Newly Defined

From the Tarot of the Abyss, the Fool; from the Nature Mandala Cards, Radiance:

I will define my life not by fear, loss, or scarcity but by potential. 

― Saeed Jones

Open-minded, full of eagerness and excitement, this young woman walks off the cliff with confidence as she enters a new phase in life. How do we begin a new venture this way? Jones (quote above) writes that his single mom wrote 'determinations' on notecards, with an explanation of why she was so determined, and placed them by her altar. He writes, "More than the goals she’d write down, the act of summoning her determination with clear eyes and at full volume is what I continue to cherish and honor." What a warrior's spirit! Yet it also helps if we surround ourselves with people who shine with cheerfulness and hope, as the Radiance card implies. When we experience hard falls and encounter obstacles, we'll need an injection of their optimistic practicality. 

Don't Feed the Egos

From the Tarot of the Abyss, the Five of Swords; from the Nature Mandala Cards, Hope:

Be aware of people that make an ocean from a glass of water.

― Alfredo Antequera

In every gathering, small or large, there's usually a person who dominates all conversation, effectively shutting down anyone who might ask questions. They are impressed with their own intelligence and feel their views are superior to any others. Then there are the trolls on forums, who get their jollies from making comments that twist people up into knots. In either case, the victims often feel like this trapped butterfly in the jar - no matter how much they push back, they never seem to make a dent in the conversation. Hope suggests that things might get better. Yet Wise Hope, rather than simply wishing for change, would encourage us to see how we might avoid getting sucked into such conversations. Sometimes the only influence we have is over our own thoughts and reactions, which can keep us sane and avoid feeding any egos.

Changes in Latitudes

From the Tarot of the Abyss, the Six of Swords; from the Nature Mandala Cards, Harmony:

With these changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes

Nothing remains quite the same

—Jimmy Buffett

The Six of Swords illustrates a change in our frame of mind. We may hold our ethics and values close, as this woman clings to her baby, but we recognize our attitude and opinions need restructuring. Yet unless we look at our part in the chaos and turmoil, we'll just rebuild another frame similar to the one before. By seeing the whole of the matter, as this woman does from her new vantage point, we can choose what will bring Harmony. Harmony doesn't mean we don't debate views or hold people accountable for their damaging words or actions. It just implies that we refuse to nourish the rage and hatred within us. As Zenju Earthlyn Manuel wrote, "The practice is to make companions of difference and harmony... We cannot take the teaching of harmony to serve the desire for sameness and comfort."

That Direction

From the Tarot of the Abyss, the Eight of Swords; from the Nature Mandala Cards, Begin Again:

Creativity involves breaking out of established patterns in order to look at things in a different way. 

—Edward de Bono

Our fixed ideas mold the tracks our thoughts take; we are not nearly as innovative as we may think. This woman is like a pearl sewn onto fabric, stitched down and tied off. Beliefs may be treated like beautiful gems, but they don't always fit every purpose or situation. When we try to generalize those entrenched ideas and outlooks, we could find ourselves stuck with no wiggle room. Begin Again suggests we don't give up but rather start with "Don't Know Mind" and observe what is without attachment or aversion. A spacious, curious mind can see endless possibilities, not just the ones we've been running on a loop. As Pema Chodron encouraged, "What you could experience is so much vaster than what you currently experience. Let’s go in that direction."

In the Shadows

From the Tarot of the Abyss, the Seven of Swords; from the Nature Mandala Cards, Honor the Memory:

Man is not what he thinks he is, he is what he hides.

― André Malraux

Lying comes in many flavors: flat out dishonesty, hiding the truth or using half-truths while omitting the rest. Deception is tied to entitlement; we feel like it is our right to deceive in order to get what we think we deserve. Yet it should be plain that anything we must do in the shadows is an offense against our relationships with others. We can't whine about rights without accepting responsibilities as well. Honor the Memory suggests we remember our bonds, connections, promises and commitments. It's not always easy, but it will serve us in the long run. And if we can't, then let's be brave enough to be honest about it.

Cease Fighting

This week I'll be using the Tarot of the Abyss, created by Ana Tourian and published by U.S. Games. I've paired with it the Nature Mandala Meditation Cards, created and self-published by Michelle Wallace. Today's draws are the Four of Swords and Change:

And we have ceased fighting anything or anyone...

