A Clearing

From the Anna K Tarot, the Emperor; from the Meditation Cards, "Self-reflection:"

The Emperor is described as being devoted to "stability, structure, and discipline." Is it any wonder that his mind is filled with strategy, plans and laws? He's good at organizing, securing and protecting, but his focus often forgets that there are humans with feelings involved in all of it. While some hard decisions might require emotional detachment, it's easy to get stuck defining "what's best" exclusively with personal viewpoints. The Self-reflection card suggests a way to get out of this rut:

Take away your opinion, then what? What is left? That is the point. Take away your opinion—your condition, situation—then your mind is clear like space.

—Zen Master Seung Sahn

Until the Mud Settles

From the Anna K Tarot, Temperance; from the Meditation Cards, "Be Like Water:"

This is one of my favorite depictions of Temperance because it reminds me that each situation requires a slightly different balance of things. In one instance, a firmer, more assertive stance might be needed; in another, a more tender and kind response would most beneficial. A celebration might be time for less moderation while a health requirement might require discerning choices. Yet as the "Be Like Water" verse from the Tao Te Ching implies, some quiet and stillness might be needed to see clearly what would be appropriate:

Do you have the patience to wait

till your mud settles and the water is clear?

Can you remain unmoving

till the right action arises by itself?

Patience IS a Virtue

From the Anna K Tarot, the Two of Swords; from the Meditation Cards, "Softening:"

If most of us had a decision to make or problem to solve and were given Emerson's advice to "adopt the pace of nature," we'd choose the speed of a cheetah or a peregrine falcon. We've been brainwashed into believing that a patient pause is not a virtue but a vice. Yet stress not only constricts the muscles, it also narrows the mind. We imagine solutions and choices to be an either-or category without any other possibilities. However the Softening card suggests another alternative:

When we feel our bodies tighten, when we see our minds freeze, we can begin to soften and relax.  

~ Pema Chodron

All fixed ideas and sense of “self” become “forgotten”—in other words, softened, dissolved, dropped away, expanded to include all that is.

~ Susan Murphy Roshi

Necessary Weeding

From the Anna K Tarot, the Chariot; from the Meditation Cards, "Joy in Bloom:"

Klaffinger uses Phaeton, son of a water nymph and the sun god Helios, to illustrate her Chariot. Helios had promised to grant his son any wish, but when Phaeton said he wanted to drive his chariot, Helios tried desperately to talk him out of it. Even Zeus could not control those fire-breathing horses, so it wasn't too big a surprise that Phaeton lost control and scorched a large portion of the earth. Zeus, in order to save the earth, struck him down with  a lightning bolt. Daring to take on a challenge was not Phaeton's downfall, it was failing to prepare and train beforehand. Yet the "Joy in Bloom" card suggests we don't have to hide and lick our wounds forever; instead, we can learn from our mistakes.

Spring and all its flowers

now joyously break their vow of silence.

It is time for celebration, not for lying low;

You too — weed out those roots of sadness from your heart.

~ Hafiz

Drinking Tea

From the Anna K Tarot, the Four of Swords; from the Meditation Cards, "Dissolve into Now:"

My area rarely sees temperatures drop much below 32 F each winter. But this year we've been under the influence of an arctic front, which brought extreme and prolonged freezing conditions. It's ironic that the earth and its seasons know when and how to rest, but humans have yet to figure that out. Our mind can be a great ally or our worst enemy if it has no reins to guide it. "Dissolve into Now" is paired with a poem from Thich Nhat Hanh:

Tea is an act complete in its simplicity.

When I drink tea, there is only me and the tea.

The rest of the world dissolves.

There are no worries about the future.

No dwelling on past mistakes.

To bring our mind to where our feet touch the ground, to what our hands touch, to what our eyes see and ears hear, to what we smell and taste, is to bring sacredness to the moment. Here in the present is where we will find rest and peace.

No Standing Still

From the Anna K Tarot, the Six of Rods; from the Meditation Cards, "Energy Use:"

There's nothing wrong in being proud of an accomplishment or allowing others to recognize our efforts and success. In fact, when the next challenge comes along, remembering our past victory can help us stay the course with confidence. Yet "Energy Use" suggests that we not become complacent and rest on our laurels. As Rumi writes:

You have the energy of the sun in you, 

but you keep knotting it up at the base of your spine. 

