Taking Refuge

From the Tarot of the Cat People, the Star; from the Insectorum Divinorum, the Mimic (Leaf Insects):

In the Cat People world, the Star Cat brings hope to those who need to find their feet again. The card seems to ask where we find refuge and encouragement when we're battered and worn out. Buddhists 'take refuge' in order to see with clarity, wisdom and compassion:

I take refuge in the Buddha, a role model for awakening.

I take refuge in the dharma, guideposts for the Way.

I take refuge in the sangha, a spiritual community of support.

A mentor, some guidelines and a support group can be good ways to find healing, comfort and guidance. Yet the Mimic (Leaf Insect) card is a caution to be discerning. These insects look incredibly like leaves (sometimes even with a fake bite mark) and sway when they move like a leaf blowing in the wind. They remind me of a story: A woman went to see a friend she had known for years to ask for guidance; afterward she was given a bill because her friend was now a 'certified' life coach. We need to make sure where we seek refuge is actually a safe haven. 

Everyday Duties

This week I'll be using the Tarot of the Cat People, created by Karen Kuykendall and published by U.S. Games. I'll also be drawing from the Insectorum Divinorum, created and self-published by Esmeralda Rupp-Spangle. This morning's cards are the Emperor and the Nightcrawler:

The Emperor's companion cat is a snow leopard, a powerful animal that evolved to live in harsh conditions at high altitudes. The Emperor has similar qualities, proving himself to be brave in battle and capable of inspiring respect. He knows that a society needs room to advance and make progress, but they also need some limitations and rules to prevent discord and disorder. He would agree with Shunryu Suzuki, "To give your sheep or cow a large spacious meadow is the way to control him." The Nightcrawler is a beneficial earthworm that aerates the soil while helping to recycle nutrients and fertilize the soil. It has a mundane rather than flashy existence, but it provides a much needed service. As any leader, teacher or mentor knows, it's usually the day-to-day duties that provide the foundation for all the rest. 

Recycled Thoughts

From the Vision Quest Tarot, the Six of Air (Swords); from the Bird Cards and Ascension to Paradise decks, Goose:

The early experiences we have gone through develop our core beliefs, and then we operate on that basis. We need to be willing to bring awareness to ourselves, inquiring deeply into our operating system and what is underneath it. Over time we see our core beliefs, and when we see and understand their erroneous nature, we can release them. ~Lama Palden Drolma

The keyword given for the Six of Air/Swords is clarity. Suffering is often what helps me be willing to follow the roots of my misery back to my own mindset. At some point, that mindset was probably useful, but it wasn't meant to be permanent. But since it was helpful at one time, the mind keeps trying to recycle it. Goose has long been know as a guardian and gatekeeper, honking and flapping as an alarm when an interloper appeared. My body is the goose of my thoughts - its tension and constriction can alert me that my thinking is headed in a direction that will bring neither peace nor clarity. 

Ingested Thoughts

From the Vision Quest Tarot, the Moon; from the Bird Cards/Ascension to Paradise decks, Flamingo:

There are times when the door to my unconscious is slightly more open than usual. The outward signs are that I'm more sensitive or prickly than normal. Generally it's because I'm about to experience something that seems similar to a situation in the past (and might include related people, places or challenges) that has caused stress or pain. Sanity arrives when I figure out every experience is different, especially because I can make different choices. It's no wonder that a group of colorful flamingos are called a 'flamboyance.' These wading birds get their color from the carotenoids found in their diet of animal and plant plankton. They're message is to be careful of the thoughts we ingest and nourish the mind - they may color the way we perceive in ways that aren't the full truth.

Boosting Confidence

From the Vision Quest Tarot, the Mother of Fire (Queen of Wands); from the Bird Cards/Ascension to Paradise decks, White-eye:

The Queen of Wands doesn't just tell us to follow our passion, she helps keep the fire burning. She's an ace at encouraging us when we have doubts or get discouraged. I've got a great encourager as I work through a biweekly sketch prompt challenge. Judy (who is quite talented herself) is wonderful at giving helpful tips as well as boosting my spirits. Her support gives me the confidence to keep practicing. And as I keep at it, I've found the work to be not only enjoyable, but also a great outlet for stress. White-eyes are sociable birds who eat mostly insects but also enjoy fruit and nectar. Their most distinguishing feature is a conspicuous ring of tiny white feathers around their eyes. They remind me to focus not only on what I'm working on, but to look at and be inspired by the work of others. Seeing different techniques can help me think and work outside of whatever box I've been working in.

