Being Recognized

From the PetraK Tarot, the Lovers; from the Astrodice, Pluto-Gemini-10th House:

I once had a dream in which someone asked me, "Why do we love people?" I answered, "Because they recognize us." I think this is true. ~Sharon Salzberg

          While the Two of Cups implies a partnership that may be emotional, intellectual, physical or financial, the Lovers point to a deeper, spiritual commitment. Such love reaches beyond what is external and temporary and sees instead what is on the inside. As Salzberg writes, "When someone recognizes a basic goodness within us, beyond our habits and conditioning, when someone recognizes who we fundamentally are, it is the most important thing that can happen to us, and we respond with great love." The 7th House emphasizes relationships; Gemini prefers a partner that stimulates the mind and has varied interests. But Pluto represents that unseen pothole that throws off the balance in relationships. What happens when one person loses their job or their physical or mental health? Such changes can test the depths of unions, the willingness to sit with the other's pain without running or hiding. Yet when we recognize that we could easily be the one needing care, such challenges can produce inner strength and a love that promotes dignity.

At the Core

From the PetraK Tarot, the Two of Cups; from the Astrodice, Mars-Taurus-8th House:

Core values are principles or beliefs that you hold most dear and that are of central importance in your life. When everything around you is changing, when the world is difficult to understand, and when you are riding up and down the emotion roller-coaster, your core values will always be there for you.

~Daniel Riley

          The cups in Petra's painting are connected, yet each has enough space left over for filling with its own selection. The best partnership, in my opinion, is that which shares a meaningful part of life but allows each individual to develop and learn on their own. Such a pair will have different experiences and thus different perspectives, giving rise to the saying, "Two heads are better than one." The Mars-Taurus combination is a pair of opposites - the fearlessness and impulsiveness of Mars bumps into the practical conservative nature of Taurus. Yet the 8th House (philosophy and meaning of life) offers a table where both can comfortably sit. Any partnership, no matter how differently each person may think or do things, can stay connected if they share similar core values.

Feeling Tones

From the PetraK Tarot, the Knight of Cups; from the AstroDice, South Node-Scorpio-10th House:

Feeling tones can be pleasant, unpleasant or neutral. It is the feeling tone keeps us hooked into our conditioning behavior of craving and aversion. –Alpesh Parikh

          The Knight of Cups in this depiction literally lives inside his feelings, filtering all thoughts through his emotions. He understands that we are in a relationship with every person, place or thing we come into contact with. Yet before there is a relationship, there is a 'feeling tone' - an immediate reaction to what we experience. Stimuli that are pleasant, we want more of; those that are unpleasant, we try to avoid or get rid of; and those that are neutral we simply ignore. The South Node, Scorpio and 10th House combination suggests that patterns have been created in the past that affect not only our emotional intensity, but also our reputation. When we are rewarded by a reaction (whether it involves getting, getting rid of, or disregarding), we tend to repeat that action until it becomes a habitual pattern. How others might describe us (hothead, peacemaker, judgmental, open-minded, etc.) might give us a clue about whether we should work on changing some of those ingrained patterns.

You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. –Dr. Seuss

The Practice of Contemplation

This week I'll be using the PetraK Tarot, created by Petra Reiter-Köck and published by Piatnik. The oracle I'll be using this week is the AstroDice, created by Wessex Astrologer Ltd. It consists of three dice: one for Planets, one for Signs and one for Houses. Today's card and roll are the High Priestess and Mercury-Libra-5th House:

What we plant in the soil of contemplation, we shall reap in the harvest of action.

~Meister Eckhart

          The High Priestess seems to show that a balance needs to be struck between the practice of inner stillness and reflection with the outer activities of strategic planning and action. Yet there is an in-between step that is often missed - contemplation. What is learned through study and meditation does not automatically leap into my thoughts and actions. I must consider how my experience would change if this teaching was incorporated into my life. It can be helpful to imagine a relevant situation and how I could employ this wisdom to create change. The clear communication of Mercury with the diplomacy of Libra in the 5th House (joyful activities) suggest that part of my contemplation be centered on how I communicate and whether I am open-minded. To have a happy partnership with others will depend on the changes I'm willing to make, not my expectations of others.

