Inner Workings

From the Da Vinci Enigma Tarot, the Eight of Water (Cups); from the Insectorum Divinorum, the Stag Beetle:

          Da Vinci's sketch shows a combustion engine, the beginning idea that would much later transform into the idea for motor-powered vehicles. The combination of fuel and oxygen that results in combustion is a nice analogy for relationships; sometimes the energy of combustion forms deep relationships and other times it simply burns them up. With the Eight of Cups, it is time to move on. The dimmi asks how things can be improved in order to move ahead, otherwise, the same mistakes will just get us to the same place. The Stag Beetle, named for its oversized pinchers that look like antlers, needed a wide head to offset them. Large muscles and a lever (like the handles of pliers) connected to the jaw allow them to become a forceful weapon when grappling with other beetles. To understand why this adaption is needed to create force, try pressing your palms together with your arms extended and then with your hands close to your chest. The adaption message combines with the dimmi to suggest that the changes needed must come from within rather than externally. Otherwise, we just keep building an engine that doesn't work well.

To Form a More Perfect Union

From the Da Vinci Enigma Tarot, the Two of Water (Cups); from the Insectorum Divinorum, the Lanternfly:

          In this sketch, Da Vinci attempts to show what happens during sex from an anatomical perspective. The dimmi asks what creates an environment for union and reciprocation. Love would be the simple answer, but what about between groups of people or nations? The biggest obstacle comes in getting both parties to drop their agenda and listen with an open mind. Progress and compromise can be made when there is discussion that leads to understanding rather than just debate. The Lanternfly is misnamed on two fronts: it does not glow in the dark as was previously believed, and it is not a fly but a planthopper. Its message is to be wary of misunderstandings caused by skewed information. Such is often the case when two opponents come together. Their knowledge of the other is frequently slanted because of confirmation bias — when evidence is cherry-picked instead of looked at as a whole so that it confirms one's expectations. Laying aside presumptions can be just as hard as dropping agendas, which can explain why so many compromises and partnerships fail.

Support for Independent Thinking

From the Da Vinci Enigma Tarot, the Page of Water (Cups); from the Insectorum Divinorum, Swarm:

          The subject of this sketch was nicknamed Salai (little devil); he was hired by Da Vinci as a model but had a penchant for stealing. Yet he eventually became a devoted and trusted assistant to Leonardo. The dimmi for this card asks, "What needs your support?" The Page of Cups, with his sensitive and tender heart, is always on board for compassion and kindness. Yet the Swarm card cautions to beware of 'collective wisdom' as it is often not wise at all but simple herd mentality. Perhaps the person who needs support is the lone 'crackpot' who questions jumping off the cliff into the sea.

The human race is a herd. Here we are, unique, eternal aspects of consciousness with an infinity of potential, and we have allowed ourselves to become an unthinking, unquestioning blob of conformity and uniformity. A herd. Once we concede to the herd mentality, we can be controlled and directed by a tiny few. And we are. ~David Icke

Knowing and Doing

From the Da Vinci Enigma Tarot, Renewal (Judgment); from the Insectorum Divinorum, Caterpillar:

The gap between knowing and doing is larger than the gap between ignorance and knowledge. ~Robert Sutton

          In this partial sketch, a crowned eagle sits atop a globe. In the full rendering of the drawing, a wolf sails a boat toward the eagle. It has been suggested that the wolf represented the Church or the Pope, and the eagle on the world the life of man. Such symbolism doesn't paint the Church in too favorable a light, and perhaps it implied the rivalry of political and religious leaders with the common people caught in the middle. Judgment represents discernment that in turn causes a transformation. It is an understanding that can't be undone or dismissed. Yet the Caterpillar card emphasizes work must be done before the full metamorphosis can take place. Knowing is the first phase, and acting the second.

