shiva wakes up and incinerates Kama with his third eye. Kama's wives weep hysterically, and Parvati is left to explain what is going on. Try to manipulate people like puppets, and things will always go sideways. In the words of Einstein, "Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding." Georgia is known for its sweet, juicy peaches. Their sweetness is a reminder that people are more likely to cooperate when we are kind to them. As Dale Carnegie put it, "If you want to gather honey, don't kick over the beehive."

Bigger than a Brain Cell

From the Sacred India Tarot, the King of Arrows (Swords); from the State by State Playing Cards, 'Michigan/Ace of Spades:'

          The King of Arrow/Swords is illustrated with the legendary figure of Garuda, who has half human and half eagle features. The enemy of snakes (because they had enslaved his mother), he became the vehicle for the god Vishnu, who fought injustice and evil. Garuda once went to the aid of a sparrow whose nest had been lapped up by the Ocean. Garuda threatened the Ocean with an attack, and so the bird received back her eggs. Garuda also symbolizes thought; just as the eagle can fly at incredible speeds, so can the mind. Michigan is known for the production of cars, and as such, represents movement. It's not enough to be philosophical, discussing injustice and how to change things for the better, action needs to be taken as well. In the words of Arnold Glasow, “An idea not coupled with action will never get any bigger than the brain cell it occupied.”

Ego-Self

From the Sacred India Tarot, Death (Mara); from the State by State Playing Cards, 'Arizona/9 of Hearts:'

          Though Mara is illustrated as a demon, he is simply the personification of the negative attributes of the human ego and mind. Buddha met Mara (his ego-self) when he sat under the bodhi tree to attain enlightenment. The ego-self wants to avoid all pain, enjoy all pleasure and engage in whatever relieves our boredom or restlessness. None of these are a problem unless they keep us from seeing clearly and acting with discernment when it comes to reality. Meeting life unskillfully is Mara's specialty, and he makes great use of fear, anger, longing, and other emotions to do it. Arizona's Grand Canyon is an excellent analogy for how such emotions can wear us down over time if we are constantly reacting to them rather than simply being aware of them; it is easy for the ego-self to convince us that whatever we think or feel represents the eternal truth. The Dhammapada suggests that we are like a fish flopping around on dry land when we are in reactive mode. Instead, we can live mindfully and harness the mind with insight.

Nightmare Fodder

From the Sacred India Tarot, the Nine of Arrows (Swords); from the State by State Playing Cards, 'Indiana/4 of Diamonds:'

          Amba was a princess whose marriage proposal had been spurned by Bhishma (who had taken a vow of celibacy). Amba performed austerities in order to take the form of a man so that she could go into battle and kill Bhishma. She eventually succeeded, becoming Shikhandi. When Bhishma saw Shikhandi, he knew this man had originally been born a woman. It would be dishonorable to take up arms against a woman, so he allowed himself to be shot and killed by Shikhandi/Amba. I doubt either got lasting satisfaction for standing up for what they believed was honorable. Indiana is home of the Indy 500, a car race considered part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport. The 2018 winner of this 500 mile race took home $2.5 million purse. So far, there have been 75 fatalities associated with this race, including drivers, mechanics and spectators. Winning at any cost seems to come at a high cost indeed. What motivates us to succeed can also be our own undoing, providing nightmare fodder for years.

Fleeting Moments

From the Sacred India Tarot, the Knight of Arrows (Swords); from the State by State Playing Cards, 'Washington, D.C./5 of Hearts:'

          Often known as the 'monkey god,' Hanuman was a Vanara, a mythical race with simian attributes. As a boy, Hanuman was a bit of a rascal, but he grew up to become an example of self-restraint and wisdom. He is considered an embodiment of Karma Yoga (the path of devotion demonstrated through hard work or service). His arrow suggests penetrating insight; Hanuman is a symbol of the disciplined mind that no longer jumps from thought to thought. Washington, D.C. is known for the cherry blossoms that appear each spring. After two weeks, the flowers begin to fall like snowflakes. The cherry blossom is a symbol of beauty but also impermanence. In combination with the Knight of Swords, it reminds me of the words of Katherine Thanas:

...at any moment, with a camera, we capture a frozen moment of reality and believe that moment is true, but actually that moment is frozen from a flow of time and events. Our consciousness is like a camera: it takes sound bites, emotional 'takes,' and that's what memory remembers - frozen moments. We hang our identity and other people's identities on those frozen moments, but at some point we come to understand them as fleeting moments, and likely distortions of what happened.