We forget that the accumulation of knowledge and the holding of convictions must finally result in the application of that knowledge and those convictions to life itself. ~Jane Addams

No Standing Still

From the Herbcrafter's Tarot, the Eight of Fire (Wands); from the Green Wheel Oracle, Robin:

Be not afraid of growing too slowly. Be afraid only of standing still. ~Benjamin Franklin

          Life doesn't stand still, especially in a chef's kitchen. There's lots of chopping, sauteing, simmering, baking, broiling and stirring, but no resting. An eye is kept on everything as each dish goes from start to finish. Spicy ginger adds some heat, yet it also can settle the stomach. It seems to be a reminder that there's no need to let the excitement overwhelm us - it will settle down soon. The robin represents thresholds and new growth. We generally have flocks numbering in the hundreds arrive here in South Georgia in February, right before our Spring. No time of the year seems quite as busy, especially in the natural world. As Leo Tolstoy wrote, "Spring is the time of plans and projects." Spring fever can get us off the starting block before the stifling heat and humidity of summer arrive to derail us. Time to get moving!

Response-ability

From the Herbcrafter's Tarot, the Ace of Air (Swords); from the Green Wheel Oracle, Goose:

          The Ace of Air/Swords represents truth, justice and clarity. The the herb yarrow is known medicinally for treating wounds, a fitting symbol for addressing any imbalances the principles the Sword suit upholds. Yet its Latin name - Achillea millefolium - suggests we pause (Achillea is a reference to Achilles and his point of weakness and vulnerability). We all have blind spots and weaknesses that may hamper our discernment. The Goose is a symbol of protection and loyalty to its clan members. Those we love may skew our perception of what is true simply because of our loyalty to them. We may want to shield them, but are we doing them any favors? Everyone deserves the opportunity to learn to be responsible as they meet the challenges of life. 

Look at the word responsibility-"response-ability"-the ability to choose your response. Highly proactive people recognize that responsibility. They do not blame circumstances, conditions, or conditioning for their behavior. Their behavior is a product of their own conscious choice, based on values, rather than a product of their conditions, based on feeling. ~Stephen Covey

Don't Pull Down the Shade

From the Herbcrafter's Tarot, the Ace of Fire; from the Green Wheel Tarot, Hare:

          With its soft, flannel-like leaves, mullein might seem like a strange herb to use as the Ace of Fire/Wands. But in its second year, it produces a flowering stalk than can grow six to eight feet in height - quite an eye-catcher. Sometimes things must catch our eye to spark our interest. But once noticed, that spark can turn into desire that leads to taking a chance on something new. Yet as Tom Peters once said, "If a window of opportunity appears, don't pull down the shade." Those favorable circumstances won't last long. Hare, being a prey animal, is known for its speed and reproductive capacity. Get moving, it encourages. If you don't know what will work, throw everything at the wall and see what sticks. Then you'll know where to shine your focus.

The Stories We Tell

From the Herbcrafter's Tarot, the Healer of Air (King of Swords); from the Green Wheel Oracle, Salmon:

We don’t receive wisdom; we must discover it for ourselves after a journey that no one can take from us or spare us. ~Marcel Proust

          The phrases for these two cards sync up nicely today: "What is remembered lives" (rosemary) and "Return to the source" (salmon). Stories are the building blocks of human relationships, whether cultural, familial, or between friends. With our stories we can create or destroy, encourage or humiliate. The stories we retell can keep beliefs alive or can change our view so that we see from new perspectives. Yet the salmon suggests that wisdom isn't simply an intellectual pursuit; it must be embodied. We must make the journey physically (through action) in order to know if the stories we've been told are more than fairy tales. And then we'll have our own stories to pass on.