Weighed Down

This week I'll be using the Da Vinci Enigma Tarot, created by Caitlin Matthews and published by Connections. Along with it, I'll be drawing from a self-published oracle created by Esmeralda Rupp-Spangle called the Insectorum Divinorum. Today's cards are Ten of Fire (Wands) and the Hive:

          In Da Vinci's sketch, men attempt to use a crane to hoist a cannon. The dimmi (literally 'tell me') asks: "What is weighing you down?" The burdens we carry may appear to be created by external sources, but in reality, pride, promises made, and 'shoulds' keep us invested in following through with them. So what's the difference between being dependable and being overly responsible? Psychologist Ellen Hendriksen lists four signs: taking on guilt for everything (even what we have no control over), avoiding conflict (don't risk upsetting anyone), feeling used (people become trained by our behavior), and feeling competent and needed (our self-worth is based on what we do). The Hive card shows a collective that works together for the benefit of all. Obviously, being overloaded does not fit this ideal. But what do we do about it? Hendriksen gives some suggestions: return responsibilities to whom they belong, accept all offers of help, and shift from saving others to launching others.

Roots and Rain Clouds

From the Granny Jones Tarot, the Three of Swords; from the Button Oracle, Honey Bee:

          At the bottom of this dark cloud are little stick hands reaching out and pinwheel legs running. They represent the root of all our suffering, either in the form desperately trying to grab and hold on to what we think will bring us happiness or trying to run from (protect ourselves) from whatever is painful or unpleasant that we think will sabotage our happiness. Yet the golden sword piercing through the cloud suggests turning our thoughts in a different direction. We can instead welcome what comes, invite it to tea, and have a conversation. For instance, if a health challenge presents itself in the middle of our fun, we pay attention to it with self-compassion. We don't have to pretend it's pleasurable, but it helps to find out what is going on so we can mindfully attend to it rather than run around screaming or curl up like a roly-poly. Honey Bee offers a lesson in respect and equanimity; when foraging, it will rarely sting unless stepped on or handled roughly. Collecting nectar and pollen is more important than getting sidetracked by other things. It is a reminder to ask ourselves, "Compared to my peace of mind and taking the long view of life, how important is it?"

A Hell of a Time

From the Granny Jones Tarot, the Six of Cups; from the Button Oracle, Crossroads:

          Here's Granny as a child, enjoying an idyllic day of reading and play. She resembles Lewis Carroll's Alice, who fell down a rabbit hole into a fantasy world. This comparison adds a bit of caution when we are drifting into the past, remembering happy, carefree days (or for some of us, dark, threatening ones). Nostalgia can be quite enjoyable unless it becomes a heavy suitcase we are constantly pulling behind us and checking its contents. When we cling to the memories - good or bad - of the past, we never move mindfully forward. We'll never lose any part of our history or be able to change it. But the Crossroads button suggests we have a choice: to keep focusing on our suitcase or drop the handle and look to the present.

We seem to be going through a period of nostalgia, and everyone seems to think yesterday was better than today. I don't think it was, and I would advise you not to wait ten years before admitting today was great. If you're hung up on nostalgia, pretend today is yesterday and just go out and have one hell of a time. ― Art Buchwald

Sanity Defined

From the Granny Jones Tarot, the Two of Buttons (Pentacles); from the Button Oracle, Lizard:

          Granny is on her toes, juggling two giant buttons while keeping a hula hoop going. That takes quite a bit of focus and energy, and it's likely she won't be able to keep up these activities for long. But she seems to have a good attitude about it, whistling a little song to keep her going. Attitude can make or break us when we find our to-do list overflowing. We can take on the mindset of a victim or a warrior - the first will only add weight to feeling overwhelmed and the second will give us a sense of purpose. Yet the Lizard button brings an alternative solution. Lizards are visual creatures, relying on body posture, movements, and color to communicate. Communication is needed in Granny's case so she doesn't fall under the illusion that Brene Brown speaks of: "we mistakenly fall prey to the myth that successful people are those that help rather than need, and broken people need rather than help." Actually, sanity rather than a lack of success define people who ask for help instead of trying to do everything on their own.

On the Road Again

From the Granny Jones Tarot, the Knight of Wands; from the Button Oracle, Horses:

On the road again

Goin' places that I've never been

Seein' things that I may never see again

And I can't wait to get on the road again.

