Take a Chance

From the Cosmic Tarot, the Ace of Coins; from the L'Oeil de Lotus, Chance:

They say, ‘Look before you leap.’ So look. But do not look for too long. Do not look into the void of uncertainty trying to predict each and every possible outcome, to evaluate every possible mistake, to prevent each possible failure. — Vironika Tugaleva

The Ace of Pentacles offers us a tangible opportunity, something we can actually do. Maybe it is to buy a new pair of shoes, start an exercise program or check out a place new in our community. But we can get stuck in overthinking everything, ruining the possibilities before we even begin. Chance encourages us to take those small risks; even if nothing productive comes from them, it gives us an opportunity to try something different. Live a little!

A Powerful Addiction

From the Cosmic Tarot, the Ten of Swords; from the L'Oeil de Lotus, Moon:

Judging mind is a very strong addiction, and you don’t step out so easily when you have a powerful addiction. —Corrado Pensa 

One of the most valuable assets we can own is a stable and discerning mind. This kind of mind is inclusive of all the information available and does not act or make choices without calming the emotions first. The judging mind is based solely on what it hates or wants to avoid, what it craves or doesn't want to lose, and ignores information that doesn't affect it directly. Problems arise when the winds of reality begin bending our ideas; rigidity is a danger, and can send us to a dark, frightening place. The Moon shows its phases and emphasizes that our mind needs to be able to change its views too. An open mind, calm reflection, and a willingness to shift our perceptions so they align with the facts can help us stay out of those deep holes.

Forget the Prince

From the Cosmic Tarot, the Nine of Cups; from L'Oeil de Lotus, Healing:

If you look to others for fulfillment,

you will never truly be fulfilled.

—Tao Te Ching, 44

This image has the song from Disney's Snow White running through my head: "Some day, my Prince will come." Often our wishes are fulfilled, but then after a period of time we find the prince or princess we expected to bring us contentment failed to do so. Is it the other person's fault? Not if we thought it was their duty to make us happy and fill our emptiness inside. Healing comes when we discover we don't need another person to make us feel good about ourselves. Instead, we find a cause or a passion and dig into it. It is what we do and think that can make us feel whole. As Christina Grimmie said, "Confidence is not, 'They will like me'. Confidence instead is, 'I'll be fine if they don't'."

Gain and Loss

From the Cosmic Tarot, the Chariot; from the L'Oeil de Lotus, Loss:

Those who are truly wise will remain unmoved by feelings of happiness and suffering, fame and disgrace, praise and blame, gain and loss.

—Buddha

This fellow, with his beard blowing in the wind, is making good time. But the faster we go, the less control we have, and the less we notice along the way. I'm celebrating my birthday today (my Medicare and Social Security debut, as my mother called it). At this point, I've lived more life than I have life left. So, while I want to keep moving and progressing, I don't want to do it at top speed. I want to appreciate the small joys and wonders that busyness didn't allow me to notice. Loss - a magpie with someone's piece of jewelry - is a reminder that aging does take some things and people away from us. Yet it can also bring gains in wisdom, if we keep our minds open, attentive and curious. 

Choose Another Door

From the Cosmic Tarot, the Seven of Swords; from the L'Oeil de Lotus, Protection:

Your triggers are pathways to your wounds. The stimulus is only a door.

―Sanhita Baruah

This woman shields herself from the swords stuck in the sand - they are mental triggers (untrustworthy thoughts) that can take her right off a cliff. As a mentor for women in recovery, I have borne witness to the wreckage of relapse. It doesn't matter what it is that yanks our leash, the trigger will set shame, stress, or fear in motion, causing the mind to reach for old habits to find solid ground. Protection - illustrated by salt and iron nails - suggests we need to find a ramp that lets us rise above our usual reactions. It will likely involve identifying and challenging negative or irrational beliefs and replacing them with healthier habits and coping strategies. We don't have to keep walking through that old door.

Options of the Heart

From the Cosmic Tarot, the Three of Swords; from the L'Oeil de Lotus, Woman:

How can we deal with suffering? There are three options we can choose: we can suppress our feelings, we can feel them, or we can grow from them. 

—Robert Puff

A rose, a symbol of the receptive soul, has been stabbed with three swords. The people looking on have closed down their suffering by shutting out the part of their world that caused the hurt. There is a bit of Buddhist wisdom that says, "There is an injury behind every fault or shortcoming." In other words, freezing a part of our heart in order not to feel or deal with what hurts only hurt us - shrinking our world as we slowly become cold, uncaring people. The feminine energy of Woman reminds us that there is a healthier way - open to our pain, let our heart feel it, and allow it to help us grow into a stronger, more complete person. 

