Fair or Unfair

From the Stone Tarot, Justice; from the Buddhist Quote Cards, Dhammapada 26:390:

I am not blind

you are blind

~

Which scares you more

to believe that life is unfair

or to believe that life is fair?

-Alison Stone

          I've begun to realize that causing pain when I've been hurt doesn't make my own go away. That nurturing a resentment doesn't change history and revenge doesn't heal my heart. Yet I can hold someone accountable for their actions and refuse to enable them to take advantage of others. In the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., "I came to the conclusion that there is an existential moment in your life when you must decide to speak for yourself; nobody else can speak for you." The quote from the Dhammapada is a reminder not to unintentionally tilt those scales in the other direction while seeking justice: "Whenever one turns away from the intent to harm, suffering is allayed." [The suffering it alludes to is our own.]

Small Drops

This week I'll be using the Stone Tarot, a self-published deck by Alison Stone. I may also dip into her book of tarot poems (Ordinary Magic), although it wasn't written as a companion book. The oracle I'll be using is the Buddhist Quote Cards, painted and published by Diana Altenburg. Even though she has spiritual quotes (from John Lennon to Lao Tzu) on the back of the cards, I have decided to pair each card with a verse from the Dhammapada. Today's draws are Justice and Dhammapada 9:122.

          Stone's poem for the Queen of Pentacles is a letter from Lilith to Adam. In Jewish folklore, Lilith had been formed from the same clay as Adam, but when he told her she must be subservient to him, she grew wings and flew away. She makes clear to him that she would much rather have her integrity intact and hang out with with the flora and fauna than be a slave to anyone. Like all Queen of Pentacles, she is grounded in reality and very resourceful. She may not have much, but she sure knows how to be creative with what she has. The verse form the Dhammapada reads: "With dripping drops of water even a water jug is filled." Tossed into a situation where we must choose between what we value and security, it's easy for confidence to waver. But each small step we take can help our courage and assurance grow. 

Because (s)he demands no honor,

(S)he will never be dishonored. 

~Lao Tzu

The Width of It

From the Badgers Forest Tarot, the Page of Wands; from the Gemstone Oracle, Red Jasper:

          This little bunny is up early to explore the meadow this morning - there are so many things to see, sniff and nibble on. With all his natural-born eagerness and energy, he learns best by experiencing things rather than reading or listening (just ask his mother about that last one). It would be wise to at least try to temper his excitement with some words of caution, but Red Jasper ('passion for living') suggest we don't throw too much cold water on his inner fire. We would do well to heed the words of Diane Ackerman to balance out any tendency to be overly cautious: "I do not want to get to the end of my life and find that I just lived the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well."

Truth-Telling

From the Badgers' Forest Tarot, the King of Swords; from the Gemstone Oracle, Blue Lace Agate:

          Intelligent and objective, the King of Swords can see both sides of a situation with clarity. Guided by high ideals, he is motivated to settle conflicts and find solutions. But like his queen, he's not warm and fuzzy or inclined to cushion his judgments with honeyed words. He isn't intentionally unkind, he just knows that some people can't hear the truth unless it is delivered directly and frankly. Blue Lace Agate, associated with communication, would agree with his intention to be honest. Yet having an unselfish motive behind the truth-telling is critical. In the words of Barbara Brown Taylor, "Every human interaction offers you the chance to make things better or to make things worse." Just because it's true doesn't necessarily mean anyone would be better off if it was spoken.

Crumbling and Rebuilding

From the Badgers' Forest Tarot, the Tower; from the Gemstone Oracle, Citrine:

          The Tower represents a foundation that was thought to be secure and certain, but is now crumbling. It may be a tradition, a dogma, or just the lens we use to perceive the world. Once we stop quaking in our boots, we have a choice to make. Citrine represents a fresh perspective, but the quote by Rachel Joyce warns us to use discernment: "Beginnings could happen more than once or in different ways. You could think you were starting something afresh, when actually what you were doing was carrying on as before." We must remember that nothing is ever fixed and unchangeable. And secondly, we must not rebuild on the old foundation and simply give it a new label. 

Our suffering connects us to billions of others around the world who are also conscientiously distancing themselves for the sake of kindness and safety. A hand on our hearts can remind us that freedom, peace, and connection are always here. —Nina Herzog

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday, full of things to be thankful for.

