Deeds, Good and Bad

From the Classic Tarot, the Seven of Swords; from the Constellations Deck, Piscis Austrinus:

The means we use will shape the ends we receive.

―Dale S. Wright

The sword in the center of this card is tied down, suggesting that thoughts have produced actions that won't get erased. The Seven of Swords represents secrets and hidden motivations - something we all have. But if we follow through on any of these less than altruistic ideas, then we have something to hide; in some ways, we lose the freedom simply be ourselves. It helps to have good and wise friends to discuss such thoughts with before we convince ourselves we're in the right. Piscis Austrinus is Latin for "the southern fish" and is a constellation in the southern hemisphere. The Egyptians told stories of this great fish that saved Isis, while the tales of the Greeks said it saved Derceto, daughter of Aphrodite. What do we want to be remembered for, the skeletons in our closet or our altruistic deeds?

The Challenge of Relationships

From the Classic Tarot, the Knight of Cups; from the Constellations Deck, Draco:

All those gazillions of people and then me, on the outside. Because how do you meet a new person? I was very stunned by this for many years. And then I realized, you just say, "Hi." They may ignore you. Or you may marry them. And that possibility is worth that one word.

―Augusten Burroughs

The Knight of Cups, like all the knights, is focused and single-minded. But this knight's interests are interacting with others and developing relationships. Yet how does someone who is shy and socially awkward do this? Draco, Latin for dragon, is a constellation in the far northern sky. In Greek mythology, the dragon Gigantes battled the Olympian gods for ten years before Athena killed it. She tossed it into the sky where it froze at the cold north celestial pole. Draco represents challenges, and in this case, in making friends or finding partners. For such a challenge, Eleanor Roosevelt is a wonderful role model. A shy, awkward child, she would learn to overcome enough of her anxiety to become one of the most outspoken First Ladies of the White House. She reminds us that part of the problem is where we place our focus: "Don’t be concerned about whether people are watching you or criticizing you. The chances are that they aren’t paying any attention to you. It’s your attention to yourself that is so stultifying."

A young Eleanor

Resourceful

From the Classic Tarot, the Queen of Coins; from the Constellations Deck, Auriga:

It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change. ―Charles Darwin

As Elizabeth I proved, Queens were good for more than birthing heirs. The Queen of Coins nurtures her people by obtaining and providing what they need. Yet sometimes what is needed is not available, and she has to be innovative and resourceful. Auriga, Latin for the charioteer, was named for the mythological Greek hero Erichthonius of Athens. The son of Hephaestus who was raised by the goddess Athena, Erichthonius was credited with creating the four-horse chariot which he used to save Athens. As the saying goes, our greatest resource is often our resourcefulness. 

The Best Use

From The Classic Tarot, the Five of Coins; from the Constellations Deck, Taurus:

Make the best use of what is in your power and take the rest as it happens.

―Epictetus

The five sectioned off coins are like little pockets of savings that are apart from our regular budget. However, this savings plan is not only about money. It also includes other assets that we often give little thought until they take a hit: our energy, health and time. Are we wasting or ignoring how we're spending these resources? Taurus is an earth sign that enjoys comforts, yet this is balanced by a greater desire for stability and practicality. Epictetus reminds us to be a discerning master of our desires: "It is the nature of the wise to resist pleasures, but the foolish to be a slave to them."

Lifelong Pursuit

This week I'll be using Lo Scarabeo's The Classic Tarot, with the original engravings of Carlo Della Rocca and printing by F. Gumppenberg Milan. I'll also be drawing from the Constellations Deck published by Carddia. Today's draws are the Knave of Coins and Pyxis:

The best teachers are those who show you where to look, but don't tell you what to see.

― Alexandra K.Trenfor

The Knaves are naturally curious, eager to learn and explore; in the Coins suit, the focus is on the material world, rather than concepts, feelings, or energy. This fellow proudly holds up a coin like a young man in 4H who won a prize for a melon. He obviously had a good mentor. Pyxis is a small and faint constellation in the southern sky. Its name - Pyxis Nautica - is Latin for a mariner's compass. Whatever we're trying to learn, having an experienced teacher can guide us, helping us avoid blind alleys and dead ends. Their job is not to tell us everything, but to show us how to learn by doing. As Robert Hutchins wrote, "“The object of education is to prepare the young to educate themselves throughout their lives.”