~Willie Nelson

          This Knight and Willie would get along really well. They both know there are are plenty of adventures found in a life that is on the road all the time - new friends to meet and new places to explore. But what's the downside to this life of constant travel? Perhaps a lack of belonging; there is no piece of land where our roots can rest and no community to establish a deep connection with. There are few responsibilities and even fewer commitments (which sounds great but doesn't make a well-rounded, mature adult). Yet the Horses button ('freedom, nonconformity and spaciousness') is a reminder that there are plenty of pluses for those who travel too. It is easy to become entrenched in one's beliefs and opinions when tied to one place. But getting on the road allows us to see the challenges faced by others, the beauty of a variety of landscapes, and experience different cultures. Alternate viewpoints are easier to understand when we've stood in different places. So perhaps being on the road is a good thing, as long as we have a home base to which to return.

Reality Check

From the Granny Jones Tarot, the Moon; from the Button Oracle, Music:

          Granny uses Edward Lear's tale of "The Owl and the Pussycat" to illustrate the Moon. Supposedly, the owl and cat fall in love and sail away to be married. Now opposites do attract, but it's doubtful a feline and a bird could resist the roles of prey and predator (as Granny's drawing suggests). Yet many lonely hearts end up with someone they don't want to be with because they've fallen under a delusion they think is love. The Music button's keyword is 'mood,' and the quote for it is an African proverb: "When the music changes, so does the dance." Moods, those subtle emotions wrapped in a tangle of unfounded thoughts, go hand-in-hand with the Moon. Under their influence, the world can appear in the form of pink clouds and unicorns or as a dark chasm filled with evil. Either way, the owl would tell us it's time for a reality check.

The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.

~Marcus Aurelius

Paradox of Time

From the Granny Jones Tarot, the Knight of Buttons (Pentacles); from the Button Oracle, Oasis:

          This young Knight looks pretty happy with his wagon load of produce. But his bounty didn't appear overnight. Like the snail who moves along slowly and the spider who constructs a delicate web, he doesn't rush and pays attention to details. He might not get his wagon to the market before other growers, but the quality of what he cultivates will likely outshine his harried competitors. The Knight of Pentacles lives the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson: "Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience." An oasis is a water source in the desert with green vegetation all around it. It is a sanctuary for those traveling for miles through dry, hot sandy regions. But if we are in such a rush to get one task done only to start a new one, we might not realize that our body and spirit needs rest and relief. We keep trudging along until we crash, physically or emotionally.

It may sound paradoxical, but however tight our schedule, however many things clamor to be done, we don't need to hurry. If we can keep our mind calm and go about our business with undivided attention, we will not only accomplish more but we'll do a better job - and find ourselves more patient, more at peace. ~Eknath Easwaran

Ego Tells

This week I'll be using the Granny Jones Australian Tarot, created by Granny Jones (Rebecca Jones) and published by Kangaroo Press. Along with it, I'll be drawing from the Button Oracle, a set I made myself from a collection of buttons. Today's draws are the High Priestess and the Ram:

          Granny seems to have pulled out every divination tool she has, including a familiar and two dragon spirits. But how do we know any information that comes to us is from our luminous mind rather than the egoic mind? There are certain 'tells' of the ego:

•  The ego's main purpose to protect me physically, emotionally and mentally. It looks to benefit me only, not caring about anyone else (unless caring for them benefits me).
• The ego wants me to be in control of things and likes to stay in its comfort zone. If it's not pleasurable, then it's not worth doing.
• The ego is an expert at justifying and rationalizing by pointing out external causes and fixes rather than internal ones. 
• The ego's logic is often based on emotion or opinion, rarely reality. It prefers to see reality from one small angle rather than viewing the whole.

Bighorn sheep (like the one on the Ram button) have split hooves with rough bottoms that can firmly grip two-inch ledges on a mountain. They don't fear steep climbing because they know they can do it. The Ram's advice is to follow the wisdom of the luminous mind, even when it requires us to move out of complacency mode and onto ledges of the unknown.

