End of a Chapter

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

Who can't relate to the idea of leaving one chapter behind and moving on to the next? 

–Mike Shinoda

Eight teacups are left behind in a meadow as a Romani wagon moves on. It's hard to leave behind relationships, jobs or groups that we have a history with, particularly if there was joy in them at some point. But things and people change; what once was emotionally fulfilling may not always be so. Thunder-Beings were powerful storm spirits that lived in the sky and brought lightning, rain and winds. They remind us that we also have powerful energy that can be used to help or harm. If we find it is time to leave behind an emotional connection, we don't have to speak harshly about them. We can simply keep them in our hearts, wishing the best for them, and move on.

Who Has Little

From the Buckland Romani Tarot, the Ten of Bolers/Wheels; from the Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards, Wahinhaya (Mole):

It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor.

 ― Seneca

This family has found a lovely area to camp in for the spring season. Would most of us be so content and happy with what we could fit in a wagon and no piece of land to call our own? It seems those who enjoy living simply have learned to find satisfaction in small joys and things that aren't permanent. Wahinhaya, the mole, can't see well but is very in tune with the earth through touch and smell. He reminds us to stay grounded in the current moment rather than focusing on what else we can stuff in our wagon. When change comes, we won't be caught unawares - we'll have already noticed the slight shifts.

Two Faced?

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 Koros (Cups) and Anogete (Woman with Two Faces):

You can’t pick out the pieces and leave the rest. Being part of the whole thing, that’s the blessing.

―Natalie Babbitt, Tuck Everlasting

This Romani woman is listening to someone very intently. She knows that such attentiveness is important to make a connection, as well as to hear clearly all the information the speaker says. It will do no good to give advice if she doesn't have all the pieces of this conversation. Anogete is a reminder that everyone and everything has a light and dark nature, that there is nothing that 100% good and perfect. As Stephen Covey said, "We judge ourselves by our intentions and others by their behavior." This Queen might tell her companion to consider this wisdom before labeling and judging another for one mistake.

Do No Harm

From the Dark Goddess Tarot, the Hag (King) of Earth; from the Tattwa Cards, Ether: Seed of Air:

If you can, help others; if you cannot do that, at least do not harm them.

— Dalai Lama

Change doesn't cease just because we worry about it or prepare for it, as She Who Watches discovered. A wise chief of a prosperous tribe, she was tricked by Coyote into becoming a stone when he showed her all the many ways her world would change in the coming years. The people could still come and ask for wisdom, she just couldn't give voice to her advice. Yet if we believe in a god/goddess or an ancestor who can hear our prayers, it may give us comfort knowing we are being watched over and given strength to get through difficult times. In Ether (emptiness): Seed of Air, there is quietness and stillness found amid the noise and chaos. It reminds us to employ the four gatekeepers of our thoughts and words before releasing them in the world: "Is this true, is this necessary, is this the right time, and is this kind?" The world has enough chaos and fear without us adding to it.

Creating Me

From the Dark Goddess Tarot, the Ace of Earth (Gaia); from the Tattwa Cards, Earth: Seed of Fire:

Every story I create, creates me. ―Octavia E. Butler

In Greek mythology, Gaia was the ancestral mother of all of life. She is Nature; her essence is driven to provide for what she produces. What we don't realize is that she is in us, and we too are constantly creating - maybe not a bestselling novel or an acclaimed piece of art - but with our thoughts, words and actions. These are the frames we use to shape the resources around us. Earth: Seed of Fire represents potential, an ability that we can develop. But we must be aware of our patterns that will shape this potential, or we might not create what we desire. As Eckhart Tolle said, "You create a good future by creating a good present."

Task of Sisyphus

From the Dark Goddess Tarot, the Seven of Earth (Ereshkigal); from the Tattwa Cards, Fire: Seed of Earth:

Shake your fist all you want, but dead is dead

~Steven Erikson

Ereshkigal, Lady of the Vast Place, was the Mesopotamian goddess of the underworld. In this culture, the afterlife was where everyone went after death - good or bad. Ereshkigal guarded the barrier between the physical world and the underworld. She may seem an odd choice for the Seven of Earth (Pentacles), until we realize how often we 'plant' things that are 'dead' to us; we keep trying to make them work or bring them back. Fire: Seed of Earth represents alchemy, and even this philosophy required specific elements, combined in certain ways to be useful. We can't force things or people to grow if it is not their natural inclination. Otherwise, we have taken on the task of Sisyphus.

Crafting Anew

From the Dark Goddess Tarot, the Witch (Queen) of Fire; from the Tattwa Cards, Water: Seed of Earth:

Your life does not get better by chance; it gets better by change. 