Extreme Constriction

From the Vision Quest Tarot, Temperance; from the Bird Cards/Ascension to Paradise decks, Tanager:

We are often so identified with who we think we are that it not only determines how we live, but it limits how we can be. ―Lama Surya Das

Our labels often define us in ways we don't realize. Yet this world is relative and always in process; anything that refuses to change or adapt eventually won't fit well with reality. Go back several decades and the term 'working mother' didn't exist - either you did one or the other. Does our religious, political or cultural identity mean we can only think from within one box? How limiting and extreme that would be. Tanagers are often brightly colored and feed on fruits and insects in the upper canopy of the forest. They are regularly found foraging in mixed groups of other birds. Their message is that life is too rich and beautiful to constrict our experience of it. Who would want a black and white rainbow?

500?!

From the Vision Quest Tarot, the Five of Wands; from the Bird Cards/Ascension to Paradise Decks, Raven:

It is said that after Buddha's death, 500 followers (who had memorized Buddha's discourses) met to agree on what should be written down as the wisdom he shared. I find that unimaginable; it's hard to get even a small group of people to agree with another's opinion on how something should be done. Of course humility plays a part - we must be willing to give the other enough space to share what they know and sincerely consider what they say. The intelligent Raven is known for its ability to solve problems as well as other cognitive skills such as imitation and insight. In sync with the Five of Wands, relationships between common ravens are often quarrelsome, yet they demonstrate considerable devotion to their families. Perhaps the message from this bird is to not to forget what is of utmost importance and our ultimate purpose. 

Providers

From the Vision Quest Tarot, the Mother of Earth (Queen of Pentacles); from the Bird Signs/Ascension to Paradise decks, Thrush:

The Mother of Earth knows that no matter what your passion, it won't get accomplished unless the body's needs are provided for. She nurtures others with these things, yet she doesn't forget the hands, plants and animals that provided them. She might offer something like this Zen blessing at meals:

We receive this food in gratitude to all beings

Who have helped bring it to our table,

And vow to respond in turn to those in need

With wisdom and compassion.

The song thrush is known for its distinctive musical phrases, which have been referred to in poetry. It migrates mainly at night, flying in loose flocks across the sea. The birds call to each other frequently to maintain contact. This thrush is a reminder to check in with others, particularly those who are alone, and make sure they know they matter. And this Queen/Mother would tell us not to forget to take any food or supplies they might need.

We Are That

This week I'll be using the Vision Quest Tarot, a deck created by Gayle Silvie Winter and Jo Dose (illustrator); it was published by AGM Müller. I'll also be using two combined oracles: Bird Cards and Ascension to Paradise, deck and book sets by Jane Toerien (author) and Joyce van Dobben (illustrator); they were published by Altamira-Becht. Today's draws are the Shaman (Hierophant) and Osprey:

This Hierophant/Shaman's wisdom doesn't come from a sacred book but from the Earth and all its inhabitants. I can imagine him speaking the words of Chief Seattle to those who come seeking wisdom: "Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect." The Osprey is a fish-eating bird that catches its prey by diving into a body of water. These birds have adapted to such hunting with nostrils that can close, backward-facing scales on the talons which act as barbs to help hold its catch, plumage that is dense and oily, and the ability to adjust its dive for refraction. The Osprey doesn't demand that the fish jump out of the water to feed them, yet humans seem to want to shape and mold the Earth to suit our desires. But we are beginning to see the effects of such exploitation, feeling the consequences of tearing the web we ourselves reside in.

What You Stand For

From the Stone Tarot, the Nine of Wands; from the Buddhist Quote Cards, a verse from the 14th chapter of the Dhammapada:

You have to know what you stand for, not just what you stand against.

― Laurie Halse

The Nine of Wands is a sacrificial investment of energy, one that we hope will pay off. While it may feel like the finish line gets further away, that sunrise in this card suggests the outcome won't be too much longer. Georgia is in the middle of several hotly contested elections (several involve women of color vs. the 'good ole boys' club). Early voting is breaking records; my family and I plan on casting our votes tomorrow. The lines and wait will be long, but we hope to help dig out some entrenched minds and sow new seeds. The verse from the Dhammapada suggests that getting what pleases us may temporarily bring some pleasure, but there will be more challenges later. Prudent use of energy is needed now - it is time to focus on what's important rather than fulfilling the desires of the senses.

