A New Awareness

From the Restored Order Tarot, Judgment; from the Oracle of Kabbalah, Shin:

Shin painting by Victor Brindatch

This Judgment card refers to an initiation into a new level of consciousness - we see there is no real "I" and "you," only an interconnected and interdependent "us." It is similar to the finger pulling a thorn from the foot, not because it was told to but simply because it is a part of. Such a change in awareness might come from trauma or from something wondrous and beautiful. It transforms our motives, relationships, ways of looking at material possessions, and the way we think (as indicated by the four elements in this card). The three prongs of Shin symbolize flames; 'shinui' refers to change. Even if we have an awakening, the obligation of change is on us, not the outer world (though the changes we make in ourselves can't help but affect it). As the Buddha explained:

This being, that becomes.

From the arising of this, that arises.

This not being, that becomes not.

From the cessation of this, that ceases.

Open Heart and Ears

From the Restored Order Tarot, the Ace of Cups; from the Oracle of Kabbalah, Zayin:

Zayin painting by Victor Brindatch

The wafer of bread the dove brings to the chalice brings to mind the Eucharist, yet it also is symbolic of something or someone that comes into our life and touches our heart. It is a connection that can grow if we pay attention and nurture it, or one that will dissolve if it is ignored. Zayin is often assigned the meaning of 'weapon' and is equated with the number seven (a number of completion in Jewish mysticism). This letter begins the charge to "Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy." The knife used to cut the challah (bread) is covered on the Sabbath as a sign of peace. Both of these draws suggest that when we meet someone different from us, we should be open-minded rather than mounting an aggressive challenge. We don't have to give up our values, but we might just learn something new and beneficial if we listen with our heart and our ears.

 

Roots of All Goodness

This week I'll be using the Tarot in de Herstelde Orde (Tarot in Restored Order), created by Rob Docters van Leeuwen and Onno Docters van Leeuwen; it was published by Servire. The second deck I'll be drawing from is the Oracle of Kabbalah, a deck and book set created by Richard Seidman and published by Thomas Dunne Books. Since the Kabbalah letter cards are rather plain, I'll be using the paintings of Victor Brindatch. Today's draws are the Queen of Pentacles and Nun:

The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness.

~Dalai Lama

This Queen seems to be contemplating with gratitude all that she has. She pays attention to what and who is in her life, and through that attention has come to appreciate it all. Appreciation's natural course is to want to protect and nurture what we love. It's a shame that most of us have to be separated from these things (at least temporarily) before we realize how wonderful they are. Nun ("fish") refers both to the myth of Jonah and fruitful abundance (fish as fertilizer). Like Jonah, we are often cut off from seeing beauty and goodness because of the walls created by our hatred, fear and ignorance. But Nun suggests we can tear down those walls if we are willing to sincerely question our opinions and assumptions and instead see with fresh eyes the wonders and benevolence that still exist in the world.

It Matters

From the Druidcraft Tarot, the King of Pentacles; from the Druid Plant Oracle, Heather:

The King of Pentacles revels in the comforts of hearth and home, yet he also enjoys the natural world. To him, matter matters, regardless of whether it is something human formed or a creation of the earth. He believes in good stewardship, taking care of things rather than taking them for granted. Heather is a hardy shrub beloved by bees; beekeepers have been known to transport their hives to the moors to allow the production of sweet heather honey. Thus Heather represents that which is sweet and enjoyable. Yet sometimes we can become overwhelmed with our obligations and tasks. The companion book states: "We spend much our our time thinking about the difficult aspects of relationships and of our life... But try thinking about your life with a different focus. Spend time dwelling on all the positive aspects..."

No Influence

From the Druidcraft Tarot, the Hanged Man; from the Druid Plant Oracle, Borage:

The chief task in life is simply this: to identify and separate matters so that I can say clearly to myself which are externals not under my control, and which have to do with the choices I actually control. 

—Epictetus

Naked, mouth stuffed with leaves, and hands bound, this hanging man illustrates those situations in which we are powerless. His legs form an upside-down four, the number of stability, suggesting there is nothing to be done to secure and steady the present circumstances. Why drive ourselves crazy trying to wage a battle that we won't ever win? Borage (aka Starflower) is an herb that has been used for centuries to 'comfort the heart' (depression). Thus this plant is associated with courage, not the kind used in wars, but the type that helps us deal with the vicissitudes of daily life. This type of fortitude reminds us that things will eventually change and permits us to engage in self-compassion.

