Long Enough

From the Rosetta Tarot, Death; from the Day of the Dead Lenormand, Heart:

All compounded things are subject to vanish.

―Buddha

Meleen's Death figure wears a fish cloak, depicting how he patrols the river of life, unfolding decay and mortality along the way. Death does not care if such change is welcomed or feared. His appearance reminds me of the Three Insights:

1. Everything is temporary; experiences are continually changing. 
2. Every experience has the potential for startling the mind into confused resistance (suffering) or arousing it into sober attentiveness (equanimity).
3. Everything is contingent. Nothing happens without having been caused by something and without impacting future events.

The Heart reminds us to love deeply, widely and fully, even in this transient world. As Seneca advocated: "It is not that we have a short time to live, but that we waste a lot of it. Life, if well lived, is long enough."

Through the Portal

From the Rosetta Tarot, the Fool; from the Day of the Dead Lenormand, the Mountain:

A warrior accepts that we can never know what will happen to us next... This not knowing is part of the adventure, and it’s also what makes us afraid.

―Pema Chödrön

Meleen uses a Dionysian figure to represent the carefree joy of the Fool. He has no fear about what awaits him as he exits this portal to an unknown world. When we first open our eye portals every morning, there is a very brief moment before we make assumptions about the day ahead; like the Fool's entrance, it is a point of possibilities. The Lenormand Mountain represents challenges and obstacles. It might be tempting to wish for a life with no metaphorical mountains to climb, but after experiencing a run of monotonous days with nothing new or different, we might regret that wish. The Fool reminds us that challenges provide us with experiences that can aid our self-confidence and add to our knowledge as well as make a few allies. And that feeling of making it to the top...

No Deal

From the Rosetta Tarot, the Four of Disks; from the Day of the Dead Lenormand, Ring:

You're either growing or dying. Stagnation does not exist in the universe.

―Steve Siebold

The Four of Disks represents earthly power: material success, comfort and security. But with it comes paranoia, which puts so much emphasis on preservation and protection that it becomes stifling. Surely there is a middle way between the extremes of excess and deprivation. The Ring symbolizes commitment and partnership. This literally means a person we are closely involved with who shares in our endeavors. To be locked down, to refuse the give and take of sharing, is to end any hope of a partnership, be it one of business or affection.

A Little Literal

From the Rosetta Tarot, the Eight of Wands; from the Day of the Dead Lenormand, Book:

Don't watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going.

—Sam Levenson.

Meleen describes this card as a visual representation of the electrical stimulation of the brain. Fire enters the realm of intellect and knowledge, requiring swift decisions and creative solutions. The Book indicates knowledge and education. Sometimes the cards I pull are so literal, they make me laugh. Many years ago, when my daughter was young, I created a memorial to honor our ancestors for the fall equinox. The pictures were accompanied by trinkets and miniatures that described their lives. For instance, my great-grandmother had a tiny trunk because she spent months traveling overseas with her sisters (leaving behind husbands and children). I'm lucky in that my mother put together five booklets about the ancestors on her side (the family album for the Book!). I've decided to do this again, so I've been busy reading them and making notes, but I also need to do some research on my biological father. I never included him before, but as one teacher reminded me, my life wouldn't exist without him, and that's something. He was a medic helicopter pilot in Korea and Vietnam, so I'll find a little helicopter for him. I've got until September 22 to be ready!

Make It Happen

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 Prince (Knight) of Swords and Mice:

Things do not happen. Things are made to happen.

—John F. Kennedy

The Prince of Swords is Air of Air, a combination that makes him an inexhaustible fount of ideas and solutions. A lover of research, he is also comfortable with abstract ideas. However, he'll spend time spinning out a complex plan or concept and then just abandon everything because he's lost interest. The Mice card suggests something is gnawing away at our well-being, resources, or relationships. It doesn't matter how many creative ideas or interesting strategies we come up with to mitigate this problem if we don't apply them. As JFK explained, "There are risks and costs to action. But they are far less than the long-range risks of comfortable inaction."

