One Step at a Time

From the Buckland Romani Tarot, the Four of Koshes (Staves); from the Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards, Sweat Lodge:

Four gaily dressed lasses dance around a fire, putting on a celebratory show. How often do we celebrate the simple things - modest accomplishments, tasks finished or small steps taken in a new direction? Any progress is simply the sum of small actions taken in the right direction. Yet Sweat Lodge suggests the need for purification. In this case, those old negative thought patterns can rain on our joy and hinder our forward movement. Being aware of them is necessary as is questioning their logic. We might also consider how this line of thinking has affected us in the past, whether it has been helpful or harmful. As Mark Twain put it, our habits have to be "coaxed downstairs one step at a time."

Continue

From the Buckland Romani Tarot, the Eight of Koshes (Staves); from the Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards, Great Spirit:

You can't just turn on creativity like a faucet. You have to be in the right mood.

What mood is that? Last-minute panic.

― Bill Watterson

Under an oak, someone has started setting up a 'bender' tent, or a temporary shelter. Judging by the leafless trees, the temperatures are probably dropping along with the sunlight. Best to get a move on if that shelter is going to be set up before evening. The Great Spirit is All That Is, residing in and surrounding everything, including us. We have a connection to this creative power of the universe that we can plug into for inspiration when we open our heart. Doing so makes space for more than just our struggles. As Curtis Mayfield sang in Keep On Keeping On, "Continue to give, continue to live."

Energy Use

From the Buckland Romani Tarot, the Eight of Koros (Cups); from the Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards, Thunderbeings:

The phrase “better the devil you know” may sound like common sense, but should the fear of the unknown keep us from moving on and actually finding out for ourselves? We all have had relationships with people or groups who have an unhealthy effect on us, but having history with them can create a strong pull to keep us in a rut. Thunderbeings represent the powerful force of electricity in nature. Their message asks us how we are using our own energy and agency. As Randy Pausch wrote: “Complaining does not work as a strategy. We all have finite time and energy. Any time we spend whining is unlikely to help us achieve our goals. And it won't make us happier.”

Widen the Lens

From the Buckland Romani Tarot, the Four of Koros (Cups); from the Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards, Earth:

The name Buddha associated with the First Noble Truth was dukkha, dissatisfaction with the circumstances of our lives. It occurs when we don't get what we want or when we get what we don't want. If we feel off kilter, we can trace this feeling back to the root of our craving or longing. It could be knowing what we were enjoying wasn't going to last. It might be our mental chatter about how things should or shouldn't be. Or it could have arisen from physical discomfort or an unpleasant emotional response (such as anger). When we are aware of the cause, we can choose to skillfully place our focus somewhere else. Earth's message is renewal, and suggests remembering the cycles we go through are not permanent unless our mind hammers a stake in them. Widen the lens.

Release in Joy

From the Buckland Romani Tarot, the Ten of Bolers (Wheels); from the Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards, The Material:

When I go home, its an easy way to be grounded. You learn to realize what truly matters.

—Tony Stewart

I once visited the Habitat for Humanity headquarters; it included a mini village of houses from around the world. No matter what a home looks like, it creates our connections and hopefully provides a refuge. I moved around a lot when I was young, but when I visit my old places of residence, memories come flooding back. There's the old magnolia tree I used to climb, the neighbor's goldfish pond that used to fascinate me, the yards the local kids gathered in for games, and the doorstep of my first kiss. It is age and perspective that help me appreciate them now. The Material implies the resources we have available to sustain our life, though a reminder that they are impermanent. As the companion book states: "Know that all things of the material world are passing. Receive in gratitude and release in joy."