Prudence, Please

This week I'll be using the Cosmic Tarot, created by Norbert Losche and published by U.S. Games. I'll also be drawing from L'Oeil de Lotus (Eye of the Lotus), created by Colette and Gérard Lougarre and published by Vox Arkhana. Today's cards are the Six of Cups and Caution:

Don't think I've left you all behind,

Still love you and Tennessee

You're always on my mind.

And mama, every Saturday

I can hear your southern drawl a thousand miles away.

—Chappell Roan

It's funny how we think our parents are so out of the loop when we're young. Then we grow up, make a lot of bad choices, and figure out they were much wiser than we thought. This young girl seems to be having an epiphany in the middle of the young man's romantic moves. Can she hear her mom's voice warning her of those who promise the world then leave you with nothing? Caution urges us to pay attention to the warning signs around us. We can be so blinkered by what we want (and how quickly we want it) that we ignore all the red flags waving in our face.  There's a reason for those stupid caution labels on everything these days!

Investment

From the Somnia Tarot, the Ace of Coins; from the Spirits of Nature Oracle, Air:

The key is in not spending time, but in investing it.

—Stephen R. Covey

In a half-buried chest, a treasure awaits - but not necessarily the kind we can put in the bank. Each day we have the resource of time to spend, and some moments hold something valuable. It may be unexpected free time to practice a new skill or enjoy a hobby. Perhaps it is a day with lessening pain or illness that allows us to move more freely. What bit of contentment can we uncover today? Air is given the keyword 'ruach,' a Hebrew word that means spirit, breath or wind. How could we spend a little of our day investing it in what inspires us, what fills us with a joy for life?

Adaptive or Maladaptive?

From the Somnia Tarot, Judgment; from the Spirits of Nature Oracle, Cave:

Guilt is just as powerful, but its influence is positive, while shame is destructive. Shame erodes our courage and fuels disengagement.  ―Brene Brown

Judgment is a wake-up call. It's like being in a dark house with all the windows and doors covered and shut, and then suddenly opening them and allowing the sun to shine through. Our perspective is completely changed, and we see clearly our mistaken views and misdeeds. Problems arise when instead of feeling guilt (I did something wrong), we feel shame (I'm a worthless person). Research has shown that guilt is adaptative (we have a positive focus - amends and restitution). But shame is maladaptive and often associated with substance abuse and other problems. The Cave implies an initiation, and shame is a hellish one. How do we move into and through it? Consider seeing a therapist or joining a support group. Pause any negative self-talk and replace it with something positive, such as: "I am worthy and deserve to have a good life." Don't give up; that light will shine again.

Vitality

From the Somnia Tarot, the Sun; from the Spirits of Nature Oracle, Water:

The opposite of depression is not happiness, but vitality.

― Andrew Solomon

A life of loathing, fear, and misery will keep us behind a gray wall, away from warmth and joyful enthusiasm. But this fellow has realized the trials of life can shape him with wisdom rather than resentment. Atop the wall, he enjoys the Sun that now provides him with clarity and fills him with exuberance. Water is given the keyword 'lifeblood,' an indispensable factor that gives something its strength and vitality. What is this factor? It is our attitude toward what shows up on our doorstep each day. As Andrew Solomon wrote, "I hate these feelings but, but I know that they have driven me to look deeper at life, to find and cling to reasons for living, I cannot find it in me to regret entirely the course my life has taken. Every day, I choose, sometimes gamely, and sometimes against the moment's reason, to be alive. Is that not a rare joy?"

Creeping Upward

From the Somnia Tarot, the Five of Cups; from the Spirits of Nature Oracle, Lotus;

At first it numbed me, pleasure leaching from my days like a summer leaf draining of sap to greet the autumn. Then loneliness came, a creeping oily stain that stopped me from enjoying it at all.

―Kat Dunn

The insidious part of sadness is that when we steep in it long enough, it becomes depression and despair. We imagine we have no control over anything, that we are incapable of feeling happiness ever again. Lotus, a flower whose seed lies in the mucky mud, will begin to root and gradually move upward through murky water to the sunlight. It symbolizes resurrection and restoration. That deep well of unhappiness has plenty of room to hold joy too, if we are willing to make some changes. A trustworthy friend can listen and remind us of our resilience, and walks in the sun can awaken a body that has been shut down. We can savor calm moments and rekindle our gratitude. Perhaps most importantly, we can reframe our thoughts, acknowledging there is sadness but recognizing the capacity for joy is still within us. We turn our attention to the good rather than ruminating on the past.