Holding Each Other's Heart

From the Herbcrafter's Tarot, the Three of Water (Cups); from the Green Wheel Oracle, Water Moon:

          A table for a tea party has been set in front of a patch of lemon balm, an herb often used in teas to promote calm. Guthrie mentions the 'scent of happiness,' and indeed (if you like lemony smells) this herb is pleasantly pleasing. I've been to rowdy parties with friends, but my favorite times spent with those I love and care for have been in quieter, more intimate spaces. These settings are more conducive for sharing from the heart. The Water Moon suggests letting emotions rise to the surface and float away. It can feel safer to have someone you trust with you when doing emotional work. Forrest Hanson (son of neuropsychologist Rick Hanson) recently revealed some research that showed that successful therapy doesn't really depend on how well-trained or experienced a therapist is. Rather, it is the therapeutic alliance, the bond built between client and therapist, of which empathy is a strong factor. Is it any wonder that our close friends play such an important part in the healing of our hearts?

What happens when people open their hearts? They get better.

― Haruki Murakami

Collaboration

From the Herbcrafter's Tarot, the Three of Earth (pentacles); from the Green Wheel Oracle, Quiet Moon:

Cooperation is the thorough conviction that nobody can get there unless everybody gets there.

– Virginia Burden

          Rather than viewing the Three of Earth as a card of master craftsmanship, Guthrie sees it as a call for collaboration and companionship. I've never picked raspberries, but I have picked buckets of blackberries, which entails dealing with thorns, snakes and the scorching sun. I'd much rather have some friends to work and share the bounty with than do it alone. It doesn't really matter if one person is a faster or more skilled than another if the joy of companionship is in evidence. Tasks are always much more pleasurable and gratifying when laughter and light conversation abounds. The Quiet Moon reflects a time when the days are short and the nights are long. It is a time that encourages study and seeking that which inspires us. I'm a part of several groups whose camaraderie and knowledge I enjoy, although these days we are meeting on Zoom. I have hope that one day in the not-too-distant future we'll be able to spend time together in person again. I miss the hugs and touch of others.

A Mark of Existence

This week I'll be using the Herbcrafter's Tarot, created through the combined efforts of Joanna Powell Colbert and Latisha Guthrie. The set is published by U.S. Games. Paired with it will be the Green Wheel Oracle, created and self-published by Danielle Barlow. Today's draws are the Five of Water (Cups) and the Hearth Moon:

...a man’s suffering is similar to the behavior of gas. If a certain quantity of gas is pumped into an empty chamber, it will fill the chamber completely and evenly, no matter how big the chamber. Thus suffering completely fills the human soul and conscious mind, no matter whether the suffering is great or little.

—Viktor Frankl

          When humans experience a loss that results in suffering, we tend to handle it in several ways. We may build a mental monument to it, allowing it to become our self-identity. Others try to control it - making plans for revenge or attempting to ignore it through distracting or numbing behavior. All of these methods are typical, but not necessarily helpful in the long run. The Five of Water shows the herb Goldenseal, whose roots imply that our healing is buried within ourselves rather than something external. When we begin to relate to our pain with compassion, rather than self-pity, anger or suppression, we brew a tea to heal our heart and mind. The Hearth Moon suggests preparation, such as a cozy fire and a laden pantry, in the midst of winter. What can prepare us for deep emotional pain? While nothing can keep it from us, accepting impermanence as a natural part of life can be a start in being able to handle it better.

Sometimes when I’m asked to describe the Buddhist teachings, I say this: Everything is connected; nothing lasts; you are not alone. This is really just a restatement of the traditional Three Marks of Existence: non-self, impermanence, and suffering. —Lewis Richmond

Wider than Sorrow

 From the Victoria Regina Tarot, the Five of Cups; from the Alchemist's Oracle, Family:

Despair is a cruel companion. It robs you of everything; especially the choices that still lie within your control. ~Brownell Landrum

          Despair is a feeling of overwhelming hopelessness, the sense that things are profoundly wrong and will never get better. It isolates those in its grip, telling them that no one has endured such pain and therefore no one could understand it. My mother-in-law, who experienced great depths of despair at various times during her life, had one antidote: Keep on keeping on. Like many people, she didn't have the luxury to lay about - there were chores to do and people to care for. Yet I think at some point she also realized the world was much wider than her sorrow. As Pema Chodron stated, "The healing comes from letting there be room for all of this to happen: room for grief, for relief, for misery, for joy." Besides a spacious perspective, another help comes from waking up to and acknowledging our interconnection with all of life. As Sylvia Boorstein put it, "Perhaps that’s the clue about the happiness inherent in caring connections: The frightened “I” who struggles is replaced by the “we” who do this difficult life together, looking after one other."