Sober Up

From the Dark Goddess Tarot, the Seven of Water (Cups); from the Tattwas Cards, Water - Seed of Fire:

          Maeve, the Irish goddess of intoxication, has a name linked to 'mead.' One of the Five Precepts of Buddhism is "I vow not to intoxicate body or mind, but to cultivate a mind that sees clearly." Obviously, we can intoxicate ourselves through more than just alcohol or drugs - anger, depression or fear can do the job as well. I came across a quote by Tibetan scholar and teacher Robert Thurman the other day that sounds like he is talking about substance abuse unless you know the context (he was referring to anger): "It's something that people think is helping them because it gives them a momentary relief from something else. But actually, it's leading them into a worse and worse place where they're getting more and more dependent and less and less free." The Water: Seed of Fire card refers to a sort of fatal attraction. It's easy to see how we can intoxicate ourselves emotionally and envision it as proactive behavior. Yet discernment will show us that the problem is not the problem, but how we think about the problem. Time to sober up and get a clearer view of things.

Big Personalities

From the Dark Goddess Tarot, the Five of Fire (Wands); from the Tattwas Cards, 'Water - Seed of Earth:'

          Eris, the goddess of conflict and strife, reminds me of 'big personalities.' These folks are outgoing, opinionated, and loud; they don't intend to be the center of attention, but they're hard to overlook. They have few filters, so whatever passes through their mind comes out in sometimes inappropriate questions or statements. But the reason big personalities annoy people the most is that they have an uncanny way of revealing our blind spots in flashing neon colors. We can't beat them or ignore them, but we can mirror for them what is appropriate: softer tones, respectful language, and active listening skills. And we might learn some helpful information about ourselves. The Water: Seed of Earth card is associated with alliances, finding people who support your cause or goal. In the situation of the Five of Wands, if the intention is to gang up on the big personality, things are liable to go poorly. But if there is group mirroring of what is expected, the room might start feeling a little more spacious.

A Fool's Game

From the Dark Goddess Tarot, the Five of Air (Swords); from the Tattwas Cards, 'Water - Seed of Ether:'

          The beautiful Harionago is the Japanese Spirit of Mischief and Mayhem. But don't confuse her with a harmless trickster; she lures people in then slashes them with the razor-like tips of her hair. The only way to win with her is to not engage at all. The Water: Seed of Ether card represents synergy, the combined effect of elements. In this case, we may play a part when it comes to trollish behavior. Perhaps we have a chip on our shoulder and like to argue, or maybe our arrogance demands we put the other in his or her place. On the flip side, we may feel victimized because we worry about our reputation. Yet we only feed the fire that keeps the behavior going when we interact in any way. A better use of our time might be in encouraging others who seem to be taking the brunt of what is dished out.

Arguing with anonymous strangers on the Internet is a sucker's game because they almost always turn out to be—or to be indistinguishable from—self-righteous sixteen-year-olds possessing infinite amounts of free time. ― Neal Stephenson

A Different View of Strength

From the Dark Goddess Tarot, Strength; from the Tattwas Cards, 'Fire - Seed of Earth:'

Those who try to put their lives back together exactly as they were remain fractured and vulnerable. But those who accept the breakage and build themselves anew become more resilient and open to new ways of living. ~ Stephen Joseph 

          This Slavic goddess combined with a Tattwas card that signifies alchemy implies the balanced nature of inner strength. Challenges, like the sapling that deepens its roots to withstand gusty winds, can help us develop it. Yet unrelenting force, the kind associated with various types of trauma, has quite a different effect. What doesn't kill us, in fact, doesn't make us stronger (according to researchers). If that were the case, many of us would be sporting Wonder Woman boots or Superman capes. Yet such physical or psychological injury may activate resiliency - the ability to be flexible with what comes our way. And trauma does change us, as David B. Feldman explains: "Up to 80 percent of survivors say that they grow in some way as a result of their tragedies. This phenomenon, officially known as post-traumatic growth can result in people redefining their relationships, deepening or altering their spirituality, or discovering a new philosophy of life." So perhaps resiliency and a wider viewpoint is a part of inner strength too.