Friend, Not Faultfinder

From the Gaian Tarot, the Four of Water (Cups); from the Goddess Oracle, Freya:

To fall in love with yourself is the first secret to happiness.

– Robert Morley 

It's no wonder we're not always nice to people - we "do unto others" just as we treat ourselves. The companion book states that the Four of Cups/Water is about replenishing our emotional reserves - a big bar of chocolate or a box from Amazon won't cut it. Indulging in those things might offer brief pleasure but that lacks the same quality and benefit as joy. Connection with others, creative outlets, and the marvels of nature are some possible alternatives. Freya invites us to love and reconnect with our bodies. It might seem like this is easier for younger folks, who aren't dealing with wrinkles and the aches and pains of aging, yet they also focus on every flaw. However, it is our bodies that allow us to hug others, to craft and construct, and enjoy the beauty and wonder of nature. Our bodies need us to be a friend, not a faultfinder.

It's a Journey

From the Gaian Tarot, the Ace of Water; from the Goddess Oracle, Demeter:

The gift of life is yours. It’s an amazing journey, and you alone are responsible for the quality of it.

―Dan Zadra

Can you imagine being this tiny salmon, suddenly hatched into a big world that is completely unfamiliar? We all go through this at some point, such as with divorce or a geographical move. Nothing seems the same, which can at times be exhilarating or terrifying; we may even grieve for what was. Yet there is the potential of new friendships and partnerships, of connecting and belonging, even if at the moment we feel lost. We must only keep our hearts open and pay attention to find them. Demeter is associated with emotions because of the kidnapping of her daughter. How we feel needs to be accepted and expressed appropriately rather than pretending to be fine. As Jason N. Linder reminds us, "Ignoring emotion is like tuning out essential signals to and from our body and brain, obstructing your success and ability to understand, take care of yourself, and act wisely and intentionally."

Digging for Gold

From the Gaian Tarot, the Child of Water (Page of Cups); from the Goddess Oracle, Amaterasu:

Anyone can find the dirt in someone. Be the one that finds the gold.

―Gaur Gopal Das

By the time we reach middle and late adulthood, we tend to have the habit of seeing people through our assumptions. Wary that they may have a hidden agenda that will cause us suffering, we harden our hearts in an attempt to protect ourselves. The Child of Water is just the opposite, having a tender, openhearted approach to the world. Connecting and mending is worth a few bruises along the way, she thinks. Amaterasu is the central sun goddess of the Japanese Shinto religion. When she hid herself in a cave, the other gods devised a way to lure her out with joyful humor and beauty. Amaterasu reminds us that those who have been hurt in the past often seem callous and bad-tempered. But sometimes the warmth of kindness and patience can thaw even the most frozen of hearts.

Find Your Heart's Ease

From the Gaian Tarot, the Elder of Water; from the Goddess Oracle, Hathor:

Well, I was born in the sign of water

And it's there that I feel my best

The albatross and the whales, they are my brothers

It's kind of a special feeling

When you're out on the sea alone

Staring at the full moon like a lover

―Little River Band 

The Elder of Water (King of Cups) has to deal with more than his share of drama. No one's heart can take constant flogging without a break. This fellow knows we all need a special place to go to decompress - his place is in his skiff right before sunrise. Such a sacred place allows our hearts to let go of their weight and feel ease and peace. Hathor, the ancient Egyptian sky goddess, tells us that we are here to experience delight. Each of us have a favored sense for joy, perhaps taste for the foodie or hearing for the music lover. This is not about hiding from what is presently going on around us, but for finding ways to also experience the moment in a good way. What's your place and pleasure? 

When the ground is rumbling and the windows rattling, everyone needs an earthquake safe space (Lia, one of our cats). We've got big machinery and jackhammers all around us, tearing up the gutters and streets that have been damaged by several floods and a hurricane. It will be nice to have them fixed, but right now it is quite noisy!