Seeds of the Past

From the Sheridan-Douglas Tarot, the Wheel of Change; from the Pages of Shustah, Mammoth:

Out on the road today, I saw a Deadhead sticker on a Cadillac

A little voice inside my head said, "Don't look back, you can never look back."

—Don Henley

I see a lot of posts on Facebook by people who seem to think the past was so much better than today. Psychologists have even named the cognitive biases for this: rosy retrospection (recalling the past more positively than it was actually experienced) and declinism (viewing the past more favorably and the future more negatively). Sure, some things were simpler and slower in the past, but life was also hard and distressing - for instance, having limited medical tools and knowledge. I don't agree with Henley that we should never look back, but I do think there's no going back. Mammoth shows up to tell us that we all carry seeds of our past. If we want a better present and future, it's time to take a look at them and see if they are worth cultivating or not.

A Step Out

From the Sheridan-Douglas Tarot, the Five of Swords; from the Pages of Shustah, the Path:

Living well is the best revenge. 

—George Herbert

Some folks don't just want to best others, they want to humiliate them, stomping on them while they're down. Our natural inclination is to plot our revenge, but even if we succeed, it won't wipe away the past. And vengeance just lays the groundwork for a back-and-forth conflict of hostility. We end up wasting a lot of energy that could be used on something more useful or enjoyable. The Path encourages us not to get distracted by the trolls and bullies of the world. Instead, we concentrate on our spiritual compass and take care of ourselves. As we feel our feelings (without mentally adding to the story), we might take Rilke's advice:

Whoever you are; some evening take a step

out of your house, which you know so well.

Enormous space is near.

River of Change

 From the Sheridan-Douglas Tarot, the Three of Cups; from the Pages of Shustah, Aquarius:

A person is a fluid process, not a fixed and static entity; a flowing river of change, not a block of solid material; a continually changing constellation of potentialities, not a fixed quantity of traits.

—Dr. Carl Rogers

Douglas describes the Three of Cups as enjoying the fruits of love and companionship. The people we choose to befriend are important because they can influence and enrich our lives. We can celebrate each other's joys and successes and support each other through hard times and loss. Our relationships make life meaningful. Aquarius indicates change - an awakening due to new ideas. What happens when our partner or close friend suddenly appears bearing a new philosophy to present to us? It may feel like (no matter how illogical it sounds) that they should have discussed this with us first. Yet this is not a terrible development if these new ideas are constructive and beneficial. We may find that they improve or enhance our life too.

The Difference

From the Sheridan-Douglas Tarot, the King of Pentacles; from the Pages of Shustah, the Whip:

Today, I'm looking at life from a realistic point of view instead of the way I would want things to be. 

—Otis Williams

The King of Pentacles is a practical yet farsighted in material matters. He knows that although we desire bodies that function well and a hefty bank account, even the natural world doesn't thrive all the time. He suggests we investigate prudent ways to navigate those times of decline. The Whip is a symbol of self-control and discipline. Do we constantly require a carrot or the fear of the stick to motivate us? Do we jump toward the easiest solution even if it will have heavy consequences? As Jim Rohn explains, “We must all suffer from one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. The difference is discipline weighs ounces while regret weighs tons.”

Intoxicating Focus

From the Sheridan-Douglas Tarot, Justice; from the Pages of Shustah, Scorpio:

What we need to strive for is not perfection, but balance.

—Ani DiFranco

What does balance look like in an individual life? At times our focus gets caught up in a project or crisis and loses track of everything else. Bills don't get paid, bodies don't get exercised or rested, and connections with others become frayed. Our world shrinks down to whatever focal point has intoxicated us. Justice looks like she wants to poke us with that big sword to get our attention. Scorpio tells us it is time to investigate and discover where our scales are out of balance, but without any pettiness. It might appear that someone or something else is to blame, but we ultimately have the final say in how we direct our attention.

