Keys of Contentment

This week I'll be using the Tarot of the Sidhe, created by Emily Carding and published by Schiffer. I'll also be using the Green Man Tree Oracle, created by John Matthews and Will Worthington with Connections as its publisher. Along with this oracle, I'll be adding information from Ogam: Weaving Word Wisdom by Erynn Rowan Laurie. Today's draws are Dancer Six (Six of Cups/Water) and Ivy:

From out of pleasant reverie,

Is born a joyful memory, 

Of innocence and childhood play,

The simpler dance of yesterday...

          Carding's poem for this card suggests fond memories of a contented childhood. While not everyone had such a safe and satisfying time growing up, most of us can remember a few times when we were loved by someone or times when we experienced happiness. When we relive these moments, they can sow gratitude in our hearts - as long as we don't get so wistful that we awfulize the present. The keys of contentment back then are still the same ones that can unlock today's doors: keep it simple, keep an open mind and look for what is good and beautiful in the here and now instead of focusing on what is terrible and ugly. 

          Ivy is a woody, evergreen vine that can be used as a ground cover. But their hairy, adhesive rootlets allow them to climb to heights of fifty feet or more. Planted near a tree, brick wall or trellis, this plant won't waste any time climbing it. Combined with the Six of Cups, these cards suggest we be prudent in what supports us, especially when it comes to the memories we ruminate on.