Extract Every Bit

From the Middle Way Arcana, Death; from the Vertical Oracle, Gratification:

At one time or another, everyone loses something.

~Lama Surya Das

What a bit of synchronicity to draw Death on New Year's Eve! There are many losses we mourn and some we might welcome. I imagine many people will be celebrating leaving behind the past year, as if we won't be dragging most of what we didn't like about it with us into 2022. The truth is that we've lost several things that made us feel comfortable and secure, and the year itself had nothing to do with it. Still, we demand that these things be returned to us; although they might in some form, it's not likely things will not be the same. Gratification implies that we may turn to sensual pleasures to distract or numb ourselves from what is around us. Yet perhaps our contentment lies not in pleasures, demands or resolutions, but in learning to be present with where we stand. Rather than grasping for some ephemeral future, we might take William Irvine's advice and "embrace whatever life we happen to be living and extract every bit of delight we can from it."

The Point Is Transformation

From the Middle Way Arcana, Judgment; from the Vertical Oracle, Magic:

Being learned is great, but it’s not the point. Being a good meditator is great, but it’s not the point. The point is transformation… ~Judy Lief

Hearing the bell of dharma is a moment of seeing through our habitual mental patterns and recognizing our part in creating our own suffering. Yet it calls us not just to see with a new understanding, but to make changes in how we relate to ourselves and our world. In the quote above, Lief warns that study and practice by itself can give rise to spiritual materialism - feeding our ego rather than kicking it off its pedestal. 'Selfing' in biology refers to self-fertilization, and it can apply to the ego as well. Asking ourselves some questions may help notice it: Do I focus on  my own advantage at the expense of others? Is my orientation to the world from the standpoint of how it affects me? Do I constantly compare myself to others? If I answer 'yes' to any of these, I'm likely coddling my ego rather than working on transforming myself. The Magic card doesn't refer to any kind of hocus-pocus, but to opening the intellect through imagination, curiosity and wonder. The red-winged blackbird is arrives in spring with an easily discernible song, symbolizing the need to see what has been ignored or overlooked. It's time to clean off our glasses and see with clarity rather than simply seeking comfort.

Deconstruction, Reconstruction

From the Middle Way Arcana, the Hierophant; from the Vertical Oracle, Rebirth:

Buddha’s vision is breathtaking: Do not believe anything just because I said it, because a great elder said it, because you read it in a sacred text. Put it into practice – see for yourself what is true.

~Sharon Salzberg

Spiritual leaders have a tough crowd these days; people generally prefer to transcend all their problems and pain rather than deal with any of it. They'd like to 'magic' it all away, and unfortunately there are plenty of ruthless folks who will tell them they can for the right 'donation.' But an ethical teacher will be upfront and emphasize the need for personal inner work and practice. The way to contentment begins within and is a lifelong process, so only reading a book or attending a seminar isn't going to cut it. As Andrew Melen wrote, "Hope alone will not affect change—that requires movement." The Rebirth card implies a period of dormancy followed by transformation. Although it may appear the pupa isn't moving, there are great changes happening within. If we want to alter our lives, we can take the teachings that make sense to us - Buddhist, pagan or otherwise - and begin the work of deconstruction and reconstruction, just like the caterpillar. 

Wonder and Warmth

From the Middle Way Arcana, the Lovers; from the Vertical Oracle, Divine Intervention:

Love is generated from twin impulses. Buddhism calls them emptiness and compassion; we could also call them wonder and warmth. ~Norman Fischer

Close your eyes for just a minute and think of a time when you felt completely accepted by someone, were celebrated for accomplishing a goal, felt someone was concerned for your well-being, or were surprised by an unexpected kindness. Bring that memory into sharp focus and hold it for several minutes. Does it open your heart? Love comes in  a multitude of forms and can show up in unusual places, but it always makes us feel like we matter, that our life has some worth. The 'emptiness' Fischer talks about in his quote above means that we drop all our assumptions, labels, preferences and prejudices, letting our heart and mind open wide. The card Divine intervention does not refer to a deity, but as the creators put it, a 'benevolent interruption.' It is a reminder that we all have opportunities to be a benefactor, to make someone feel loved. In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, "The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful then a thousand heads bowing in prayer." 

