Rewriting History

From the Touchstone Tarot, the Seven of Swords; from the Waterhouse Oracle, Cleopatra:

Envy is the tax which all distinction must pay. —Ralph Waldo Emerson

Cleopatra VII was the last ruler of Egypt before it was annexed as a province of Rome. She was fluent in a number of languages and was an effective diplomat and administrator. Her involvement with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony came about after she had already successfully steered Egypt through a difficult period. Yet envy and vested interests attempted to steal her intelligence and success through defamation. Roman historians painted her as a sultry seductress who threatened Rome and paid the price. Kind of reminds me of all the insulting names Trump has called female reporters who asked him hard questions.

Be Aware and Be Wise

From the Touchstone Tarot, the World; from the Waterhouse Oracle, Mariamne Leaving the Judgement Seat of Herod:

The most expensive thing you will ever do is spend time with the wrong people. 

— Germany Kent

From a spiritual perspective, the World offers us a 360 degree view. We arrive at a place of understanding that allows us to see more of the whole rather than just our assumptions. People aren't just naturally assholes or saints - everything is in relationship to other things. We are all shaped by the flux of conditions and causes that surround us. Yet awareness allows us to be mindful of these impacts, and wisdom pauses to assess these interconnected pieces. If a situation isn't healthy or kind, we can step back rather than identify with it. Waterhouse's painting of Mariamne shows Herod's wife being led to her execution after Herod's sister and mother made false accusations against her (in a move to protect their own interests). Who we surround ourselves with, the places we go, and what we feed our mind can create causes and conditions that impact us in unintended ways. Be aware and be wise.

Lighten Up

This week I'll be using the Touchstone Tarot, created and self-published by Kat Black. Along with it I'll be using the John Waterhouse Oracle, created and self-published by Elaine Wilkinson. Today's draws are the Happy Squirrel and Windflowers:

You be greater than your feelings. I don't demand this of you - life does. Otherwise, you'll be washed away by feelings. You'll be washed out to sea and never seen again.

― Philip Roth

I had forgotten all about the Happy Squirrel card until it turned up this morning. Originally from an episode of "The Simpsons" many years ago, it is a satirical look at fortune-telling (how rigidly and grimly some folks read the cards). Kat Black describes it this way: "Lighten up. Do not take yourself, or anything, too seriously. There are no simple answers, life is very complicated and the most important thing is to take joy in the journey." Windflowers, sometimes called Windswept, shows a woman and a field of flowers buffeted by gusty winds. It is a caution about letting our emotions sweep us away without questioning the validity or perspective behind them. We don't have to attempt to squash our feelings, but neither do we need to self-identify with them either. This is just a moment in our lifetime, not an era. 

Grow the Good

From the Brady Tarot, the Two of Arrows (Swords); from the Citadel Deck, the Forgotten:

When we let go of our battles and open our hearts to things as they are, then we come to rest in the present moment.  —Jack Kornfield

Two predators (a wolf and a cougar) that compete for food and territory have become bound together. Stress humans out by making them angry or fearful, and there's a good probability the solution they come up with will be destructive rather than constructive (especially to themselves). But this card suggests we pause in our battle; as Kornfield reminds us, "To let go does not mean to get rid of. To let go means to let be." Why is this necessary? For one thing, we are probably wasting energy on things we can't control. But Forgotten reminds us of something else - we have ignored the things and people who are important in our lives. We choose the seeds to cultivate each day, so why not grow the good and nurture the loved?

Self-Preservation

From the Brady Tarot, the Four of Arrows (Swords); from the Citadel Deck, Aspirant:

The key to keeping your balance is knowing when you've lost it.

— Anonymous

The Aspirant advocates reaching for goals, which provides them with a purpose. But it is advisable that any ambition be balanced with self-care if we are to maintain our physical and mental health. There are many who have difficulties noticing imbalance - especially those who work to help those in need, or activists who work for justice and reform - until they keel over with exhaustion and stress. The Four of Arrows (Swords) suggests a time of temporary withdrawal. It is illustrated with a nightjar, a bird with excellent camouflaging skill. As Audre Lorde said, "Caring for myself is not self-indulgence. It is self-preservation..."

Changing Roles

 From the Brady Tarot, the Hierophant; from the Citadel Deck, the Mascareri:

One man in his time plays many parts.