You're some weird kind of gold

 that wants to stay melted in the furnace,

so you won't have to become coins.

Even the progress we've made will be lost if we simply sit on the couch as this point. We can, however, try something different or do things with a new twist. The idea is to keep evolving as life unfolds.

Fake It 'til You Make It?

This week I'll be using the Anna K. Tarot, created and self-published by Anna Klaffinger (though now published by Llewellyn). Along with it, I'll be drawing from the Meditation Cards, a deck created and self-published by Asha Greer. All the keywords and quotes for these cards have been added by me. Today's draws are the Four of Cups and "Dividing Words from Deeds:"

That is one unhappy camper sitting at a table surrounded by women trying to serve him food and drink. He might be a curmudgeon, but then again, he might simply be overwhelmed by all the excitement and enthusiasm of others. Today it is Christmas, when many folks exchange gifts and share meals (even if they're not religious). But sometimes all the joy and merriment can feel manufactured instead of sincere. That would quickly begin to feel suffocating. "Dividing Words from Deeds" seems to fit this fellow - he's shown up but won't explain how he feels. Wouldn't it be better to say 'thank you' but request some quiet time? Shaikh Abu Saeed Abil Kheir wrote, "Piousness and the path of love are two different roads." Trying to fake contentment doesn't work well, while being honest might allow others to relax and stop pretending too.

 

Wisdom in Surrender

From the Tarot Lukumi, the Hanged Man; from the Diloggun Oracle, Ogbe (eight mouths):

Like all the Orishas, Chango/Shango was originally an ancestor - the fourth king of the ancient kingdom of Oyo. A mercurial leader, the king was fascinated with magical powers. One story says he inadvertently caused a thunderstorm during which lightning struck his own palace killing many of his wives and children. In repentance, he left his kingdom and hung himself. We all have times when we acknowledge our powerlessness to fix what has been broken. Yet As this quote from Louise Penny implies, it requires that we go further than simply surrendering: “The four sayings that lead to wisdom: I was wrong, I’m sorry, I don’t know, I need help.” The wisdom of Ogbe confirms this:

Ifa: Those who attain blessings are those who live by their wisdom. If we do not bear suffering that will fill a basket, we will not receive blessings that will fill a cup.

Proverb: The heart of the wise lay quiet like still waters.

Power of the Mindset

From the Tarot Lukumi, the Fool; from the Diloggun Oracle, Obara (six mouths):

The Fool is represented by the Orisha Eleggua, depicted as either a child or an old man. He represents the beginning and end of life, and the opening and closing of paths in life. In this card, he appears as an elder about to step off the cliff that will transform him. He seems to ask if we're ready to let go of any old, rigid ideas and embrace a fresh outlook and attitude. Getting out of our comfort zone always feels risky; it will take some courage. Obara (six mouths) parallels this card:

Ifa: One must be uplifted from poverty-stricken acceptance and state of mind. There is no virtue in being in poverty. Be industrious and accomplish your desires.

Proverb: Do not let what you cannot do tear from your hands what you can.

A mindset can power us up or shut us down. We either see potential and possibilities or none at all.

Justice?

From the Tarot Lukumi, Justice; from the Diloggun Oracle, Oturupon (twelve mouths):

When slaves were forcibly brought to other lands, they attempted to guard their faith by syncretizing their gods with Catholic saints. Thus St. Barbara became a stand-in for Shango/Chango. Because of her faith, Barbara was locked in a tower and later beheaded by her father (who was subsequently killed by lightning). It's no wonder that people of Santeria made her story their own - both protectors were fighters against injustice. Yet Oturupon's wisdom can seem slightly contrary:

Ifa: The Orisha state that we must never raise problems or incite conflict. That we must take the time to be sure of our words even before we speak.

Proverb: Do not say the first thing that comes to your mind.

Is it justice to have to be silent or overly cautious to protect yourself? Not in my opinion, but I can see how in some cases that would be the smarter choice.