—AA text

This card sends a strong message: it's time to stop engaging in battle. No matter how hard we push or cajole, that huge boulder is not moving right now. Continuing to fight in the way we've been doing is only creating exhaustion and distress. During times of mental rest, when we let our mind open and relax, our wiser self often gives us an alternative. Such an option comes in the words of Palmer Parker, who said that advancing love, justice and truth is generational work; looking for short-term results will only lead to despair. Instead, we ask if what we did today was faithful to the values we aspire to embody, and to our opportunities to serve the common good. Change brings to mind the voice of Sam Cooke singing "Change is Gonna Come." No matter how stuck and immovable things seem to be, nothing is permanent and fixed. In the meantime, we can take Parker's advice: "Do something every day that reaffirms your identity and integrity. No matter how limited your reach may be, there is always a way to light a candle in the face of the powers of darkness. Don’t burn out. Burn bright."

Interpreting Reality

From the Roots of Asia Tarot, the High Priestess; from the Mahjongg Oracle, the Tiger:

The sense of self is inextricably linked to your self-talk — to your thoughts and inner dialogue — and we’re constantly interpreting reality through thought. 

—Brechen MacRae

The High Priestess represents the luminous wisdom within us, the awareness that sees reality without adding all of our prejudices and preferences on top of it. It grants us objective clarity without self-referencing and self-centeredness attached. Make no mistake: what it shines a light on can feel threatening to the mental construct known as the ego. Yet it can help us navigate all of life more successfully, with the benefit of not adding suffering to the world. The Tiger is a symbol of power, strength and bravery. It reminds us that our inner wisdom is of no help if we don't act on it. As the Chinese proverb goes, "Talk does not cook rice."

But Is It Cool?

From the Roots of Asia, the Ace of Pentacles; from the Mahjongg Oracle, the Scholar:

It’s not about what it is, it’s about what it can become.

―Dr. Seuss

From a small seed, a diverse multitude grows. It's easy to bypass those ordinary opportunities, the ones that don't look cool, demand a lot of hard work or require patience to get to our goal. All we see is the tiny acorn, not the grand oak it will one day become. The soil we need to develop is within us rather than outside us. The Scholar is represented by Confucious who said, "Study and practice - what could give greater pleasure?" When we put forth a sincere effort, even with small tasks, we grow. And as we grow, more opportunities will open to us. 

Let Go of Your Leaves

From the Roots of Asia, the Five of Wands; from the Mahjongg Oracle, Unicorn:

Change your opinions, keep to your principles; change your leaves, keep intact your roots. 

—Victor Hugo

We humans have a high regard for our own opinions, but not so much those of others. It can be infuriating talking to someone who has a different idea about how things should be done, often not realizing we are providing the same experience for them. There is no movement until we realize facts and ethical values are very different than opinions. The Unicorn represents the ability to be a good judge of character and the habit of taking a long-range point of view. Both of these characteristics help in trying to come to an agreement. A person who doesn't share our opinions is not our enemy. And it is a good reminder to consider whether we're looking for short-term gains or long-term improvement. 

Purpose-Driven

From the Roots of Asia, the Queen of Wands; from the Mahjongg Oracle, Peacock:

Giving back is as good for you as it is for those you are helping, because giving gives you purpose. When you have a purpose-driven life, you’re a happier person. 

—Goldie Hawn

The Queen of Wands is a creative superstar, so it's no wonder she often is surrounded by admirers who want her guidance for nurturing their own talents. She doesn't worry that sharing creative ideas with others will put out her own spark. This Queen knows that encouraging others can provide her with new inspiration, giving her new directions to explore. The Peacock is a warning not to become complacently prideful in her success. Yet the mirror the woman holds suggests introspection and self-awareness. An endless road of good intentions (assisting others) is often paved with exhaustion and burnout. The Queen must make sure she carves out some sacred time and space that is her own.  

Training in What?

From the Roots of Asia Tarot, Strength; from the Mahjongg Oracle, Chrysanthemum:

We have also been training our body and mind just by living our life. The question is: training in what? 

—Gaylon Ferguson

In our daily encounters with people and situations, our inner lion may be awakened and roar to be fed. Will we let it gorge on frustration, anger and rage, or will we take time to calm it so we can handle things in a sane and appropriate way? Training the mind allows us to be aware of thoughts and emotions and sift out what is worth acting on and what we can let be. Chrysanthemums are a symbol of the sun and represent happiness and vitality. It asks us to consider whether our anger is putting our energy to good use and creating contentment, or if it is tanking everything.