—William Shakespeare

The Hierophant is illustrated with a peregrine falcon, the fastest animal on earth and a symbol of a messenger between earth and the spirit realm. The ancient Greek roots of the word 'hierophant' literally mean "one who shows sacred things." Perennial wisdom has provided us with ethics, meaning and purpose while offering us traditions to find our way on a spiritual path. Unfortunately, humans want to organize and mass produce their particular brand, leading to the Way becoming the Only Right Way. The Mascareri ("mask makers") card suggests that we all assume or are given various roles throughout our lives. But we mustn't think that any role truly defines who we actually are; we can let go of those that no longer fit us. As Bridget Webber cautions us, "No one’s personality only consists of the qualities their roles suggest. They have facets to their persona and abilities that often go untapped because their roles limit them."

No Evading

From the Brady Tarot, the Son of Roots (Knight of Pentacles); from the Citadel, the Runaway:

You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today. 

—Abraham Lincoln

Brady describes this Knight/Son as someone who loses himself in the task at hand. Like the mole, he is not content with checking the surface of things; he's going to tunnel under and make sure all is well. He knows that it's the simple things we overlook that can turn into big things later if we don't attend to them. The Runaway is an expert at ducking and avoiding needs and responsibilities. But that unpaid bill, toothache, or lack of care for things we own can mushroom into a larger problem. We may think we're getting a pass, but responsibility has a way of finding us. 

Back from Cousin Camp at my mom's where we celebrated her 88th birthday. (Me and mom are the shorties in the middle.)

New Forms

From the Brady Tarot, the Wheel of Fortune; from the Citadel, the Miser:

Energy surges through all things, giving rise to them, sustaining them, and transforming them into something else. What remains beyond the birth and death of all things is the energy that bounds forth into new forms upon the demise of the old. ―Dale S. Wright

Eggs, a caterpillar, a chrysalis and a skipper butterfly represent different stages on the Web of Life. The Wheel of Fortune is about movement - physical, mental and spiritual. Where we find ourselves on it is meant to help us develop and mature using the energy of life we've been given. However, the Miser (who hoards not just material things but is unyielding in all things) demands that everything be frozen in time to his liking. Yet stagnation is not healthy for our well-being or progress. As Eric Fromm stated, "Often we, the individual or the people who make up a society, have the illusion we could stand still and not alter the given situation in the one or the other direction. This is one of the most dangerous illusions. The moment we stand still, we begin to decay."

Stick of Shame

This week I'll be using the Brady Tarot, created and self-published by Emi Brady with a companion booklet by Rachel Pollack. I'll also be using the Citadel, an oracle created by Fez Inkwright and published by Liminal 11/Sterling. Today's draws are the Father of Arrows (King of Swords) and Warrior:

Perfectionism in its true sense implies a crippling rigidity. 

—Dr. Sherry Walling

The Father of Arrows (King of Swords) is illustrated with a black vulture. This bird is smaller than the turkey vulture but doesn't have its keen sense of smell to detect decaying flesh. To find food, they soar high in the sky and keep an eye on the lower-soaring turkey vultures. Since they travel in groups, they can easily overpower the more solitary turkey vultures when a carcass is located. Likewise, the Father of Arrows prefers brain over brawn. He is hyper-intelligent - able to rapidly process information, see patterns, understand complex concepts, and skillfully solve problems. Yet the Warrior warns that his hyper-intelligence can lead to the dangerous trait of perfectionism. Constantly competitive, he may expect himself and others to be flawless. There's no wiggle room for the perfectionist, it's all or nothing. With this oppressive mindset, there is no peace or freedom; it rules with the stick of shame.

Sifting Information

From the Victorian Romantic Tarot, the Two of Swords; from the Dreaming in Color Deck, Sacrifice:

Indecision may come from an instinctive hunch that there's more you need to know - which means it's time to learn everything you can about the pros and cons of each option. You can continue on this track, however, only as long as you're unearthing genuinely new information. ―Martha Beck

The hands crossed on this woman's chest are a symbol of many meanings: a barrier (we many need quiet and solitude), a self-soothing tactic (we may need to let our emotions settle), deep thinking (we look beyond the surface), and humility (recognizing we are an imperfect human). All of these are important stations to pass through when we must make a difficult decision. Sacrifice brings to mind a humorous church sign: "You can't have your Kate and Edith too." As much as we might want to keep everyone happy or not limit our possibilities, choices generally require moving forward and leaving something behind. As hard as it may be at times, it's the way we grow (even if we make a mistake).

With Justice for All?

