Accepting Help

From the Tarot Lukumi, the Queen of Coins; from the Diloggun Cards, Osa (nine mouths):

But then it occurred to him that any progress he had made on his quest so far, he had made by accepting the help that had been offered to him. – Neil Gaiman

We'd all like to have a little more stability and financial security for when life pulls the rug out from under our feet. Yet some of our ideas - like playing the lottery - will be unlikely to help. Oshun is an orisha associated with love, fertility, wealthy and prosperity. She was the only female primordial spirit sent with Shango to create the world, but the other male spirits excluded her. When their attempt failed, Shango forced them to respect her, as she was essential to creating not only the world, but all the life on it. Osa (nine mouths) also warns that rigidly following our own narrow ideas is not profitable:

Ifa: One must cease leading themselves to misfortune. One must cease bringing harm upon themselves.

Proverb: Do not look where you fell, but where you slipped.

Wise friends can help us see where we slip and how we sabotage ourselves. It's in our best interest to sincerely listen and heed their advice. 

From Both Sides

From the Tarot Lukumi, the Ace of Cups; from the Diloggun Cards, Oshe (five mouths):

To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides.

—David Viscott

The Ace of Cups is illustrated with a statue of Yemaya, goddess of the ocean and the mother of all living things. Like many mothers, she loves and protects with a fierceness that is stunning. She offers us a cup of tenderness and kindness - first to sip from, and then to take out into the world. Yet Oshe suggests we use our love wisely and with discernment:

Ifa: Unless we resort to caution and discretion, we will miss the blessings of prosperity.

Proverb: Only a fool tests the depth of the water with both feet.

We want to avoid a codependent relationship, feeling as if our happiness depends on another's contentment. But neither should we use love in a way that enables another, allowing them to bypass all responsibility for their actions. As the Buddha said, just as thought is the forerunner of action, so right thought (seeing things realistically) is the forerunner of right action.

Trip to Nowhere

From the Tarot Lukumi, the Five of Swords; from the Diloggun Cards, Okanran (one mouth):

Ego trip: a journey to nowhere.

—Robert Half

The rooster is the sacrificial animal of warrior Orishas; it is killed quickly and respectfully as an offering. A symbol of one of the three poisons in the Buddhist Wheel of Life, this animal represents greed. Because the Five of Swords deals with conflict and the ego's desire to demean another, the rooster seems an appropriate image. The only way to turn this Pyrrhic victory around is to sacrifice the ego instead of a relationship. The ifa and proverb for Okanran advise:

Ifa: One must come to recognize that stubbornness is not beneficial; the truth regarding oneself must be listened to. Do not be overly influenced by your self-defensive ego.

Proverb: Ears that do not listen to advice, accompany the head when it is chopped off.

If we only realized how much suffering our demanding ego causes us, we might not give its opinions much weight. It's always a good idea to question what it thinks is a great idea and consider the consequences of following its lead.

A New Framework

From the Tarot Lukumi, the Six of Swords; from the Diloggun Cards, Oyeku (two mouths):

Wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of listening when you'd have preferred to talk.

—Doug Larson

The Six of Swords is about a transition, a radical change in ideas and attitudes, in order bring calm and harmony to our mind and life. Imagine being possessed (as this priest), and suddenly experiencing everything from another's perspective. It's so hard to get past our habitual ways of viewing things and glimpse another viewpoint. But in this case, peace comes with a price - letting go of our usual frame of reference. The prophecy and proverb for Two Mouths are:

Ifa: The prevalence of temper outbursts and cursing are the causes of difficulty in one’s life.

Proverb: Ashes fly back in the face of he who throws them.

Anger and resentment are perhaps the two biggest obstacles to adopting a new frame of reference. But if we become miserable enough, perhaps we might be willing.

Walking Home

This week I'll be using the Tarot Lukumi, a deck created by Caelum Rainieri, Ivory Andersen and Raphael Montoliu. It is published by Dal Negro and the artwork was done by Luigi Scapini. The oracle deck I'll be using this week is the Diloggun Cards, a digital set created through the use of art by Mase Lobe. Each card is associated with an Ifa ethic as well as a proverb, with information from a book by Ifa Karade called The Handbook of Yoruba Religious Concepts. Today's draws are Death and Ogbe (eight mouths):

We’re all just walking each other home.

