It Can Be A Gift

From the Tarot of Mystical Moments, Strength; from the Inner Eye Oracle, the King of Hearts:

Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength. 

— Francis de Sales

This young girl, with her cat ears, nose and tail, knows she is part beast. To her, it is a gift. Intense emotions that make her want to wound with sharp claws and teeth can be tempered with practice. That energy can then be channeled into patience, courage, resilience and receptivity. The real struggle, she realizes, lies within. When life gets overwhelming, she reminds us of Dieter F. Uchtdorf's words: "It's your reaction to adversity, not adversity itself that determines how your life's story will develop." The King of Hearts represents a guide to our emotions. His ram horns indicate that he won't back down from strong feelings; the armor he wears on his chest is his heart. He models calm behavior and gives us a safe space to explore the root of our emotions and see how our impulsive reactions create more problems than solution. He knows that it is only by working through our challenges that we will find an inner strength that will keep us grounded. 

The Lure

From the Tarot of Mystical Moments, the Devil; from the Inner Eye Oracle, the Two of Spades:

This is the lure of all things destructive, in that they have us equate what feels good as being good.

― Craig D. Lounsbrough

A lure is, by necessity, attractive and enticing as this lovely spider woman dangling cherries. The Devil promises bliss and soothing relaxation, but he fails to give the full story of how our craving may in time poison us like this amanita mushroom. There has been a pushback in some cases; I've noticed stores posting signs like this in front of all tobacco products:

Will we get hooked by what lures us? The Two of Spades shows a crossroads post and represents an important decision. Do we follow the false information that our brain is giving us, that we desperately need what we intensely desire? Or can we tell ourselves this is a tainted message that we would do well to avoid and go in different direction?

Connecting the Dots

From the Tarot of Mystical Moments, the Seven of Pentacles; from the Inner Eye Oracle, the Six of Diamonds:

No incident, however seemingly trivial, is unimportant in the scheme of things.

― Jodi Taylor

The Seven of Pentacles offers us a pause to assess the fruits of our work. It gives us a chance to connect the dots - actions taken or not taken, resources used, effort expended - to see whether we are making progress, stagnating or moving backward. It appears the young lady in the tree has many fruits and flowers to show for her exertions. But perhaps just as important, she has seeds to reinvest. In other words, her work is sustainable. The Six of Diamonds' tree symbolizes family and our ancestors. It is a neutral card, but it might suggest we look at our work ethic and other beliefs we've inherited to see if they are constructive or destructive in our endeavors. 

Look for the Scales

From the Mystical Moments Tarot, the Seven of Swords; from the Inner Eye Oracle, the Jack of Hearts:

People will reveal who they are if you just pay attention.

― Germany Kent  

There are those who treat others like a tissue - they use them then toss them in the trash. As with the serpent girl stealing bird eggs, it's not always easy to see the scales of those in whom we place our trust. People make mistakes, but blunders are different from breaking someone's trust. Such a fracture involves betrayal and deception; the intention behind the action is completely self-serving without consideration of the other. The Jack of Hearts represents the Lover. The swan that drapes itself around his neck symbolizes devotion and loyalty. Loyalty, this Jack would tell us, is about protecting those we love. It doesn't mean we are always in agreement with our beloved, but our actions are motivated by care and concern. If that's not the case, peek under their appeal and you'll probably find scales.

 

Baited Lines

From the Tarot of Mystical Moments, the Ace of Pentacles; from the Inner Eye Oracle, the Stranger:

Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. – Seneca

This particular card made me think of an elderly man I saw fishing at a local lake. He had four poles baited with lines in the water, and he kept a close watch on all the corks. He obviously felt he had a better chance of pulling in a fish if didn't just rely on one fishing pole. Seeds don't grow unless planted by people, an animal or parent plants. If we're looking for an opportunity to come our way, it may help to ask family, friends and acquaintances to keep their eyes and ears open too if we want to widen our possibilities. Then it's up to us to reel in the fish when a cork goes under. The Jack of Spades shows a mysterious stranger and represents the unknown. It can be intimidating when we must move away from the status quo and rely on a chance encounter that offers us new possibilities. But if we plant that seed, we will soon see what kind of plant it produces.  