From the Victorian Romantic Tarot, Justice; from the Dreaming in Color Deck, Lucidity:

We've learned that quiet isn't always peace and the norms and notions of what just is, isn't always justice. ―Amanda Gorman

Justice should be fair and impartial; its laws should apply equally to all. Yet in the U.S. today, it has been corrupted by revenge, power plays, and bribes. Following one's conscience (if a person has a working one) isn't reliable either, since we easily twist its insights to fit our preferences and prejudices. That's why a jury of one is not advisable. Lucidity means seeing things clearly and rationally without being intoxicated by personal beliefs, selfish desires, opinions or emotions. Justice requires clarity, recognizing that we live in an interconnected, interdependent world. As Helen Keller stated, "Until the great mass of the people shall be filled with the sense of responsibility for each other's welfare, social justice can never be attained."

Battle of Ideas

From the Victorian Romantic Tarot, the Knight of Swords; from the Dreaming in Color Deck, Forgiveness:

I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can, only as one who has seen its brutality, its futility, its stupidity. —Dwight D. Eisenhower

This knight seems more excited about the battle than caring for the poor fairy slung over his horse. Mahony comments that such illustrations often represent legends about fighting for a country (like Britannia personifying Britain). In this case, he's interested in slaying all opposing beliefs with little concern for the lives that are impacted or lost. Sounds a lot like our current Idiot in Chief. Yet as Ezra T. Benson wrote, "Pride is concerned with who is right. Humility is concerned with what is right." Forgiveness suggests we consider what is right and fair for everyone, rather than battling over personal opinions. Our world is too fragile, Donald, for such big egos as yours.

Ring in the Nose

From the Victorian Romantic Tarot, the Queen of Swords; from the Dreaming in Color Deck, Seduction:

When you know what a man wants, you know who he is, and how to move him.

―George R.R. Martin

The Queen of Swords takes us to the mountain top and asks, "What is it that you deeply desire, that you crave?" She then would tell us that thing (or person) is what may compromise our integrity. Seduction in psychological terms is the process of deliberately enticing a person to engage in some sort of behavior. We become willing to bend the truth, omitting or exaggerating details; we may do things that oppose the values we claim to uphold. We sacrifice truth and principles for a brief bit of comfort and convenience that won't last. Like the bull's ring in his nose, we need to be aware of what may be used to control us.

It Tends to Stick

From the Victorian Romantic Tarot, the Ten of Swords; from the Dreaming in Color Deck, Manipulation:

Beached under the spumy blooms, we lie sea-sick and fever-dry.

―Sylvia Plath

It's not just our own rigid beliefs that can beach us; being manipulated by the lies or half-truths of another can do the same. Why do we believe what is false? Prefactuals - information we hear before facts are known is a key. Our expectations can override the evidence we are presented with later (climate change is a hoax, for example). Researchers have also found that misinformation is likely to stick when it conforms to our pre-existing political, religious, or social point of view. In other words, we prefer the bonds of our tribe to the truth. But wouldn't it be better to row alone, away from a sinking ship?

Still There

From the Victorian Romantic Tarot, the Six of Cups; from the Dreaming in Color Deck, Patience:

I am still every age that I have been. This does not mean that I ought to be trapped or enclosed in any of these ages...but that they are in me to be drawn on.

―Madeleine L'Engle

My eye is drawn to the smallest girl in this painting who holds the back of her sister's dress. It's as if she finds reassurance and security when looking down at such a great height. I lived with my grandmother as a preschooler, and enjoyed having my three, slightly older cousins next door as my companions. When my mother remarried and we moved, I had to find reliable anchors in other places, such as classmates and neighbors. I am still that little girl in some ways - I find it helpful to have friends that bolster, inspire and encourage me. Patience's card looks feathery and light, reminding me that it is a trait that might begin as a sigh of frustration but ends in tender openness. Surely the human anchors I've been fortunate to have over the years have had this trait in spades.

Innovative Roles

This week I'll be using the Victorian Romantic Tarot, created by Alex Ukolov and Karen Mahony with Magic Realist Press as publisher. I will also be drawing from Dreaming in Color: The Luman Deck, created and self-published by Mindy Hope Sommers. Today's draws are the Knight of Pentacles and Emotion:

Innovation thrives where doubt meets courage.

― Marion Bekoe

The Knight of Pentacles must at times think outside the box when trying to bring what is envisioned into reality. Britomart was a young woman who fell in love with a knight seen in a crystal ball; Merlin informed her that he was in trouble. Being an innovator, Britomart disguised herself as a knight (turns out, she's very skilled and strong) and goes in search of Artegall. Along the way, she frees maidens from their captors but eventually helps her soon-to-be husband. Emotion asks us how we feel when people step out of their defined roles. But aren't these roles simply constructed by humans (often with an agenda) rather than prescribed by nature? At some point, need may force us all to step into a new role. Yet it can remind us that we are more whole and diversified than what we've often been told.