―Ram Dass

Death is illustrated with Baron Samedi, a bawdy and irreverent Loa (a 'seize the day' reminder), tasked with guiding the dead to the afterlife and making sure the veil between the living and the dead is not disrupted. His role as guide reminded me of the quote above; I imagine him offering a commentary of kindness on our loss. While he would understand our sorrow, he helps us realize death is a shadow that follows everyone. Ogbe (eight mouths) offers a prophecy (ifa) and a proverb:

Ifa: Those who attain blessings are those who live by their wisdom. If we do not bear suffering that will fill a basket, we will not receive blessings that will fill a cup.

Proverb: The heart of the wise lay quiet like still waters.

Both of these messages suggest that life holds both joy and sorrow for all. Our best bet would be to take Ralph Marston's advice: "Accept things as they are and look realistically at the world around you." With clarity, we'll find our path forward.

Please Disregard

From the Wild Unknown Tarot, the Chariot; from the Pictish Oracle, the Eagle:

The art of being wise is knowing what to overlook.

― William James

What is it that distracts us from our focus, makes our confidence wobble, and dulls our will? While the stimulus might have come from the outside, the seed that grows from it is in our mind, a fictitious narrative that trips up our purpose and progress. The Eagle makes ten appearances on class I stones; an old Gaelic name for the eagle was ‘fireun’ which can be translated as truth, integrity or a just man. This bird suggests we check the soundness of those thoughts and ideas that cause us to deviate from our objective. As James wrote, we may need to disregard those that serve only as a distraction.

Research

From the Wild Unknown Tarot, the Daughter (Page) of Pentacles; from the Pictish Oracle, the Anvil and Hammer:

If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?

–Albert Einstein

The Daughter/Page is curious with a strong streak of practicality. She's learning about effective tools and how to use them, yet she's willing to expand their use in inventive ways. The Anvil and Hammer are tools of the smith, a craft that was surrounded by an air of mystery and respect. Their ability to transform iron into weapons and useful implements was much admired. The Daughter desires to use resources wisely and effectively, transforming her life and those around her. Yet it is a sure bet that she will take Bob Iger's advice: "You can't allow tradition to get in the way of innovation. There's a need to respect the past, but it's a mistake to revere your past."

For those friends who were concerned about Hurricane Helene's impact (which was supposed to gallop right over us): We were very lucky, while others were not. It took a turn eastward, so we got the west wall instead of the eye. While there has been flash flooding, our house isn't under water, and while there is a lot of debris to pick up, our tall trees are still standing. 

Conditioning

From the Wild Unknown Tarot, the Six of Cups; from the Pictish Oracle, Cauldron:

A lot of times you're just conditioned by what's around you. 

―Ruben Blades

Not just our genetics have shaped us. Like the seed that is planted - getting or not getting enough sun, water and nutrients - we too are shaped by our experiences and environment. We may learn that anger is okay but showing fear is not, or that kindness should be shared unconditionally. Like the potter's hands that mold the clay, we become conditioned to relate to life in certain ways. Yet all conditioned things are impermanent and changeable, as the Cauldron implies. Though we have incorporated certain emotional patterns, we can also learn and practice new ones. We don't have to cook up the same pot of stew every day. 

The Waters of Our Life

From the Wild Unknown Tarot, the Five of Cups; from the Pictish Oracle, the Snake:

Love and sadness are blended together in the waters of our life, and we must drink them together, just as they are. Neither cancels out the other.

— Wayne Muller

The exhausted hang of this horse's head reflects the same physical feeling we have when sorrow and despair show up. Yet if we wait for a bit, those who care about us will tell their own stories of loss - not to invalidate our emotional struggle, but to remind us that it is universal. No one is invulnerable. But those tales will be followed by the story of a new and different road, one that doesn't forget the value of what was lost but allows them to move on. The Snake had a complex meaning in the Celtic world. Its ability to coil and strike caused fear, but its habit of shedding its skin connected it with healing. Loss usually creates anxiety, but given time and acceptance, healing may wedge itself into our heart and overpower it. 

 

Key Holders

From the Wild Unknown Tarot, the Hierophant; from the Pictish Oracle, Ogham:

Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn. 

—Benjamin Franklin

At some point we all could use a mentor: someone who can help us embrace undiscovered talents, who can fill in the gaps in our knowledge, and who can point out our blind spots. Their job is not to make us a version of themselves but to help us become more whole. Yet such a relationship requires an open mind, not someone who thinks they're already an expert. On several Pictish stones are inscriptions carved in the simple lettering known as ogham. It brings to mind the phrase "learning your letters," a task of young school children. Time to humbly accept that key, apply some effort, and see what we've been missing out on.