Return of Sanity

From the Tarot Lukumi, the Four of Swords; from the Diloggun Oracle, Osa (nine mouths):

When Oggun was a human, he killed subjects who failed to show him respect (note the heads on the wrong end of the bodies that are attached to the trees). Yet he also killed himself with his own sword. As an Orisha, Oggun cleared a pathway from heaven to earth, promising to protect and defend his people. Did he take time to reflect on his actions and realize he had been impulsive in his anger? The sayings of Osa suggest this would be wise:

Ifa: One must cease leading themselves to misfortune. One must cease bringing harm upon themselves.

Proverb: Do not look where you fell, but where you slipped.

Sanity returns when we realize it's useless to continue to do the same thing and expect different or better results than we've previously gotten.

Might Need Some Conflict Resolution Training

From the Tarot Lukumi, the Five of Cups; from the Diloggun Oracle, Okanran (one mouth):

In this depiction, Oggun has been betrayed and poisoned by some seeds. Oggun, god of iron and war, had a dual nature: creative as a metal worker and destructive as a quick-tempered warrior. As the Dhammapada states,  "Hatred is never appeased by hatred in this world." And violence only begets more violence, which explains his poisoning. The sayings associated with Okanran emphasize this understanding:

Ifa: One must come to recognize that stubbornness is not beneficial; the truth regarding oneself must be listened to. Do not be overly influenced by your self-defensive ego.

Proverb: Ears that do not listen to advice, accompany the head when it is chopped off.

I don't think it gets more clearer than that!

Morsels

From the Tarot Lukumi, the Ace of Coins; from the Diloggun Oracle, Ofun (ten mouths):

Ajé Saluga is the Orisha of Wealth, yet his animal symbol is the humble chicken. Scratching and pecking the ground are an innate behaviors in chickens; foraging allows them to find hidden, tasty morsels. While this Ace of Coins suggests we have opportunities for improving our finances or health, we're still going to have to do some scratching and pecking of our own for things to materialize. The ethic for Ofun states: "Do not leave your home and speak badly of those in trouble." The fact that we have a home and other resources are causes for gratitude, and sincere gratitude should stretch into kindness and generosity. Even a few words of kindness and encouragement may be the tiny morsel someone has been searching for.

Principled Living

This week I'll be using the Tarot Lukumi, a deck created by Caelum Rainieri, Ivory Andersen and Raphael Montoliu. It is published by Dal Negro and the artwork was done by Luigi Scapini. The oracle deck I'll be using this week is the Diloggun Cards, a digital set created through the use of art by Mase Lobe. Each card is associated with an Ifa ethic as well as a proverb, with information from a book by Ifa Karade called The Handbook of Yoruba Religious Concepts. Today's draws are Three of Wands and Iwori (14 mouths):

A king is seen climbing the tallest royal palm tree (associated with the Orisha Shango) to collect leaves to be used in ritual. Only those with 'dignity' were allowed to make this high climb. In the traditional meaning of the Three of Wands, a collaboration of efforts brings expansion. It makes sense that wise folks would only want to invest energy and resources in someone who embodied principles they respected. The Diloggun proverb for Iwori reads: "What you help a child to love can be more important than what you help him to learn." Ambition is easy to learn, but how does one learn to love dignity? We often model what we receive; if we give respect and live with principles, then those we influence may be encouraged to do the same.

Show respect to all people, but grovel to none.

~Tecumseh

Like the Sky

From the Wild Unknown Tarot, the Ace of Swords; from the Pictish Oracle, Ogham:

The Ace of Swords can represent a creative inspiration or insight. Particularly when we have a problem to solve or a project to start, it can seem like there's nothing left in our dusty mental bins to choose from. Yet the colorful ouroboros suggests otherwise - we can't use up either one. But to receive them, we need to be as open as the night sky that produces those bolts of lightning. Insights and inspirations won't squeeze themselves into pre-made boxes. Ogham is an ancient British and Irish alphabet, formed by parallel strokes on either side of or across a continuous line. This tile suggests communication, but perhaps of a type that isn't ordinary (such as symbols, music, nature, or art). Yet even the ordinary has the potential awaken us if we see it through fresh rather than dull eyes.