Getting to Know You

From the Gaian Tarot, the Explorer of Air (Knight of Swords); from the Goddess Oracle, Lady of the Beasts:

What a large volume of adventures may be grasped within the span of his little life by him who interests his heart in everything. ―Laurence Sterne

I quite like the name 'Explorer' give to the Knight of Swords; I much prefer someone who has an insatiable curiosity to someone who goes around poking others with his or her opinions. He is on a quest to learn more, but he attempts to do so from an open perspective, one that is different from his own. His life will never be boring unless he begins to think he knows everything as he gets older. The Lady of the Beasts, Poluknalai, is an ancient goddess of India. She represents cultivating bonds with those who nurture and support us. What does curiosity have to do with relationships? Todd Kashdan explains: "“When you show curiosity and you ask questions, and find out something interesting about another person, people disclose more, share more, and they return the favor, asking questions of you,” says Kashdan. “It sets up a spiral of give and take, which fosters intimacy.”

First, The Basics

From the Gaian Tarot, the Eight of Earth (Pentacles); from the Goddess Oracle, Ix Chel:

In learning you will teach, and in teaching you will learn.

― Phil Collins

A father mentors his daughter in the art of drumming, teaching her tempo and rhythm. But be assured that he is learning as much as she is. Teach a class or lead a discussion and any notes we made will soon be forgotten by the constant barrage of questions and discourse. Once there's an interest, we'll find that we learn as much as the students as we uncover more techniques and information. Ix chel, the Mayan moon goddess, is associated with creativity; her upturned jar constantly pours out the waters of inspiration and innovation. However, what allows our creativity to flourish is learning the fundamental skills first. Then we have a foundation to build on as we experiment and try out new ideas.

Finding It Again

This week I'll be using the Gaian Tarot, a deck and book set created and self-published by Joanna Powell Colbert. I'll also be using the Goddess Oracle, a deck and book set created by Amy Sophia Marashinsky and illustrated by Hrana Janto. Today's draws are Elder of Air (King of Swords) and Minerva:

Discernment: the ability to tell truth from fiction, to know when we have lost our center and how to find it again. ―Anne Hill

Kings offer guidance, but as the Elder of Air knows, guidance without clarity is worthless. To slow down his mind, which sniffs every bush constantly to see what needs to be worried about, he plays his flute. Focus allows his thoughts to slow down, giving him a chance to see clearly what is true and what is genuinely important. Minerva knows one major problem that fogs up our glasses is unfounded, unquestioned beliefs. She tells us: "I am what I think; my life is shaped and formed by what I tell myself. I make sure what I carry is of my own careful choosing and serves me well."

Settle for Contentment

From the Llewellyn Tarot, the Nine of Cups; from the Beasts of Albion, Cockerel:

I don't look for bliss, just contentment. –Alison Krauss

The Llewellyn companion booklet refers to the Nine of Cups as well-being of the heart. It doesn't necessarily mean that we have everything that we want or have managed to avoid what we don't. We might not sit in the lap of fame, wealth, praise and pleasure. But we see clearly all the good we do have, and we have a satisfactory relationship with the world around us. The Rooster/Cockerel is generally connected with the sunrise. Yet roosters crow for other reasons as well: to declare their territory, to tell the hens it's time to forage, and to warn of predators. This bird warns us that there is a difference between contentment and complacency - the first allows us to actively respond to life with gratitude while the latter keeps us stuck with a mindset that thinks nothing will change.

Not a Mountain, Just a Hill

From the Llewellyn Tarot, Strength; from the Beasts of Albion, Weasel:

Our doubts are traitors and cause us to miss the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt.

–William Shakespeare

The Strength card illustrates a tale of courage about Culhwch; he wanted to win the hand of a giant's daughter and was required to successfully perform many tasks. Perhaps the most dangerous was taking the comb, scissors and razor from the head of a boar named Twrch Trwyth. Culhwch was smart in that he enlisted the help of King Arthur and some of his men, knowing challenges are easier met with support. Weasel, an animal known for its agility and ferocity despite its size, knows how to get close and size things up before jumping in. It is also flexible, adapting as necessary when it confronts what it faces. Above all, understand the essence of T. Harv Eker's words: “Nothing has meaning except for the meaning you give it.”