Ready, Set...

From the Wild Unknown, the Eight of Wands; from the Pictish Oracle, Arch:

The step that we are on is only a step to the next place...

― Craig D. Lounsbrough

There are times in life when it feels like we've been on permanent pause, waiting on the same step for a long time. There is no going or coming, simply a state of stasis. The sticks above remind me of a little teepee of wood that you arrange for a campfire. Nothing happens without the addition of fire, but it looks like lightning has arrived to get things going. We're about to start taking some quick steps, maybe two at a time. Though the Arch resembles a horseshoe, there is no archaeological evidence that Pictish horses were shod. Because it shows up in eleven stones with various designs, it is likely a torc, a metal neck ring that symbolized strength, power, or nobility. It is reassurance that we've got what it takes to get through this next phase when things start moving.

This week I'll be using the Wild Unknown Tarot, created and self-published by Kim Krans. I'll also be using the Pictish Oracle, created by myself. Today's draws are the Father (King) of Pentacles and the Bull:

A truly stable system expects the unexpected, is prepared to be disrupted, waits to be transformed. 

—Tom Robbins

The Father of Pentacles collects innovative ideas and recognizes opportunities that might be profitable. He frequently takes the pulse of the economy (those rainbow antlers might serve as a radar) and the resources available. Yet what gives all this meaning is not just the comforts he affords, but the stability that he can provide his family. The Pictish Bull appears nine times on incised stones, six of which come from the fortress of Burghead in Moray. The fort’s bulls are portrayed with muscular bodies, swishing tails and heads lowered to charge. Stability must be protected and defended; in the Father's/King's case, he must be flexible enough to make changes as and tighten the belt when needed.

Necessary Ingredients

From the Wheel of Change Tarot, the Lovers; from the Oracle of the Dreamtime, Turtle:

Mature love is composed and sustaining, a celebration of commitment, companionship, and trust. 

—H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

I was waiting with my husband to get some lab work done the other day, sitting with a number of others in line for the same thing. A young fellow, watching us interact, smiled and said, "You two have been married a long time." I acknowledged that we had and told him that while we were really different in how we do things, we both held the same values and principles. When there is deep love, honest communication, and commitment, neither partner cares who whose turn it is to be the moon or the sun - they both shine. The Dreamtime story of Turtle tells of a man who was a storyteller and travelled from tribe to tribe. One island tribe decided to force him to stay, knowing that he couldn't swim and would need a boat. He escaped by holding on to a log which the Great Spirit turned into a shell and him into a turtle. Safety and trust are paramount in any relationship; without them it becomes an unequitable autocracy.

Listen, Ask Questions

From the Wheel of Change Tarot, Strength; from the Oracle of the Dreamtime, Reconciliation:

The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.

– William James

Do you ride your inner beast, or does it ride you? The normal human stress response falls into one of four categories: fight, flee, freeze, fawn (immediately acting to try to please to avoid any conflict). But often the threat is in our head only - there's nothing tangible to base it on. Our reaction is likely based on old mental patterns that run us like an automated machine. Reconciliation is a vision of the council for Aboriginal Reconciliation, a desire for respect, equity and justice for all people and beings, including the land itself. Such an action requires an honest appraisal, especially our own faults and assumptions. Both of these cards bring to mind a quote from Fred Rogers: “In times of stress, the best thing we can do for each other is to listen with our ears and our hearts and to be assured that our questions are just as important as our answers.”

Preceded by Mind

From the Wheel of Change Tarot, the Ace of Swords; from the Oracle of the Dreamtime, Whale and Starfish:

All experience is preceded by mind, led by mind, made by mind. Speak or act with a corrupted mind, and suffering follows as the wagon wheel follows the hoof of the ox.

—Dhammapada (Gil Fronsdal trans.)

The Ace of Swords parts the night from day, bringing clarity. One part of my daily prayer is "May I move through each moment mindfully, lightly and with clarity." In other words, paying attention, having a sense of humor, and seeing the world not as I want it to be, but as it is. That last one is the toughest; it requires I cut through my emotions and propensities if I want to glimpse reality. Whale and Starfish were best friends in this Dreamtime story, but they lived on an island that had become overpopulated. Many wanted to move to another island, but whale - who had the only boat - refused to let anyone use it. Starfish decided to lure him to sleep with stories so that the others could leave. However, when Whale awoke and realized what had happened, he attacked Starfish, and the sea star retaliated. Our minds have a way of rationalizing whatever we think is right without considering what harm our actions might lead to. To quote the Dhammapada once again, "Hatred never ceases through hatred."