Gibbering Madhouse

This week I'll be using the Tarot of Mystical Moments, created by Catrin Welz-Stein and published by U.S. Games. Paired with it will be the Inner Eye Oracle, created by Steven Bright and published by Red Feather. Today's draws are the Ace of Swords and the Three of Hearts:

Your mind is a shrieking gibbering madhouse on wheels barreling pell-mell down the hill utterly out of control and hopeless. No problem. You are not crazier than you were yesterday. It has always been this way and you just never noticed. ― Bhante Henepola Gunaratana

We often assume the mind is our ally, but actually it is just a collection of knowledge, an endless fount of ideas, a holder of our memories and the keeper of our emotional patterns. For it to become a help rather than a hindrance, we must be aware of its thoughts, question what it tells us, and compare it to reality. We then must learn to steer it towards a beneficial focus and away from worrying rumination or excessive emotional impulses. The mind becomes a friend when it is trained to respond rather than reflexively react. The Three of Hearts is illustrated with a locket, signifying memories. Reminiscing about the past can be helpful in preventing us from making the same mistake over and over, or if our mood needs a little boost, by remembering a pleasurable moment. Yet there are some memories that poke our old pains and grievances and simply cause suffering. For those, we should take Shunryu Suzuki's advice: "Let thoughts come and go. Just don't serve them tea."

It Can Be Simple

From the Prisma Visions Tarot, the Ten of Chalices; from the Secret Language of Color, Violet:

Someday you're gonna be sitting out under the stars and realize how little you actually need to be truly happy. ~Brooke Hampton

Two kids smile as they hang cups from their favorite climbing tree. Joy can be simple; it need not be based on dazzling fireworks and expensive, shiny possessions. Psychologists identify happiness as "subjective well-being." In other words, it has more to do with how we feel about our life than what have or don't have. A bit of fun, something satisfying to do, and people with whom we have a connection can offset those days when things get challenging. The Violet card suggests seeking balance in our endeavor to find emotional fulfillment. Aristotle advocated a path between excess and deficiency in the pursuit of flourishing - sounds like a wise goal. 

Killed by Duty

From the Prisma Visons Tarot, the Knight of Pentacles; from the Secret Language of Color Cards, Pink:

Love can flourish only as long as it is free and spontaneous; it tends to be killed by the thought of duty. 

― Bertrand Russell

The Knight of Pentacles understands that all living things require sustenance, and he is a work horse when it comes to providing what they all need. Yet he can be so focused on cultivating and obtaining, he forgets to appreciate the beauty and magic all around him. As he trudges though life, he's begun to value things and people according to their usefulness. Einstein suggested that love was a better teacher and master than duty - it gladdens and lightens the heart as we do our work, keeping us from seeing it simply as an obligation. Pink's message follows this line of thought, encouraging us to "let love in." 

Turn Around, Don't Drown

From the Prisma Visions Tarot, the Devil; from the Secret Language of Color Cards, Jade:

Even the friendliest snake will strike.

― Sabrina Newby

We all, at some point, crave relief or a bit of pleasure. That's a natural response to stress in our world. And the Devil is always ready to supply us with bliss or comfort, but we need to be wary. If we stay on his path for too long, we can become lost in his forest or be led right over a cliff. When our longing becomes an intense obsession, entirely motivating our daily actions, we are in danger of losing our way. Jade's message is that to heal, we must take action. Simply being aware will not save us; as Socrates said, “Knowing is not the same as doing.”

Hard Truth

From the Prisma Visions Tarot, Death; from the Secret Language of Color Cards, Black:

The hard truth is, terrible things happen in life that we can’t control, and somehow we do bear them. We bear witness to them.  –Frank Ostaseski

Theravada Buddhist teacher Ajahn Chah taught his students about impermanence by holding up a glass and saying, "The glass is already broken." In other words, everything that we can touch or see will one day be gone. Is it possible to grieve our losses with mindfulness (without judgment)? If so, we might sense "a deep, deep loneliness and at the same time the connectedness of everything" (Robert Chodo Campbell). The message of the Black card suggests we "find richness from the dark night." Do we recognize the benevolent impact our loss had on us before it disappeared? Can we hold onto the meaning and gratitude that remembrance provides? And are we aware of those who support and encourage us as we grieve?