Unplug It

From the Druidcraft Tarot, the Seven of Wands; from the Druid Plant Oracle, Chamomile:

Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.

― Anne Lamott

The Seven of Wands card indicates a challenge - often involving outer and inner issues. I'm having a hard time bouncing back from the surgery; exhaustion seems to dog me. I'd like to take Lamott's advice and unplug, but I have embedded in me a strong streak not to shirk my duties or ignore those who reach out for help. Yet I can't lay the blame on those who request my assistance or support; I must make my health a priority. Chamomile underscores the importance of taking a time out for calm and healing, to give my body a chance to repair and restore itself.

The Self-Seeding of Love

From the Druidcraft Tarot, the Ten of Cups; from the Druid Plant Oracle, Flax:

From the Ten of Pentacles yesterday to the Ten of Cups today, these two tarot cards are different in one major aspect: one can be spent and used up while the other continues to expand and spread. Love and kindness are never wasted; even if the receiver refuses what is given, it still warmly affects the giver. It flows down to future generations and outward to the world at large. Flax has been used, among other things, for making linen cloth. On a daily basis, we are all spinning and weaving the quality of our life with our thoughts and actions. Are we aware of what we are planting and creating? Material things are transient, but not so what comes from the heart.

The rambling, roomy house on Mimosa Drive

Welcomed its first family in 1928.

The Garrisons would grow there and grieve there,

Celebrating an abundance of joyful times and finding refuge during loss.

Throughout the years, its walls, floors, and roof

Were suffused with the affection and devotion of family.

Bulldozers have now crushed its beams and crumbled its foundation,

Yet the love that grew there still remains.

How appropriate that it will soon provide parking space

For those in search of comfort and healing.

~BK

Receiving with Humility

From the Druidcraft Tarot, the Ten of Pentacles; from the Druid Plant Oracle, Plantain:

The elderly fellow in this card has loved his family and worked hard to care for their needs. He's worn out and knows he'll be leaving this earth soon, but he is proud of the legacy he's left for others. The Ten of Pentacles is about coming full circle, passing the mantle on to the next generation. While it is hoped they will be good stewards of what is received, there is no promise that it will be so. Plantain's name in Gaelic means 'plant of healing.' Its antiviral and astringent properties have been put to use for centuries to promote wound healing and reduce inflammation. It is hoped that the young family in this card will take on the same properties, being grateful for what they receive; instead of talking about how they plan to change this or improve that, they can focus on attending to and tenderly expressing their love to this elder. Then perhaps they will start off on the right foot, realizing just how much effort was put into the legacy left in their care.

Greener Ground

From the Druidcraft Tarot, the Eight of Swords; from the Druid Animal Oracle, the Horse:

Practicing not-doing means the causes and conditions that create many problems and struggles vanish. No solution needs to be found, no cure discovered, and no help is even necessary. That’s why the Buddhist tradition is grounded in not-doing—because so much of the suffering in the world could be entirely alleviated if we simply didn’t cause it.

~Kimberly Brown

The Eight of Swords points to a struggle within the mind. I occasionally think I must do something about whatever passes through my day - fix it, support it or find a solution for it. Such a mindset can easily bring on a feeling of being overwhelmed as illustrated by this card. In such cases, I create my own suffering (and likely disturb others' peace as well). Sometimes just letting things be is the best answer. The equine species was held in high regard by Celtic peoples, being used in battle, cultivation, and travel. The Horse is like the mind - moving quickly from one place to another - but neither would do well if repetitively forced to trod the same ground over and over. This animal reminds me to move out of my well-worn mental paths onto greener ground.