Acknowledgment

This week I'll be using the Buckland Romani Tarot, created by Lissanne Lake and Raymond Buckland; this book and deck set was published by Galde Press. Along with it, I'll be using the Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards, created by Archie Fire and Chief Lame Deer; this deck and book set was published by Inner Traditions. Today's draws are the Queen of Chivs (Swords) and Spider:

The Queen of Chivs sits before an open trunk with the hilt of a sword balanced on its hinge. The trunk represents openness; she will be honest and sincere and expects us to do the same in return. As she fixes us with a steady gaze, we realize that we will get only the unvarnished truth from her. Spider symbolizes becoming entangled in our fears of the unknown. In that webby darkness of the unseen, logic and reason are replaced by dread and terror. This queen would ask us to acknowledge our fears, then would advise: "If you can do something beneficial about this situation, do it. If you are powerless to change or influence it, then work on acceptance. Either way, worry is wasted energy."

Each time we are aware of fear, we have a choice: we can acknowledge our problem and work with it, or we can run away from it and seek refuge elsewhere: distractions, pharmaceuticals, weekend feel-good-about-yourself workshops, whatever. 

—Lama Tsony

Cloud of Discontent

From the Ferret Tarot, the Four of Cups; from the Nature's Wisdom Oracle, Pansy:

HUMAN BEINGS MAKE LIFE SO INTERESTING. DO YOU KNOW, THAT IN A UNIVERSE SO FULL OF WONDERS, THEY HAVE MANAGED TO INVENT BOREDOM. (Death)

― Terry Pratchett

This little ferret is under the cloud of discontent, a feeling of dullness and restlessness with no obvious outlet. Humans live a good portion of their lives bouncing between dissatisfaction or indifference. Somewhere along our evolution, we fell for the fantasy that entertainment, pleasure and joy should constantly be found on our doorstep with little effort on our part. Pansy's name is derived from the French word pensée ('thought') and was regarded as a symbol of remembrance. Legend says that says that the face of a loved one can be seen in the face of this flower. If I had a case of the moody blues, that face would probably quote Pratchett's quote from Death above. Humor helps.

The Right Size and Color

From the Ferret Tarot, the Six of Pentacles; from the Nature's Wisdom Oracle, Coyote:

Those unanticipated gifts - especially in today's economy - are generally a welcome surprise (unless reciprocity is expected). But the adaptable Coyote reminds us that it doesn't have to involve money. There may be someone who needs help with homework or deciphering instructions, a lonely person who would love a conversation, or someone facing a challenge who needs to be reminded they are loved and not alone. My mom is the queen of cards - she sends them out to anyone (whether she knows them well or not) if she finds out they may need a bit of kindness. Kindness is always the right size and color.

Intentional Gardening

From the Ferret Tarot, the Sun; from the Nature's Wisdom Oracle, Artichoke:

Every morning, the rising Sun invites and inspires us to begin again.

–Debasish Mridha

My husband calls our cat 'sundial' because all day long she moves from room to room looking for a spot of sunshine pouring through the windows to nap in. As it turns out, cats' body temperature takes a dive when they sleep; the sunlight helps them maintain a comfortable degree of warmth. Artichoke is actually the flower bud of a type of thistle that is said to hold one of the highest amounts of antioxidants in vegetables. It requires a bit of work to eat, which is why its message is a challenge to see value in wherever we find ourselves. Together with the Sun, it perhaps suggests that taking care of our own well-being requires some effort that will prove fruitful.

Our bodies are our gardens – our wills are our gardeners.

–William Shakespeare

Begin Again

From the Ferret Tarot, the Moon; from the Nature's Wisdom Oracle, Spider:

This ferret looks a little unnerved by the shadowy presence watching her. Moertl's phrase for the Moon is 'trust your instincts' - in other words, respond with action that will ensure survival. Instinct is visceral, an embodied feeling that is hard to override. Intuition, which is based on past experiences, allows us to see patterns quickly without conscious thought. Both of these (one a response and the other an instant evaluation) can be helpful in keeping us safe, physically and otherwise. Spider, who must constantly fix or remake her web, suggests that such situations can help us become resilient. When we are flexible and adaptable, willing to add to our knowledge base, it's much easier to begin again. 

Wisdom comes from experience. Experience is often a result of lack of wisdom.

