I use tarot and oracle cards as tools for reflection and contemplation. Rather than divining the future, they are a way for me to look more deeply at the "now."
"The goal isn't to arrive, but to meander, to saunter, to make your life a holy wandering." ~ Rami Shapiro

Thursday, April 30, 2020

Flotation Device

From the Llewellyn Tarot, the Queen of Cups; from the Beasts of Albion, the Dolphin:
          Another nice pairing today: the Queen of emotions and relationships meets the Dolphin who represents intelligent caring. This queen's cloak floats out toward the waves while she remains stable in her chair. Like the lifeguard who carries a floatation device to extend to someone who is drowning, she realizes that becoming submerged with a person in emotional distress does no one any good. Her compassion allows her to sit with the suffering of someone else, offering them advice if wanted, but without becoming engulfed. Sometimes the best she can do is tell them she will bear witness so they don't have to suffer alone.

The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is a friend who cares.
― Henri Nouwen

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Inventory and Right Action

From the Llewellyn Tarot, the Hermit; from the Beasts of Albion, the Wren:

          Today's two cards seem to be a study of opposites: solitude and self-examination versus a song sung loud and proud. The Hermit encourages a look within, to see assets as well as areas that need improvement. Before he can teach others anything, he must have a clear view of himself. From a center of calm and clarity, he can then become a vocal advocate or activist while avoiding dragging his own baggage into the situation.

The only sane response to the facts is radical confidence. Radical because it emerges on the other side of despair after you have confronted the facts and accepted your feelings about them. Confidence because you come to the realization that it is not too late to act meaningfully.
 ~James Thornton

Tap into the frustration, outrage, and anger—to go deeper to the place where we really care, and then move that caring into action.
~James Baraz

Monday, April 27, 2020

Intentional Discovery

From the Llewellyn Tarot, the Four of Cups; from the Beasts of Albion, Eagle:
          The Four of Cups can represent melancholic discontent to overwhelmed apathy. When our cups become too full of sorrow, anxiety, or hurt, we develop a heartache that leaves us in a stagnated state. There is an Irish legend that says when Eagle has lost his vim and vigor, he flies to the sun until his feathers are scorched and then dives into the ocean where he is rejuvenated, much like the phoenix. This message of renewal paired with the Four of Cups reminded me of a daily quote posted by the AA Grapevine that was a twist on the biblical verse in Mark: "What profiteth a man if he gains his sobriety but loses his sense of humor?" Step away from the usual way of trudging through the day and intentionally search for lightheartedness and laughter. In the words of Henri Nouwen, "Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day." 

Sunday, April 26, 2020

Focused Attention

This week I'll be using the Llewellyn Tarot, created by Anna-Marie Ferguson and published by Llewellyn. I'll also be using the Beasts of Albion, an oracle deck created by Miranda Gray and published by Aquarian. Today's draws are the Three of Pentacles and Crane:
        This craftswoman, skilled with needle and thread, has a reputation for the quality of her work. Though her talent is well-known, she is content to enjoy each task she takes on rather than shine in the limelight. The Crane represents the need for patience and inner stillness in order to keep one's temperament calm and at ease. A wonderful channel for excessive emotional energy is to find a craft or active hobby that one enjoys; mindfulness can be practiced in a multitude of ways. Perhaps her focused attention is what has perfected this woman's skills.

The purpose of Zen is not to become people who don’t think, but to think only what we need to; not to be lost in unnecessary thoughts, but to see what is most necessary right now.
—Shodo Harada Roshi

Saturday, April 25, 2020

Watch Your Spending

From the Norse Tarot, the Ace of Disks; from the Wolf Pack, Crossroads:

          Look closely, and much interaction may be seen in the intertwined details of this disk. Likewise, my time, energy, and money can be spent in assorted ways, some that will be of benefit and some that will incur a heavy debt later on. The Crossroads card reminds me that I am the one making the choices; whether I act impulsively or wisely, the consequences or results will fall at my feet. When I am bored, angry, sad, or fearful, it is tempting to use these resources in ways that aren't very discerning. In the words of Frank Outlaw:

Watch your thoughts, they become words;
watch your words, they become actions;
watch your actions, they become habits;
watch your habits, they become character;
watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.