Light from Darkness

From the Dark Goddess Tarot, the Stars; from the Tattwas Cards, 'Earth - Seed of Water:'

          The Star can often feel like a place where we go to hide and lick our wounds after taking a hard knock. Realizing the mistakes and misperceptions that got us here, it can be tempting to want to stay in this place of in-between. Lorenzi-Prince describes Spider Woman, the Hopi goddess of thought and creation, as being able to draw "light and life from darkness." The companion book delivers her message: "The more you reach for what inspires you, the more your purpose becomes apparent." We start again, following the vision powered by our heart, not by others. The Tattwas Card, Earth: Seed of Water, reinforces this directive; it suggests boldness and motion as we move, guided by our inspiration. Yet the web of Spider Woman is a reminder of interconnection. There is no need to be a lone wolf when others are willing to walk with us.

Constrictive Thinking

From the Dark Goddess Tarot, the Eight of Air (Swords); from the Tattwas Cards, 'Ether - Seed of Ether:'

          In the Hopi tradition, when children reach the age of nine or ten, they go through an initiation. They are led away from the community where they are met by elders dressed as Kachinas (spirits of nature). The children are whipped with blades from the yucca plant (four strokes) - the only time in their lives they are ever beaten. The ritual is meant to help them face their fears and shatter their illusions. They are then welcomed back into the community with ceremony and honors. The companion book states, "To step out of a stuck situation you need to step up. Face what has been holding you back." Those blind beliefs and inner critics can do tremendous damage to our courage. But once we plow under those weeds, we have space for rebirth, the symbolic meaning of Ether: Seed of Ether.

It's such a relief to learn that we don’t have to believe our thoughts.

~ Toni Bernhard

Concrete Conclusions

This week I'll be using the Dark Goddess Tarot, a deck created by Ellen Lorenzi-Prince and published by Arnell's Art. Along with it, I'll be using a set of Tattwas Cards. Today's draws are the Amazon of Earth (Page of Pentacles) and 'Air - Seed of Water:'

          Artemis, called "She of the Wild" by Homer, was known as a huntress, protector of the young, and a guardian of the forests. She chose to remain chaste and had a bevy of priestesses who vowed to do the same. But Artemis, like many in the first flush of learning, saw in black and white. She had a concept (chastity/purity) that was held in such esteem, she couldn't see any other options. After her hunting attendant Callisto gave birth to a son (with Zeus as his father), Artemis attempted to turn them both into a bear. Zeus instead turned them into the constellations Ursa Minor and Ursa Major. The keyword for Air: Seed of Water is 'stagnation.' Together with the Page, it warns of reifying concepts - making them concrete and inflexible. There is a Buddhist slogan that says, "Self-liberate even the antidote." Basically, it tells us not to try to use one idea as a catch-all for everything. Life is complicated, and it requires a wide perspective rather than a narrow one if we are to see it clearly.

So whenever you come up with a solid conclusion, let the rug be pulled out. You can pull out your own rug, and you can also let life pull it out for you. ~ Pema Chodron

When You Know for Yourself

From the Buckland Romani Tarot, the Page of Bolers/Wheels (Pentacles); from the Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards, 'Great Spirit:'

There are three kinds of men. The ones that learn by readin'. The few who learn by observation. The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence for themselves.

~ attributed to Will Rogers 

          I'll always be grateful for Ginny Hunt pairing this quote with the Page of Pentacles - it describes him so well! I learn by all three methods, but like the Page, I learn best by doing. In my head and on paper, there are no mistakes made. But in the material world, all kinds of unexpected snafus can appear. Part of learning is figuring out how to handle those challenges and learning to think on one's feet to solve them. The description for the Great Spirit card reads: "You are being reminded that within you is the source of all your peace and joy." That makes it much easier to find than seeking all over the world, reading every book, and trying to find the right priest or guru. I suppose both these cards sum up why I am a Buddhist; nothing needs to be believed until you experience for yourself.

When you know for yourselves that, ‘These qualities are skillful; these qualities are blameless; these qualities are praised by the wise; these qualities, when adopted & carried out, lead to welfare & to happiness’ — then you should enter and remain in them.