― Terry Pratchett

Energy Expense

From the Ferret Tarot, the Eight of Wands; from the Nature's Wisdom Oracle, Oak:

Scientists call them FRAPs (Frenetic Random Activity Periods), but pet owners know them as the 'zoomies' - times when our four-footed companions make laps around the house like NASCAR drivers. Ferrets (who always seem to have energy when awake) are not immune, running, jumping, and twisting in the air. Oak has wood that is dense and durable, but the tree itself is impressive as well. Their roots generally lie only 18 inches under the soil, yet they may spread four to seven times the width of the tree's crown. The strength and stability of Oak suggest we prepare for the energy expense we'll need ahead - eat healthy, get enough rest and don't sweat the small stuff.

Noble Sacrifice

This week I'll be using the Ferret Tarot, created and self-published by Elaine Moertl. Along with it, I'll be drawing from Nature's Wisdom Oracle, created by Mindy Lighthipe and published by Schiffer Books. The cards for today are the Knight of Pentacles and Passion Flower:

Moertl calls the Knight of Pentacles "Mr. Dependable." And while he is responsible, dedicated, and willing to tackle tough jobs, he's not fast. He will stubbornly check the details of things for errors or signs of problems before finishing. I can imagine this ferret saying, "Just two more hours!" Yet rarely is anyone displeased with his results unless they miss a deadline. The Passion Flower is weirdly beautiful, though this illustration just shows a part of it. Here's a better picture. First discovered in Peru, the monastic scholar Giacomo Bosio referred to it as “the flower with the five wounds,” referring to the Passion of Christ. Both these cards suggest that when it comes to being of service, whether to individuals or a community, we each have a unique sacrifice involving our time and energy to offer.

A noble purpose inspires sacrifice, stimulates innovation and encourages perseverance.

~Gary Hamel

Unity without Uniformity

From the Deirdre of the Sorrows Tarot, the Knight of Swords; from the Victorian Flower Oracle, The Flower Ball:

There is a lot of energy and movement with this Knight of Swords, emphasizing both his fearlessness and recklessness in the area of ideas and communication. The left hand is sometimes seen symbolically as representing receptivity, yet this fellow holds wields his sword in this hand. That might suggest that he likes to forcefully deliver his opinions while refusing to listen to those of others. Yet the Flower Ball suggests there is a happy medium in intellectual conversations - discussion rather than debate. I've been in a theological book club for over a decade now; its main tenet is respect. I've learned that we can maintain unity without uniformity when dignity and consideration are upheld.

Seven Tools

From the Deirdre of the Sorrows Tarot, the Ten of Cups; from the Victorian Flower Oracle, Thistle:

For better or worse, intelligence can come to nothing when the emotions hold sway.

― Daniel Goleman

Looks like this happy family did build their home on a firm foundation. The companion book says the man is planting a shamrock (timely, as today is St. Patrick's Day). Yet emotional intelligence likely has more to do with emotional fulfillment than luck. Goleman defined it as "the capacity for recognizing our own feelings and those of others, for motivating ourselves, and for managing emotions well in ourselves and in our relationships." Thistle may be sharp and prickly, but donkeys could care less, thus the keyword 'threat.' When our contentment is under attack, what tools do we use? Justin Bariso (EQ Applied) lists seven:

1. The pause button.
2. Volume control (dial things back).
3. The tuning dial (listen carefully).
4. Mute (during intense emotions, sharing a point of view isn't usually helpful).
5. Record (while on mute, remember key points that are shared).
6. Playback (revisit the topic when both parties have cooled down).
7. Playback (think about how what you're about to say or do will affect all involved in the long run).

Necessities

From the Deirdre of the Sorrows Tarot, the Four of Wands; from the Victorian Flower Oracle, Sweet Pea:

The higher your structure is to be, the deeper must be its foundation.

— Saint Augustine

In this card, newlyweds move in to their new home, ready to build a life together. The Four of Wands suggests a foundation has been successfully laid, but more work will be required to complete the project. Before we rush in, however, Sweet Pea suggests we consider necessities above preferences. This flower won't thrive without consistent moisture. Morning watering and drip or furrow irrigation is better to prevent bud drop and fungal infections. No matter what kind of 'garden' we're creating, we would do well to add in any requirements to satisfy what is needed rather than thinking we can deal with it later.