Mindful Courage

From the Wheel of Change Tarot, Temperance; from the Oracle of the Dreamtime, Ochre:

From a peaceful center we can respond instead of react. Unconscious reactions create problems. Considered responses bring peace. With a peaceful heart whatever happens can be met with wisdom. 

— Jack Kornfield

We are constantly being influenced by what is going on in our heads and in our environment. How we relate to these things will determine whether we choose an emotional reaction or a wise response. Rather than being fueled by impulsiveness, a response is thoughtful and deliberate, seeking to improve the situation. Temperance suggests we choose what is constructive rather than destructive. The Dreamtime story of Ochre tells of a murderous, giant lizard and a brave dingo who faced it. When the lizard was killed, its blood soaked the earth and created ochre. In celebration, the tribe used this earthy pigment to paint their bodies. Mindful courage will take us down the middle path, avoiding any excesses that only create more problems.

Right Use of Knowledge

From the Wheel of Change Tarot, the Queen of Swords; from the Oracle of the Dreamtime, the Sun:

Without knowledge action is useless, and knowledge without action is futile. 

—Abu Bakr

This woman is no ice queen. While she's capable of the most abstract thought, she understands her life is relational. She offers snippets of truth and advice that are grounded in real life. These are the pieces of information people can put to use, a way for them to create change for the better. The Sun woman travels across the sky carrying a torch, creating daylight. Motion keeps her from being caught by those who would like to control her for their own purposes. Sun represents patterns, awakening and movement. Having helpful information does little good if it's not used. As Charles Spurgeon said, "Wisdom is the right use of knowledge."

Up in the Air

From the Wheel of Change Tarot, the Seven of Wands; from the Oracle of the Dreamtime, Bogong Moth:

To be fully alive, fully human, and completely awake is to be continually thrown out of the nest.

— Pema Chodron

The joy and harmony of Six is now undergoing a disturbance. Like the juggler's fiery batons, what once seemed settled has now been tossed up in the air. With such a change, we need to pull on our inner strength and courage to ride this roller coaster to its finish. The key is to see each moment as fresh and not project our anxiety onto how this might play out. The Bogong Moth had beautiful colors and a curiosity to match. It wanted to visit the mountains to know why they were white while the forest it lived in was green. Once it arrived, it began to snow, burying the moth until spring. When it was able to fly again, it saw that all of its colors had faded from its wings and now lived in the flowers. To sacrifice means we give up something for a greater cause, for something of a greater value. Change creates the necessity of letting go of what we know for something different yet still good.

Endurance with Direction

This week I'll be using the Wheel of Change Tarot, a deck and book set created by Alexandra Genetti and published by Inner Traditions. The second deck I'll be drawing from is the Oracle of the Dreamtime, a compilation of Australian Aboriginal art and Dreamings by Donni Hakanson; this deck and book set was published by Journey Editions. Today's cards are the Nine of Wands and Frog:

Resilience is distinct from mere survival, and more than mere endurance. Resilience is often endurance with direction. ~Eric Greitens

How is a didgeridoo made? First the right eucalyptus tree must be found, one slightly hollowed out by termites. After the termite tunnels and bark are removed, the wood must dry for 6 to 8 months. Then the trunk is cut at just the right place, and the interior is carved out (being careful not to carve too much). The outside is slimmed, being sure to keep the same thickness the entire length (adjusting for termite tunnels), and the tone is adjusted. Finally, the outside is varnished and a beeswax mouthpiece added. Like crafting a didgeridoo, crossing any finish line takes resilience, a combination of persistence and flexibility. The Dreamtime story of Frog tells of how he was so thirsty, he drank up all the water. When the other thirsty animals found the billabong dry and saw the swollen frog, they decided to make him laugh to release the water (which the eel finally did). The ability to see humor in trying circumstances is an important tool in resilience. Rather than getting bogged down by anger, it helps us meet our challenges with a light heart.

Passionate Energy

From the Alchemical Tarot Renewed, the Ace of Wands; from the Oracle of the Radiant Sun, Impulsiveness (Mars in Aries):

Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.