Edgy Energy

From the Middle Way Arcana, Strength; from the Vertical Oracle, Mercy:

Developing patience and fearlessness means learning to sit still with the edginess of the energy.

~Pema Chodron

The purpose of Buddha's teachings was not just to show us how to get to know and change the way we think, but also to choose wisely the way we respond. The pair of dog lions - one male and one female - show the balance needed in Strength. If we are a blazing bonfire and try to speak our truth, no one will be able to hear what we say because they'll only be focused on our shrieking. On the other hand, if we are a tiny ember, our words won't be noticed at all. The balance between the masculine and the feminine suggests an appropriate response, much like a cozy campfire that people can warm themselves around. Mercy shows a woman wrapped in soft flower petals; it encourages us to keep our heart open and tender rather than hardened. But when there has been harm done, this can be a tough task (and might add fuel to our fire). But without mercy, we bring hatred and fear to the campfire, and we will receive the same response in return. Things change when we attempt to listen to and understand the conditions that have shaped the other's viewpoint (we might be surprised to find we don't know the full story).

The Forerunner

This week I'll be using the Middle Way Arcana, a major arcana deck based on the ideas of Buddhism. This deck was one I created for personal use with scissors and a glue stick. I'll also be drawing from the Vertical Oracle, created by Antero Alli with Sylvie Pickering and published by Vertical Pool. Today's cards are the Magician and Resistance:

Mind is the forerunner of all actions. 

~Dhammapada 1:1

The Buddha understood how our thoughts shaped our world, at least how we perceive it. Thoughts that are habitual begin to create ruts in the mind, making it easy to repeat and rely on them. We often have no idea what goes on between our ears, we just respond without question to whatever we think. Yet thoughts are at the root of our happiness and our suffering. Just because we think it doesn't make it real; we've just assumed it is so. Then we act on what we think, confirming our false expectations, regardless of whether there's any truth in it. Resistance suggests trying to stop something - if it's our thoughts, good luck with that. But what we can resist is the urge to view them as fact and the urge to take action based on that belief. We can ask ourselves if we are truly content or if we feel miserable most of the time. If it's the latter, we can begin to become aware of our thoughts and question them. Awareness drains their energy and gives us the opportunity to shape our world in new ways.

A belief is not merely the idea the mind possesses; it is an idea that possesses the mind. 

~Japanese proverb

Tightening Saddle Belts

From the Ship of Fools Tarot, Strength; from the Wisdom of the Four Winds, Kiwi:

Rather than a lion, Williams uses a donkey for his Strength card. Unfortunately for the jester attempting to ride him, he's forgotten to buckle and tighten the saddle belt. As someone who once was on a galloping horse when the saddle slipped, I can affirm it can be a memorable experience. In a card that denotes courage as well as compassion and tolerance, that saddle belt suggests self-restraint. If we want to be the captain of our fate, we'd better learn to control our own rudder and sails. Learning to feel what we feel without a knee-jerk reaction takes intentional practice. The Kiwi suggests it might also require courage. This flightless bird, known as the hermit of the forest floor, is about the size of a chicken yet lays an egg that is 20 percent her body weight. The kiwi has very strong, muscular legs that are used for running and defense. Added to the Strength card, courage implies grace under pressure, to remain focused rather than intoxicated with emotion. Such clarity helps us choose the right words and actions with careful consideration.

Art by Hannah Willow

Wishing everyone hearts full of warmth, wonder and peace this holiday.