— Jim Rohn

Cerridwen's message is "craft anew with the bones of the old." We can learn a new skill set, add to our knowledge, and open our mind to new ideas and perspectives. We don't need to accumulate stuff to transform ourselves - it's an inner change that is needed. Water: Seed of Earth suggests we move from planning to instigating, but it encourages us to find alliances who can help strengthen and boost our commitment to change. As Michelle Obama said, “Choose people who lift you up.”

Ardor and Fidelity

From the Dark Goddess Tarot, the Three of Water (Mami Wata); from the Tattwa Cards, Fire: Seed of Earth:

The orchestra whirls me wider than Uranus flies;

It wrenches such ardors from me I did not know I possess'd them.

~Walt Whitman

Mami Wati is the Igbo goddess of ardor and fidelity. The core of her worship is dance - rhythmic, abandoned movement rather than something choreographed. Who wants a religion that or philosophy that doesn't allow a little pure, ecstatic joy to balance out the seriousness of daily life? We all need to lay down our burdens occasionally. Fire: Seed of Earth represents alchemy, tempering our enthusiasm and optimism with an eye on our objective. We need release to clear our minds, but staying in that blissful state won't help us move forward.

But Impersonal

From the Dark Goddess Tarot, the Wheel of Fortune (Fortuna); from the Tattwa Cards, Earth: Seed of Water:

The world is vast, beautiful, and fascinating, even awe-inspiring - but impersonal. 

—Herbert A. Simon

Lorenzi-Prince writes that Fortuna is far more interested in change than fairness. It is simply how the world functions in order to sustain itself. Those who are adaptable can deal with the difficult until the wheel rolls over again. When things are great, we can enjoy them fully with the knowledge that these times won't last. Earth: Seed of Water symbolizes boldness and change, however we before we try a different approach, we need to assess why things went sideways previously. Part of that change may be that we need to let go of ideas like "It must be this way. It should be this way." Instead, we can choose an appropriate and beneficial response to the way things are.

Sit Back and Relax

This week I'll be using the Dark Goddess Tarot, created by Ellen Lorenzi-Prince and published by Arnell's Art (now available from  Schiffer Publishing). The oracle I'll be using is the Tattwa Cards, based on the teachings of John Mumford. Today's draws are the Ten of Water (Ixchel) and Earth: Seed of Air:

Learn to sit back and observe. Not everything needs a reaction. –Unknown

The holidays are an ongoing emotional litmus test; one day we are energized and excited, the next day we are drained and depressed. Ixchel, Mayan goddess of the Moon, arrives with her water jug to wash away our old patterns so that healthier emotional habits can develop. She would tell us there is no need to be constantly triggered by things that send our happy moods down into a crater of darkness. We just need to become aware of these vexations and mindfully choose not to react to them. Earth: Seed of Air represents aspiration, the initiative to achieve a goal. Yet the stability of Earth and the mutability of Air is an unusual mix, suggesting we mix fact and reason with intuition and insight. We don't need to protect ourselves from emotions but find a more creative way to let them flow through us rather than stagnate our mood.

An Invincible Summer

From the Ferret Tarot, Strength; from the Nature's Wisdom Oracle, Crocus:

Your struggles develop your strengths. - Arnold Schwarzenegger

Facing our fears and embracing our challenges are what develop our muscles of courage and resilience. Spiritual fitness takes effort; our tendency to avoid what looks difficult only makes our inner strength atrophy.  Crocus is associated with joy because it is one of the first flowers to push against the last of winter's ice and snow, appearing during the earliest days of spring. It too is a reminder that when we refuse to hide, we will find our strength. As Albert Camus explained, "In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer."

Overrun by Nettles

From the Ferret Tarot, the King of Swords; from the Nature's Wisdom Oracle, Pumpkin:

When people will not weed their own minds, they are apt to be overrun by nettles.

― Horace Walpole

With his searing stare and crossed arms, this King seems to be telling us to get our mind out of the clouds. "Cut the choke collar and leash of your emotions and blind beliefs. Use your mind rather than letting it wind you up." Abundance (Pumpkin) sounds like a nice cozy word, but Americans seem to see it as a holy grail. It's no wonder that lottery tickets, prosperity gospel preachers and books like The Secret have been such a hit here. We haven't figured out yet - the King's clarity - that material possessions aren't going to fill a deep well of emptiness or free us from a scarcity mindset. If anything, they only add to our problems, because once we have them, we have to guard them. We might be better off to consider the thoughts of Epicurus: "Not what we have, but what we enjoy, constitutes our abundance." It's joy that we're desperately seeking, not things. 