What Isn't Ours

From the Prisma Visions Tarot, the Seven of Swords; from the Secret Language of Color Cards, Coral:

Some people steal to stay alive, and some steal to feel alive. Simple as that.

― V.E. Schwab

When is it okay to steal what isn't ours to take? If someone has more than us, are we entitled to take some of theirs? There is a growing problem with people stealing and selling intellectual property these days (creations of the mind, such as inventions, literary and artistic works, etc.), made easier via the internet. I've unintentionally bought a tarot deck from Etsy and an oracle deck from Amazon that were pirated. But the big companies do little more than offer a refund, which seems a heartless response to the artists and writers. Simply because someone's work is popular and well-known doesn't mean they're rich; they are likely just trying to make a living like the rest of us. Coral suggests we allow for flow and synchronicity in our lives. Yet if we are too busy being envious of what others have, we'll never notice the openings and opportunities that float past us. When we are grateful for what we do have, we can more easily spot our resources as well.

Time Will Turn Things

From the Prisma Visions Tarot, the Wheel of Fortune; from the Secret Language of Color Cards, Cherry:

Life is simple, it's either cherry red or midnight blue. 

―Lou Gramm

Peacocks and snakes are natural enemies; snakes eat the birds' eggs and fledglings, and the peacock will kill and eat the snakes to protect them. Likewise, the Wheel of Life constantly shifts fortunes and the holders of power. No one stays at the top or bottom forever, as change - though sometimes incremental - happens daily. I've been caring for an older, sick cat, a very ill husband, and a daughter with a neck injury. I'm ready to rest, but life requires that I hang in there a bit longer. The Cherry card exhorts us to "Live an extraordinary life." The problem comes in thinking that we should always get the sweet fruit and not have to deal with the pits in life, which is unrealistic. The extraordinary part comes when we aren't consumed by our aversion or craving for whichever one we receive. Time will turn the Wheel.

Filtering Information

This week I'll be using the Prisma Visions Tarot, created and self-published by James R. Eads; the companion booklet was written by Katherine Tombs. The oracle I'll be using alongside it is the Secret Language of Color Cards, created by Inna Segal and published by Beyond Worlds. Today's draws are the Hierophant and Purple:

hierocracy: government by the clergy; ecclesiastical rule.

This horned celestial being brings to mind the Emperor and hierocracy. The companion book states that the Hierophant represents the enduring traditions that have shaped history. He invites us to learn and conform to his man-made system. Although humans are not infallible, we naturally seek connection and belonging. Do we trust this wisdom and institution enough to pledge our allegiance to it? It doesn't hurt to sincerely listen as long as we use the filter of discernment. Purple suggests cultivating mental clarity, implying that our firmly held opinions, intense emotions or what we crave might affect our ability to see clearly. Before we sign up for anything, we need to make sure we're not under the influence of anything that might bias our perception.

The trouble with having an open mind, of course, is that people will insist on coming along and trying to put things in it. ― Terry Pratchett

Interests that Stick

From the Spacious Tarot, the Guardian (Queen) of Wands; from the Phenomena Oracle, Blizzard:

You can't really predict with certainty what will capture your attention and what won't... Without experimenting, you can't figure out which interests will stick, and which won't.

― Angela Duckworth

The Queens are devoted nurturers, especially when it comes to their suit. The Guardian of Wands believes everyone should have an interest, a hobby or a cause - something that brings them joy and fulfillment. She loves to expand people's exposure to new ideas, places, and things to do in hopes that it will widen their possibilities for developing a passion. Yet Blizzard's card shows a white-out, when both visibility and mobility are stymied. It can be tempting to push what we are fervently interested in onto people close to us. But kids may care less about the sports their parents are nuts about, and a friend may prefer painting to a book club. What stokes our passion can be our own; we don't need to force anyone else into its flames to still enjoy it. 

No Gold in this River

From the Spacious Tarot, the Eight of Cups; from the Phenomena Oracle, Decompose:

There ain't no gold in this river

That I've been washin' my hands in forever

~Adele

The heart often pulls us in a new direction, but it can take our mind some time to catch up. We drag our feet, rationalizing that we've invested too much time and energy into a job or project or have too long a history with a person to give up. But the heart knows that if we have not found fulfillment by now, we likely won't in the future. It's time to move on before we miss the opportunities that are waiting for us that may bring us contentment and meaning. The Decompose card is a reminder that everything will break down at some point, but it will provide the nutrients to grow something new. Knowing what doesn't work can help guide us towards something that will.