Toward a Better Self

This week I'll be using three decks, all created by Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gomm and illustrated by Will Worthington. The Druidcraft Tarot and the Druid Plant Oracle were published by Connections; the Druid Animal Oracle was published by St. Martin's Press. I've combined the two oracles and will be using them as one deck. Today's draws are the Prince/Knight of Cups and the Wren:

Being an idealistic and artistic soul, this knight is likely in the process of composing an ode to the evening. He may not be able to balance a checkbook, motivate a group, or shine during a debate, but he does remind us of beauty and our spiritual connection with all of life. He inspires us to see beyond worldly pleasures and power plays; he invites us to seek the deeper meaning and purpose of life. The Wren, though she is a little bird, has the ability to project her song far and wide. The wrens here in my area will make a nest nearly anywhere - from motorcycle helmets to wreaths on a front door. Both these cards suggest it is the outpouring of our heart that will enrich our lives, not the material things we've accumulated.

For me, becoming isn’t about arriving somewhere or achieving a certain aim. I see it instead as forward motion, a means of evolving, a way to reach continuously toward a better self.

― Michelle Obama

 

Things That Pass

From the New Era Elements Tarot, the Sun; from the Tao Oracle, Hexagram 48:

The Sun represents clarity, energy and joy. After dealing with brain fog from the anesthesia, sleeplessness in the hospital, and pain, I'm more than ready to embrace this card and its meaning. I am reminded by the sunflowers that we all go through days of darkness and uncertainty, planted deep in the soil, but eventually we emerge into the sun if we continue to rise. Hexagram 48 is often known as The Well, a deep dive within beyond outer influences and the ego. At the core of our being we find spaciousness, clarity and wisdom, as well as compassion for ourselves and others. Here the seed of resilience is planted. Here we find the true sunshine that will help us grow.

She would shine again regardless

of all the storms and changeable weather

She wouldn't adjust her purpose

for things that pass.

― Nikki Rowe 

Cycles of Breaking and Healing

From the New Era Elements Tarot, the Emperor; from the Tao Oracle, Hexagram 64:

A good leader might be an eloquent speaker, but his integrity shines through his actions - protecting and taking responsibility for those he or she serves. Lincoln's achievement was not that he won a war, but that he united a broken nation and helped free an enslaved people, all the while embodying his motto of "with malice toward none." Yet Hexagram 64 (Before Completion) suggests that nothing stays fixed or whole, just as our country presently experiences a great divide again. Yet all is not lost; the potential exists for things to change, allowing the pendulum to swing back to more peaceful and cooperative days.

Making the Best of It

From the New Era Elements Tarot, the Three of Earth (Pentacles); from the Tao Oracle, Hexagram 50:

Can you imagine these bees having a conversation about working solely with one type of flowering plant? "Bee balm only for me." "I prefer coneflower, but I can make do with goldenrod." The Three of Earth inspires us to make the best of what we have, to use the resources we have available. We might be amazed at what we can accomplish when we let go of any tightly held preferences and just begin. The Cauldron - hexagram 50 - underscores this idea of being able to 'cook up' something. With the ego out of the way, we can create something satisfyingly wonderful.

Making the best of what we do have, instead of begrudging what we don’t, has a way of creating all that we’ll ever need. ―Charles F. Glassman

Creative Expresssion

From the New Era Elements Tarot, the Magus; from the Tao Oracle, Hexagram 19:

He's dressed for success, has lots of facts, figures and pamphlets, and is well like on social media. But is he just a spin doctor in a nice suit, or does he have integrity in his work? Pieper's Magus is a reminder that we all have resources that we use to create and craft a life. But do we act only for our own benefit without a thought of how it affects anyone or anything else? Are we doing what's 'right' only when someone is watching? Our motives will bear fruit later; repeated thoughts and actions will become habitual. Yet Approach - Hexagram 19 - shows an opportunity for positive change, for growing and expanding in wholesome, constructive ways. It just requires checking our intentions before moving forward to see if we're living from an old pattern or doing something new and beneficial.

It is as though we are all artists, but instead of canvas and paint, or marble or music, as our medium, our very bodies, minds, and life experience are the materials of our creative expression.