Revoking Power

From the Sheridan-Douglas Tarot, the Eight of Swords; from the Pages of Shustah, Destiny:

If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment.

― Marcus Aurelius

Destiny (the Shustah card) refers to external things that we can't control. The Eight of Swords puts us smack dab in the middle of a bunch of them. It's easy to get overwhelmed in this place and fall into "woe is me" mode. In Buddhism, suffering is said to be caused by the disconnect between what we want and what reality gives us. Yet if we can find a way to calm and center ourselves, we can take another peek at reality and perhaps see that while it may be upsetting, it isn't as horrible as we imagined it to be. At this point, we can determine an appropriate response to deal with it. 

The Process

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 Hermit and the Gnomes:

In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility. 

—Eleanor Roosevelt

The Hermit suggests seeking solitude for reflection, exploration and examination. When there is a great upheaval in our lives, whether it is change for the good or something awful, we need time to process things once the dust settles. With compassion, we ask ourselves what our spirit needs to replenish itself. We look to see how we handled things, and if there were moments when we might have made a better choice. Then we consider what would be the most beneficial ways to adapt to this new normal. Gnomes represent hard work and being tenacious in the face of challenges. Contemplation is just the first step of adjustment; we must follow that up with action. 

Make It a Priority

From the Anima Mundi Tarot, the Queen of Swords; from the Nature's Pharmacy Deck, Chicory:

Despite its importance, listening is often neglected in everyday interactions. One of the primary reasons for this is the human tendency to prioritize response over comprehension. 

—Ramesh Meda

The Queen of Swords is illustrated with an Eurasian eagle-owl, one of the largest owls. Like other owls, it is equipped with a facial disk, a group of feathers around its head that helps direct sound to its ears (useful in hunting). The Queen of Swords may be known for her sharp intellect, but she also is an astute listener. She notices what isn't being said as well as the emotions and tone behind the words. The Queen finds the facts by paying attention, not by jumping to conclusions. Chicory's root has long been roasted and used as a coffee substitute when coffee was hard to come by. Even today, it is often added for its nutty, earthy flavor without increasing caffeine content. Likewise, listening deeply in conversations can change how we relate to others in a positive way, creating connection rather than division. 

Something New

From the Anima Mundi Tarot, the Ace of Wands; from the Nature's Pharmacy Deck, Cranberry:

Without creativity, there would be no progress, and we would be forever repeating the same patterns.

—Edward de Bono

The white banner behind this Ace of Wands seems to wave at us to get our attention. "Is anyone bored and restless? Then do something creative or new rather than rely on old, unhealthy habits for that edgy energy." There are so many possibilities we could try: find books at the library to learn something different; try out a new recipe; check YouTube for any low impact exercise videos to get moving; or do something artsy, whether that's painting, crafting, playing music or writing poetry. Cranberry is most often thought of as a side dish with turkey and dressing, but it is also well known for reducing the risk of urinary tract infections. It reminds us that doing new and creative things is good medicine for our mental and physical well-being.

Leaning Post

From the Anima Mundi Tarot, the Emperor; from the Nature's Pharmacy Deck, Feverfew:

I can't promise to fix all of your problems, but I can promise you won't have to face them alone. 

—Mac Miller

The Emperor is illustrated with a Douglas fir, an evergreen that is one of the tallest in the pine family. Its evergreen nature - no matter the season - brings to mind those trustworthy friends or family members who have our back. It doesn't matter if the timing is inconvenient, if they're tired, or if they are in the middle of having fun; when we really need their help, they come. Feverfew is marketed as an herbal aid to prevent migraines and help with symptoms (pain, nausea, light sensitivity). However, when taken on a regular basis and then abruptly stopped, withdrawals symptoms such as rebound headaches and muscle and joint pains occur. No one can be a constant leaning post; everyone is subject to health issues and their own unexpected crises. At some point. we have to learn to be our own supportive, best friend. 