A Happy Anniversary

From the Victoria Regina Tarot, the Ten of Cups; from the Alchemist's Oracle, Strength:

When you find your true home - your "tribe" - you will

also find yourself. ~James Ricklef

          Today is my wedding anniversary; my husband and I have been married thirty-two years today. We've survived quite a few storms (both literally and figuratively) as well as the challenges that come with raising a family and being a family. We've managed to stay reasonably sane during a pandemic while dealing with the need to constantly adapt. Now we support each other as we accept and adjust to aging bodies. I am so grateful for this man, not just for his enduring love, but because he allowed me to find myself - my own values, interests and beliefs - without trying to shame or sway me in any way. And this I know: I would not have the inner strength and peace I have without his encouragement to find for myself my own spiritual framework and path. Thank you, my kind and caring husband, for being you.

Richard and Bev - 1986

It Was a Nice Idea

From the Victoria Regina Tarot, the Seven of Coins; from the Alchemist's Oracle, Instincts:

Everything was such a damned nice idea when it was an idea.

― Tim O'Brien

          This fellow doesn't seem that pleased with the result of his work; sometimes the fruits of our labor just don't meet our expectations. I have a raised bed that I often toss the dead seed heads of wild flowers in that I collect on my walks. Two years ago, I added a couple of woodland sunflower seed heads, and this year I had about 500 filling my 4x6 foot flower bed. I had the same experience with some copper tips I found that had been dug up by a grader. Like O'Brien's quote, it seemed like a good idea at the time. I spent several hours pulling up plants and replanting a few in more appropriate spaces this past weekend. My goal is to redo the bed with flowering plants for hummingbirds and pollinating insects. Yet the Hamsa hand, a protective Middle Eastern talisman, suggests either a full stop or a pause. If I fear making a mistake again, I might forego enjoying some lovely flowers I took a chance on. But with a pause, I can do some research first before planting. 

Emotional Storehouse

From the Victoria Regina Tarot, the Nine of Cups; from the Alchemist's Oracle, Beginnings:

          It is interesting that when people see the Nine of Pentacles, they recognize it as financial rewards due to hard work and self-discipline. Yet the Nine of Cups fits this same model - we all have an emotional storehouse that we are constantly filling. We might be making daily deposits of frustration and resentment, fear and anxiety, or intolerance and blame. On the other hand, we might be adding moments of joy, wonder, generosity and compassionate service to others. When the balance of one exceeds the other, we end up with a period of time either colored by deep discontentment or serene satisfaction. Beginnings of any kind will have a foundation built on our storehouse. Will that base be constructed on confidence and courage or doubt and distrust? The good news is that with attention and effort, we can intentionally change what type of deposits we making.

We can plant seeds of mindfulness, of kindness, of humility, of energy, of trust, of letting go—an array of beneficial possibilities. If we are not attentive to planting these kinds of seeds, however, we will unconsciously plant more seeds like the ones that have borne fruit from our past. 

~Ben Connelly

Searchlight

From the Victoria Regina Tarot, the Hermit; from the Alchemist's Oracle, the Throat Chakra:

We can think of attention as being like a searchlight in the darkness.

—Jayarava Attwood

          The Hermit seeks solitude away from all distractions in order to turn his attention to his own thoughts, motives and actions. While external forces might prod me, I know that all of my true spiritual transformations were inner work. It doesn't matter how many mala beads or Buddhist books I buy and read, nothing changes until an effort is made to do the inner work that is required. Yet the Hermit's purpose is two-fold: first to see himself and life clearly while developing compassion for himself and others, and secondly to hold his light of knowledge out to anyone who might find it useful. The Throat Chakra card represents being able to communicate effectively, expressing oneself creatively and with integrity. To those who are interested, the Hermit can pass along what he's learned. But he shouldn't worry if others don't apply the wisdom he offers. They too must do their own inner work; he's just the external prodding force. 

