Financial Education

From the Tarot of Durer, the Ten of Coins; from the Philosopher's Stone, Abundance:

The habit of saving is itself an education; it fosters every virtue, teaches self-denial, cultivates the sense of order, trains to forethought, and so broadens the mind. 

– T.T. Munger

This guy is enjoying his retirement, but he might want to take a peek at his savings rather than just letting the hawk keep an eye on things. The problem with living on a fixed income is that the prices of things keep going up but not always our investments. My bank insisted on going paperless, which means I have to check my monthly statement online. I have not been very diligent lately, and last night I was shocked to see that I forgot to record not one but several purchases in my account register - my balance was much lower than I thought. Thankfully, I ponder before purchasing, so I don't generally spend extravagantly unless it is for health or repairs. But it was a good lesson in keeping a closer eye on things. Abundance might suggest financial prosperity for some, but for me it reflects well-being in mental and emotional ways as well. Which makes me think of the advice of Martha Beck: "Stop fixating on stuff you can touch and start caring about stuff that touches you."

A Privilege

From the Tarot of Durer, the Wheel of Fortune; from the Philosopher's Stone deck, Depth:

When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.

―Marcus Aurelius

The Wheel of life is constantly in motion, creating ongoing change. No amount of wishing or begging will make it otherwise. The phrase "seize the day" on this card reminds us to take each day as it comes, making the most of it. We might have a boring day and feel restless followed by a day of dealing with a crisis. We might have a pleasant, lazy day followed by a day of friendship and laughter. Things change. The Depth card reminds us to look deeper, especially when life doesn't roll along according to our preferences. We can get fixated on the one thing that we desire or want to be different and forget the other good around us. 

Whatever we fixate upon limits us because fixation makes us dependent upon something other than ourselves. Each time we let go of something, we experience another level of freedom.

―Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche

Everyday Reality

From the Tarot of Durer, the Three of Swords; from the Philosopher's Stone, Skill:

Trust takes time to develop but can be destroyed in a moment. Our connections to others make us feel secure and accepted, but when severed can create a mental or emotional crisis. We tend to be sensitive about our ideas, opinions and sense of self; a joke at our expense, a dig at our viewpoints or a snarky comment about about anything we identify with can feel like a betrayal. Yet Skill hints at the ability to use our mind to cultivate clarity and wisdom, seeing what's beneath our reactions (rather than focusing on what someone else said). We may realize that we all want similar things (joy, companionship, etc.), but we all have different ways of getting there. Rather than accepting any abuse heaped on us, we can simply choose not to hate the other or be swamped by self-pity.

Happiness is not simply the abundance of pleasure in the absence of pain. Rather, it is to remain confident and optimistic in the face of everyday reality.

–Tricycle editors

Bottomless Pits and Perspectives

This week I'll be using the Tarot of Durer, created by Manfredi Toraldo and Giacinto Gaudenzi and published by Lo Scarabeo. The oracle deck I'll also be using is the Philosopher's Stone, created by De Es Schwertberger and published by AG Muller. Today's draws are the Seven of Chalices and Insight:

Greed is a bottomless pit which only gets deeper as you feed it.

– Jaimie Lynn Bechtold

We all wish to be fulfilled, to accomplish something in our lives that makes us feel a pleasurable satisfaction. Yet these cups depict some avenues that seem more like vices: revenge, greed, spiritual bypass, and lust. Does anything provide contentment and ease when it is motivated by intense emotions? As Bechtold states, that seems to only dig a deeper hole the more we try to fill it. Insight is not simply knowledge or an observation, but a deep understanding about the reality of things. It offers a fresh perspective that allows us to respond in more skillful and wholesome ways. Perhaps with it we might discover that fulfillment requires genuine friendship, love, and connection, in whatever shape or form that may come in.

Enough

From the Rosetta Tarot, the Nine of Cups; from the Day of the Dead Lenormand, Birds:

 

'Enough' is a feast.