Bumpy Roads

From Ferret Tarot, the King of Cups; from the Nature's Wisdom Oracle, Crab:

With equanimity, we learn that traveling the bumpy roads can sometimes offer more to our journey than simply sticking to the smooth highways.

― John Bruna

The King of Cups has a generous heart toward everyone - not just those who are easy to like. He teaches us to create space around those who are difficult, seeing them in a great pool of people that includes many that are kind. It's like putting a spoonful of salt in a glass of water versus the same amount in two liters of water; the first makes us wince at the saltiness, but in the large container we barely notice it. The Crab, however, reminds us that boundaries are still needed - not just stated but enforced. As Brené Brown advises, "When we fail to set boundaries and hold people accountable, we feel used and mistreated. This is why we sometimes attack who they are, which is far more hurtful than addressing a behavior or a choice."

Speculation

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

There are good and bad times, but our mood changes more often than our fortune.

―Thomas Carlyle

As Shakespeare wrote, "Now is the winter of our discontent." It's no surprise if we're feeling out of sorts this time of year. On social media, we see our friends and acquaintances having fun at holiday parties, and TV ads tell us this is the time of year to have joyful times with our family. Unfortunately, it's mostly an illusion. Tulip is associated with the speculation and crash of tulip-mania. Speculation - transactions involving considerable risk but offering the chance of large gains - can occur in the emotional realms just as it does the financial ones. Yet we don't have to invest our feelings in the holidays or any other fantasy. Perhaps we should take Michael Franti's advice for an antidote: "Like sunshine, music is a powerful force that can instantly and almost chemically change your entire mood."

Give the Reins to Reason

From the Ferret Tarot, the Ace of Wands; from the Nature's Wisdom Oracle, Praying Mantis:

Passion, though a bad regulator, is a powerful spring.

―Ralph Waldo Emerson

The things that inspire and excite us can move us from inaction to action. We become enthusiastically motivated to pursue dreams, to create what we've imagined and to follow what calls us. Yet Praying Mantis suggests we slow our roll and take stock of those we might unintentionally hurt in our eagerness. Are we taking resources that don't just belong to us? Have we discussed our plans with those they will affect? As Ben Frankin advised, "If passion drives you, let reason hold the reins."

Encumbrances

From the Ferret Tarot, the Nine of Swords; from Nature's Wisdom Oracle, Honey Bee:

Is this a satisfying thought? Will it liberate me or keep me bound?

―Vanessa Zuisei Goddard

Although we humans don't like to feel anxious, we sure do practice worrying a lot. We ruminate over past actions and project our worst fears on the future. Such mental maneuvering gets us nowhere and provides no solutions. The Honey Bee encourages us to be productive, to create something beneficial with our mind instead of allowing it to trap us in dark, cobwebbed corners. Goddard advocates for us to question our thoughts instead of giving them free reign. Why should we be encumbered by our mind?

Still Exploring

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 Eight of Cups and Lotus:

Fulfillment is not a destination. It's not a place you can ever arrive at and settle into.

― David Rynick

Have you ever bumped into an old friend from years ago and found, apart from aging, they haven't changed at all? Complacency is a state of inertia, when we feel like we have no need of new ideas, perspectives or experiences - it's too much effort and might cause mental uneasiness. Contentment is a state of joy with what is, yet there is still an effort to grow and develop (though it comes from a place of peace and curiosity, not agitation). Like the Lotus that rises through murky water, content people keep moving toward the light, not to arrive at any fixed place, but as a way to pursue meaning and understanding in their life. 

Acceptance

From the Deirdre of the Sorrows Tarot, the Ace of Cups; from the Victorian Flower Oracle, Daisy:

To deepen your love and acceptance of another, first develop love and acceptance for yourself. 

―Leon F. Seltzer

The pairing of the Ace of Cups and Daisy (Family Matters) reminds me that not all of us were raised in healthy environments. Yet the snake wrapped around the tree, representing the Staff of Asclepius, suggests there is healing to be found. It's not true that we can't love another without loving ourselves. However, we do tend to look for (and expect) others to fill our emptiness, and we might be drawn to what we are familiar with (those who treat us as a lesser being). Yet we need others. As Lia Avellino states, "healing happens in connection and pain thrives in isolation." A trusted friend or therapist might help us believe we are worthy of love and kindness so that we make the effort to uncover our value. 