Pleasure in Proportion

From the Badgers' Forest Tarot, the Devil; from the Gemstone Oracle, Lepidolite:

          Early Christians imagined the Devil as a goat-like human in order to bring shame to those who worshiped Pan, Greek god of the wild, who delighted in taking naps, chasing nymphs and playing music. In the eyes of Christianity, enjoying such pleasure on a daily basis was sinful. Yet there is a line we can cross over when we attempt to avoid reality (and responsibilities) by drowning our worries in the pleasure of our choice. While dancing and merry-making can release pent-up stress, Lepidolite ('calmness of mind') suggests that finding healthy ways to relax can be just as helpful. As Ray Bradbury put it, "Life should be touched, not strangled. You've got to relax, let it happen at times, and at others move forward with it." 

The Year 2020

From the Badgers' Forest Tarot, Temperance; from the Gemstone Oracle, Pyrite:

          The year 2020 could be described as a time when people lost their moral compass, their common sense, and many of the things which normally anchored them. The ground slipped beneath our feet, and we flailed about looking for something solid and certain. Many chose an extreme ideology to give them a feeling of being safe and secure. However, rather than screaming at or mocking those who don't hold our viewpoint, Temperance suggests we take the middle way of humility and moderation . Pyrite, commonly known as fool's gold, is assigned the phrase 'all that glitters is not gold.' The quote for this mineral is from Sharon Salzberg: "Mindfulness helps us get better at seeing the difference between what’s happening and the stories we tell ourselves about what’s happening, stories that get in the way of direct experience." Instead of spending my time judging others, I might make better use of it by taking a closer look at those stories I'm telling myself.

Keeping Pace

From the Badgers' Forest Tarot, the Ten of Crows (Pentacles); from the Gemstone Oracle, Moss Agate:

          It's always entertaining to watch bird parents teach their young where to find food and how to navigate those contraptions called bird feeders. Learning to be responsible for themselves will allow them to learn survival skills rather than expecting someone always to be there to do things for them. Moss Agate ('growth') expands this logic as the quote by Frederick Douglass illuminates: "Nature is herself a great worker and never tolerates, without certain rebuke, any contradiction to her wise example. Inaction is followed by stagnation." In a world of technology and constant change, we all must be willing to add to our skill sets if we want to keep pace. On the plus side, as my friend Sharyn says, being eager to study new things means you're never bored. 

Sharing Accurate Information

This week I'll be using the Badgers Forest Tarot, a deck created and self-published by Nakisha VanderHoeven. Along with it, I'll be using my Gemstone Oracle (with actual stones). The meanings for the stones have loosely been chosen from the book Crystal and Gemstone Divination by Gail Butler (I added quotations with the keywords). Today's draws are the Six of Crows (Pentacles) and Labradorite:

  

          It appears someone has left the crows and other animals some extra food - perhaps a thanksgiving feast just for them. On the topic of generosity, it has been disheartening to watch Trump obsess about election recounts while completely ignoring the health and well-being of the people he is supposed to serve. Yet yesterday I was out gathering some items for a library display and stopped to stick a dollar in the United Way kettle. The bell-ringer gleefully said that it was the second kettle she was filling up today. When I came back out, I made a point to stick another bill in there as well. While the news may focus on everything that is wrong, there are regular people engaging in simple acts of kindness that go largely unseen. They are who I need to focus on as I find small ways to be of service too. Labradorite's keywords are 'news flash' and 'facts about a situation.' Its assigned quote is by Margaret Mead: "I was brought up to believe that the only thing worth doing was to add to the sum of accurate information in the world." I will take her advice and spread the word that goodwill exists, it just doesn't usually make the nightly news.

Advocating Persistence

From the Animal Totem Tarot, the Eight of Pentacles; from the Blum/Gern Rune Cards, Taiwaz/Tiwaz:

          This adolescent mountain goat becomes more surefooted and confident as he climbs each day, learning which stones will crumble and which will bear his weight. Likewise, the Eight of Pentacles encourages us to keep practicing our skills and adding to our knowledge. This year the pandemic has forced everyone to adapt and learn new information (though some are more skillful and willing than others). Yet in the future, another generation might look back at ours to see if we became proficient or failed at our task. Adjusting isn't easy for anyone, which is probably why Taiwaz has appeared, a rune representing the warrior god Tyr. He advocates persistence, order and balance. "Keep doing what is right for the good of all, regardless of the naysayers. Rationality will eventually bring success."