—Joseph Goldstein

Wedding Joy with Discipline

This week I'll be using the New Era Elements Tarot, created by Eleonore Pieper and published by U.S. Games. I'll also be using the Tao Oracle, created by Ma Deva Padma and published by St. Martin's Press. Today's draws are Nine of Water (Cups) and Hexagram Seven:

Pieper describes dolphins as creatures that move through their environment with ease, engaging with it in a playful manner. They are a reminder that chasing happiness doesn't work; we only find it when we let each moment unfold without trying to cling to it, shove it away, or hide from it. Our relationship with it is one of openness and curiosity rather than possessiveness, anger or indifference. Hexagram 7 is often called discipline, and involves being able to do what is just and beneficial rather than be pulled by one's emotions. Self-discipline won't pop up fully formed when chaos or challenges appear, however. Rather than allowing the mind to be swayed by outer circumstances, we practice staying open to what is, relating to it with compassion and kindness. 

I think self-discipline is like a muscle. The more you exercise it, the stronger it gets.

~Daniel Goldstein

Effort Isn't Stress

From the Rohrig Tarot, the Ten of Wands; from the Master Tarot, the Children:

But effort isn't stress! It's important to distinguish between them: what makes things stressful is when we hold negative emotions against them. –Dr. Rick Hanson

The Thoth version of the Ten of Wands indicates feeling oppressed and having our will thwarted. We want to do something, but are stuck doing something else. The Children card suggests having an open mind and heart, being curious rather then seeing in black and white. As Hanson explains in the quote above, it is our obsessive thinking about how awful or difficult something is that causes most of our stress, not the task or circumstance itself.  

Check in the Mirror

From the Rohrig Tarot, the Prince (Knight) of Swords; from the Master Tarot, Straw and Beam:

A well-educated fellow, the Prince of Swords has a never-ending supply of ideas and plans. He gets bored rather quickly, so he's likely to pawn off many of those plans on his cousin, the Knight of Pentacles. Like many intelligent people, he enjoys crossing swords, arguing and debating with others. Lacking in emotional sensitivity, he can easily determine and poke at people's sore spots. The Straw and Beam card offers a warning: before we point out another's shortcomings, we'd do better to look at our own.

I have learned that the hardest part of campaigning for tolerance and justice is encouraging people to look at their own selves, to examine their own identity and shortcomings. ~Roger Ross Williams

True Valor

From the Rohrig Tarot, the Seven of Wands; from the Master Tarot, the Moralist:

The Thoth meaning of the Seven of Wands is valor - being bold and daring because there is a personal meaning and purpose beneath one's action. The Moralist is a fellow who could care less about anyone's well-being, only that they follow the rules to the letter. I couldn't help but see the connection to military forces and the politicians that control them. The government might demand bravery and submission from their soldiers, but what happens when the war is over? Who looks after the men and women who suffer from substance abuse, PTSD, and other physical and mental illnesses? True valor, I think, is following our own integrity and truth, rather than being bullied by someone else.

True valor, on virtue founded strong, meets all events alike. ~David Mallet

Our Own Shadow

From the Rohrig Tarot, the Five of Swords; from the Master Tarot, Love Your Enemies:

No one likes to be proved wrong, to have our mistakes in the spotlight, or be humiliated in any way. When it happens, we push back, pointing the finger of blame, spinning tales, or continuing to argue, even if we know that it's useless. We add to our original suffering by trying to roll away an immovable boulder. Even worse, we hate those who 'showed us up,' giving our self an ongoing case of resentment reflux. But our real enemy is within, who refuses to accept reality or take responsibility. When we do so, we have the power to make positive changes.

A great nation is like a great man:

When he makes a mistake, he realizes it.

Having realized it, he admits it.

Having admitted it, he corrects it.

He considers those who point out his faults

as his most benevolent teachers.

He thinks of his enemy

as the shadow that he himself casts.

~Tao Te Ching, 61

Prudent Humility

From the Rohrig Tarot, the Eight of Disks; from the Master Tarot, Knock:

The Eight of Disks is a reminder that growing or expanding anything needs time and consideration, patience and prudence. We need a clear awareness of what is necessary and what is superfluous; we need to be aware of the details without losing sight of the big picture. When we're nervous or excited, it's hard to be the tortoise and not the hare, but that's what this card encourages. The Knock card refers to the verse in Matthew 7:7-8. Does this mean if we just show up and ask that we'll get whatever we want? I don't think so, but it does imply we may get some support and assistance if we are open and honest. 

...but at some point when things are really dicey, your stubbornness gives way to a certain form of humility that, after you get over yourself, feels liberating. 