Not even with a shower of gold coins would we find satisfaction in sensual craving. 

Slow and Grateful

From the Stone Tarot, the Amazon (Knight) of Pentacles; from the Buddhist Quote Cards, a verse from the 25th chapter of the Dhammapada:

This Knight is solidly dependable, and though steady and tenacious, moves at a slower pace than some would like. But weaving through a dense rainforest on a horse necessitates care and caution. There's a difference between missing a pretty flower and failing to notice a jaguar waiting to spring. Society's constant urge to do more quickly is a habit we'd do well to break. However, moving at a patient, methodical pace might leave us feeling like the rest of life is whizzing past us. As the FOMO acronym symbolizes, we fear we're missing out on all the fun and excitement. But what we're  comparing ourselves to is what we see on the outside (being unable to see the stress and exhaustion on the inside). As the Dhammapada verse implies, gratitude rather than envy would be a better choice.

One shouldn’t scorn what one has received, nor envy others. 

Short-Circuit

From the Stone Tarot, Temperance; from the Buddhist Quote Cards, a verse from the 17th chapter of the Dhammapada:

The Online Etymology Dictionary had some interesting notes for the verb form of this card (temper): "to moderate, bring to a proper or suitable state, to modify some excessive quality, to restrain within due limits, mix in due proportion." In the last few hundred years, Temperance has come to be associated with inebriation, but I have to admit my emotions have intoxicated me in far greater measure than any drug or drink. When that jolt of anger goes through me, it can be hard to remember this is just energy; I don't need to feed it a story line, I just need to let it dissipate without acting on it. The Dhammapada's verse seems to underscore the need to train the mind - not so I won't feel, but so I will realize my brain has been temporarily short-circuited:

The one who keeps anger in check as it arises, as one would a careening chariot, I call a charioteer. Others are merely rein-holders.

 

Illuminated Choice

From the Stone Tarot, the Two of Swords; from the Buddhist Quote Cards, a verse from the 26th chapter of the Dhammapada:

Stone's painting shows that whenever we must make a choice between two opposing ideas or two different options, our clarity is always tinged by our passionate reaction to each one. It can feel like a no-win situation, caught between a rock and a hard place. Yet the verse from the Dhammapada gives some direction:

Whenever one turns away from the intent to harm, suffering is allayed. 

Before making a decision, we can check our intentions, and secondly (and most important), we can ask if this choice will cause undeserved harm to anyone (including ourselves). In the words of Mary Jane Dodd, may we "shine to lessen the darkness of another being's suffering."

Good Leadership

From the Stone Tarot, the King of Wands; from the Buddhist Quote Cards, chapter 19 from the Dhammapada:

The glowing lion's face seems to give the King of Wands pause. He might ponder the question, "What is the difference between leadership and machismo?" Machismo might include bravery, but it is also interwoven with threads of dominance, aggression, arrogance, and feelings of superiority and entitlement. Such a toxic mindset forgets that a beneficial leader focuses on connection, communication and helping others grow so that the community will thrive. Ego takes a backseat to service in good leadership. The verse from the Dhammapada seems to encourage two other traits - patience and prudence:

One is not just who judges a case hastily. 

Becoming an Island

From the Stone Tarot, the Six of Cups; from the Buddhist Quote Cards, a verse from the second chapter of the Dhammapada:

Stone's Six of Cups illustrates the way we integrate past memories into the present. If you speak to anyone for an hour or so, it soon become obvious which memories they carry in their consciousness. Some cups are full of loss and grief, pain and suffering; others are full of joy and wonder, challenges met and insights gained. It's not that we should try to forget the painful ones and only remember the joyful times.  But a negative bias (a function of evolution) can affect our outlook in detrimental ways. It takes effort to relive happy moments, remembering when our hearts were warmly touched, but it helps us to live lightly instead of trudging through life. In fact, it is a practice. As the Dhammapada states:

Through effort, vigilance, restraint, and self-control,

the wise person can become an island no flood will overwhelm. 