The mark of a true practitioner is not what arises in your life and mind, but how you work with what arises. —Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche

An Honest and Gentle Look

From the Animal Totem Tarot, the Hermit; from the Blum/Gern Rune Cards, Nauthiz:

          The mantis has developed the art of camouflage and stillness; its lesson is to withdraw from the chaos and constant distractions of our lives in order to perceive life with more clarity. Do we have a purpose in life beyond simply surviving at one extreme or accumulating the most toys at the other? If we have ethical guideposts, such an assessment of our lives so far and the direction we're headed is likely not to be pleasant. Which is why Nauthiz - 'constraint' - shows up to put a leash on us before we dive back into our daily distractions. It represents those times we get sidelined, perhaps due to an injury or illness, and don't have a choice other than to slow down. Yet in the long run, we will reap the benefits from our self-inventory. As Pema Chodron explained, "The most fundamental aggression to ourselves, the most fundamental harm we can do to ourselves, is to remain ignorant by not having the courage and the respect to look at ourselves honestly and gently."

One Step at a Time

From the Animal Totem Tarot, the Six of Pentacles; from the Blum/Gern Rune Cards, Dagaz:

          In this exchange, the hens get a safe place from predators to nest while the coop builder enjoys a supply of eggs. This type of sharing isn't about pity, but each party doing what they can. Robertson describes the Six of Pentacles as planting the seed of change through sharing resources (time, energy, material things, etc.). It doesn't mean a great change will come just from our actions, but if others (including the recipient) also help nurture that seed, transformation can happen. Simply taking the time to offer some encouraging words might be the seed that will one day bloom and produce its own crop of seeds. Dagaz means daybreak and implies a 180 degree turn in attitude and actions. Perhaps it is the realization that challenges and adversities aren't personal but universal that nurtures our own seed of compassion. 

Compassion allows us to use our own pain and the pain of others as a vehicle for connection. 

—Sharon Salzberg

Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time. 

—Ruth Bader Ginsburg

What Matters Most

From the Animal Totem Tarot, the Two of Wands; from the Blum/Gern Rune Cards, Sowilo/Sowelu:

          Gliding gracefully through the water, a stingray searches for a bottom-dwelling meal. Stingrays have a network of tiny sensory organs called ampullae of Lorenzini surrounding their mouths that detect the bioelectric fields created by other animals in the water. Once located, they use their hard teeth to clamp down on shells and chew through them to get to the food inside. The Two of Wands reminds us that we too usually have a sense of whether to stick with what we're doing or try something new. When it alerts us, we should act. However, Sowilo/Sowelu refers to the Sun and indicates wholeness. Perhaps before pursuing something new, we should make sure our relationships, health, and other areas of our life are not suffering and in need of attention.

Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least.

― Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Choosing Light Over Darkness

From the Animal Totem Tarot, the Five of Pentacles; from the Blum/Gern Rune Cards, Gebo:

          A wagon full of dead raccoon dogs (related to the fox, not its namesakes) is seen in this wintry landscape. These animals are native to East Asia and are hunted for their fur. Some shady fur traders will try to pass off coats made from these pelts as faux fur to appease those who want to feel better about buying them. Yet Robertson questions human desires and demands, and the high cost required. Is having something so necessary for survival that hurting another group or the environment is worth it? Just how much stuff and money does a person need? The rune Gebo is associated with partnership or gift, implying cooperation as well as a generous spirit. Both these cards seem to channel Martin Luther King, Jr.'s question about whether we will choose to walk in the light of altruism or in the darkness of selfishness. 

What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal. ~Albert Pike

Stuck then Moving

From the Animal Totem Tarot, the Two of Swords; from the Blum/Gern Rune Cards, Raido:

          The Wilson's plover is a coastal wader that moves along the shoreline in search of food (hoping for a fiddler crab). The shore is one of those in-between places, not quite ocean but not quite land. This place of limbo is how we often feel when there is an important decision to make. Though uncomfortable, it can help us reassess, step out of our habitual patterns, and reorder our priorities. Raido suggests a journey, whether physical or within. It is movement beyond the usual places we prefer to places of uncertainty and the unknown. Raido invites us to stay curious rather than anxious, to keep our mind open rather than hide. Both these cards seem to encourage us to embrace change, which is the natural flow of life. 

