Nature's Wisdom

From the Brady Tarot, the Daughter of Roots (Page of Pentacles); from the Wisdom of the Forest, Conceal:

          The curiosity of this bear cub reminds me that as long as we're interested in learning and understanding the world around us, we'll never be bored. While the Daughter/Page of Roots/Pentacles doesn't hesitate to read to expand her world (a secondary source), she much prefers direct access to the subject of her research (a primary source). The experience for her is deeper than just obtaining knowledge. The Conceal card doesn't mean that we hide what we learn, but rather we use the experience as sacred time to renew ourselves and perhaps later as self-reflection. As William Wordsworth encouraged, "Come forth into the light of things, let Nature be your teacher."

          The following is an article I wrote on "Nature's Spiritual Wisdom" that may be of interest to some:

Tree Wisdom – We reach our branches toward the sky, but our roots must also be spread widely and deeply into the earth for balance.

Inquiry: Do you live in your head most of the time, or do you also ground yourself in physical experience as well? Are your head and heart where your body presently resides?

Season Wisdom – We each (spring, summer, fall and winter) take our turn on the Wheel of Life. We do not think it is unfair when our time passes and the next season takes its place. The natural flow of things requires change.

Inquiry: Do you cling to what is comfortable, to what you prefer, and then get frustrated or angry when that changes? Does recognizing that this is not personal but is experienced by every other being inspire compassion?

Tide Wisdom – We rush forward with power for a time and then ebb. Energy is expended and then balanced with a period of calm.

Inquiry: Is your life full of getting and doing or do you make time for rest and reflective contemplation?

Wild Animal Wisdom – We seek to survive and continue our species. As our environment constantly changes via weather or humanity, we must constantly modify our actions to adjust.

Inquiry: Resilience involves more than stubbornly persisting; it also requires an ability to adapt to the current circumstances. How flexible or rigid are you in your ideas and behavior when situations necessitate acceptance and adaptation?

Flower Wisdom – We offer nectar and pollen freely to the insect world. In turn, our plants are pollinated, helping us to produce fruit and seeds for future generations.

Inquiry: Are you aware of your mutual relationship with nature, or do you only care about how it affects you and how you can benefit from it? With other humans, is your relationship based on what’s in it for you?

Bird Wisdom – We often perch atop a tree or circle high in the sky to look for dangers or opportunities that we might miss otherwise.

Inquiry: In what situation might a wider, higher perspective serve you better?  

Sun Wisdom – I often am hidden during the day behind clouds or at night on the other side of the Earth. I’m still here, even when some can’t see me.

Inquiry: Do you focus on the ‘clouds’ – negative things happening in your life – or can you also appreciate any goodness and beauty that is there as well?

Seed Wisdom – What we are is what we become. Seeds from a cat-brier vine will not produce a rose or apple tree.

Inquiry: Our thoughts and actions plant the seeds for the future. Being intolerant or tightfisted will plant seeds for more of the same. What character traits do you want to cultivate? Are you practicing these traits with your thoughts and actions?