Friday, April 24, 2020

Seeds of a Solution

From the Norse Tarot, the Prince (Knight) of Disks; from the Wolf Pack, Obstacle:
          This Prince/Knight has his feet on the ground rather than in stirrups. He likes to pay attention to details, not give things a cursory glance. He takes pride in a job done well, even though it might take him a bit longer than others. But more often than not, his results are impressive. Fortunately, his patience and dependability carry over even when obstacles are encountered. Rather than focus only on the goal and attempt to bulldoze over what stands in the way, he looks closely at the problem itself. What gave rise to this? What might be exacerbating it? Would it be better to start anew or seek a solution? His studious childhood has led to a scientific eye. It might upend the original timetable, but he won't rest until he finds some answers.

Every problem has in it the seeds of its own solution.
~Norman Vincent Peale



Thursday, April 23, 2020

Truth or Consequences

From the Norse Tarot, the Devil; from the Wolf Pack, Outcome:

          The Norse Tarot shows Loki the trickster god being held accountable for causing the death of the beloved Balder. Bound to boulders, an adder constantly dripped poisonous, burning venom onto him. His wife came with a bowl to catch the venom, but even then she couldn't catch what fell when she had to empty the bowl. Jealousy, greed, hatred, and fear are the devils that bind us, keeping us from seeing clearly and acting rationally. The Outcome card implies that no matter who we try to blame or what excuses we offer, we can't outrun the consequences of our behavior. At some point, the debt must be paid.

There are in nature neither rewards nor punishments — there are consequences.
― Robert G. Ingersoll

Wednesday, April 22, 2020

The Three Ps

From the Norse Tarot, the Eight of Wands; from the Wolf Pack, 'Long Journey:'

          The combination of speed with the implication of a long road ahead reminds me of a phrase my father-in-law often used: "Don't rush off in the heat without a blanket." It sounds crazy at first until life's nature to change is remembered. Although things may be moving quickly at the moment, the destination or goal is still quite far away; what seems to be the status quo now might turn inside out tomorrow. The three Ps are called for in this case - preparation, patience, and perseverance.

Patience is the calm acceptance that things can happen in a different order than the one you have in your mind. ~David G. Allen

Tuesday, April 21, 2020

WTF

From the Norse Tarot, the Eight of Disks; from the Wolf Pack, 'New Beginning:'
          This fellow shows off his skill at making shields, though he uses wood mostly rather than metal. I'm guessing that although he has some knowledge and ability, he hasn't quite achieved the title of master craftsman. Until he perfects his art, he will continue to use wood. The Wolf Pack produces the card 'New Beginning,' suggesting a change from the status quo. Yesterday, Georgia's (Republican) governor announced that many businesses would be reopening - fitness centers, bowling alleys, body art studios, barbers, hair and nail salons, and massage therapy businesses as early Friday, April 24 and theaters and restaurants on Monday, April 27. As of yesterday, Georgia has 19,399 confirmed cases and 775 deaths. Medical folks on the front lines are warning of a second wave of virus cases. I'm afraid our governor - with his family untouched in the governor's mansion - is aiming to please Trump. He's like the craftsman who thinks he knows more than he actually does and refuses to listen to those who do.

Monday, April 20, 2020

Love One Another

From the Norse Tarot, the High Priest (Frey); from the Wolf Pack, Isolation:
     
            Barrett's choice for the High Priest/Hierophant - Frey - was described by one Old Norse poem as "the foremost of gods" and "hated by none." Because he represented fertility, health, and peace, it's easy to see why he was so beloved. His symbol was a golden boar and his followers often wore charms with this emblem as they were said to protect the wearer from harm. When his chariot rolled into town, people laid down their weapons and feasted. Under his guidance, there was no need to own a bunker of guns stashed with food for a year; the greatest enemy faced would be the one who looked back from the mirror each morning. The Isolation card paired with the High Priest reminded me of how some churches understand that selflessness requires no gatherings right now, while others demand their right to meet and worship as they choose. Which group is following the law of love and kindness? I think even Jesus might have a few choice words for the "it's our right" group.