Sticky Outcome

This week I'll be using the Sacred India Tarot, a deck and book set created by Rohit Arya with Jane Adams and published by Yogi Impressions. Along with it, I'll be using State by State Playing Cards, created by Wendy C. Boccuzzi and published by U.S. Games. Today's draws are the Seven of Wands and 'Vermont/Ace of Hearts:'

          The Seven of Wands shows Sita, consort (life companion) of Rama, preparing a fire. She had been abducted by the demon king Ravana, and now people were questioning her purity. Rama (after killing the king) asks her to undergo a trial by ordeal - fire - in order to prove she is honorable and had no part in Ravana's actions. As a furious Sita sits amid the flames, Agni, the god of fire intervenes (saving Sita) and rebukes Rama. Rama replies that he only wanted to prove to the people she was not at fault. Like the story of Adam and Eve, blame always seems to fall on the woman. Vermont is known for its syrup, a sweet concoction processed from the sap of maple trees. While it is sweet, it is also sticky. And the trees are prevented from healing the drilled holes from which the sap is collected. Standing up for ourselves and defying public opinion can come at a cost. While doing so will build our own confidence and courage, those who attempt to sway or pressure us will likely lose our respect and trust. It's hard to unring the bell.

What's the Use?

From the Legacy of the Divine Tarot, the Nine of Swords; from the Tea Leaf Reading Cards, 'Rose:'

If you can solve your problem, then what is the need of worrying? 

If you cannot solve it, then what is the use of worrying? 

~ Shantideva

          When stress comes in unending waves, sleepless nights are often a result. I've had my share of stressful moments lately, from finding a friend near death when I did a wellness check to having my car sideswiped (hit and run) yesterday. But the older I get, the more I try to take Shantideva's advice. That doesn't mean I don't feel the emotional side of things, but I don't have to let my thoughts add to the weight of it all. I learned yesterday that it is not slow, deep breathing that relaxes us, but the longer out-breath. Inhaling is what alerts the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) while slowly exhaling kicks in our parasympathetic system that can calm the body. The idea is to make your out-breath longer in order to relax, no matter what the mind is doing.  Rose prods me to remember that even when there are thorns, there is still beauty and goodness in the world that I need to pay attention to - even more so when life gets bumpy.

Bird Watcher

From the Legacy of the Divine, the Ace of Swords; from the Tea Leaf Reading Cards, the 'Mountain:'

          Occasionally I'll see a commercial from UNCF scholarship drive that says, "A mind is a terrible thing to waste." The mind is perhaps the greatest resource of humans, allowing us to learn, create and solve problems. But it is a two-edged sword that can be used skillfully or unskillfully, for selfish benefit or altruistic purposes. The Buddha said that even if we were to solve all the material problems in the world, there would still be suffering. The untrained mind lacks wisdom and discernment because it is easily influenced by moods. As a result, we rarely feel peace or contentment. The Mountain suggests a challenge, and though climbing one requires a great deal of effort, the view from the top often gives us a clearer, broader perspective. Such is the result of mind training, an adventure that lasts a lifetime. Becoming aware of our thoughts without buying the story they're selling is helpful, yet we must do so with gentleness and curiosity - more like a bird watcher than a dog trainer.

Turn, Turn, Turn

From the Legacy of the Divine, the Wheel; from the Tea Leaf Reading Cards, the Snail:

          Sudden change can make us feel like we've been tossed into a tumultuous sea; underwater and confused, we have a hard time telling which way is up. Other times the change we seek is achingly slow, either as we anticipate the end of pain or worry about what we see coming on the horizon. How are we to maintain sanity and serenity through the turns of life? The Snail implies that we stay grounded and move at the pace of guidance. Being grounded suggests staying in the moment as much as possible. Guidance through spiritual intentions can provide a compass when things get topsy-turvy. For me, that is the Five Precepts I recite every day (the word 'vow' simply means what I aspire to and does not imply a commandment):

• I vow not to harm but to nurture all of life.
• I vow not to take what is not given but to practice generosity.
• I vow not to misuse my relationships but to treat every person with respect.
• I vow not to engage in false speech but to listen an speak from the heart.
• I vow not to intoxicate body or mind but to cultivate a mind that sees clearly.