Clean-up on Aisle Five

From the Roots of Asia Tarot, the Knight of Wands; from the Mahjongg Oracle, the Farmer:

Clean up your own mess. —Robert Fulghum

The Knight of Wands is Air within Fire, a quick mind inside a body with too much energy to sit still. I was waiting in line at Walgreens the other day and saw a woman leave her four-year-old son outside the bathroom with their buggy, commanding him to "Stay here." Two seconds after she left, he was using the buggy to ram into shelves and displays. In the same way, the impulsive actions of this knight often lead to mayhem, but because he's constantly in motion, he's usually not there to notice them. The Farmer signifies the tasks and toil of bringing in the harvest. Rather than speaking of tenacity or patience, it encourages us to do the physical effort that is required. So instead of simply saying "sorry," we need to clean up the messes we make.

A Double Dose

This week I'll be using the Roots of Asia Tarot, created by Amnart Klanprachar with Thaworn Boonyawan and published by AGM Müller. I'll also be using the Mah Jongg Oracle, created by Derek Walters and published by Thunder Bay Press. Today's cards are the King of Wands and Bamboo:

One uses power by grasping it lightly. To grasp too strongly is to be taken over by power, and thus to become its victim. —Frank Herbert

The King of Wands has a double dose of fire, giving him a creative power that can be used to benefit all or for only personal profit. How do we know if we've succumbed to the fiery wiles of ego? If we are grasping and demanding what we think we deserve or guarding and resisting what we fear some imagined other will take away, there's a good chance we have become ensnared by a selfishness that sees no other desire except our own. Our perspective is being governed by the three poisons of greed, hatred and delusion rather than reality. Bamboo has many uses, including the Chinese brush for painting and the Chinese pen for writing. It suggests that putting things down on paper can help us challenge our emotions and thoughts instead of impulsively acting on them. We have a chance to consider them as we write them down, then again as we read them. As Noam Dinovitz explained, "Our brains simply do a better job when they can evaluate something that is tangible and concrete in from of them rather than a passive, intangible thought."

It's a Mix

From the New Liminal Tarot, Strength; from the State by State Cards, Louisiana (King of Hearts):

True strength requires a mix of perseverance, kindness, and bravery.

—Sophie Caldwell

The angelic woman in this card seems to exude patience and calmness while the lion embodies fierceness and courage. It may be hard to believe, but we all have both sets of qualities within us even though have one set is usually our default. However, we often have to practice the weakest quality to make it more natural - and neither side is easier or more fun. Yet when we have a center of calmness, it is easier to act with bravery in more appropriate ways. Louisiana is where jazz was born, a music genre that originated in the African American communities of New Orleans. Developed partially from ragtime and blues, it is often characterized by urgent beats, syncopation, improvisation, and impromptu solos. If you don't know the song, it can be hard to tell what direction the music will take (much like life). Inner strength provides the resilience and clarity to get through the varying beats we experience daily.

Two Modes

From the New Liminal Tarot, the King of Swords; from the State by State Playing Cards, West Virginia (Ten of Hearts):

The moment you turn away from your thoughts and allow them to settle, the intelligence that exists beyond the intellect will be waiting for you, right there where you left it.

—Michael Neill

The King of Swords is known for his high ideals and intelligent, rational thinking. However, this fellow is so high up in the clouds, I wonder how any idea he has or decision he makes will ever be manifested physically. Yet Neill suggests our mind has an active mode - when it sifts through information in support of a specific result - and a receptive mode. The latter mode allows our thinking to settle down and gain access to an intelligence that comes from somewhere beyond our personal database.  It moves us beyond applying the same Band-Aids to our problems. West Virginia is known for is lovely, handmade quilts. Originally used for protection and insulation (and made with worn out scraps of clothing), quilts have now become works of art. To receive one is a gift of love. These two cards suggest the logic of the mind combined with the receptiveness of the heart can help us find the most beneficial solution.

Don't Lose Those Parts

From the New Liminal Tarot, the Sun; from the State by State Playing Cards, Texas (Three of Spades):

There is a wisdom in children, a kind of knowing, a kind of believing, that we, as adults, do not have. 