A Bit of Muck

From the Deirdre of the Sorrows Tarot, the Knight of Cups; from the Victorian Flower Oracle, Pansy:

All knights are on the move, seeking to find or create what motivates them. With the Knight of Cups, that would be love and beauty. Yet does he fall for an ideal or the actual person or thing of beauty? I fear that his attraction is based on an inner model of perfection, which will last only as long as the glamour holds him in sway. Then this Knight will take Tennessee Williams advice: "There is a time for departure even when there’s no certain place to go." Pansy seems to live in the same fantasy world as he does. In Victorian times, this flower represented forbidden love between secret lovers (not something that is likely to end well). They both might learn something from the lotus; it spends time in the muck and mud as a seed and over time rises through the water to eventually bloom in the sun. Genuine love goes through the same cycles.

Half-Light

From the Deirdre of the Sorrows Tarot, the Moon; from the Victorian Flower Oracle, Opium Poppy:

I recently read on Mary K. Greer's blog that the French phrase 'entre chien et loup' (between a dog and a wolf) refers to the time of day "when the half light turns everything monochromatic and you can’t tell the difference between the wild and the tame." This is such an apt description of the Moon card, when our desperate hopes or grave fears often make us imagine something that isn't real. Opium Poppy also suggests that our mind might be deluding us, especially if we don't want to notice what is happening. The antidote to delusion is the practice mindfulness - paying attention without being distracted by our usual inner commentary. Regardless of whether we see things we do or don't prefer, at least we'll comprehend them clearly enough to choose a sane response.

Delusions are distorted ways of looking at ourselves, other people, and the world around us–like a distorted mirror, they reflect a distorted world. ~Geshe Kelsang 

Background Check

From the Deirdre of the Sorrows Tarot, the Queen of Wands; from the Victorian Flower Oracle, Verbena:

Outgoing, charismatic and beautiful, this queen is made to be in the spotlight. She's often seen rallying others for a cause or cheering on those who are following their dreams. Her passion encourages others to follow her, but Verbena ('revenge') suggests we consider her true motive. In ancient Greece, Verbena was dedicated to Eos, the personification of the dawn who brought light to disperse the night. There are some leaders who suggest they will bring the light by righting wrongs. They often take the advice of Ronald Reagan: "When you can't make them see the light, make them feel the heat." Politicians and others often rouse the emotions of people to get them to back their agenda; as long as their story is full of heat, it doesn't matter if it's true. Anger and rage can make people feel powerful, but what happens when they see behind the curtain of person they were following?

Self-constructed Resentments

This week I'll be using the Deirdre of the Sorrows Tarot, a self-published set created by Deirdre O'Donoghue and illustrated by Wayne McGuire. Along with it, I'll be drawing from the Victorian Flower Oracle, created by Alex Ukolov, Karen Mahony and Sheila Hamilton; it was published by Magic Realist Press. Today's draws are the Two of Coins and Mimosa:

Judging by his attire, this guy's intention was to keep a sense of humor about his extra load. But from the look on his face, he appears perturbed and resentful. He thought he could take some classes that his boss suggested and do some repairs on the house for his wife. But energy and time spend like money - there's only so much each person has. Mimosa's leaflets fold inward in response to touch, giving her the keyword sensitivity. Some folks have a hard time saying 'no,' feeling as if they must constantly be in another's good graces. But no one's opinion should define our worth, and boundaries are beneficial to our well-being. As Anna Taylor said, "You teach people how to treat you by deciding what you will and won’t accept."

Eyes Forward

From the Sasuraibito Tarot, the Sun; from the SoulCards, Joyful Tears:

Whether we've been locked in a windowless office all week or stuck inside because of stormy weather, the return of the Sun is welcome relief. It can dispel blue funks, brighten the colors around us, and warm us with its energy. It liberates us from our assumptions and allows us to see what is with clarity; it reminds us to choose joy and enthusiasm. Joyful Tears are often the end result of much effort expended, challenges overcome, or good news when expecting the worst. They allow us to release our pent-up stress and ease the burden we've been carrying. Now is the time for play, belly laughs, dancing, singing and celebrating life - eyes forward.