Learning to Fly

From the Wild Unknown Tarot, the Hanged Man; from the Pictish Oracle, the Double Disc:

Because bats are mammals and have heavier bodies than birds, they hang from a height to make their take-off flight easier. Literally, they let go and fall so they can fly. We humans will stubbornly cling to the idea that we can control situations and people; we've somehow convinced ourselves that this shows that we care. Yet usually all we manage to accomplish with this mindset is a physical and mental state of exhaustion. What would happen if we let go of what has hooked us? Maybe the outcome would not be as dire as we thought, or perhaps the consequences of those involved would provoke a decision to change. The Double Disc shows the sun moving from sunrise to sunset - even its 'rule' has limits as the earth turns. Likewise, sometimes the best use of control is when it is applied to ourselves.

It's Messy

From the Wild Unknown Tarot, the Wheel of Change; from the Pictish Oracle, the Snake:

This Wheel of Fortune made me smile, because it is just as messy as real life. Rarely are things crystal clear; we think we're making progress only to find we're headed in the wrong direction. Yet there is change for the better too, which allows us an optimistic view of the sunny side of things. The Snake in Celtic lore had a mixed message. On one hand it instilled fear with its ability to strike quickly. Yet the ability to shed its skin also offered the alternative meaning of healing. Basically, the snake was seen as a symbol of unpredictability (just like our journey on this planet). 

Often the most unexpected, unpredictable moments in life are the ones that leave the biggest impression and that teach us to roll with the punches. ~Natalya Neidhart

Heart Work

From the Wild Unknown Tarot, the Eight of Pentacles; from the Pictish Oracle, Broken Sword/Tuning Fork:

The spider is a masterful web builder, knowing exactly how to construct a framework of threads to support her web. Like those who are highly skilled in their career or craftwork, she moves intuitively as she creates. Yet the Pictish Oracle's Broken Sword (or possibly a Tuning Fork) suggests that for all we've accomplished, something has gone wrong. Has our work become like trudging on a treadmill, simply churning out what is expected? Perhaps what is broken is a sense of purpose and joy in what we do. If so, it's time to listen to our heart and not just our head.

It's Much Larger

From the Wild Unknown Tarot, the Star; from the Pictish Oracle, Crescent and V-rod:

We often look at our lives (and concretize how they're supposed to work out) like we might pick out a constellation from the night sky. "Yes," we say, "I'll have Orion but pass on the Big Dipper." The irony is that there is no solidity to any constellation, they are simply a pattern of stars that humans named. There are no lines that connect those billions of stars. Likewise, there innumerable possibilities and conditions involved in our own trajectory. A simple shift in effort, attitude or thinking can be like taking our eye away from the telescope and seeing from a much wider perspective. We don't have to settle for just one pattern. There is evidence that the Crescent and V-rod symbol referred to a seasonal sundial, something akin to a farmer's almanac. While we watch for outward chances, we must not forget the inner changes or harbor expectations. As Joseph B. Wirthlin wrote, "Those who stand at the threshold of life always waiting for the right time to change are like the man who stands at the bank of a river waiting for the water to pass so he can cross on dry land."

Natural Reflex

From the Wild Unknown Tarot, the Six of Pentacles; from the Pictish Oracle, the Arch:

In gardening, there are 'cut and come again' flowers like zinnias and dahlias. Cutting blooms stimulates the growth of new stems, rewarding the gardener with a bountiful harvest. When we share our resources, we make space for more. It's a balance that prevents stagnation on one end and scarcity on the other. But as the Arch suggests, attitude is important. The Arch was likely a torc (neck ring) that denoted status. If both the giver and receiver are considered equal, there is compassion and kindness exchanged too, rather than expectation.  

Nobody is forcing us to do something; we spontaneously do what needs to be done. This one treasure is found within ourselves. 

—MyoOn Chiko Maurine Stuart

Response to Pain

This week I'll be using the Wild Unknown Tarot, created and self-published by Kim Krans. I'll also be using the Pictish Oracle, created by myself and brought to life in 3-D form by the laser talents of Deborah Ross. Today's draws are the Three of Swords and the Cauldron:

Loss often results in a strange tangle of grief and anger that ties our rational mind in knots. Such strong emotions override our ability to see a situation with any degree of accuracy or objectivity. Any action taken while within this muddle will likely make things worse. Instead of impulsively reacting, we can choose to do nothing for the moment; we can stop fueling the mental story and let the energy pass. Yet the Cauldron symbolizes something we can feed and nurture - our spirit through acts of self-care (rather than self-indulgence). We can find a creative outlet, cry, connect to our support systems, go for a walk outside or engage in some other wholesome activity to help us find our center again. 