― Adam Gidwitz

Lying under the warm bright rays of the Sun, the Fool hears the laughter of children playing. In a moment of clarity, he suddenly realizes he is no longer the naive Fool, but a Wise Child. He’s gained a deeper understanding of life and how to effectively navigate it, yet he hasn’t lost his trust or sense of wonder along the way. He laughs out loud, feeling confident, energetic, and full of joy. To continue to hold on to our ability to be amazed, revel in beauty, and have an optimistic outlook as we grow older and wiser is a blessing. Texas is known for producing the first cowboy boots, inspired by the vaquero-style boots of Spain. A tall boot that hugged the calf, it was meant for protection and keeping the foot firmly anchored in the stirrups while riding. Nowadays, boots can be found in many colors with fancy stitching and designs. As the Wise Child knows, you can be practical while still joyfully being true to yourself.

The No-Damseling Dame

From the New Liminal Tarot, the Queen of Pentacles; from the State by State Playing Cards, Ohio (Ace of Clubs):

I don't damsel well. Distress, I can do. Damseling? Not so much.

―James Patterson

There are no high heels for this queen; she prefers being barefoot and grounded. The Queen of Pentacles deals with what is in front of her and what needs her attention rather than dwelling in what ifs. That's not to say she doesn't believe in planning and preparation - she does, she just doesn't waste time awfulizing what might happen. If there is a crisis, you want this resourceful woman's number on speed dial. Ohio's native buckeye tree produces lovely, dark brown nuts with a light spot (so named because they resemble a deer's eye). However, the seeds contain glycosides—a group of natural compounds that can lead to severe gastrointestinal and neurological issues when ingested. They are extremely poisonous to humans and animals (except squirrels). The Queen would say they remind us to have firm boundaries if we want to protect ourselves from getting entangled in unhelpful, emotional drama.
 

Lean Forward

From the New Liminal Tarot, the Ace of Wands; from the State by State Cards, Utah (Seven of Hearts):

Lean forward into your life. Begin each day as if it were on purpose. 

–Mary Anne Radmacher

Salamanders like damp, dark places, so they often hide in log piles used for firewood. Because they scamper out when a fire is lit, people in older times thought they were born from fire (thus their association with this element). Though their fiery birth is a myth, the salamander's quick exit is an apt symbol for our movement when we're inspired to create or do something. Utah is known for its National Park of Arches, formed from sandstone by weathering and erosion. Over time, the same forces that created these arches will continue to widen them until they collapse. Likewise, the energy and enthusiasm from inspiration will also fade. As Bruce Garrabrandt cautioned, “Creativity doesn’t wait for that perfect moment. It fashions its own perfect moments out of ordinary ones.”

Compared to the Similarities

From the New Liminal Tarot, Anima Mundi (World); from the State by State Cards, Pennsylvania (Three of Hearts):

The differences that separate human beings are nothing compared to the similarities that bond us together. —Sophie Gregoire Trudeau

Anima Mundi is Latin for soul of the world, an energy believed to connect all living beings and animate the cosmos. If we have our senses and minds open, our experiences as we live can teach us that while we look different and make different choices, our inner world of wanting to be safe, at ease and happy are the same. And we must all deal with constant change, loss, aging and death. To step through this spiritual portal is to recognize that we are not independent but connected.  The Pennsylvania Dutch painted designs on their barn doors; often called hexes, they were actually meaningful but not magical. This folk art was more a prayer for good rather than a wish for evil, as the list below shows. What if we expanded these wishes to all? It would be like the hand helping the blister on the foot...

• Distelfink: A stylized goldfinch that represents good luck, happiness, fertility, and abundance
• Heart: A common symbol of love and goodwill
• Tulip: Symbolizes faith and trust
• Dove: Represents peace and contentment
• Eagle: Represents good health, strength, and courage
• Pineapple: A symbol of hospitality
• Eight-pointed star: A symbol of regeneration or redemption

Created, Recreated

This week I'll be using the New Liminal Tarot, created by Penelope Cline and self-published through Make Playing Cards. I'll also be using the State By State Playing Cards created by Wendy Cipolla Boccuzzi and published by U.S. Games. Today's draws are the Lovers and Oregon (Jack of Clubs):

 The partners in great relationships don’t expect “perfect,” and never have. They know that great relationships are created, and then recreated, every day. —Randi Gunther

Finding a healthy relationship with a partner involves looking for someone that complements rather than completes us. Based on loyalty rather than a transaction, it is rooted in love and respect. Such partners give each other the freedom to grow within the commitment, each having interests and ideas of their own. They see challenges and conflicts as ways to develop a more resilient partnership.  Yet no matter where we find ourselves, they always feel like home. Oregon (Jack of Clubs) is known for its production of Christmas trees, a fragrant, lovely addition for holiday decor. Yet a cut tree, even if kept in water, will soon begin to dry out and lose its needles. It is a reminder that a changing love is a living love.