Crossed Daggers

From the Legacy of the Divine, the Page of Swords; from the Tea Leaf Reading Cards, 'Key:'

          The companion book calls the Page of Swords an "acolyte of the power of the mind," yet I would add the power of speech as well. Those two crossed daggers on his pillow suggest disagreements; he watches and listens carefully to learn how to be a skillful debater. I'm convinced that the majority of Americans have lost this ability - they know how to argue but not present a rational explanation for their ideas. Seeing information on Facebook, on the cover of the National Enquirer or because one believes in something strongly doesn't make it a fact. What is the Key, then? First, I need to take a hard look at what I believe. The evidence for my ideas should be well-documented and credible and include research that can be replicated and observed. I shouldn't just attempt to prove the other side wrong, I need facts to prove I'm right. But to do this successfully, I need to begin with an open mind and look at both sides objectively instead of relying on tradition, preferences or prejudices. 

Your Deepest Desire

From the Legacy of the Divine, the Seven of Cups; from the Tea Leaf Reading Cards, 'Money:'

           In the TV series Lucifer, the devil (aka Lucifer Morningstar) looks deeply into the eyes of individuals and asks them, "What is your deepest desire?" Under his spell, they all answer truthfully, but what they say is often surprising and seemingly out of character. We never really know what motivates people, we can only judge by what they say or do. Do we even know our deepest desires, that which we think will make us feel whole and fulfilled? Perhaps we make so many wrong choices because we look at the surface rather than deeply and don't think about the long run. Money is one of those easy choices - who doesn't think they need more at times? Yet perhaps that is just a cover for our insecurity and longing for more certainty in life. While it may be an immediate help, it usually isn't a lasting fix for what lies beneath.

Luck Maker

From the Legacy of the Divine Tarot, the Queen of Coins; from the Tea Leaf Reading Cards, the 'Clover:'

          This queen is surrounded by plumeria blossoms, the kind of flowers used in Hawaiian leis. She is just as welcoming as the lei tradition, looking to make any guest comfortable and at ease. Her forehead glows to symbolize her skill in using resources, whether it involves solving problems, creating a cozy abode, planting a garden, or nurturing those around her. Practical and down-to-earth, she'll offer no platitudes or poems, but she'll gladly share what she can. The Clover has long been a symbol of good luck, yet the Queen of Coins would bluntly state, "One makes their own luck by paying attention and acting on opportunities."

I'm a big believer in luck - the harder you work, the luckier you become. ~Jeannette Walls

A Light in the Darkness

This week I'll be using the Legacy of the Divine Tarot, created and self-published by Ciro Marchetti. I'll pair with it the Tea Leaf Reading Cards, created and self-published by Karin Dalton-Smith. Today's draws are the Tower and 'Ring:'

          We all build foundations on certain beliefs that seem like Truth. The symbols atop this Tower suggest the four elements and what they represent: emotions/relationships, ambition/enthusiasm, health/finances, and ideas/communication. All these things will break down at some time or other, and it often comes as a shock when we realize how much our sense of security depended on them.  The Ring suggests a commitment, but who or what to? If so many things we look to for stability will eventually disappear, perhaps a person or thing is not the answer. Kindness and compassion, for ourselves and others, may keep us from giving up on life when things seem dark and hopeless.