―Buddhist Proverb

Addiction is an intense craving expressed by a constant attempt to find something external to fill the void within us. Contentment is the exact opposite - an inner peace and joy with life as it is. The Nine of Cups expresses this state, even in the arrangement of its cups (creating the geomantic figure laetitia, or gladness). Such warmth radiates outward, touching everyone. The Birds card suggests messages and gossip, but it also brings to mind people who like to spread misery. However joy can't be stolen if it rests within us, independent of outside circumstances. As Og Mandino said, "Nothing external can have any power over you unless you permit it. Your time is too precious to be sacrificed in wasted days combating the menial forces of hate, jealousy, and envy."

Check the Wind

From the Rosetta Tarot, the Eight of Disks; from the Day of the Dead Lenormand, the Clover:

Look and see which way the wind blows before you commit yourself.

― Aesop

The Eight of Disks is subtitled Prudence, a virtue of restraint that encourages us to pause and thoughtfully consider the wisest action. Sometimes that just means sitting on the nest. If a threat would appear to her eggs, this owl would most assuredly be ready to defend them. But first she would make sure the perceived threat wasn't performed so that another predator could sneak in while she was distracted. Clover, a lucky but fleeting opportunity, suggests we guard ourselves from crossing the line from prudence into paranoia, causing serendipity to pass us by. Prudence is driven by logic and paranoia by fear; if the the reasoning part of your brain is taken offline by emotion, stay seated.

Thankful

From the Rosetta Tarot, the Princess of Disks; from the Day of the Dead Lenormand, the Stork:

We live in a moment that is pregnant with possibility.

— Gary Hamel

This Princess is Earth of Earth, a representation of creating and growing. You can bet that she is aware of her surroundings, and her awareness brings appreciation. Meleen describes her as 'pregnant with possibilities.' She's not focusing on what isn't there, but on what might be developed and come into being. The Stork, a bird with long migration patterns, symbolizes transitions and transformations. Together, these cards suggest we look around at our resources - our shelter, our comforts, our companions and our conveniences - and imagine life without them. Does that transform our focus from our wants and remind us of what we can do with all that we have?

Abuse It and Lose It

From the Rosetta Tarot, the Nine of Disks; from the Day of the Dead Lenormand, Mice:

Caretaking is the utmost spiritual and physical responsibility of our time, and perhaps that stewardship is finally our place in the web of life, our work, the solution to the mystery that we are. 

― Linda Hogan

The Nine of Disks represents 'Gain,' whether that be our health, well-being or financial status. It's a pleasant, comfortable place to be in, but it's easy to become complacent and lose our appreciation for what we have. The Mice suggests loss - a warning that everything is subject to decline and change. What we have - our bodies, homes and material possessions (even our Earth) - all require good stewardship, a willingness to take responsibility for the care and condition of these things. 

Purpose of the Storm

From the Rosetta Tarot, the Six of Wands; from the Day of the Dead Lenormand, the Sun: 

But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm’s all about. ― Haruki Murakami

The Six of Wands ("Victory" in Thoth descriptions) shows the joy that comes after a struggle. There is such relief and wonder in our experience of freedom that we don't focus too much on the cause at first. But as we begin taking our success or ease for granted, we may want to blame or accuse those who seemed to make our challenge harder. Yet this card also implies that what we went through in our ordeal was meant to help us develop and grow, or in some cases, to bring insight and understanding. Like the Six of Wands, the Sun is about accomplishment. But it also shows the happiness and good that lie before us - the result of what we learned and experienced.

Create a New Memory

From the Rosetta Tarot, the Four of Swords; from the Day of the Dead Lenormand, Fish:

Triggers are reminders of a place in time. See past the trigger and take back ‘this’ moment in time. When memories make you sad, don’t let them steal the beauty of life. Create a new memory.

— Tracy Malone

The Four of Swords is known as Truce: the tornado of the mind settles down, allowing time for reflection and reconsideration. Yesterday I was doing a rough sketch of the wild-looking bloom of bee balm using a few printed photos for reference. My husband looked to see what I was doing and commented, "That doesn't look like either of those pictures." Now he was just making an observation, but my mind heard "That looks stupid." Old memories get triggered easily when the energy of emotion grips us, coloring the present and overshadowing what is actually happening. An open mind and reflection can help us become aware of what is going on and hopefully mentally rewire the event. Fish are generally a message about business and finance, but in this case I think they simply point to resources. We all have talents and abilities, and though not all make money, they do bring joy when we engage in them. Isn't that reason enough to protect them?