Flickering Candle

 From the Daniloff Tarot, the Six of Coins; from the Kuan Yin Poems, Verse 37:

There is a loftier ambition than merely to stand high in the world. It is to stoop down and lift mankind a little higher.  —Henry Van Dyke

Asking for help puts people in a place of vulnerability; it requires trust, humility and acceptance of what is offered. Pema Chodron said that compassion was a relationship between equals and was only real when we recognized our shared humanity. In other words, we realize that if our life had taken some unexpected turns, we could be in a similar boat. The Kuan Yin verse reads:

A lighted candle flickers precariously in the wind.

Do not expose yourself to danger.

Our ethics and morals tell us to let our light shine by lifting others up. Yet some of us get overwhelmed with all the suffering in the world as we attempt to help. If we are to stay sane and healthy (and continue to be of service), we must grasp this truth: We can't do something about everything. 

Stink Bomb

From the Daniloff Tarot, the Five of Swords; from the Kuan Yin Poems, Verse 98:

Another such victory over the Romans, and we are undone.

—Pyrrhus of Epirus

Competition has its place in the business world - it helps keep quality up and prices down. But when it comes to relating to other humans, it's a stink bomb. There are people who will argue their views from sunrise to sunset, but they refuse to consider anything else from another perspective. As Pyrrhus warned, we might win the battle, but we lose what is more valuable in the process. "My way or the highway" will leave us in a lonely place. The 98th Verse underscores this caution:

Like a careless bird that plunges into the net, you are trapped.

There is hardly a chance to escape.

Researchers have found that people with a need to win tend to have poorer self-esteem than those who simply like to do well. Unfortunately, competition sets up the must-win group in a cycle that never really lets them feel worthy for long. Cooperation allows us to be a part of something greater than our ego, helping us to thrive, grow, and evolve. 

Blowback

From the Daniloff Tarot, the King of Coins; from the Kuan Yin Poems, Verse 30:

The name and pretense of virtue is as serviceable to self-interest as are real vices. 

―Francois de La Rochefoucauld

This is not a king that sits around on a cushy throne eating grapes all day. The elephant and rook (turret) on his shield is a reminder that he is a powerful mover and shaker. The rook of chess, able to move horizontally or vertically any number of squares, is second only to the queen in power. It is an apt symbol for this go-getter. Yet there is a caution offered about such ambition in Verse 30:

A stork in flight may conceal a secret arrow. 

Looking for wood in the high grass, you encounter a snake whose bite could harm you.

Putting a kind face on hidden motives does not mean things will turn out well. If it's not our business or our right to execute an action, we need to stay in our lane. Otherwise, the blowback could be extremely detrimental. 

Learning from Mistakes

From the Daniloff Tarot, the Seven of Coins; from the Kuan Yin Poems, Verse 49:

The person who really thinks learns quite as much from his failures as from his successes.

― John Dewey

Twice I have bought plants from gardening centers that were supposed to be one thing but turned out to be something else. Deciduous trees and shrubs can be hard to identify until they put out leaves, blooms or fruit. It can be exasperating to work hard and only to later discover that the harvest you intended turned out quite differently. The Kuan Yin verse reads:

The chilly waters turn to ice when the year gets colder.

One day the ice will return to flowing water again.

Nature is a grand teacher when it comes to change and impermanence. Such shifts allow us to also learn from mistakes and alter our ideas, giving us a chance to reap the results we want.

Looking Over One's Shoulder

From the Daniloff Tarot, the Seven of Swords; from the Kuan Yin Poems, Verse 11:

Stealing is basically taking what is not given, either without the knowledge or without the consent of the owner. ― Nathan Strait

How many times have we thought to ourselves, "I hope no one notices." It may have been when we stuck a handful of sweetener packs in our pocket at the cafe, switched a store sticker from a cheaper product to a more expensive one, let the cashier give us more change than we're owed, or borrowed someone's wisdom and claimed it as our own. We try to convince ourselves that it won't hurt anyone, yet it does. And it damages us as well, imprinting on us a habit that is hard to shake. The Kuan Yin verse reads:

It is strange to achieve something in the middle of a battle.

As if by magic, what seemed like bad luck turned to good.

Our mind often tells us things like, "No one will care or miss this. It's not a big deal." It can be a battle not to act on those thoughts, but when we avoid taking what is not given, we don't have to waste our life making excuses or looking over our shoulder all the time. There is freedom in that.