Collaboration

From the Spacious Tarot, the Three of Pentacles; from the Phenomena Oracle, Tsunami:

When you need to innovate, you need collaboration.

~Marissa Mayer

This Three of Pentacles is based on Pando, a colony of aspen trees which are actually one living organism, all sharing the same root system. Working with others helps us see from other perspectives - one idea can be visualized from different viewpoints, creating multiple options. Big egos have a hard time collaborating; they easily forget what is most important, the cause everyone is working towards. Yet teams who remember their common goal, groups composed of people who don't try to outshine their partners, can accomplish what seemed impossible alone. Tsunami indicates a situation that feels overwhelming and catastrophic. Here is where the individual gifts of team members can be beneficial, with each person applying their specific abilities to right their ship.

What We Expect

From the Spacious Tarot, the Star; from the Phenomena Oracle, the Rainbow:

Life's under no obligation to give us what we expect.

― Margaret Mitchell

The Spacious guidebook describes the Star as a "peaceful reprieve." Indeed, it is a place where we can rest, find our bearings and reflect on how we wound up flat on our face. The Star often represents hope; yet there is wishful hope tied to specific expectations, and wise hope that simply believes that conditions will eventually change. When we find our feet again, it might be wise to take Brandon Sanderson's words to heart: “Expectations were like fine pottery. The harder you held them, the more likely they were to crack.” The Rainbow is the promise of sunny skies after the storm. The only tempest that can last is the one we continually stir in our mind.

I Don't Know

From the Spacious Tarot, the Ten of Swords; from the Phenomena Oracle, Drought:

The Spacious Tarot guidebook suggests the Ten of Swords is what happens when the mind is left to run unchecked. We don't stop to consider that it is the instigator of our actions and often motivated by ideas that are wrong. I am reminded of how easy it can be to slide into the role of advisor and problem solver. It is an addictive position, giving us a feeling of being needed and wanted. But it can also be a snare that that traps and drains us; any honor we feel doesn't energize us for long. Resentment and blame are the red flags to look for, the hint that we should at times rely on the phrase "I don't know" instead of attempting to be the Oracle of Delphi. As Joko Beck urged, "Be willing not to be an expert." Drought shows what happens to the mind when we are busy telling rather than listening. A satisfied mind does not open to new knowledge and refuses information that conflicts with its current ideas. A dried-up mind can neither produce nor sustain any growth.

Add the Fuel

From the Spacious Tarot, the Ace of Wands; from the Phenomena Oracle, Wind:

No man ever wetted clay and then left it, as if there would be bricks by chance and fortune.

~Plutarch

It only takes one match to start a fire, but we've got to quickly add fuel. That match will burn out otherwise, leaving behind only a vague scent of smoke. Although we might engage in some free association planning to fill out our idea, we still have to get moving if we want it to materialize. Wind is no friend to matches, seeming to blow them out as soon as they're struck. Cynical doubt can be the same way, trashing our creative nudges before they are brought to life. Questioning doubt may be helpful, as it looks for answers and solutions (even a fire needs fresh air). 

Grief

This week I'll be using the Spacious Tarot, a self-published deck that was a collaboration between Annie Ruygt and Carrie Mallon. I'll also be using the Phenomena Oracle, a deck self-published by Jessica Bott. Today's draws are Death and the Sun:

I want you, I need you, oh God,

Don't take

These beautiful things that I've got.

–Benson Boone

There is nothing in the physical world that doesn't have an expiration date. Yet the booklet reminds us that Death is an unbiased, neutral force; life cannot exist without decay. As nature teaches, it is that decay which nourishes that which comes next. But first we grieve our losses. The Sun suggests clarity, warmth and energy, and in the case of an ending, acceptance. We begin to see that although the hurt still lingers, we recognize that joy, beauty, and goodness still abounds.