All Things Are Impermanent

From the Victoria Regina Tarot, the Four of Swords; from the Alchemist's Oracle, Endings:

          A Japanese man squats with a sheathed sword held in front of him. His posture shows a readiness to act, but the sword tucked away in its scabbard, while protective, suggests a passive approach. I think the insecurity of the past year could make many people appreciate this sense of watchful waiting that is rooted in the desire for things to stabilize. We've hunkered down, protecting our health and our basic resources as best we could. But the Endings card is a reminder that we won't have to maintain this posture forever. Though life may not go back to normal any time soon, the grocery store shelves are no longer empty and vaccines have begun to be given. As a Pali Buddhist chant reminds us:

All things are impermanent

They arise and they pass away.

To live in harmony with this truth

Brings great happiness.

Reprograming

This week I'll be using the Victoria Regina Tarot, a deck and book set created by Sarah Ovenall with text assistance from Georg Patterson. This tarot set was published by Llewellyn. I'll be pairing it with the Alchemist Oracle (aka Connected and Free), a deck and booklet set self-published by Lauren Aletta. Today's draws are the King of Cups and Slow Down:

...staying calm comes from healing our own anger.

—Mindy Newman

          The King of Cups shows Albert, whose marriage to Victoria began as a political alliance. Victoria was emotionally demonstrative while Albert was rational and pragmatic. Their marriage of opposites filed the sharp edges off of each and eventually became a true marriage of enduring love. Like the King of Cups, Albert opened his heart while retaining the ability not to get emotionally entangled with the outbursts and dramas of others. The Slow Down card invites us to get off our bulldozer and look at our own motives and reactions. As psychotherapist Mindy Newman explains, "We experience the world through the lens of our own habitual patterns: our cognitive mental patterns, our emotional patterns, and the legacy of all our interactions with other people. ...It’s not just that in that moment somebody’s entitlement and rudeness is producing anger in you. It’s actually igniting something that was already there." It's like we are preprogrammed robots - push this button and automatically a particular reaction occurs. Instead, as the snail suggests, we can pause to consider what's beneath the surface driving our reaction, then choose an appropriate response.

Making Progress

From the Tarot of the Master, the Three of Coins; from the Paracelsus Oracle, Via:

Knowledge cannot be merely a degree or a skill... it demands a broader vision, capabilities in critical thinking and logical deduction without which we cannot have constructive progress.

~Li Ka-shing

          Knowledge with practice leads to skills; skills applied in a variety situations can lead to mastery of one's craft. But the true master can bend with the changes and adapt to new frameworks. Because of the image of dots, the Via card ('Way') might appear to imply that the journey on this path is a straight and orderly one. Yet life is diverse, complicated and messy - everything but linear. Being willing to be open to wider perspectives and broader experiences can help us keep making progress even if it isn't in a straight line.

Peace With All That Is

From the Tarot of the Master, the Four of Swords; from the Paracelsus Oracle, Fortuna Major:

          The Four of Swords shows the binding of swords, helmet and glove to a shield. Wouldn't it be wonderful if it could be that easy to bind those thoughts of worry and give the mind a rest? I've had many people on my mind and heart lately to the point that I needed a break in order not to break. Meditation usually helps, but when I'm on overload the best medicine is often getting my hands in the dirt. A dear friend lost her only sibling last week, the last link in her family chain. Yesterday, I loaded my car with a shovel, ferns, liriope, day lilies and some annuals and headed to her house. I had bought a birdbath, and I set it near the tree line then planted everything around it. She now has a mini memorial garden for her sister and can bird watch from her back porch. The Fortuna Major ('greater fortune') is that while I may have done something nice for someone else, I received the benefit of a rested mind and a healed heart. 

We are not called upon as Buddhists to deny the world, and certainly not to escape from it. We are called to live with it, and to make our peace with all that is.

—Clark Strand

Celebrating Differences?