Know Your Own Welfare

From the Anima Mundi Tarot, the Empress; from the Nature's Pharmacy Deck, Myrrh:

Don’t give up your own welfare

For the sake of others’ welfare, however great.

Clearly know your own welfare

And be intent on the highest good. 

—Dhammapada, chapter 12

The peony is a beauty that can stop people in their tracks; the Chinese call it the "flower of riches and honor." Ants are attracted to the nectar on the outside of its buds, though they do not cause harm. In fact, it's likely the ants deter other harmful insects. This Empress has figured out how to give abundantly while also caring for herself. Myrrh is a gum-resin extracted by making cuts in the thorny tree Commiphora myrrha. The resin has been used as an analgesic for toothache pain, bruises, aching muscles, and sprains. There is evidence to suggest certain compounds in myrrh interact with central opioid pathways in the brain. Extreme sacrifices can be like a drug, making us feel we are making a difference when we are really only harming ourselves. Know your own welfare.

Just Keep at It

From the Anima Mundi Tarot, the Seven of Wands; from the Nature's Pharmacy Deck, Horseradish:

Don’t wait for inspiration. It comes while working.

— Henri Matisse

Sometimes the only way to silence the cynics is to keep our heads down and continue working rather than trying to explain things or win them over. The first blush of success (as with this stem bursting with blooms) can often turn their loud growls of disapproval down to low mutterings. If we're waiting on validation from others, we'll probably never have the confidence to keep going. Horseradish makes every sauce and condiment bracing with its biting flavor. In herbal medicine, it is used for sinus issues, like cold and flu, because its pungency helps to relieve congestion. It reminds us that no matter what our accomplishments, we're going to need to spice up our projects when the usual becomes stale. It can be challenging to move away what was favored and try something new, but even if it falls flat, doing something different can shift our imagination in new directions.  

I've been volunteering at the library for about 5 years now, creating artwork for the display case in the foyer and for the children's bulletin board. (These were for our summer reading program this year.) I have to rely on Maya Angelou's wisdom: “You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”

Awake

From the Anima Mundi Tarot, Judgment; from the Nature's Pharmacy Deck, Purple Coneflower:

People were struck by Buddha's extraordinary radiance and peaceful presence. One man asked him who he was. “Are you a celestial being or a god? A saint or sage?” “No,” responded the Buddha. “Well then, what are you?” The Buddha replied, “I am awake.” —Dona Sutta

Like the view of the golden eagle, Judgment asks us to move out of our personal concerns and look at life from a spiral that leads upward and outward. This viewpoint wakes us up to an other-centered perspective, allowing us to see the cause and effect of our actions and inactions on the whole. Extracts of Purple Coneflower's root can reduce the risk of recurrent respiratory infections and related complications. However, it is contraindicated for those taking medicine for heart disease and autoimmune diseases because of undesirable interactions. Judgment requires discernment, recognizing that just because we want something to be so doesn't it make that way.

Full of Beans

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 Hanged Man and Common Sage:

When you’re full of beans, you just blow a lot of hot air. 

—Amy Tan

Roombas often react saner than humans; when they hit a wall, they turn around and go in another direction. We tend to find ourselves giving the same advice over and over or forcefully trying redirect a situation in the way we think it should go. It's frustrating to realize we have no control, but there is freedom and peace found in letting people and things be. Common Sage has been considered one of the top essential culinary herbs for generations. It is also a digestive aid, relieving gas and bloating. There have even been studies to add this herb to cattle food in an effort to reduce methane (a greenhouse gas). Sage asks us to reconsider if our 'help' is tinged with a hint of moral superiority, filled with platitudes, or if it is simply a strategy to arrange things in a way that would benefit us. Others can generally tell if we're sincere or full of beans.