Suffering Over Suffering

From the Llewellyn Tarot, the Five of Cups; from the Beasts of Albion, Squirrel:

People have a hard time letting go of their suffering. Out of a fear of the unknown, they prefer suffering that is familiar.  ―Thich Nhat Hanh

One of the descriptions of this card from the companion book explains it as "suffering over our suffering." In other words, we have a loss or disappointment then rehearse every detail of it, reliving our pain over and over again. In part, it is an illusion that makes us think we might somehow hold on to what was lost. It also keeps us from moving into an unknown future without what we long for. Squirrel represents both a messenger and preparation. They are usually seen in near constant motion here, except when the heat index is high and they're splooting to cool down. This animal reminds us that while we need time to grieve, life necessitates that we must get moving again. Sometimes just starting with a small task can help us take the first step.

The Manager is Me

From the Llewellyn Tarot, the Ace of Cups; from the Beasts of Albion, the Lion:

Blaming externalities diminishes our sense of agency and hinders our growth and fulfillment. 

―Gene Eidelman

A cloud seems to fill a chalice to overflowing, allowing some of the water to trickle down into the lake below. It is a reminder that only when we take time to allow joy to fill our own cup will we have a plentiful supply to share with others. Those who frequently find themselves in the role of emotional giving need to be mindful of self-care, surrendering to their own emotional and physical needs. Don't mistake self-indulgence - indulging one’s desires without restraint or discernment - for such care. Filling our own cup should make us feel better not worse. The Lion represents personal sovereignty, the inherent right and ability to self-govern oneself. Self-rule requires dropping the assumption that others will make us happy; instead, we take responsibility for our own life. It is the opposite of Kristen Neff's humorous take on things: "Uh, excuse me. There must be some error. I signed up for the everything-will-go-swimmingly-until-the-day-I-die plan. Can I speak to the management please?"

A True Badge of Honor

From the Llewellyn Tarot, the Page of Cups; from the Beasts of Albion, Brock/Badger:

It’s not brave to refuse to pay attention, to refuse to notice, to refuse to feel and know and imagine. The opposite of sensitive is insensitive, and that’s no badge of honor.

―Glennon Doyle

The Page of Cups draws emotional people to him like iron fillings to a magnet. He is empathetic and compassionate, so people who hurt seek him out for his willingness to listen without being judgmental. He's incredibly attuned and sensitive, such that he can just look at a person and intuitively know how they feel. Yet he manages to keep his feet on solid ground by bringing his thoughts back to the sensations of his own body. Brock (Badger) lives in extended social tribes and is a home-loving animal. However, it is known for tenaciousness, power and courage when driven to extreme measures. Spiritual warriors don't go seeking battles to join, but they will face challenges with gentle courage if it means helping another. 

Am I Sure?

From the Llewellyn Tarot, the Ace of Swords; from the Beasts of Albion, the Hare:

Ideas and perceptions should be abandoned all the time, to make room for better ideas and truer perceptions. This is why we must always ask ourselves, "Am I sure?”

― Thich Nhat Hanh

The crown in this Ace of Swords is actually a coronet, lacking the convex arches and suggesting openness and curiosity. Rather than the usual palm and olive branches, it is adorned with stems from a yew and rowan tree, representing transformation (new that springs out of the old) and resilience. Ideas and solutions abound when we're willing to widen our perspective by embracing flexibility and the willingness to change. The Hare suggests creative fertility, bringing to mind a quote from Erich Fromme: "Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainties." Our 'right way' might not be right at all.

The Perfect Sky is Torn

This week I'll be using the Llewellyn Tarot, created by Anna-Marie Ferguson and published by Llewellyn. I'll also be using the Beasts of Albion, an oracle deck created by Miranda Gray and published by Aquarian. Today's draws are the Ten of Swords and Wolf:

I'm all out of faith, this is how I feel

I'm cold and I am shamed lying naked on the floor

Illusion never changed into something real

I'm wide awake and I can see the perfect sky is torn

―Natalie Imbruglia 

Sometimes we surrender our views and accept things as they are because we've gained clarity from a different perspective. At other times, life has to beat us nearly senseless before we're ready to submit. Even an arthritic body can't compare to a mind that is stiff, unbending and unwilling to open. We'll take medicine for the first but not for the latter until our suffering becomes absolutely intolerable. In Celtic mythology, the Wolf was seen both as a feared predator and a trusted guide, similar to our mind's dual nature. How it is used determines whether it is our master or our servant. As William James reminds us, “Man can alter his life by altering his thinking.”