The sun does not shine for a few trees and flowers, but the wide world's joy.

~Henry Ward Beecher

Two-Way Street

From the Sasuraibito Tarot, the Two of Wands; from the SoulCards, Support:

The Two of Wands offers a chance to either expand or stay where we are, a decision which can lead to some anxiety. These two wands lie on a vegvísir ('way-finder') found in an Icelandic manuscript of magic symbols written about 1860. It said: "If this sign is carried, one will never lose one’s way in storms or bad weather, even when the way is not known." Well, I guess that might provide some small comfort, but a knowledgeable navigator might be better. Support shows an angel like figure with one protective arm around a child and another around a budding branch. I saw a meme the other day that said, "It takes six people to carry a casket; imagine what it would be like if each person had that kind of support when they were alive." The only problem with that idea is that many of us want the benefits of having support without being a support, a relationship that creates imbalance and isn't sustainable. 

Mutual aid means that every participant is both giver and recipient in acts of care that bind them together, as distinct from the one-way street of charity.

― Rebecca Solnit

What We Plant

From the Sasuraibito Tarot, the Seven of Swords; from the SoulCards, Teaching:

Man is not what he thinks he is, he is what he hides.

~André Malraux

This intense young lady reminds me of Keri Russell in the spy TV series, The Americans. Is she stealing secrets, ideas or plans?  While there may be an extraordinary circumstance that requires subterfuge to stay safe from those who would do us harm, deception generally only creates more problems. It can easily become a fixed pattern of behavior, resulting in us resembling Malraux's words above. The Teaching card shows a man attempting to explain how the seeds we plant today become the meadow of our life in the future. Acts motivated by greed, hatred or delusion sow a field of suffering; those generated by generosity, kindness or wisdom create gardens of joy. Check the label on those seed packets.

Failing Our Way to Success

From the Sasuraibito Tarot, the Page of Cups; from the SoulCards, Scrying:

This young lass has already shot her arrow of love at someone in an attempt to get their attention. Now she holds up the key to her heart as an offer. And what might that key be? Fun, intelligent conversation, romance or companionship? The older woman, who appears to emerge from a tree, holds a large bowl of water. It's surface is ringed like the inside of a tree, telling the stories of the heart over time. Some stories are full of sadness and anger, while others are filled with happiness and contentment. What the heart seeks is likely to change as we age, perhaps retaining what we originally sought while expanding to include what becomes more important.

When it comes to love and relationships most of us fail our way to success.

― Kevin Darné

Spinning Tales

From the Sasuraibito Tarot, the Five of Pentacles; from the SoulCards, Ignorance:

“And I said to my body softly, ‘I want to be your friend.’ It took a long breath and replied, ‘I’ve been waiting my whole life for this.’” ~Nayyirah Waheed

The mind will tell us whatever will enhance and protect the ego; the body never lies. The body's messages are often ignored because they come in the form of twinges, cramps, heaviness, aches and pain. The mind, in ignorance (thinking we can get what we want to the exclusion of what we don't want), will tell us to push on, that we need this, that it takes sacrifice to reach the goal. It's ironic that when things come crashing down, we blame the body. The mind is adept at spinning tales - trust the body.

How We Grieve

From the Sasuraibito Tarot, the Three of Swords; from the SoulCards, Spiraling:

As we tell the story of what has happened, it becomes not so much the story of what has actually occurred as the story of our pain and our fear. —Norman Fischer

We've all experienced the heartache that comes with deception, but how we grieve can make a big difference in our emotional and mental health. The Spiraling card depicts those moments when we spend all of our time cursing or accusing those we hold responsible for our pain. We are so caught up in our anguish and wish for retaliation that we see no other possibilities other than the hell we reside in. In fact, we become so tightly coiled around our suffering that we don't see much of anything else. The young girl in this card, gazing at her heart with compassion, has figured out that the way through the hurt is self-care rather than allegations and self-pity.