Just a Few Adjustments

From the Margarete Petersen Tarot, the Eight of Flames (Wands); from the Elemental Dice, Wind (Light + Air):

There is a muscular energy in sunlight corresponding to the spiritual energy of wind.

—Annie Dillard

The Eight of Flames tells us it is time to act, but not impulsively. We must hone our focus, concentrating on the task rather than imagining the outcome. Now we must stay centered in what is important and needs to be done rather than allowing discursive thinking to distract us. Wind indicates that change is brewing, but if we're paying attention, we'll catch it. We might need to be flexible and make a few adjustments to adapt. Even so, all is not lost; as John McGraw said, "one small breeze doesn't make a wind storm." 

Not an Expert

From the Margarete Petersen Tarot, the Hierophant; from the Elemental Dice, Sky (Air + Air):

True teachers are those who use themselves as bridges over which they invite their students to cross; then, having facilitated their crossing, joyfully collapse, encouraging them to create their own.

―Nikos Kazantzakis

The Hierophant teaches ideas to others, with the best of them offering wisdom without dogmatism and judgment. True teachers are not afraid to say, "I don't know." When their feet are in the fire, they don't blame but take responsibility for their mistakes. They realize knowledge can change as new information comes to light; they know traditions are provide a way for people to connect to each other but are not truth. Sky represents spaciousness, especially in the realm of the intellect. It is a reminder that we all learn more when we keep an open mind and don't act as if we're experts on life.

Ill-Directed Mind

From the Margarete Petersen Tarot, the Nine of Feathers (Swords); from the Elemental Dice, Volcano:

Thinking will not overcome fear, but action will. ~W. Clement Stone

In Petersen's painting, eyes open wide in terror, and a mouth screams silently. Yet it is our thoughts about things, not the actual things themselves that this card represents. The Dhammapada tells us, "Whatever harm an enemy may do to an enemy, or a hater to a hater, an ill-directed mind inflicts on oneself a greater harm." Just a seed of assumption, misinformation or projection is all it takes if we let the mind run amuck. Yet Volcano reminds us that we have a power within to help us meet the challenges we face. In the words of Marcus Aurelius, "You have power over your mind - not outside events." It is our responsibility to use this power, no one can do it for us.

50 Casseroles

From the Margarete Petersen Tarot, the Six of Coins; from the Elemental Dice, Sun (Light + Fire):

God has given us two hands - one to receive with and the other to give with. We are not cisterns made for hoarding; we are channels made for sharing. 

—Billy Graham

I once had a wise woman tell me that praying for someone is a reminder to reach out and offer concrete help - feet and hands on the ground. Sharing our time, energy and resources with others is not only good for them, but also us, as it increases our happiness and well-being.  As we engage in altruism, we create a sense of community and strengthen relationships. We build trust, learning new perspectives from others and allowing them to learn about us. The Sun provides more clarity, encouraging us ask rather than assume what is needed. No one needs 50 casseroles in their refrigerator. 

She's a Flame

From the Margarete Petersen Tarot, the Daughter of Flames (Page of Wands); from the Elemental Dice, Tornado (Darkness + Air):

We, we don′t have to worry 'bout nothing

′Cause we got the fire, and we're burning one hell of a something

They, they're gonna see us from outer space, outer space

Light it up, like we′re the stars of the human race, human race

—Ellie Goulding

As Alicia Keys sings, "Looks like a girl but she's a flame." This Daughter/Page has an insatiable hunger for life that spins her through the world with a fiery energy. She follows whatever passion arises, without any thought about 'shoulds' or 'what ifs.' She'd tell us it's time to burn down old habits and fears and find our freedom. Tornadoes, twisting vortexes of destruction, may only last 10 to 20 minutes. Yet the death and devastation left in their wake is mindboggling. Freeing ourselves from old patterns can be beneficial if we give our method of change some thoughtful deliberation. Burning people, places and things to the ground isn't necessary to move on.