What Women Want

From the Ship of Fools Tarot, the Empress; from the Wisdom of the Four Winds, Albatross:

The chains in this illustration of the Empress make me want to spit nails. I'm sure she is told things like, "it's for your own protection." So she's destined to be sequestered away, as if she didn't have a brain, popping out heirs for the king like some queen bee. This card brings to mind a story from the legends of King Arthur. While the king was hunting one day in the woods, he was accosted by a knight. The knight told him he would spare his life if he could answer within a year the question of what women most want. Arthur's luck almost ran out until a woman (of course) gave him the answer: "What women want most is the same as men want, sovereignty over their own lives." Women want the freedom to choose how to live their lives, what to do with bodies and minds, and how to nourish their spirits. Please, men, do not even attempt to consider you know what's best for us. Albatross is a seabird with a large wingspan, making it capable of riding the ocean winds and gliding for hours without rest. Mariners said they were the souls of lost sailors; killing them would bring bad luck (thus the saying "an albatross around your neck"). Albatross tells us to return to our navigator within, to seek our own fulfillment instead of letting someone else decree it.

'Build a Wall' Mindset

From the Ship of Fools Tarot, the Tower; from the Wisdom of the Four Winds, Mantis:

We all can get in the 'build a wall' mindset when we feel threatened by people, things, or situations. We strategize and make preparations, believing we can out-think and save ourselves from reality. In our mind, a separation is made between us and them, this and that. I am a person who likes to prepare for things, but I have learned the hard way that I live in a world of constant change and uncertainty. I'd do better to practice resilience and equanimity instead. Plus, fear never sees with clarity, so why make it the captain of my ship? Mantis is an insect that can be so still, it is often overlooked as a twig or leaf. It's keyword is discernment, the ability to see clearly and objectively. To employ it necessitates slowing down my mental pace and releasing my obsessive desires, tightly-held opinions, and emotional drama. Here in this open space I can meet reality, do what I can, and make peace with the rest.  

What the Buddha came to see is that who we are is an ever-changing stream of experience. And when we cling—to our firmly held ideas, beliefs, roles, and identities—we freeze-frame reality, turning flowing water into frozen ice, and then we find ourselves pinched and bound, locked into tiny cells. Our cold, sharp edges become a prison. We are in here, and everything else is out there. ~Pamala Weis

Allowing Insight

From the Ship of Fools Tarot, the Eight of Coins; from the Wisdom of the Four Winds, Owl:

This fellow works diligently and steadfastly, away from distractions. He's got a job to finish, and quality work depends on not being interrupted every few minutes. He reminds me of trying to wrap a few presents with the cat 'helping' - sitting on the wrapping paper and chasing every ribbon. Our presents will have a bit of pawed and chewed love added to them this holiday. The Owl represents insight, the ability to see clearly and understand what has previously been in darkness. The focus of the craftsman reminds me that insight requires stillness of the mind (as opposed to googling for endless hours in a search of answers), and an open mind willing to accept the wisdom it discovers rather than judge it. What we give up is the preferred explanation we're hoping to find in order to accept what is true.

Nothing is more terrible than activity without insight. ~Thomas Carlyle

Enchanting Influence

From the Ship of Fools Tarot, the Four of Coins; from the Wisdom of the Four Winds, Glow worm:

I recently had a door-to-door salesman who was selling home security equipment. He was on his game, knowing how to weasel out what might be of interest and what wasn't, and then he zeroed in. I asked questions and he went in circles to avoid answering some and flat out made up answers to others. I waited until he started to run out of selling points then told him I don't buy anything that I haven't done my own research on, especially when there seem to be no downsides. The Four of Coins suggests keeping a check on my "Oh I need one of those!" impulses. The Glow worm, a fungus gnat whose larval stage produces a blue-green bioluminescence, suggests that expectations might be an influence on loosening purse strings ("Oooo... pretty!). Best wait until I'm not under its enchantment.

