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.