From the Tarot of the Master, the Three of Cups; from the Paracelsus Oracle, Rubeus:

          Looks like it is time to celebrate! Did you know that International Women's Day was this past week (March 8th)? The UN sponsored day describes this movement: "Women of the world want and deserve an equal future free from stigma, stereotypes and violence; a future that’s sustainable, peaceful, with equal rights and opportunities for all. To get us there, the world needs women at every table where decisions are being made." Sounds good, but I'm already thinking of Marjorie Taylor Greene and others of her ilk that I wouldn't want sitting at my table, which brings the Rubeus ('red' - passion) into play. Yet I also am reminded of the words of Audre Lourde: "It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences." I don't think I'm quite ready to party with Greene, but I suppose she does have a right to her opinion. And sometimes those with extreme opinions can serve as warnings to the rest of us not to sink our own ships.

Listening and Speaking

From the Tarot of the Master, the Five of Wands; from the Paracelsus Oracle, Albus:

          The keyword assigned to this Five of Wands is 'composition' - a variety of ingredients coming together to make a whole. Anyone who's ever brainstormed with a group knows how hard it can be for so many different ideas to gel into a coherent whole. As Sallie Tisdale wrote, "Few of us communicate really well. We think explaining ourselves is key, but listening is the most important part." Yet for some it may be tempting to remain silent and avoid confrontation, desiring only calm. Albus ('peace') shows a dead horse - there can be a cost for harmony that wasn't expected. If everyone in the group doesn't add their perspective, the whole 360 degrees of the situation might not be understood. Important details that are left out can lead to important parts and players being neglected. 

When you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have to speak up. You have to say something; you have to do something. ~John Lewis

Home Base

From the Tarot of the Master, the Two of Coins; from the Paracelsus Oracle, Carcer:

          It is interesting that the keyword given to this particular Two of Coins is 'foundation.' No matter what is swirling around us and how many things we are juggling, having a home base to return to for recharging is essential. We need to stay grounded - feeling safe, satisfied and connected - in order to meet what confronts us. Such a foundation allows us to act wisely and make judicious use of limited resources. The Carcer card (literally 'prison') warns of isolation and restriction. When overwhelmed and tired, I tend to go into box turtle mode, which can be helpful if rest and a lack of stimulation is needed. But staying in my shell for too long can keep me from the connection I need too, the reminder that I'm not alone and have hands that reach out to help me. Isolation will break my spirit, not heal it.

Who's Saving the Heroes?

From the Tarot of the Masters, the Six of Wands; from the Paracelsus Oracle, Populus:

Dare to reach out your hand into the darkness, to pull another hand into the light.

 —Norman B. Rice

          This Six of Wands, with its horn, pipes and drum sticks, hints at a challenge met with success. The pairing of it with the Populus card (literally 'people'), reminds me of those who run into danger in order to protect and save their community. Whether they are health care workers dealing with a pandemic or firemen and EMTs dealing with a disaster, they have the courage to face and handle a crisis for the greater good of all. But who protects them? Many governors of states whose hospitals were just recently overwhelmed by Covid-19 patients are now removing mask mandates and lifting other regulations. But who is looking out for their heroes? Who is protecting those who give their lives to save us?

The Size of Your Cup

This week I'll be using the Tarot of the Master, created by Giovanni Vacchetta and published by Lo Scarabeo. Along with it, I'll be drawing from the Paracelsus Oracle, published by Lo Scarabeo with instructions written by Gina di Roberto. The cards drawn for today are the King of Chalices and Fortuna Minor:

          This King of Chalices, with his tilted crown, looks like he's had quite a few cups of cheer. The booklet describes him as a 'vine grower' or cultivator of grapes for wine. From his celebratory mood, it looks like he's had a good year. But I'm guessing he's the kind of person that always sees the glass as half full. Cups are vessels made for holding; we can choose to put anything in them, from sludge to sparkling cider. Fortuna Minor (lesser fortune) suggests success brought about by change. Perhaps what we worked for didn't pan out, but that doesn't mean we don't have other things to be cheerful about. A gallon of sweet tea with 1/4 a teaspoon of salt added to it will likely still be delicious, but only if our mind can let go of that quarter teaspoon and enjoy the rest. Though we may not always be able to control what gets dumped in our cups, we can choose to make our hearts any size we want. 

With such a vast heart,

immense as the wide-open sea,

suffering cannot overpower us,

just as a small handful of salt

cannot make a great river salty.

~ Thich Nhat Hanh