Sunday, April 19, 2020

Emotional Awareness

This week I’ll be using the Norse Tarot book and deck, created by Clive Barrett and published by Aquarian. The other deck I’ll be drawing from is the Wolf Pack, created by Robert Petro and published by Windspirit Productions. Today’s cards are the Princess (Page) of Cups and Rejoice:

          The Princess of Cups is warm and compassionate; she places a high value on harmony and will not confront others or cross lines if it means a disruption among relationships. Yet as she matures, she will see that hard conversations tempered by love can be healing; that sometimes to protect the unprotected, we have to cross boundaries to find justice. Right now she stands at the edge of the water without immersing herself, listening to her intuition and observing others. The Rejoice card shows what she will learn if she continues to pay attention - that emotions are to be respected without giving them too much authority.

We think we know our own life, but what we know is only an edited version, colored by our emotions and narrow vision. How close can we come to the original draft?
—Gregg Krech

Saturday, April 18, 2020

The Flow of Behavior

From the Nigel Jackson Tarot, the Nine of Cups; from the Viking Lenormand, Book:
          Without cable, I've been watching Lucifer on Netflix lately. I always find the answers interesting when he asks people "What is your deepest desire?" Desire drives people, sometimes in good ways and sometimes not. This morning with the Nine of Cups (wish card), I wonder what the manifestation of my wishes would bring. Would they be selfless or selfish? Would they be of benefit in the long run, or would they provide a brief bit of pleasure but then regret later? The Book card suggests information and knowledge, but it is the kind that requires effort on my part, such as research or education. Perhaps before I chase the next pleasure, I might spend time doing investigation and study.

Human behavior flows from three main sources: desire, emotion, and knowledge.
~Plato

Friday, April 17, 2020

No Excuses

From the Nigel Jackson Tarot, Justice; from the Viking Lenormand, Garden:

          The realm of Justice is a 'no whine - no excuses' zone. She firmly states that all rights are balanced with responsibilities; to have the first, we must uphold the second. When the scales of balance tilt because a line has been crossed, there will be consequences. The most foolish crime in her book is refusing to learn from one's mistakes. The Garden suggests a place to retreat, relax and unwind from the stresses of life. Whether we're birdwatching, watering some potted plants or enjoying the sun and breeze, it gives us time to just be. Downtime allows us to become aware of what our thoughts are thinking about. It gives us the opportunity to see how our words and actions might ripple out and affect people and situations in unintended ways. Such insights can help us develop prudence and discernment, keeping us from standing under the sword of Justice.

Thursday, April 16, 2020

I'm Listening... (and Reading)

From the Nigel Jackson Tarot, the King of Cups; from the Viking Lenormand, the Ship:
          The other day someone sent me a meme of a woman reading to a circle of potted plants. The gist was she desperately needed company and someone to talk with in the midst of our current shelter-in-place orders. But even those of us who live with other people can be just as lonely; we talk while the other person stares at their phone, computer or TV and mumbles 'uh-huh' every now and then. But the King of Cups keeps his eyes on the one talking, modeling calm rather than getting caught up in emotional turmoil. Maybe plants aren't such a bad substitute after all if this guy isn't available. The Ship represents adventure or a journey, something not likely to happen at the moment (at least physically), yet could be accomplished in other ways such as through reading. It's definitely a way to derail any thoughts of anxiety or frustration right now. I'm currently reading through a YA series by Tamora Pierce ("Terrier," "Bloodhound," and "Mastiff.") What are you reading?

Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Tempering the Grapevine

From the Nigel Jackson Tarot, Temperance; from the Viking Lenormand, Birds:
          Temperance is literally tempering our egoic desires with spiritual principles. For instance, we may want to be the center of attention, but humility reminds us we are no more or less important than others, so we step back and let others have their say. Temperance keeps us from harming ourselves and our relationships. The Birds indicate something 'heard through the grapevine.' Usually, it contains a grain of truth, but the rest of the story is left out or exaggerated. But people still pay attention - just check social media for all the misinformation shared and reshared without any evidence to back it up. Temperance reminds us that while such news may be exciting, we should practice discernment and investigate for ourselves just what is truth and what is fiction.

Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.
― Carl Sagan

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

Laws of Love or Lock-down

From the Nigel Jackson Tarot, the Emperor; from the Viking Lenormand, the Snake:
          This Emperor sits before his city with the key to its gates at his feet. He decides who is welcome and who is refused entry. In the middle of a pandemic, strict rules of behavior are necessary and helpful to keep everyone safe and well. But how different it looks when the Emperor wants to build a wall, not to protect the well-being of those in his care, but because those outside the gates are simply different in some way. The Snake can represent betrayal or selfishness and greed, and it is the latter meaning that fits with this Emperor. Are his laws created for the benefit of all, or only to benefit himself?