― Dee Williams

Culling

From the Rohrig Tarot, the Ten of Disks; from the Master Tarot, No Clothes:

I like Carl Rohrig's collection of things that might be found in a junk drawer or under a seat cushion. This assortment is symbolic of all the material items - big and small - that we buy or accumulate over the years. I've noticed that the older I get, the more I want to give away things that are nice but are no longer used or have meaning for me. I don't seem to be alone in this culling, though some people might have the opposite reaction. No Clothes is an encouragement to lose our pretensions, those vain self-images designed to look like we've got it all together. The stuff we collect can sometimes be just a trophy on the shelf to make us look smart, with-it, or cultured. But if it really isn't who we are, and it has no use or sentimental attachment, why not leave it with someone who might actually need or appreciate it?

Most of us are moving through such an undergrowth of excess that we cannot sense the shape of ourselves any more. ― John O'Donohue

Squashed Illusions

This week I'll be using the Rohrig Tarot, created by Carl W. Rohrig and published by Sirio. The other deck I'll be drawing from is called a tarot, but I'll be using it as an oracle: the Master Tarot. It was created by Amerigo Folchi and Mario Montano and published by AG Muller. Today's cards are the Five of Cups and the Housekeeper:

We all have times when we keep up the appearance of being happy and fulfilled, when we pretend all is well. But eventually a big cinder block crushes that illusion (metaphorically speaking), and we are incapable of living the lie any longer. It may be tempting to make ourselves feel better by blaming someone else, but we first might want to consider any unrealistic expectations we used as a foundation for that relationship. The Housekeeper is a 'doer' and gets satisfaction from having a comfortably clean and ordered home. She reminds me of a quote by Louise Erdrich that can be helpful when we feel like we're under that huge cinder block: "When everything big is out of control, you start taking charge of small things." 

What's Growing?

From the Tarot of Pagan Cats, the Queen of Wands; from the Brownie Wisdom deck, Finest Chance:

This queen, surrounded by a garden of flowers asks: "What are you planting, watering and tending in your life? What is growing due to either your endeavors or lack of effort?" I have been doing a lot of yard work, and when the storms roll through, I've been working on a new library display. What I haven't been doing very consistently is my spiritual practice, and I can tell because of the thorny thoughts I've had springing up lately. I have excused myself because I'm tired, but I know if I don't get back on track I'm going to find myself in a brier patch. The Brownie offers some advice to point me in the right direction - find someone to whom I can offer comfort and kindness. There's no antidote like reaching out to someone else to get out of self-orbit.

It's Found in the Moment

From the Tarot of Pagan Cats, the Nine of Cups; from the Brownie Wisdom deck, The Fray:

This pair of cards explains why contentment can only be found in the present moment. One minute we're in the fine dining car of a train, eating a delicious lunch, and watching beautiful scenery from out window. In the blink of an eye, the train becomes the world's highest roller coaster without seat belts that's making a terrifying drop. It reminds me of the Eight Worldly Winds: gain or loss, status or insignificance, blame or praise, and pleasure or pain. We revel in the good times but rage against the bad. Such fluctuation doesn't mean we should spend the satisfying moments waiting for the other shoe to drop. Rather we should see them as a gift to embrace and enjoy fully, while understanding our pleasant train ride will eventually change tracks. As Judy Lief explained, "It is unrealistic to expect your life to be free of stress, but there is a real possibility that you could transform the way you deal with it."

Leaving for Greener Pastures

From the Tarot of Pagan Cats, the Six of Swords; from the Brownie Wisdom deck, Free as Air:

After the bully from the Five of Swords (who is only interested in submission, not discussion), this mama cat is leaving the territory. It's no wonder so many people have left their homes and countries for an opportunity to live and think freely. My elderly neighbor's cat with four kittens has moved them all into my yard under the cover of night (probably because her great-grandson kept picking them up). I discovered them when I noticed the cast iron plants were swaying wildly back and forth. Now I'm trying to take this Brownie's advice and smile rather than show my displeasure by frowning. It's not that I dislike them - how could I not like such fuzzy cuteness? But I feel responsible for their welfare, and at the moment my plate feels overly full.