You will not ‘get over' the loss of a loved one; you will learn to live with it. You will heal and you will rebuild yourself around the loss you have suffered. You will be whole again but you will never be the same. Nor should you be the same nor would you want to. –Elisabeth Kubler-Ross​

Have Fun With It

From the Tarot of the Masters, the Eight of Coins; from the Key to the Kingdom, the Five of Clubs:

Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun. — Mary Lou Cook

This drawing is based on The Needlewoman, a painting by Diego Velazquez. Ricklef suggests the Eight of Coins urges us to exercise our skills with fulfillment and satisfaction. Those who have talents and make a living from them are often expected to crank out more and more, like the writer of a best-selling novel who then has expectations and deadlines hanging over her head. In our drive to be successful, we take the fun of playing around out of practicing our craft. The Five of Clubs card is paired with a rhyme about bats, the ending of which says: "For something is amiss or out of place, when mice with ears can wear a face." Fear of the unknown can cause us to make choices we likely would not have made if we were thinking clearly. Whatever our talent, experimenting can only help us in the long run as what is popular or wanted by our patrons will change over time.

Just a Sham

From the Tarot of the Masters, the Three of Swords; from the Key to the Kingdom, the Jack of Clubs:

Let them believe that they're loved and wanted and then show them that it's all a sham.

― Agatha Christie

Ricklef's sketch is based on Gustave Courbet's Girl with Seagulls. Used as the Three of Swords, it reminds me of the baiting used to hunt game and birds. The animals see it as an offering of food and end up paying for their trust with their lives. How do we know if people are trustworthy and won't betray our love or friendship? We watch rather than just listen. Do they omit or exaggerate important details? Do they follow up on promises in a timely manner? Do they keep confidences? As Terry Goodkind wrote, "Only those you trust can betray you." The Jack of Clubs is paired with a poem based on Shakespeare's play that ends with: "On Midsummer's eve take you dreams to bed, let you wake a fool with a donkey's head." Sometimes our desires and longings override our common sense. In this case, "sleep on it" might not be a bad idea.

Giving Spirit

 From the Tarot of the Masters, the King of Coins; from the Key to the Kingdom, the Joker:

A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle. ~James Keller

Ricklef's drawing is based on John's Leech's The Ghost of Christmas Present, an illustration in Dicken's first edition of A Christmas Carol. This Christmas spirit was the personification of cheerfulness, hope and generosity. He has something in common with the King of Coins, who believes in sharing his good fortune with those in need. Yet his goal is not merely to fill the needs of others, but to lift them up so that they might be able to provide for themselves. The Joker is paired with the nursery rhyme of the spider inviting the fly into its parlor, an invitation which the fly smartly declines. This trickster reminds us there is a difference between giving without expectations and giving without strings attached. He also would caution us with the words of D.C. Hyden: "“Enabling is the mortal enemy of consequences.”

Take a Time Out

From the Tarot of the Masters, the Seven of Coins; from the Key to the Kingdom, the Two of Diamonds:

Teatime is a chance to slow down, pull back, and appreciate our surroundings.

~Letitia Baldridge

Ricklef's Seven of Coins is based on Jean-François Millet's Man with a Hoe, which shows a man resting from his labors. Any project or venture requires planning and then effort to put that plan into action. But for those who are wise, a pause to evaluate our work and its early results are necessary as well. As Kenichi Ohmae wrote, "Rowing harder doesn’t help if the boat is headed in the wrong direction." We may be pleased or displeased with what we see, but either way, we'll know which is the better direction to move in from that point. The rhyme assigned to the Two of  Diamonds is "Polly put the kettle on, we'll all have tea." It is a reminder that a time out is helpful to allow us to rest, give our emotions a chance to ebb, and perhaps see with a clearer perspective.

Knowing When to Fight

From the Tarot of the Masters, the Nine of Wands; from the Key to the Kingdom deck, the Four of Spades:

He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight.

― Sun Tzu

This rendering is from Théodore Gericault's painting, Nude Warrior with a Spear. This fellow has a relaxed posture yet he is still watchful. He has fortitude, yet he chooses his battles wisely instead of attacking everything that moves or makes a noise. Prolonged challenges can make us weary and may lead to us becoming overly suspicious and high strung. We must not lose our ability to think rationally and ask questions before react as Sun Tzu describes - fighting blindly and desperately like a mad bull. The Four of Spades offers a riddle about sleepy, summer days and an insect that stings (yellow jacket). Anyone whose ever been around bees and wasps will tell you not to swat at them because you might get stung unintentionally. Better to suss out a situation than kick a hornet's nest and create a conflict.