Selfishness is not living as one wishes to live, it is asking others to live as one wishes to live.
~Oscar Wilde 

Monday, April 13, 2020

Both Ways

From the Nigel Jackson Tarot, the Knight of Swords; from the Viking Lenormand, Letter:

          Judging by a lack of a saddle and reins, this knight has not only mental agility but also mental control. Witty and smart is one thing, but it takes it to another level when you can place your attention where you want it, like shining a flashlight beam. The mind then becomes one's ally rather than one's commander-in-chief. The Letter suggests a written communication of some kind, but like texts and emails, there is no tone of voice or body language available to judge the intent of what's written if there are any questions. No need to freak out; communication works both ways.

This report, by its very length, defends itself against the risk of being read.
~Winston Churchill

The trouble with so many of us is that we underestimate the power of simplicity.
~Robert Stuberg


Sunday, April 12, 2020

A-Ten-Hut!

This week I'll be using the Nigel Jackson Tarot, created by Jackson and published by Llewellyn. I'll also be using the Viking Lenormand, created and self-published by my dear friend Carole Beasley. Today's draws are the Two of Coins and the Rider:
          The companion booklet describes the Two of Coins as 'skillful management,' an apt explanation of this card's meaning. How do the scales balance when it comes to assets and expenditures, self-care and the care of others, or rest and work time? The scales might not be even each day, but over a period of days, they should look a little more in line with each other. The Rider appears with the reminder to be aware of what's going on within and around us instead of going through our days with blinders on. There may be messages from our bodies, our bank accounts or friends and family that need our attention.

We must hold still in the midst of our burning thoughts, our anxieties, our fears, and our emotions. We must remember to settle into our bodies and allow them to do the knowing, the resting, the connecting to the earth beneath us. We have a chance now, while the world has stilled, to feel the wind and the sun, to walk outside in the rain, to notice the small, yellow faces of dandelions emerging from the mud. We have a chance to remember what matters in this fleeting, fragile life – our connections, our loves, our families, friends, communities and our host, this endlessly beautiful and constantly changing Earth. —Elizabeth Monson

Saturday, April 11, 2020

New Day, New Choices

From the Everyday Enchantment Tarot, the Ace of Wands; from the MentorSpirit Cards, 'Freedom:'
Write it on your heart
that every day is the best day in the year.
He is rich who owns the day, and no one owns the day
who allows it to be invaded with fret and anxiety. 
― Ralph Waldo Emerson

          It's a new day, and Palin has presented us with a blank canvas to paint on it what we will. I'm a little giddy this morning to find our internet is up (though probably briefly). Having no mobile data and no internet connection has felt rather constricting, so today feels like the MentorSpirit card, Freedom. I'm surfing around to see what everyone has been up to and reconnecting with friends and family. Yet I'm also pondering Viktor Frankl's thoughts: "The last of one’s freedoms is to choose one’s attitude in any given circumstance." There will always be things I'm powerless over; the challenge will be in working with my mind to accept and adapt rather than continuing to push back against that which is immovable. Such situations can be learning experiences too. As one AA writer put it, "Adversity truly introduces us to ourselves."

Tuesday, April 7, 2020

A Party?

From the Everyday Enchantment Tarot, the Four of Wands; from the MentorSpirit Cards, 'Generosity:'
          There's a celebration going on, which reminded me of the tears and cheers that have lined our hospital's corridors as a couple of previously seriously ill patients in ICU went home rather than left in a body bag. We are learning, though that curve has been sharp and perilous for many. And in the middle of all this, parents are discovering how to homeschool, support groups are figuring out how to use video and audio conferencing platforms, and folks are embracing new or long-forgotten hobbies. Generosity helps lubricate this process by giving without expectations. But this compassionate action comes not from a place of lack but of gratitude, realizing we have enough with some to spare for others.