A Great Idea

This week I'll be using the Rosetta Tarot along with its companion book The Book of Seshet. This set was created by M.M. Meleen and published by Atu House. The oracle deck I'll be using is the Day of the Dead Lenormand, created and self-published by Edmund Zebrowski. Today's draws are the Ace of Swords and Bouquet:

To celebrate someone else’s life, we need to find a way to look at it straight on, not from above with judgment or from below with envy.

― Sharon Salzberg

Meleen explains that the lightning bolts above the sword hint at synapses and neural activity; she suggests the mind is a power that can be used for good or evil. It's force can be focused on the three poisons (greed, hatred, delusion) or the three antidotes (generosity, kindness, wisdom) in our daily encounters. Bouquet implies well-wishes and reminds me of a wedding bouquet that is carried during the ceremony and then tossed afterward to friends and family. It is a symbolic way of saying, "I'm happy, and wish this happiness for you." Now that's a great idea. 

Nothing to Hold On To

From the Sheridan-Douglas Tarot, the Eight of Batons; from the Pages of Shustah, Angel of Autumn:

“Nothing to hold on to” is the root of happiness. There’s a sense of freedom when we accept that we’re not in control. —Pema Chödrön

The Eight of Batons indicates things are happening quickly, that what we've worked for or anticipated is coming in for a landing. Will things go as planned? Will the results be what we hope for? The Angel of Autumn encourages us to release our expectations and welcome what arrives. With wisdom we can realize that how things turn out are not always up to us, no matter how much we've planned and prepared. And with that mindset, we can respond appropriately to whatever turns up.

Overconfidence

From the Sheridan-Douglas Tarot, the Knight of Batons; from the Pages of Shustah, the Swamp:

Confidence gets you off to a fast start. Confidence gets you that first job and maybe the next two promotions. But [over]confidence stops you from learning. 

~Bill Walsh

The Knight of Batons has charm, energy and a love of adventure. People enjoy his company and the fun he creates, though he doesn't stay in one place for very long. He gets itchy if he's not on the move. His confidence makes him fearless when he's exploring new places, but the Swamp card asks him to pause and tap into his intuition. The dark water of these lands hide alligators and roots that easily snag and arrest progress. As Neil Armstrong put it, "When you get overconfident, that's when something snaps up and bites you."

Choosing My Neighbor

From the Sheridan-Douglas Tarot, the Pope (Hierophant); from the Pages of Shustah deck, Capricorn:

To be a priest is to serve a God who never stops calling people to do more justice and love more mercy, and simultaneously to serve people who nine times out of ten are just looking for a safe place to rest.

― Barbara Brown Taylor

The creators of this card suggest it represents a "consolation of faith," in other words, a religion with a focus on comfort, encouragement and support. I suppose that depends on whether the leader's agenda is judgment, hellfire and brimstone or healing, helping and compassion. The sea-goat of Capricorn cautions us that the emotional security of beliefs should be balanced by a faith that is grounded in loving action. As Barbara Brown Taylor wrote, "The only clear line I draw these days is this: when my religion tries to come between me and my neighbor, I will choose my neighbor... Jesus never commanded me to love my religion."

Unpretentious

From the Sheridan-Douglas Tarot, the King of Coins; from the Pages of Shustah, Spinning Top:

This King of Coins is described as wealthy but practical and unpretentious. He's not interested in gold toilets to impress his guests. He might appreciate comfort, but his focus is on doing good rather than looking good. Yet the Spinning Top with the clown behind it suggests something is about to come spinning into his life that upsets his contentment. Perhaps there is someone who intimidates him, who makes him feel small and insecure (maybe an in-law or other family member). Will he remember all that he has to be thankful for without pulling out all the stops to prove himself?

There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. ―Ernest Hemingway

Creating Our Own Obstacles

From the Sheridan-Douglas Tarot, the Five of Batons; from the Pages of Shustah cards, Guardian Dog:

I'm convinced humans create most of their own obstacles. When trying to accomplish something or handle a situation, we usually always think our ideas are right and the best. Those we're working with likely think the same thing, and so we butt heads. But if we can step aside from the feeling that our self-worth is tied to having our concepts accepted, we might have a chance to really consider some other options. The Guardian Dog's message is to protect that which is important: What will work efficiently without causing harm and bring a beneficial result? As Jesuit priest Father Strickland wrote, "A man may do an immense deal of good, if he does not care who gets the credit for it."