The difference between an unwise person and a wise person lies in how they respond to pain, not in whether or not they achieve an absence of pain.

―Vidyamala Burch

Dynamic Duo

From the Wheel of Fortune Tarot, the Knight (King) of Wands; from the Oracle of the Dreamtime, Kangaroo:

Andretti's King/Knight of Wands is shown as a Tibetan monk holding a drilbu (bell) and dorje ("thunderbolt"). These instruments symbolize inseparable aspects of enlightenment: the bell represents emptiness (potential) and wisdom while the dorje represents form (the material) and compassion. This King knows his fiery nature can be full of ideals, but to be useful, they must come down to earth in applied form. The story of Kangaroo tells of a time before she had a pouch and had to hide her joey on the tall grasses when she left for food or water. On one occasion, she find an old, half-blind wombat; she helped him to water, to food and to escape a hunter (each time checking on her joey afterwards). The wombat was actually Great Spirit, who rewarded her kindness with a pouch for her joey. Both of these cards emphasize the necessary relationship of wisdom and compassion if our efforts are to be truly useful to all.

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

Eager vs. Angry Energy

From the Wheel of Change Tarot, the Princess (Page) of Wands; from the Oracle of the Dreamtime, Frill-necked Lizard:

This young lass has a lust for life, filled with raw energy and passion. She might channel it into creative expression, social activism or exploration. Rather than learning by sitting still (that fence behind her is unlikely to hold her), this Page/Princess is educated through interaction with what and who she finds around her. The story of Frilled-neck Lizard tells of a time when there was a drought, too many animals, and not enough food or water. All the animals argued about what to do while ignoring the words of the lizard who was a rainmaker. In his anger, he climbed a tall mountain and sent powerful magic to the skies, resulting in floods and storms that killed nearly all life. Both these cards deal with energy, the kind that can be used either in positive or negative ways. 

If we react to a situation in an angry way instead of with patience, there is no benefit, and worse, negative energy is created, which is likely to exacerbate an already volatile situation. Further, when intense anger arises, it impedes our ability to use sound judgment and envision the consequences of our actions. —Allan Lokos

Laws of Nature

From the Wheel of Change Tarot, the Queen of Disks; from the Oracle of the Dreamtime, Sturt's Desert Pea:

Here is a Queen who doesn't spend her days on a throne; she's worked in the fields, prepared food, woven baskets, and gathered herbs to help the sick. She nurtures others by providing them with physical necessities and comforts. Yet through teaching others how to care and provide for themselves, she also helps them to help themselves, just as she was taught. Even when she passes on, her skills won't be lost. Sturt's Desert Pea tells the story of a young woman who ran off with a man from a different tribe though promised to a medicine man in her tribe. The medicine man tracked them down and killed not only them, but the whole tribe. Bright red flowers sprang up where the people died, and the Great Spirit sent a lightning bolt to kill the medicine man. Aware of nature's flow, the Queen of Disks knows that good things can grow, even where there is loss, but those who cause harm will eventually pay a price. 

We don't live in some kind of crazy, accidental universe. Things happen according to certain laws, laws of nature. Laws such as the law of karma, which teaches us that as a certain seed gets planted, so will that fruit be. ―Sharon Salzberg 

Only True Possession

From the Wheel of Change Tarot, the Six of Cups; from the Oracle of the Dreamtime, Ochre:

Rather than fond memories of the past, Genetti's Six of Cups shows broken pottery in a thunderstorm. Some of us had enjoyable childhoods, while the rest of us simply tried to survive them. It's easy to want to blame the past for the way we behave in the present, but the truth is we have a choice to live our lives differently. Any pain and suffering we endured can energize us to step out of old cycles and create new memories. Ochre tells the story of a dingo pup cared for by the tribe who would later save the people from a deadly, giant lizard. The blood shed by the lizard produced red ochre, a symbol of life and bravery. We'll all leave our hand print somewhere in history one day. As the fifth Remembrance states: "My only true possession is my actions."