Enthusiastic Response

From the Ship of Fools Tarot, the Page of Staves (Wands); from the Wisdom of the Four Winds deck, Wind:

My birthstone is a coffee bean. ~Anonymous

There are some people who jump out of bed, inspired simply by the chance to explore and experience a new day. The Page of Wands is such a fellow; he's so excited and full of energy about the hunt for adventure that the dogs and hares seem unsure who's hunting what. I, unfortunately, rely on a couple cups of coffee to get me up and running. But I have to agree with both this Page and David Vann: "Having something to look forward to changes everything." The Wind card speaks of change, sometimes occurring with subtlety until we see it's effects. Is it possible that we could retain the Page's enthusiasm when change happens, to see it as a new adventure? As Leon Megginson wrote, "'It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change."

On the See-Saw

This week I'll be using the Ship of Fools Tarot created by Brian Williams and published by Llewellyn. Paired with it will be the Wisdom of the Four Winds created by Barry Brailsford, illustrated by Cecilie Okada and published by StonePrint Press. Today's draws are the Nine of Cups and Lightning:

A large group of fools seem to be celebrating one of their own; I can almost hear them singing "For he's a jolly good fellow." It's nice to get that pat on the back, but I can't help but think of Buddhism's Eight Worldly Concerns: gain and loss, praise and blame, fame and insignificance, and pleasure and pain. As Lightning appears, it reminds me that we never get to stay on the 'up' side of the see-saw for too long. Yet if we spend all of our time worrying and trying to avoid the negative side, we use up a lot of energy that could have been used for enjoying life. Life, like see-saws, will always move up and down.

 It's helpful to focus on the center of practice: Transforming reactivity and learning better how to respond skillfully in all parts of our lives. ~Donald Rothberg

Another Alternative

From the Waking the Wild Spirit Tarot, Connection (Star); from the Saltwater Reading Cards, Penguins:

The Star offers hope and guidance to those who are willing. Wise hope requires accepting new roles in life, often those that weren't on our wish list. Wishful hope is based in fear, thinking that without a certain outcome there will be no happiness. Most folks struggle with wise hope; it's hard to see possibilities and alternatives that we've never experienced or envisioned. It can be helpful to have a guide on this journey, something or someone who can point the way (though they can't walk it for us). They can give us the confidence and courage to begin again. The Penguins card shows a group of fairy penguins, animals that incorporate the saying "it takes a village." Male and females share duties in raising the young, and the group works as a whole to keep every penguin safe. Their keyword is 'trust,' a reminder that "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" is a bunch of baloney. We all need people to support and encourage us when we're getting back on our feet, emotionally or physically.

Just an Ember

From the Waking the Wild Spirit Tarot, Glow/Ten of Fire (Wands); from the Saltwater Reading Cards, Sea Anemones:

All that zooming around, busy-as-a-bee lifestyle finally catches up with us in the Ten of Wands. Passion will either burn itself out or the container that carries it. So now is a time to step back, letting our body and all the mind's many plans rest. Trying to get back in the fast lane at this point will only bring an uninspired effort and a second-rate result. Beautiful Sea Anemones might look colorful and delicate, but they can inflict a mighty sting on anyone or thing that gets too close. They suggest that while we might have trained people to expect an unceasing output from us, we might need to retrain them to give us some space so we can restore our physical and mental capacities. In the words of Anne Lamott, "No" is a complete sentence."

An Invitation to Flaunt

From the Waking the Wild Spirit Tarot, the Wildwitch/Queen of Fire (Wands); from the Saltwater Reading Cards, Coral:

Poppy calls this Queen 'passion personified.' She expresses herself with confidence, in vibrant ways that may flaunt convention. And while she's not afraid to be the center of attention, she also likes to help others find their own inner fire. She doesn't see encouraging others as creating more competition, she considers it more of an invitation to gleefully join in the delight of life. Coral is a marine animal with an exoskeleton made of calcium carbonate. Its keyword - strength - reminds us that we all have inner fortitude available even when we are afraid. The more we use it (sometimes with no other choice), the more confident we become in our capabilities. I'm sure the Queen of Wands didn't arrive in the world blazing, but with a small ember she nourished and grew.