A spiritual practice can be an island, a place where opening to uncertainty and doubt can lead us to a refuge of truth. —Joan Halifax

Emotional Fulfillment

This week I'll be using the Animal Totem Tarot, created by Eugene Smith with a companion book by Leeza Robertson; the set was published by Llewellyn. I'll also be using the Blum/Gern Rune Cards created by Ralph Blum and illustrated by Gabrielle Gern with publishing by Connections. These were originally sold as the set The Rune Cards: Sacred Play for Self-discovery, but since I just have the cards, I'll be using Blum's The Book of Runes as a companion text. Today's draws are the Ten of Cups and Ansuz:

The sense of fulfillment is often hidden in acts of kindness.     

— Todd Stocker

          In the companion booklet, Robertson suggests that no one finds emotional fulfillment without first developing self-restraint, self-care, and respectful communication. These things come about not because life is perfect, but through challenges and adversities that demand growth. And compassionate support is vitally important, even when there is disagreement. As Robert Breault put it, "In the end there doesn’t have to be anyone who understands you. There just has to be someone who wants to." Ansuz indicates a message that brings sacred knowledge and understanding. It suggests that we look at every encounter - whether a stone, bird, or person - as a spiritual sage we can learn something from. However, be warned that some of these messengers might be in the form of a trickster rather than a jolly Santa. Sometimes what is frustrating can teach us the tools we need to find the fulfillment we seek.

The Way Forward

From the Tyldwick Tarot, the Five of Staves; from the Antiquarian Lenormand, Tree:

          The Tyldwick card shows a shield with the painting of Greek wrestlers participating in the ancient Olympic games. The object of these games was not to kill and destroy your opponent, but to best him athletically. In the same way, this card indicates we must prove ourselves by offering the best option or argument for getting something done. Yet in such competitions, it can be helpful to remember the words of Laurie H. Anderson: "You have to know what you stand for, not just what you stand against." A solution or path forward needs directions to go in, not just the roads to avoid. The Lenormand Tree card implies we should consider the roots of every person involved because everyone's knowledge, skill sets, and experience will be different. The way forward may require a combination of suggestions, not just those from one particular person.

Mental Weeding

From the Tyldwick Tarot, the Sun; from the Antiquarian Lenormand, the Stars:

          On a table is a statue of Surya, sun god and chief of the planets in Hindu astrology. He is pulled by seven horses, a symbol of the seven chakras, and thus is associated with healing. Surya represents the wholeness and balance that comes after the Fool has gained wisdom and been made aware of his assets and flaws, no longer believing he is the center of the universe. Sunflowers have been used to clean toxins from the soil and water at sites such as Chernobyl. The illumination and clarity the Sun brings helps us feel renewed, energized and with a joy for life. The Lenormand Stars card represents progress toward one's goals. It's amazing how much more easily we can navigate life when we see it as it is rather than as we want it to be. 

When people will not weed their own minds, they are apt to be overrun by nettles.

― Horace Walpole

Celebrating Self-Expression

From the Tyldwick Tarot, the Four  of Staves; from the Antiquarian Lenormand, Ship:

          The palette and paintbrushes suggest the beginning of a project. Yet the inspiration has already been shaped into form, the canvas prepared, a rough sketch done, and the tools assembled. While the creation has yet to be finished, the hard work of actually beginning is done and the fun is about to start. The Lenormand card shows an 1800s version of a dirigible airship; it implies exploration (with possibly an unusual approach). Others may grimace at choices made, but this need not dull one's creative joy. Hopefully, we will take Rihanna's words to heart: "I'm gonna look back on my life and say that I enjoyed it - and I lived it for me." This approach is not about a lack of concern for others, but a realization that an attempt to please everyone will end up pleasing no one.

Lessons of Loss

From the Tyldwick Tarot, the Five of Swords; from the Antiquarian Lenormand, Fish:

          A neglected outbuilding, surrounded by overgrown brush, focuses on a window with broken panes. Before the glass was broken, I don't imagine it would have been easy to see out because of the years of accumulated dirt and grime. The Five of Swords speaks of making a point or proving our opinion in a rabid, take-no-prisoners kind of way. Our sense of self is so tied to our ideas, we fail to foresee the destruction they can cause. Only after the damage is done (as with the smashed window), can we see clearly see that while we won the debate, we also carpet bombed friends, family and acquaintances in the process. The Lenormand Fish card implies abundance, often of wealth, but in this case I would suggest another form. It asks, "Would you prefer a secure bounty of opinions or an ample supply of friends and family with whom to share your life?"

Mostly it is loss which teaches us about the worth of things.