Generosity takes many forms—we may give our time, our energy, our material possessions, our love. All are expressions of caring, of compassion, of connection, and of renunciation—the ability to let go.
—Joseph Goldstein

Monday, April 6, 2020

No Place Here

From the Everyday Enchantment Tarot, the Six of Blades; from the MentorSpirit Cards, 'Integrity:'

          Rather than a ferryman taking a family across the water to another land, Palin's card shows a family skating away from the dangers of broken ice (even leaving behind some of their belongings). We often work hard to find solutions to problems or see a situation with clarity, but when we finally do, it can sometimes be hard to leave what is familiar for the unknown. Yet Integrity appears and adds another layer to honesty, asking us to back up what we say we believe and know with action. Pleasing or impressing others has no place here, nor is procrastination useful.

Day by day, your choices, your thoughts, your actions fashion the person you become. Your integrity determines your destiny. ― Heraclitus

Sunday, April 5, 2020

Gull Mentality

This week I'll be drawing from the Everyday Enchantment Tarot, a set created by Poppy Palin and published by Red Feather. The oracle I'll be using is MentorSpirit, created by Kathy Tyler with Joy Drake and published by InnerLinks Associates. Today's cards are the Four of Coins and 'Peace:'
          The gull in Palin's card reminded me of the gulls in the movie Finding Nemo, constantly screaming "mine, mine, mine" over and over. I imagine if you were to toss a bottle of hand sanitizer, face masks, and disposable gloves into a store right now, humans would react much the same. Where is the line between looking after our own needs (so someone else doesn't have to do it) and becoming selfish, self-centered hoarders? When what I value is reduced to only my concerns without considering that of others, I've developed a gull mentality. The Peace card offers another slant: if I am hyper-focused on guarding what I have and getting what I desire, I will find no serenity. As Queen Elizabeth stated, "The lessons from the peace process are clear; whatever life throws at us, our individual responses will be all the stronger for working together and sharing the load."

Saturday, April 4, 2020

Down into the Dirt

From the Albano-Waite Tarot, the Empress; from the Rumi Cards, 'Small as an Atom:'
 The beautiful gesture of touching the earth reminds us that awakening is less about stretching up toward transcendence than it is reaching down into the dirt.
— Pamela Weiss

          I've received and seen dozens of suggestions for worldwide prayer and meditation, which is a nice way to remember that we are all interconnected and not alone. But the Empress would say if we're only doing this as a way to escape reality, then it is simply spiritual bypassing not enlightenment. She asks, "What seeds are you planting - emotional and physical - that will bloom and spread to your neighbor's space?" Are my seeds full of fear or anger and concerned primarily with me, my and mine? The Rumi card suggests developing humility (touching the earth). Bill Wilson wrote that humility was "the clear recognition of what and who we really are, followed by a sincere attempt to be what we can be." I am inspired by friends and others whose focus now is on helping in whatever way they can and using humor to spread cheer. I bow respectfully to all of you. 

Friday, April 3, 2020

The Breeze

From the Albano-Waite Tarot, the Five of Wands; from the Rumi Cards, 'The Breeze at Dawn:'
          Is it really any surprise when someone has what they think is a great idea, and as soon as they've shared it, another person says he doesn't think things should be done that way? If all we focus on is feeling snubbed, we'll never hear what else might be possible. Debate wants only to win, but Discourse builds a more complete picture through attentive listening and asking questions. The Breeze at Dawn quote suggests there is something good or beautiful right under our noses, but we've totally missed it because it doesn't shout or take center stage. When we drop our agendas and personal strategies, we can allow that breeze to refresh us.

The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you.
Don’t go back to sleep!
~Rumi

Thursday, April 2, 2020

Holding On

From the Albano-Waite Tarot, the Nine of Wands; from the Rumi Cards, 'Don't Despair:'
There are times in life when people must know when not to let go. Balloons are designed to teach small children this. ― Terry Pratchett 

          Both the cards today reflect tenacity - refusing to give up while holding onto hope without clinging to expectation. Usually, when I want to retreat and curl up in a cocoon of pity, it's because I have lost any meaning of life beyond a self-centered purpose. Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen wrote:
Meaning does not change the particulars of our lives; it changes our experience of those particulars. Finding meaning requires seeing beyond the superficial to the essential, seeing what is familiar and even commonplace in new ways.
How do we discover such a purpose? Viktor Frankl wrote that we can find meaning in three ways: experiencing reality authentically (experiential), expressing oneself through art or craft and doing deeds for others (creative), and changing our attitude when faced with a situation we are powerless to change (attitudinal). That sounds like an ongoing, lifelong task; I'd better get cracking.

Rachel Maddow speaking about our community.