You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.

―Bob Marley

Reconciliation

From the Waking the Wild Spirit Tarot, Dream/Two of Water (Cups); from the Saltwater Reading Cards, Tides:

The Two of Cups can suggest reconciliation and healing between people. To subtitle this card 'Dream' is a reminder that if we can't envision something, it likely won't ever get off the ground. We won't make the effort because we can't imagine anything changing, especially when it comes to relationships that have been damaged or neglected. The Tides card includes the phases of the moon; both are subject to changes and cycles. It can feel as if everything stays the same, but nothing does. Our relationships are either growing and developing in new ways or stagnating and disintegrating. But what if we were to extend a hand in peace and friendship without dragging the past with us? There's no guarantees our gesture will be reciprocated, but on the other hand, it might be just the balm needed for healing.

Moments of kindness and reconciliation are worth having, even if the parting has to come sooner or later. ― Alice Munro

Flashing Lights

From Waking the Wild Spirit Tarot, Natural Force/Wild Power (Strength); from the Saltwater Reading Cards, Octopus:

Can we speak our truth above a whisper without roaring it? Can we live from a heart of kindness without being taking advantage of? We all have Strength's power within us, but it may be too tame and timid or uncontrollable and violent to be beneficial. This force is something we must learn to harness for courage and tolerance without caging it, allowing us to respond appropriately to each situation. Bowen's Octopus card illustrates the blue-ringed octopus, a marine animal known for the dangerous neurotoxic venom it contains. Yet it gives warning before it attacks; if provoked, this octopus quickly changes color, becoming bright yellow with each of its rings flashing bright iridescent blue. Thus this animal's keyword is awareness. Both these cards suggest that I consider whether I am aware of (and respect) other's boundaries as well as make my own obvious and hold to them. As one anonymous person said, "The only people who get upset about you setting boundaries are the ones who were benefiting from you having none."

All Season Page

From the Waking the Wild Spirit Tarot, Jack in the Green/Page of Earth; from the Saltwater Cards, Reef:

The Page of the Earth is often thought of as a student who learns by doing and applying what he's learned. But Poppy reminds us that he isn't a one season student, but an all seasons one. He doesn't just have one focus or specialty that he's interested in, but many. The Reef, with its meaning of 'abundance' because of the marine life it supports, seems to underscore this idea. This Page might end up being a Jack (or Jane) of all trades and master or none, or he may soak in a lot of knowledge and practice many skills to find the one where he feels his talents lie. Unless you're in college, there's no need to declare a major. Search for what you love to do, even if it turns out to be a hobby instead of a career.

Dragon Check

This week I'll be using Poppy Palin's Waking the Wild Spirit Tarot, published by Llewellyn, along with the 2nd edition of her companion book, Stories of the Wild Spirit, published by Slippery Jacks Press. I'll also be drawing from the Saltwater Reading Cards, created by Laura Bowen and published by Rockpool Publishing. Today's cards are Spark/Ace of Fire (Wands) and Crocodile:

As a mother and child gather dried branches, a father attempts to produce a spark by striking flint rocks. The Ace of Fire brings passionate inspiration that can motivate us to start something new. But - as anyone who's attempted primitive fire-making knows - it can take some tenacity to build a useful fire, no matter how much enthusiasm you have. It helps not to wait too long to begin, or our eagerness will fade and fail to supply the energy to persevere. Yet Crocodile appears to warn that there may be a hidden obstacle we need to be aware of, so we shouldn't jump in without being alert or prepared. As a teen, I shared a junker car with four step-siblings that we all used for work. I learned the hard way to always check the gas gauge before I took off anywhere. In the words of J.R.R. Tolkien, "It does not do to leave a live dragon out of your calculations, if you live near one."