Not Squashed

From the Deirdre of the Sorrows Tarot, the Emperor; from the Victorian Flower Oracle, Violet:

True freedom requires the rule of law and justice, and a judicial system in which the rights of some are not secured by the denial of rights to others. ―Jonathan Sacks

The Emperor's laws are meant to create a working, healthy society. Yet without representatives from all walks of life, he may get stuck in his personal view of what that structure looks like. Tulip, a card symbolizing prosperity and well-being, is a caution to serve all, not a select few. Fair and ethical laws uphold civil rights - equal protection and opportunities regardless of race, religion, or other personal characteristics. No one is above the law, but no one should have their life squashed by it either.

Contrasting Togetherness

From the Deirdre of the Sorrows Tarot, Temperance; from the Victorian Flower Oracle, Tea and Coffee:

Why be a star when you can make a constellation? 

―Naomi Murakawa

This angel seems to encourage us to mix our personal goals with spiritual values. Doing so will require an other-centered approach rather than a self-centered one. We must be willing to add other views and ideas to our own, to create with a mix of colors rather than just one hue. Tea and Coffee represent friendship - a pairing of differences that make for a lively and interesting companionship. As Margaret Mead wrote, "If we are to achieve a richer culture, rich in contrasting values, we must recognize the whole gamut of human potentialities, and so weave a less arbitrary social fabric, one in which each diverse human gift will find a fitting place."

Willful Waste

From the Deirdre of the Sorrows Tarot, the Queen of Coins; from the Victorian Flower Oracle, Nasturtium:

Willful waste makes woeful want.

While this Queen enjoys her comforts, she would shudder at today's throwaway society. Her policy is if it's still useful, make use of it. Good does not need to be replaced with better unless there's truly a need for it. And if there is something we no longer use, there might be someone who would appreciate it. Nasturtium implies remorse and regret. Of all the things we regret most, it likely isn't the things we did but for the things we did not do when we had a chance. This Queen would tell us never to squash a generous impulse. Rarely will anyone regret being kind.

Flowing, Not Freezing

From the Deirdre of the Sorrows Tarot, Death; from the Victorian Flower Oracle, Hemlock:

Death lends profound equality to all. ~Joan Halifax

We humans crave stability and security, desperate for something we can count on not to fall apart or disappear. Yet Death cares not; he swings his scythe wide and cuts down whatever is in its path making space for the new. We may escape a few sweeps, but we will not escape them all. As the Hemlock card symbolizes, we may feel as if we have been deceived and cheated. Yet as Vanessa Z. Goddard writes, "We can learn to move with instead of against that change, seeing that the stability we're looking for lies in our own ability to flow, not freeze."

What We Create

From the Deirdre of the Sorrows Tarot, the Magician; from the Victorian Flowers Oracle, the Flower Ball:

Our most precious resource now is wonder. What we wonder ignites our imagination, unleashes our empathy, fuels our ferocity. ― Amy Irvine

This Magician shows us our card hand - the resources we have available to create a life of contentment. We must use them judiciously, carefully crafting our vision. The Flower Ball, a card of happiness, suggests that what we develop should be based in joy rather than out of anger, arrogance or fear. We don't want to end up with something that makes our life a living hell. As Amit Ray wrote, "If you are driven by fear, anger or pride, nature will force you to compete. If you are guided by courage, awareness, tranquility and peace, nature will serve you."

In the Process

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 Ten of Pentacles and Forget-Me-Not:

We’re all dying from the day that we’re born; we’re in the process of dying and once you have reconciled that with yourself, it opens up windows for you. 

—Kathy Stanwick

Three generations gather in a sitting room, yet the elder sits apart as if knowing his legacy will soon be passed on. As he gazes out the window, he reviews how he lived, how he used the resources he had and the money he made. He realizes that not only his assets will be passed on to his heirs. Did he teach them to be ethical, prudent and generous? Forget-Me-Not suggests the end of a phase and a letting go into the next stage. Do our words and actions reflect how we want to be remembered? Will we leave behind a legacy that helps, enables or hinders the next generation?

Trojan Horses

From the Sasuraibito Tarot, the Nine of Wands; from the Soul Cards, Hidden Motives:

You may have been through some shit, and are a little beaten up, but stay strong. Be resilient and breathe, you are almost to a place of respite and recovery.

— Stasia Burrington

Cicero once said that habit teaches us to bear fatigue and to despise wounds and pain. If we're in a life and death situation, it's necessary. But on the downside, fatigue may rob us of our judgment and cloud our discernment. The Hidden Motives figure extends a helping hand while holding a dagger in the other. We need to stay alert, especially when presented with enticing gifts or offers. As Virgil said, "Trust not the horse, O Trojans. Be it what it may, I fear the Greeks when they offer gifts."