Roly-Poly Position

From the Somnia Tarot, the Three of Swords; from the Spirits of Nature Oracle, Rice:

I know it hurts, but the sadness is your friend.

—Katie Hawkins-Gaar

I have drawn the Three of Swords often this year; it's hard not to be heartsick as the Trump regime's wrecking ball destroys our nation. Almost everyone has been personally affected in some way (unless you're a billionaire). Yet as Tom Edwards reminds us, "we are grieving and, in our grief, have become increasingly isolated and disconnected from one another." Anguish is normal, but staying in a roly-poly posture will not be useful. Symon Freck explains: "This grief we carry should not paralyze us but mobilize us. Our shock and anger are signals of our values. If we grieve because we care, then we must also care enough to push back and forage a healthier life for future generations." Rice symbolizes nourishment and encourages us to find time to fill ourselves with beauty, laughter, dance or song - whatever will fill us with joy so that we in turn can reach out to others and help them find their own. When our spirits are full, we have the inner strength to withstand and stand up to what is ahead.

On Fire

From the Somnia Tarot, the Five of Wands; from the Spirits of Nature Oracle, Earth:

The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire.

—Ferdinand Foch

People get excited when they think they have a novel idea. But if several people are working on the same creative proposal, you can bet there will be mayhem. Each person will likely try to out-shout the others, while attempting to douse the other ideas with doubt. It can help if we model respectful listening, giving everyone a chance to present their strategy. Earth gives us additional hints on how to make a good impression. First, ground the idea in practicality. How exactly would this be accomplished? Secondly, ground the result in the target population's needs or wants. How will this benefit these people? Every fire needs fuel to burn; airy ideas have little staying power. 

Breaking the Resistance

This week I'll be using the Somnia Tarot and its companion book, created and self-published by Nicholas Bruno. I'll also be using the Spirits of Nature Oracle, created by Steven Farmer and published by Hay House. Today's draws are the Seven of Wands and Desert:

To fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting. 

—Sun Tzu

It's interesting that the fellow on top of the hill has no sword or cannon, only a shield - his primary interest is defending his stance, not attacking others. The geometric compass on his shield implies wisdom, self-control, and the ability to circumscribe desires within moral boundaries. Standing up for ourselves has nothing to do with dishing dirt on others. If we take that approach, what is important gets lost in the chaos. A Desert is defined as a geographical area that gets 10 inches or less of rain (meaning even the Arctic and Antarctica qualify). Desert suggests that we are in dire need of something (water or warmth). But in the case of self-defense, it can hurt our goal if we get caught by the need to people please, to want others to like us and make us feel worthy, rather than accept our stance. 

Self-Inflicted

From the Greenwood Tarot, the Two of Arrows (Swords); from the Rune Cards, Aurochs (Uruz):

Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.

—Viktor Frankl

There is a children's book called, "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day" by Judith Viorst. That title sums up my day so far. However, the Two of Swords/Arrows reminds me that I can choose differently. In the Buddhist parable of the "Two Arrows," the first arrow is the one that strikes us all - pain, misfortune and hardships. But the second arrow (our reaction to these things) - anger, self-pity, fear, rumination - is optional. That second arrow is self-inflicted. Uruz is the rune of the aurochs, an ancient beast similar to the bison, and symbolizes primal power and determination. This rune encourages us to reclaim our ability to choose beneficial thoughts to focus on. Pause, breathe and reset.

The Untrained

From the Greenwood Tarot, Balance (Temperance); from the Rune Cards, Oak (Ac):

Discipline is not the enemy of spontaneity but rather its foundation. Without discipline, our actions are dictated by fleeting impulses, external influences, and the whims of an untrained mind.

—Raffaello Palandri

Potter's Temperance shows a blending of dualities that creates someone who is grounded and at one with themselves. This card is not meant to rain on our parade or take away our fun. But it does ask us to consider what is pulling on our leash, what is driving our extremes in thought or behavior. The problem with extremes is that they always pour kerosene on the bonfire - we find neither peace nor contentment. Oak's rune poem reads: 

The oak fattens the flesh of pigs for the children of men.

Often it traverses the gannet's bath,

and the ocean proves whether the oak keeps faith

in honorable fashion. 

 

The poem praises the oak for what it offers, yet note the last line about the ocean. It refers to the oak's strength being tested by the ocean when it is used in the building of ships. We need inner strength to resist the pull on our leashes, to develop the freedom to choose rather than simply follow our impulses.