Heart at the Crossroads

From the Gaian Tarot, the Two of Water (Cups); from the Goddess Oracle, 'Hecate:'

          A woman with a heart chakra tattooed on her chest has a playful, happy moment with her canine companion. There is a deep connection between these two; love and loyalty are felt deeply. Many folks find it much easier to have a relationship with animals than people, as they bond with a depth of devotion and faithfulness that does not judge even when we're not at our best. Yet Hecate arrives at the crossroads and suggests that at this moment we have an opportunity to branch out. Do we choose to go back to solitude, stay with the friendships we have (in whatever form they may be), or take a risk and add some new friends? Can we take a chance on being vulnerable? K.T. Tunstall sings, "I came across a place in the middle of nowhere, with a big black horse and a cherry tree." She must choose between uncertainty and certainty, and she chooses the safer way. Yet she later sings that she left her heart back at that crossroads, "And now I've got a hole for the world to see."

An Individual Choice

From the Gaian Tarot, the Two of Fire (Wands); from the Goddess Oracle, 'Sheila Na Gig:'

             Two fire dancers, one male and one female, entertain their audience. Perhaps they were trained by the same person, but it is likely they've adapted the teachings to their personal abilities and styles. No matter what we're doing - creating art, working out at the gym, or leading a social cause - we have to find what works for us. Others may think they have the 'right way,' but if it doesn't work well for us, we'll see no results and likely won't stick with it. Sheila Na Gig is an ancient Irish goddess of birth and death. She represents opening to what is, but not with fear. Her crazy antics are to make us laugh and see the humor in a situation instead of taking everything so seriously. Any arguments about the 'correct' way to do something would be met with hysterical cackling. "We all are born and we'll all die. Why waste time arguing over what's unimportant in the long run?"

The Guard at the Veil

From the Gaian Tarot, the Priestess; from the Goddess Oracle, 'Vila:'

          The symbols of the Priestess hint at hidden wisdom and healing. These keys are not given from another, as in the Hierophant, but found within. Yet there is a guard at the veil. In the words of Lewis Hyde, "Likes and dislikes are the lapdogs and guard dogs of the ego, busy all the time, panting and barking at the gates of attachment and aversion and thereby narrowing perception and experience." With ego at the helm, we see only fabrications of reality - what we expect and what we want, but not what is. Meditation is one way to dive below the ego and access our wisdom and compassion, though there are surely other practices that will allow us to do the same. Vila is a goddess whose energy moves through all of the earth and enlivens nature. Her message is shape-shifting, not in a literal sense, but a metaphorical one. She would encourage us to lay aside our fabrications of people and situations, and step inside a perspective that is not our own. Instead of a self-centered view, we objectively experience real life in all its forms.

Available Resources

From the Gaian Tarot, the Five of Earth (Pentacles); from the Goddess Oracle, 'Shakti:'

          A hiker lost in the woods has built himself a shelter against the cold, driving rain. In times of stress when we are in survival mode, do we look for resources around us or curl up in a ball?  Do we rely on the skills we've learned or go into a panic? Does pride (or its flip side of self-loathing) keep us from reaching out to others? Shakti is the Hindu feminine principle of energy; every god has his Shakti, without which they would have no power. This power can energize, create and destroy. It is the force behind all of Nature. Shakti invites us to get moving in order to help ourselves. Life may not look like what we want at the moment, but we still can work with what we have.

We are not attached to our original recipe, our original dream, trying, often forcefully, to make it come true. We are using what’s on hand and dreaming up what to do next with the resources, both inner and outer, that we have available. ~ Edward Espe Brown

A Good Death of Sorts

From the Gaian Tarot, Death; from the Goddess Oracle, 'Lilith:'

          For months I have lived with spirit-crushing, unending pain. I went from one doctor's diagnosis to a specialist, then to a second specialist and a third. I've spent thousands of dollars, taken medicines that were supposed to help, and followed through on every suggestion given. When the pain became suffocating, my mind reacted and began to think of ways to permanently escape it. I pulled out every spiritual tool in my toolbox to cope. I felt just like the broken boat and decaying heron in this card. Yet today, I am the eagle flying above the glistening water. The pain is gone, thanks to the last doctor I saw who found the cause. Lilith, a goddess labeled a demon by Jewish mythology, was Adam's first wife who refused to be submissive to him. Her message is not to give my power away. No need to blame those who ineffectively treated me; I'm experiencing too much joy being blissfully pain-free at the moment. But the next time other's ignore the feedback I give them in favor of what they think they know, I will seek help elsewhere much faster.