~Oprah Winfrey

I've always felt that having something enjoyable to engage in helps make life meaningful. And a diverse group of friends can inspire us when we have some space to fill, especially if we're in the mood for something different. Nothing is like that feeling of excited anticipation when we begin a new project or endeavor. But the fiery combination of Mars in Aries warns of Impulsiveness. Our credit card might take a hit if we're so fueled with enthusiasm that we forget to be prudent. Start out slow instead and see if this hobby or interest sticks.

Keep the Questions Coming

From the Alchemical Tarot Renewed, the Nine of Swords; from the Oracle of the Radiant Sun, Manipulation (Jupiter in Scorpio):

Life is a whole journey of meeting your edge again and again. That’s where you’re challenged; that’s where, if you’re a person who wants to live, you start to ask yourself questions like, “Now, why am I so scared? What is it that I don’t want to see? Why can’t I go any further than this?”

― Pema Chödrön

This fellow has met his edge; either he will become overwhelmed and give up, or he will start questioning those thoughts fueled by intense emotions. If he's curious, he might discover those swords are hanging over him but pose no immediate threat. Manipulation (Jupiter in Scorpio) takes away people's freedom to choose - people are told what to think instead of how to think. It is another edge, one that we might notice if we realize a particular viewpoint is being shoved at us. Apply Albert Einstein's words to the situation: “The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.” If you've ever been asked 'why' a million times in an hour by a preschooler, you know the power of the question!

Shaded Glasses

From the Alchemical Tarot Renewed, the Lady of Coins; from the Oracle of the Radiant Sun, Eccentricity (Saturn in Aquarius):

Everything depends on the color of the crystal through which one sees it.

– Pedro Calderón de la Barca

In Place's Tarot deck, the Ladies are not Pages but the married partner of a Knight. The Lady of Coins appreciates beauty, whether out in nature or as a patron of the arts. Her message is to be grateful for the loveliness and wonder around us - to take time out from collecting stuff and start spending time appreciating all that surrounds us. Eccentricity combines the airy vision of Aquarius with the grounded pragmatism of Saturn. What would happen if our idea of beauty expanded, if we saw beyond society's view? We'd have a lot more to enjoy and be awed by.

Willingness

From the Alchemical Tarot Renewed, the Nine of Wands; from the Oracle of the Radiant Sun, Fortune (Sun in Leo):

Be willing to be uncomfortable. —Peter McWilliams

When people begin the path of recovery, whether the result of an injury or an addiction, they are often told, "Be willing to stand in the fire without running." We naturally want relief when fear or pain begin, and we find it hard to hold on to the idea that this will pass, that things will get better. But our resilience in holding firm is what will help us heal and grow instead of staying stuck. The Fortune of the Sun in Leo represents increased energy and self-confidence - traits that we develop when we, as Eleanor Roosevelt said, "do the thing you think you cannot do."

Our Turn

From the Alchemical Renewed Tarot, the Wheel of Fortune; from the Oracle of the Radiant Sun, Empathy (Moon in Pisces):

I've seen fire and I've seen rain

I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end

I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend

But I always thought that I'd see you again

—James Taylor

The Buddhists call their Wheel the Wheel of Suffering - not because life is awful, but because we fail to grasp the impermanence of it. When things are going great, we suffer when they change; when things are difficult, we suffer because we think they won't change or won't change soon enough. It takes stepping into the hub of the wheel to see that everything is always in flux, and that it's not personal but a natural part of existence. Empathy is the ability to tap into and feel what someone else is going through, both their highs and their lows. As Mohsin Hamid put it, "Empathy is about finding echoes of another person in yourself." This is a healthy exercise, not only for cultivating compassion, but also to remind us that whether we're atop the wheel or below it, it's just our turn to be 'it.'

 

But What About...

From the Alchemical Tarot Renewed, the Eight of Swords; from the Oracle of the Radiant Sun, Generosity (Saturn in Leo):

Paradox is where enlightenment is born... it’s in the tension of more than one truth being true that a new wisdom arises. ―Kai Cheng Thom

The trapped beast paces, feeling that he has no way out. Emotions can take our ability to think rationally offline; we look at the situation from one perspective only, in the direction that appears blocked. Generosity (Saturn in Leo) is not about tossing out coins, but about freely offering wisdom and encouragement to those in need. It's much like talking over our circumstances with a friend who acknowledges that the specific option we want is not open but points out that the other alternatives that we have overlooked.