~Kalama Sutta

The Science of Love

From the Buckland Romani Tarot, the Lovers; from the Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards, 'Prayer Ties:'

As it turns out, love is all about the brain – which, in turn,
makes the rest of your body go haywire. ~Katherine Wu

          According to Dr. Helen Fisher, romantic love can be broken down into three categories: lust, attraction, and attachment (each fueled by different hormones). If a relationship continues over a period of time, dopamine (motivation, excitement) decreases while oxytocin and vasopressin (bonding, affiliation, nurturance) increase, thus allowing attachment and the chance for a long-term relationship. Gosh, that sort of takes all the roses, candy and Valentine cards right out of the equation, doesn't it? Well, not really. All those hormones still react according to the thoughts we have and the actions we take, so becoming self-absorbed is liable to dry them right up. Prayer Ties are a visible wish for the well-being of others and an expression of gratitude. They are a way to knock us out of our self-centered orbit and consider the needs of others. Probably would give those hormones a boost too.

Two Wings

From the Buckland Romani Tarot, the King of Chivs (Swords); from the Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards, the 'Spirit of Man:'

          There is an air of authority about this fellow. He is an intellect who also doles out justice. His rational mind looks for evidence, and he is swayed only by the facts and not emotion. Like the knife stuck in the floor, he is grounded in what is real. The Spirit of Man represents the Higher Self in everyone, the witness within that does not take orders from the ego. Similar to the King of Swords, it sees objectively. But unlike him, this Self realizes we need two wings - both wisdom and compassion.

When we are motivated by compassion and wisdom, the results of our actions benefit everyone, not just our individual selves or some immediate convenience. ~Dalai Lama

Rage and Intolerance

From the Buckland Romani Tarot, Strength; from the Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards, the 'Mole:'

         This Roma woman seems not a bit scared by the teeth and roar of this bear. It symbolizes her inner self - the part that feels rage and righteous indignation or the low simmering of frustration and intolerance. It takes courage to look at this side of ourselves, the ruthlessness that bubbles up with a desire to obliterate and completely silence the other. Yet the calmness she expresses suggests she realizes this is just an intense surge of energy that will dissipate if she doesn't feed it with mental stories. Mole, with its barely discernable eyes and ears, has powerful forepaws that make it suitable for subterranean living. Though its eyes only distinguish between light and dark, it has an acute sense of hearing and a sensitivity to touch. Its message is to view the person that causes our emotional reaction through a different lens. Rather than seeing them as an obstacle to our agenda, we can remember they are simply an imperfect human, just as we are. From that perspective, any respectful communication we attempt will have a better chance of being heard.   

A Key to Sanity

From the Buckland Romani Tarot, the Three of Koros/Cups; from the Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards, 'Sweat Lodge:'

Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you; spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life. ~Amy Poehler 

          As a young child, I was lucky to have my cousins next door to play with, twins a year older and their older sister. The oldest alternated between pretending to be a preacher or a teacher; the wide steps of my grandmother's house designated our grade or the pews of a church. The twins and I played beauty shop one day, cutting my hair above my ears. Scissors were well hidden after this venture. We no longer live close to each other, but we still get together each summer and renew our bond that comes not from shared opinions but from the simple love we have for each other. The Sweat Lodge signifies cleansing and purification that bring us back into balance. My grown-up friends help me do this, reminding me that I am stronger and more resourceful than I think. We share each other's burdens, offer different perspectives and celebrate each person's success.  I heartily agree with the words of Lois Wyse: "A good friend is a connection to life - a tie to the past, a road to the future, the key to sanity in a totally insane world."

Try a Little Tenderness

From the Buckland Romani Tarot, the Page of Cups/Koros; from the Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards, 'Motion:'

          This young lass has had little worldly experience, so each new emotion she feels with her tender heart is like a new color from the giant-size Crayola box. She's not yet learned to harden her heart or detach from drama, so she's open to every relationship. She is like her cousins (the Pages of other Suits) - every encounter is seen with fresh eyes and an uncluttered mind. On the downside, her sensitivity can be a bit much for older adults. But it won't last for long, as the Motion card implies. Everything created or born is always changing. Hopefully, her gentleness won't completely disappear but will be given some balance with discernment. Such tender hearts are what often remind the curmudgeons that life still has some kindness left in it.

When death comes it is never our tenderness that we repent from, but our severity.

~George Eliot