Opening Doors

From the Sheridan-Douglas Tarot, the Papess; from the Pages of Shustah, Little Foxes:

I’ve always thought that a good book should be either the entry point inward, to learn about yourself, or a door outward, to open you up to new worlds.

― Taylor Jenkins Reid

The High Priestess/Popess indicates hidden knowledge within us that we receive through insights. This woman is completely engaged in reading, so much so that she is sinking down into a place beyond ego's reach. Have you ever read something that jolted you in a deep way, that brought new realizations and understanding? The writings of Pema Chodron, the "You Are Accepted" sermon by Paul Tillich, and numerous poems have had that effect on me. These opened doors in my mind that I was unaware of until that moment. Little Foxes suggest a need to stay in reality rather than fanciful illusions. How do we know if something is insight or simply an emotional reaction? While insight might cause one's heart to feel touched, it doesn't include strong emotions like anger, fear, craving or sadness. And unlike an emotional reaction, it can be life changing.  

It Doesn't Cost Much

This week I'll be using the Sheridan-Douglas Tarot, created by David Sheridan and Alfred Douglas and published by Sheridan Douglas Press. The oracle deck I'll be using is Pages of Shustah, created by Ann Manser and Cecil North and published by Shustah Inc. Today's draws are the Queen of Coins and Cancer:

A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal. 

—Steve Maraboli

Did you know that all cattle - even females - have horns? Although usually cut off calves by humans, cows are a prey animal and their horns are a way to protect themselves. It seems this Queen of Coins, with her horn-like crown, is a quite capable of protecting her assets and growing a nest egg. She's no damsel in distress, and her husband depends on her resourcefulness and intelligence. However, she's not caught up in materialism; she appreciates resources for the nurturance and sustenance they provide. The crab of Cancer implies emotional sensitivity. He would remind the Queen that kindness doesn't cost money, only a little time and a tender heart. 

Daily Toxins

From the Anima Mundi Tarot, the Three of Cups; from the Nature's Pharmacy deck, Milk Thistle:

It takes courage to say yes to rest and play in a culture where exhaustion is seen as a status symbol. ~Brené Brown

California sea lions, intelligent and social, travel in groups of 12 or more and hang out on man-made structures such as piers and jetties. They remind us that we need time to simply hang-out with our friends with no agenda. Milk thistle, named for the white veins on its prickly leaves, has been used with some success to improve liver function. The liver filters all of the blood in the body and breaks down poisonous substances, helps digest fats and carry away waste. It is an organ that purifies until it has been overworked by excessive alcohol or drugs. These cards remind us that we can cause great harm when we don't create space in our lives for things other than work or worry. We need to make time for what will help us filter out the daily 'toxins' we take in.

A Little Discomfort

From the Anima Mundi Tarot, the Six of Swords; from the Nature's Pharmacy deck, Valerian:

Pain... lops off the branch of every indifference.

―Rumi

Birds take to the sky as the season for migration begins. Our history with a person or group can lay down roots that make it hard to move on, even when things become difficult. But as Rumi notes, pain can a great motivator for us to seek peace and mental ease elsewhere. Valerian's roots are dried and used in a tea or capsule as a sedative or sleep aid. The downside is this herb's smell - imagine a boy's gym locker at the end of a school year. Both of these cards are a reminder that change, even when it is for the good, can be unpleasant. But a little discomfort at the beginning is better than a lifetime of it.

From Surviving to Thriving

From the Anima Mundi Tarot, Justice; from the Nature's Pharmacy, Cranberry:

Whenever a separation is made between liberty and justice, neither, in my opinion is safe.

—Edmund Burke

Anyone who vows to act fairly, objectively and truthfully will need the courage and strength of the lion to stand their ground. The underlying stumbling block to justice is when one group believes their freedom and rights are infringed upon if another group is given civil rights. In other cases, liberties are given parameters (such as gun regulations) in order to protect the masses, and those who do not agree cry foul. Cranberries have been used as a food staple, medicine, and dye for centuries. The indigenous people of the Lenni Lenape saw them as a symbol of peace and goodwill. Justice ultimately seeks peace and goodwill; the rights of "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" include the well-being of all, allowing everyone not just to survive but to thrive. 