Not Through Opinion

From the Norse Tarot, the Sun; from the Wolf Pack, Leadership:

...birdsong rang out as if there had never been a day as fresh and beautiful as this one.

― Brian Jacques

When the great battle of Ragnarok occurred, forever changing the known world, Sol (the sun goddess) was killed. Yet before she died, she had a daughter who would become her successor. The U.S. is currently undergoing its own great battle, as democracy slips and violent rhetoric and hatred swirl around us. It feels like the sun has been eclipsed by something dark and malevolent. Though this may last for years, I hang on to the thread of hope that things will eventually swing in the other direction, and life will become brighter again. During these corrupt times, Leadership encourages us to stick to our moral compass and heed the words of Paul Coelho: “The world is changed by your example, not your opinion.”

Are They Kind?

From the Norse Tarot, the Three of Cups; from the Wolf Pack, Release:

We harm ourselves as well as others if we become callous. To judge without being judgmental requires empathy. ―Charles H. Webb

This Three of Cups seems more sedate than the usual celebration filled with dancing. It reminds me of my husband's uncles and aunts from Alabama (sadly now all departed) who used to come to Georgia to visit. They were originally a large farming family, but once they retired, they sought out their kin. I think they missed that feeling of belonging. Release encourages a letting go of our personal opinions about others. We must judge - discerning whether something or someone is safe and healthy for us - but to be judgmental slides into the area of intolerance. We think other people's beliefs are ridiculous and without worth because they are so different from our own. Yet curiosity will show that we are all shaped by individual experiences in different ways. A better scale would be to ask, "But are they kind?"

Untitled for Now

From the Norse Tarot, the Three of Wands; from the Wolf Pack, Persistence:

You cannot swim for new horizons until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.

 — William Faulkner

As the saying goes, if we want something different in our life, we must do something different. Expanding our horizons, regardless of whether it has to do with our finances, other people, or simply learning something new, requires us to be willing to be uncomfortable and uncertain for a while. Persistence underscores this necessity, encouraging us not to give up because we feel a bit lost or nervous. As Bob Goff wrote, “Embrace the uncertainty. Some of the most beautiful chapters in our lives won’t have a title until much later.”

Just Wanted to Call...

From the Norse Tarot, the Six of Cups; from the Wolf Pack, Support:

We were never meant to go it alone. Every small act of care becomes a thread in the tapestry of belonging. ―Ken Breniman

Two adults - possibly family or friends - chat while watching children play. Doing so brings up memories that they laugh or groan over. "Remember when you picked all of grandfather's green tomatoes off the vines, thinking you were helping?" "What about that time we were a bit intoxicated and went go to the grocery store; we got sunglasses off the spin rack and put them on all the produce!" Those memories remind us of and reestablish our connections. As the Support card reminds us, we all need someone in our corner, whether a group or a few friends. Yet bonds begin to fray if we don't take time to keep them strong. Who might we need to call or send an email to today? 

Last Mile

From the Norse Tarot, the Eight of Wands; from the Wolf Pack, Home:

There is no mile as long the final one that leads back home.

― Katherine Marsh

The long, slender ships of the Norse (aptly name longships) were built for speed. In calm waters or during surprise attacks, they dropped the sail and used oars. These men, seeing the familiar coastline of their village, are likely rowing for all their worth, ready to get back to familiar, friendly faces and relax with some hot food and good drink. Home brings up mixed memories for me. What I consider my original home was my grandparents' house, which was demolished for a hospital parking lot. It would take many years - after I married my husband - that I felt as if I had found another home. As Maya Angelou wrote, “The ache for home lives in all of us. The safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.”

The rambling, roomy house on Mimosa Drive

Welcomed its first family in 1928.

The Garrisons would grow there and grieve there,

Celebrating an abundance of joyful times and finding refuge during loss.

Throughout the years, its walls, floors, and roof

Were suffused with the affection and devotion of family.

Bulldozers have now crushed its beams and crumbled its foundation,

Yet the love that grew there still remains.

How appropriate that it will soon provide parking space

For those in search of comfort and healing.

―BK