Energy Use

This week I'll be using the Stone Tarot, a self-published deck by Alison Stone. I may also dip into her book of tarot poems (Ordinary Magic), although it wasn't written as a companion book. The oracle I'll be using is the Buddhist Quote Cards, painted and published by Diana Altenburg. I have paired each card with a verse from the Dhammapada (a Buddhist text). Today's draws are Justice and a verse from chapter 32:

That stunning bright red in this Justice card surely speaks to how injustice and inequality creates a passionate reaction in people. When things are greatly imbalanced (and the voices of the affected go unheard), neighborhoods are burned, people are attacked, and chaos ensues. Yet Vanessa Zuisei Goddard offers another perspective: "Remind yourself that anger is just another form of energy; that you can use it to sustain the hard work of caring for whom or what you love." Such energy can be channeled into productive and creative purposes rather than just used destructively. The verse from the Dhammapada is a reminder that it takes honest self-reflection and open-mindedness to achieve Justice's objectivity; recognizing our own ignorance and prejudice is required:

As a smith does with silver, the wise person gradually, bit by bit, moment by moment, removes impurities from herself. 

 

Rooted in the Mind

From the Badgers Forest Tarot, the Queen of Swords; from the Gemstone Oracle, Fluorite:

When people have emotional problems, they go see the Queen of Cups who helps them work with their feelings. When people are frustrated and can't find a solution, they go see the Queen of Swords; she doesn't really care about feelings because she's more concerned about finding the root of a problem and offering a shovel to dig it out. She's often the last resort - no one likes to have their blind beliefs, lack of perspective or unskillful habits pointed out. Fluorite's name describes its fluorescence, or the ability to glow under ultraviolet light. Metaphysically, it is said to promote learning and proficiency. The Queen of Swords would give such an endeavor two thumbs up, encouraging those who seek her advice to stop giving all their attention to their feelings and see for themselves what is going on unawares in their mind (often fueling their emotions).

As I see it, the mind is like a single point, the center of the universe, and mental states are like visitors who come to stay at this point for short or long periods of time. Get to know these visitors well. Become familiar with the vivid pictures they paint, the alluring stories they tell, to entice you to follow them. But do not give up your seat - it is the only chair around.

―Ajahn Chah

Not As Before

From the Badgers Forest Tarot, the Three of Pentacles; from the Gemstone Oracle, Citrine:

You could think you were starting something afresh, when actually what you were doing was carrying on as before. ~Rachel Joyce

For years, scientists thought birds had a built-in "how to" manual when it comes to building nests. But the latest research shows that birds are constantly learning and improving their skills through their own experience as well as from watching other birds. People who have mastered a skill tend to be the same way. While they might have some innate talents, practice and continually adding to their knowledge base helped them excel. But what happens when an artist or craftsperson wants to try something entirely new (Citrine)? While their previous foundation may be of assistance, they will still have to embrace a beginner's mind - learning different information and practicing other skills. Though it may be humbling, it may eventually produce some rewarding experiences.

Ready List

From the Badgers Forest Tarot, the Five of Pentacles; from the Gemstone Oracle, Rhodonite:

If the only prayer you said was ‘thank you,’ that would be enough. 

~ Meister Eckhart

A crow sits on a fruitless branch, battered by a recent storm. We can all find ourselves experiencing unexpected hardships. Pride (or shame) may keep us from reaching out to others. People in the past might have offered help, but if we didn't hear back from them we might assume they weren't sincere. Yet people get distracted or busy; it's up to us to follow-up and be specific about our needs (no one is a mind reader). Being able to help, to make even a small difference, can give others a feel-good boost that they might need too. Rhodonite is a pink silicate mineral often characterized by veins of black manganese oxides - an appearance that seems to symbolize both abundance and need. Yet its metaphysical meaning is gratitude, finding the good in even simple things. It is a practice that can serve us well during challenging times; by seeing who and what we can be thankful for, we have a ready list of resources.

Pick Your Battles Wisely

From the Badgers Forest Tarot, the Seven of Swords; from the Gemstone Oracle, Tiger's Eye:

A badger has decided to claim as his own the burrow of two ground squirrels. In Buddhism, this would fall under the second precept, which is "I vow not to take what is not given." This precept embraces much more than simply not stealing physical things. For instance, we can take over a conversation and not leave space for anyone else to speak. Or we can claim an idea that isn't ours to take. Tiger's Eye is a quartz stone with a golden shimmer due to crocidolite, a form of asbestos. It represents courage and personal freedom, which in the case of the Seven of Swords seems to imply that we're to fight back. Yet the asbestos in this stone - which is hazardous - offers a strong caution. We don't need to be a doormat, but we should pick our battles wisely by choosing those that are truly important and necessary. As with the ground squirrels, they can create another burrow - which would be much preferable to be eaten.