Wisely and Slow

From the Greenwood Tarot, the Archer (Chariot); from the Rune Cards, Need (Naudiz):

Wisely and slow. They stumble that run fast.

—William Shakespeare

The Archer represents the Chariot - in the same way we must train ourselves with self-discipline and restraint to reach our goal, so the Archer trains her arrow (and her dogs) in hopes of a successful hunt. If our aims are to be reached, we must understand that forethought and patience are as important as persistence. Naudiz represents necessity, gaps in our plans that need our attention. People who are in a hurry to get what they want often make impulsive, emotional, or risky decisions. Choosing to delay our progress and correct those deficits can prevent the wheels from coming off on the journey.

The Value of a Moment

From the Greenwood Tarot, the Six of Cups; from the Rune Cards, Joy (Wunjo):

Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment, until it becomes a memory. 

—Theodor S. Geisel

Like the trees in Potter's card, we are interconnected with others, and those moments of connection make memories. If we were to place these on a scale, we might find the bad outweigh the good ones. Yet we are often surrounded by beauty, laughter, tenderness or love. Psychologist Rick Hanson tells us that we must consciously take in the good to rewire our brain for happiness - even the simplest things. We then have a reunion with these memories - reliving those warm feelings over and over. Joy (Wunjo) represents emotional fulfillment, camaraderie, and the comfort of a supportive environment. These are what we can store in our mental treasure chest to take out and remember again and again. As Hanson writes, "Taking in the good is not about putting a happy shiny face on everything... It's about nourishing well-being, contentment, and peace inside that are refuges you can always come from and return to."

Alert Determination

From the Greenwood Tarot, the Page of Wands; from the Rune Cards, the Sun (Sowilo):

You've got to get up every morning with determination if you're going to go to bed with satisfaction. 

—George Horace Lorimer

You can almost see the radiating excitement of this stoat, quivering from the tip of his ears to the tip of his tail. Playful and energetic, stoats are skilled hunters, taking rabbits that are twice their size. Potter describes this Page in kind: having alert determination. When everything new twangs your antenna, it can be hard to focus, but this Page has learned to lock onto his target. Sowilo (Sun) indicates energy and drive, an auspicious sign of success. More energy - have mercy! No wonder this Page is vibrating. He might not make the best choices on the way to his objective, but his drive will keep him going around whatever challenges he finds. As William Feather put it, "Success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on after others have let go."

Need or Greed

From the Greenwood Tarot, the Two of Wands; from the Rune Cards, Gift (Gebo):

   

Doing something to support someone else puts our problems in some perspective and in connection to all the other human challenges in the world; we return to our personal challenges with a vigor and awareness of our connectedness in this human web of interbeing.

—Kamilah Majied

Things are good, but could they be better? This figure must decide how to move forward - to continue on the current course or to expand their goals. While expanding might improve our bank account, we might find it causes deficits elsewhere (time, energy, relationships, peace of mind). Gebo's (Gift) rune poem reads:

Giving is for men glory and acclaim, support and honor,

and for the needy a help and sustenance that is otherwise lacking.

Gebo suggests that we consider the motive for our desire for expansion - is it need or greed? Perhaps it may help pay some bills or could create jobs for those who need them. But if it's all about accumulating more, more, more, that's a craving that will never be satisfied. It may boost our ego, but it will not be a useful gift to our well-being.

A Tale as Old as Time

This week I'll be using the Greenwood Tarot, created by Chesca Potter and published by Thorsons. The oracle I'll be using is the Rune Cards, created by Tony Linsell and Brian Partridge and published by Anglo-Saxon Books. Today's draws are the Three of Arrows (Swords) and Water (Laguz):

One who is fed on promises eats from an empty bowl.

―Marsha Hinds

It's a tale as old as time, as the saying goes. We find a group, a job, or a person that we think will care for us as we care for them, who will have our backs as we have theirs. Then that tapestry of trust begins to unravel as we discover confidences were not kept, promises were broken, and the relationship not honored. It's easy to spot the red flags in hindsight, but how do we move on when we carry that kind of hurt? Water's (Laguz) rune poem emphasizes this feeling of uncertainty:

Water to men seems everlasting when they must venture on an unsteady ship,

and waves scare them very much; the brine stallion heeds not the bridle.

We can't control our relationships any more than we can control the sea, yet we can learn from our pain. As Sara Al Madani said, "Stay open. Stay soft. Stay wise. Protect your peace, but don't punish the world for what one person broke."