According to the Declaration, the extended quality of happiness — what we might call the good or flourishing life — is or should be a primary concern of government. That means it isn't just about my happiness, especially idiosyncratically defined, but about all citizens' happiness.

—Brent Strawn

Practical Optimist

From the Anima Mundi Tarot, the Eight of Wands; from the Nature's Pharmacy deck, Flax:

You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.

― Marcus Aurelius

Wyreweden's Eight of Wands is illustrated with the roadrunner, a bird that can outrace a human. They thrive in the harsh conditions of the Southwest desert and can eat venomous prey like rattlesnakes, scorpions and lizards. I had a laugh after drawing this card as I am currently shuffling around due to a back injury. But just because I am moving at a snail's pace doesn't mean the rest of life will too. Flax is a slender plant with delicate looking stems, yet it yields a resilient linen fiber with great tensile strength. It suggests that no matter how fast the day is racing - even if  our bodies are not up for an athletic challenge - we can still meet it successfully if we adjust our minds. There's a practical optimist hiding in there somewhere!

If Bitterness Prevails

From the Anima Mundi Tarot, the Hanged Man; from the Nature's Pharmacy deck, Horseradish:

It is hardly possible to build anything if frustration, bitterness and a mood of helplessness prevail. ―Lech Walesa

The male black widow (much smaller and different in appearance from the female) gives his life when he mates. In some cases, he offers himself as food to the female; in other species, he simply dies after mating. His sacrificial death enables the species to continue. The Hanged Man asks us to make a sacrifice, often a surrender to how life is rather than how we demand it to be. Such a surrender doesn't mean folding our hand. Instead, it gives us the clarity to see what we can't control and what we might influence so that we can respond more skillfully. Horseradish's root has a biting, spicy flavor when eaten, yet its eye-watering flavor only lasts a few moments. Likewise, allowing life to flow without spending all of our time fighting it can let our bitterness pass instead of us becoming stuck in it.  

One and the Same

From the Anima Mundi Tarot, the Hermit; from the Nature's Pharmacy deck, Myrrh:

The mundane and the sacred are one and the same.

~Alan Watts

This Hermit is illustrated with a common octopus, a highly intelligent invertebrate that spends much of its life alone living in the crevices of rocks and coral. With dark ink that hides its form and smell from predators and the ability to change its color and texture to blend in with its surroundings, the octopus is a fitting symbol of the hermit. Hermits were spiritual individuals who sought temporary or permanent solitude in wild places. Cutting ties with the material world, their goal was to experience life rather than accumulate things in an effort to receive wisdom and insight. Myrrh is a resin extracted from the thorny, shrubby trees of the the genus Commiphora. It's been used for centuries for a variety of sacred purposes: to embalm mummies, as a key ingredient in anointing oil, and as a special incense. Its humble appearance is a reminder that spiritual understanding can be found in the most common surroundings if we aren't intent on seeking the phenomenal.

We, Not Me

This week I'll be using the Anima Mundi Tarot, created and self-published by Megan Wyreweden. Paired with it will be the Nature's Pharmacy deck, created by New York Botanical Garden and published by Chronicle Books. Today's draws are the Knight of Pentacles and Arnica:

We, the People, recognize that we have responsibilities as well as rights; that our destinies are bound together... ~Barack Obama

This Knight of Pentacles is illustrated with a gray wolf, an animal loyal and dedicated to his mate and pack. Is he standing guard as a protector or is he searching for food as a hunter? Either way, he is constantly alert as his clan depends on him. This Knight embodies commitment and duty without wavering; he knows there is no ease or well-being for anyone if his focus is solely self-centered. Arnica is a part of the sunflower family; its name is likely derived from the Greek arni ("lamb") because of its soft, hairy leaves. Arnica gel has been used as an application to the skin for osteoarthritis. It reminds this dutiful Knight that he must soften his own agenda and allow others to help him. It's a we effort, not a me effort.