― Arthur Schopenhauer

Stretching Our Limits

From the Tyldwick Tarot, the King of Staves; from the Antiquarian Lenormand, Crossroads:

        The King of Staves is elementally known as Air of Fire. As he's aged, he's balanced out his fiery impulsiveness with knowledge and logic. The French horn seen here is an offshoot of the hunting horn. It was used to signal the hounds and other huntsmen to tell them what to do or what was happening. This king enjoys being the leader of the "hunt" because he can channel his adventuresome spirit into a practical purpose. The Crossroads card indicates new possibilities on a different path. With his love of challenges, this king won't stick with tradition, especially if it is no longer useful. He likes to be on the cutting edge of whatever is new; for him it is exciting to try a new solution to an old problem. For him, just because a tradition is old doesn't make it true or the wisest choice.

The best moments usually occur when a person’s body or mind is stretched to its limits in a voluntary effort to accomplish something difficult and worthwhile. ―Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi 

Traveling in Circles

From the Tyldwick Tarot, the Six of Swords; from the Antiquarian Lenormand, the Rider:

          When the mind finally sees beyond the chaos and emotional turmoil, it sends a directive to leave it behind. With the world map and globe in this card, it may seem the world is our oyster. Yet the Rider shows up with an important message we need to hear before leaving. Before we run away from those external situations that seem to be causing our problems, we need to pause and consider the part we played. Without changing our habitual patterns, we will likely recreate exactly what we left in a new place.

Without knowing it, we are coloring everything, putting our spin on it all.

If we hope to go anywhere or develop ourselves in any way, we can only step from where we are standing. If we don't really know where we are standing... We may only go in circles...

― Jon Kabat-Zinn

Wonderful World

This week I'll be using the Tyldwick Tarot, created and self-published by Neil Lovell. I'll also be using the Antiquarian Lenormand, created and self-published by Maree Bento. Today's draws are the Three of Coins and the Moon:

          Ask any gardener about roses and they will admit that they are not the easiest flowers to grow. They require much attention (pruning, pest control, etc.) and a thick pair of gloves for protection from thorns. The three stars on the stone wall above these roses suggest their caretaker has knowledge, skills and a willingness to work diligently. Such a person does not just desire beautiful landscaping in order to impress the neighbors. One of the Moon's meanings is a mutual admiration and shared love. The master gardener looks upon the soil and plants as beloved companions. It's a relationship in which both nurture and benefit the other in different ways. Service instead of self-centeredness could create something as sweet as a rose's smell; in the words of Sam Cooke, "What a wonderful world this would be." 

Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.

~Muhammad Ali

Forget the Cattle Prod

From the Brady Tarot, Death; from the Holitzka I Ching, Hexagram 9:

No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear. ~C.S. Lewis

          A human skull sits on top of the earth; below the soil is the bones of a saber-tooth tiger and a dinosaur. Personal loss and endings come to everyone. It is impossible to cement perfect circumstances so that they never change or pass away. Impermanence and grief are just as natural as new beginnings and joy, but we tend to fear the former and welcome the latter. Yet when we exhaust our anger, take off the blinders of denial, and crawl out of the depths of despair, we find acceptance and a new chapter ready to be written. Hexagram 9 is known as Small Restraint, the power of gentleness that can soothe while also encourage. This is not the 'pull yourself up by your bootstraps' or 'put on your big girl panties' approach, but one that is tender and compassionate. A bulldozer strategy doesn't help people who feel like they are as raw as a peeled tomato. Sometimes people need a hand to hold, not a cattle prod to get them moving.

Overloads and Opposition

From the Brady Tarot, the Ten of Feathers (Wands); from the Holitzka I Ching, Hexagram 38:

If you were valued primarily for your ability to excel, you may form an assumption that being average means you won’t be loved or valued. If you don’t perform according to a particular standard, you are a failure. ― Dennis Portnoy

          Wands people tend to be enthusiastic with a great desire to help. To steal a line from Adrian Monk, these traits are both a gift and a curse. Taking on too many causes and constantly offering assistance will create heavy, nearly impossible loads to bear. Hexagram 38 - Opposition - shows the outcome of such overloads. Things don't get done on time or done correctly while other tasks fall through the cracks. People who depended on another's follow-through get upset and conflict soon develops. But instead of blaming and excusing, we'd do better to lean in and listen. We may just uncover a deeper motive for wanting to help than simply altruism. As Edmund Burke said, "Our antagonist is our helper."