Thirst for Knowledge

From the Light Seer's Tarot, the Page of Swords; from the Tapestry Oracle, Edge:

This Page is known for her thirst for knowledge and (like the other Pages) her curiosity. She loves to meet new people to see what they know so she can add to her extensive mental library. Once she gathers new concepts and ideas, she's like a machine gun, firing away with facts and information. Yet the light bulb balloons that have her walking on her toes offer a caution about being grounded. As the Edge card suggests, there is a difference between knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge lets us watch while wisdom lives in the middle of it. It's one thing to talk about racism, but quite another to live as a person of color. There's a difference between knowing facts about the homeless and another to be involved in searching for resources such as shelter and mental health help for them. As this Page matures, she'll figure it out. Then she'll likely be saying things like, "Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is knowing not to put it in the fruit salad."

The Pull

From the Light Seer's Tarot, the Devil; from the Tapestry Oracle, Dream:

The Devil shows up when there is something within that needs to be brought to light. But because such stuff is usually scary, confusing or simply makes my heart ache, I'd prefer to let it be. Unfortunately, that's kind of like swallowing glass shards and trying to pretend to be okay. But according to the Devil, there's a solution to my suffering. He has a bagful of pleasures that would make Santa look stingy. And they all seem so helpful and calming... Until you notice the shackles and chains that appear when they're used to excess for a long period of time. The Dream card suggests sorting through my mind's nighttime movies if I need a hint at what to look for that is causing my disquiet. A frequent dream I often have is being at college, unable to find my classes or realizing I've bought the wrong books. That one always tells me I'm trying to shape reality to my wishes and realizing I am powerless to do so.

Since we cannot change reality, let us change the eyes which see reality. ~Nikos Kazantzakis

Tiger Toes

From the Light Seer's Tarot, the Seven of Cups; from the Tapestry Oracle, Fate:

Eeny, meeny, miny, moe, catch a tiger by the toe... And if he doesn't eat you, then you live to make a better choice next time. I like that Donnelly has turned the bowls over in this card, because sometimes you just don't know how those choices will turn out. According to rational choice theory, individuals use their self-interests and personal preferences to make choices that will provide them with the greatest benefit. The reward of a relationship or action must outweigh the cost, but if the value drops below the cost, the relationship is ended. Which brings up the card Fate, destiny beyond a person's control. Granted, there are a multitude of things beyond our control, but it is often our choices that place us in the middle of certain situations. If we can understand how our decisions played a part (rather than blame someone or something else), we can make wiser choices the next time.

There is no need to be afraid of having faults, because knowing we have them can help us to improve.

—Master Sheng-Yen

Holding the Reins Lightly

From the Light Seer's Tarot, the Chariot; from the Tapestry Oracle, Growth:

He who has the understanding of the driver of the chariot and controls the rein of his mind,

he reaches the end of the journey...

— Katha Upanishad 1.3.10–11

This young man is racing toward his goal. There are no reins are harnesses in sight, but his laser-like focus are keeping him on track and headed in the right direction. His intellect and mind are the guides, watchful of the senses so he does not to get distracted by what they crave or despise along the way. Those preferences and prejudices can toss him right off his perch if he's not aware of their influence. Such a disciplined approach may seem like crossing a bland and brutal desert expanse. Yet the Growth card, which shows succulents sprouting from a woman's body, tells another story. Succulents are have fleshy, thick leaves in which they store water in order to survive in arid climates. Likewise, this woman has learned that no matter what is going on in the external world, she can still find joy and contentment within herself. 

Learning with Others

From the Light Seer's Tarot, the Page of Pentacles; from the Tapestry Oracle, Congregation:

Is this young Page practicing a yoga posture? Unlike her cousin the Page of Swords who learns from reading and listening, the Page of Pentacles is a doer. If she wants to learn tai chi, she will be out at the park practicing with others until she becomes skilled. The hands-on experience is what she seeks because it is how she learns best. I'm sure she drove her teachers at school nuts wanting to know how each subject could be applied in the real world. But she also knows something that can make learning more fun. As Congregation points out, being with a group of like-minded folks all trying to learn new skills can be rewarding.