  

Dealing with Instincts

From the Badgers Forest Tarot, Strength; from the Gemstone Oracle, Girasol:

The tremendous danger is that this belief - that genuine happiness comes only from pleasant feelings - becomes a strong motivation to stay closed to anything unpleasant.

~ Joseph Goldstein

Strength is like a coin with two sides, both dealing with our natural instincts. One side deals with finding our inner fire of courage, realizing that what we must do is more important that what we fear. The other side involves finding a way to stay calm and grounded, understanding that our rage and frustration will not make any situation better. Girasol is a hazy, pale-pink variety of quartz. It's name is Italian and means "turn towards the sun." It represents those times when we feel vulnerable, and so we just try to stay 'hazy,' hunker down, and avoid it all. Yet a tepid approach is often no better than our rage or fear. But if we can turn toward our source of strength, we will eventually see with clarity and be able to respond with the appropriate action. 

Every Disturbance

From the Badgers Forest Tarot, the Five of Wands; from the Gemstone Oracle, Amethyst:

The first big snow has come to Badgers Forest, and now the competition is on for finding food sources. Some run in different directions, one sniffs the air, another thinks about digging under the snow, and the last watches to see if any of the others find success. These different approaches to a problem or a project are what make working in a group both maddening yet also advantageous - more investigated avenues can create better odds for a good outcome. Amethyst is often associated with spiritual practice and inner guidance, but it has also been called the 'sobriety stone.' If competition intoxicates and overrides the main purpose of cooperation for the benefit of the whole, chaos and drama will ensue without reward. 

If we examine every disturbance we have, great or small, we will find at the root of it some unhealthy dependence and its consequent demand. ~Bill Wilson

Wide Open

This week I'll be using the Badgers Forest Tarot, a deck created and self-published by Nakisha VanderHoeven. Along with it, I'll be using my Gemstone Oracle (with actual stones). Today's draws are the Kit (Page) of Cups and Sunstone:

Anticipate the day as if it was your birthday, and you are turning six again.

~ Michael Dolan

At what age do we cease to keep our heart open and armor it instead? Pema Chodron tells the story of herself as a young girl, feeling angry, unloved and lonely, kicking whatever she encountered. An elderly woman saw her and said, "Little girl, don't you go letting life harden your heart." Both Chodron and this Page of Cups would tell us that we can constrict our heart, becoming more resentful and afraid. Or, we can let our experience soften us, keeping our heart open and tender, developing kindness and compassion (for ourselves and others). Sunstone suggests we look for the joy and beauty inherent in life and cease taking everything so seriously. The Page would encourage us to stop looking at the sky through a straw - there's much more space and other possibilities than what we're currently seeing. 

Sparking Ideas

From the Animal Totem Tarot, the Panda/Ace of Swords; from the Blum/Gern Rune Cards, Teiwaz:

In the companion book, Robertson states that just as the Panda consumes a lot of food, sometimes we need to consume information in order to have enough knowledge or perspective to see things clearly. Of course this requires an open, playful attitude rather than an intensely focused one. It's not about finding THE answer, but seeing a fuller picture of things. Much like Julia Cameron's Artist Date, such open-ended exploration is designed to spark ideas. Teiwaz is named for the sky god Tyr, known for his nobility of character and personal sacrifice for the greater good. It is the rune of the spiritual warrior, of seeing and acting beyond self-centeredness. As for the Ace of Swords, this would imply engaging with people, books, experiences, etc. that aren't winnowed by our preferences. We don't need to like something or someone to learn from them.

All About Change

From the Animal Totem Tarot, the Polar Bear/Hierophant; from the Blum/Gern Rune Cards, Fehu:

It's hard not to compare the polar bear's shrinking ice floes to the shrinking affiliation with Christianity. The Pew Research Center found that Christians accounted for about 90% of the population 50 years ago, but as of 2020 that figure had slumped to about 64%. It is projected to continue its decline, which isn't a surprise. Rigid religious dogma doesn't work well in a world that is constantly changing even as our knowledge expands. Yet Fehu - a rune that represents material possessions - brings up an important point. Wealth and belongings can bring physical comfort and fleeting pleasure, but it doesn't create any lasting emotional or spiritual fulfillment. That doesn't mean we need to cling to organized religion; spirituality can be found in more places or experiences than a church.

It is quite strange that the religion founded in Jesus' name has been very resistant to change and has tended to love and protect the past and the status quo much more than the positive and hopeful futures that could be brought about by people agreeing to change. —Richard Rohr