What Happened

From the Light and Shadow Tarot, the World; from the Art Rounds Oracle, Tree Rings:

Experience is not what happens to you; it's what you do with what happens to you.

—Aldous Huxley

This Earth Mother gives birth to all beings, but it is up to each one to do some learning for the sake of their own safety and well-being. There's no need to sign up for college classes, as life will offer lessons freely - from life-affirming and life-threatening to wonderous and horrible. We might not always take advantage of these 'classes,' but sometimes the best lessons come from bad judgment. Hopefully what is learned will open our heart and mind so that we begin to walk in the world a little differently. Tree Rings are layers of wood that reveal a tree’s age and past environmental conditions. It represents records and observations of the past, and reminds me of writing daily, whether a journal or blog. It's a way to take stock of our thoughts and feelings, but it also serves as a reminder of good times and times of resilience. 

Shaping the Mind

From the Light and Shadow Tarot, the Chariot; from the Art Rounds Oracle, Coral:

Irrigators regulate the rivers; fletchers straighten the arrow shaft; carpenters shape the wood; the wise control themselves. —Dhammapada, 80

This buddha-like charioteer pauses for the cause, taking a moment to let his emotions settle (holding the crab) so his mind will be clear. The booklet's verse reads: "I am the Chariot, which carries calm through torrent and tempest." Whether we're on a spiritual or physical journey, our mind has the ability to completely distract us or to keep us heading in the right direction. Being aware of our thoughts, we can turn them in a new direction if the mind is simply spinning plates rather than focusing on the task at hand. Coral reefs, though covering less than 1% of the ocean floor, support about 25% of all marine life.  These creatures form colonies by cementing themselves together with the calcium carbonate they secrete. This card suggests community, connection, and collaborative action. As Desmond Tutu stated, "The fundamental law of human beings is interdependence." We need to connect with others who will help us reach our goals - especially those who will point out when we've taken an exit ramp.

First, Listen

From the Light and Shadow Tarot, the Prince (Knight) of Swords; from the Art Round Oracle, Snake Rattle:

A respectful dialogue with one's opponent almost invariably goes further than a harangue outside his or her window. If you want to change someone's mind, you must understand what need shapes his or her opinion. To prevail, you must first listen. ―Sonia Sotomayor

This Prince is known for his intellectual agility, capable of swiftly navigating through complex ideas and concepts. Fond of arguing for the sake of argument, he may morph into an idealist or a crusader when he thinks he has uncovered a truth. The attempt of his eagle to scrabble onto a rocky ledge implies his airy ideas can at times be disconnected from reality. The Snake Rattle warns us to be prudent and cautious. A rattlesnake doesn't want to bite anything unless it is threatened or there is a meal involved (it takes a lot of energy to make venom). Likewise, an exchange of heated words goes nowhere and only exhausts us. As Sotomayor states, first it might be wise to ask questions and listen to what has shaped the other person's ideas. We might find there are some holes in both arguments when it comes to applying them in real life.

Structured Chaos

From the Light and Shadow Tarot, the Ace of Wands; from the Art Rounds Oracle, Peach Pit:

Chaos is found in greatest abundance wherever order is being sought. It always defeats order, because it is better organized. —Terry Pratchett

The Ace of Wands indicates a desire to create, build and grow; it might turn into a plan, but right now it's a hot mess. Our creative imagination can churn out a million ideas from how we want to begin to what we want the end result to look like. As unorganized as this process sounds, it is actually structured chaos. It's a place where we can easily adapt, adjust and change things before they become too concrete. The Peach Pit - designed to protect the seed inside - contains a potentially dangerous chemical called amygdalin which the enzymes in the gut can turn into cyanide. It represents the sweet and the bitter, the hard and the easy, that are all a part of the whole. Rarely is any enterprise smooth sailing, but if we can maintain a sense of humor, the chaos can be part of the excitement.

Old Pajamas

From the Light and Shadow Tarot, the Four of Cups; from the Art Rounds Oracle, Badger Claws:

Sometimes, when we are loved deeply and for a long period of time, we are foolish enough to forget what it feels like when we are lonely and unloved. —Jan Shepherd

Long-term relationships can become as comfortable as an old set of pajamas. They might not be as exciting as they once were, but they're stable. Yet stable can turn into stagnant if we forget to give them attention and voice our appreciation. Badgers have distinctive long claws, up to 2 inches in length, that help them dig burrows and find food underground. This Art Round suggests we need to dig deep and investigate. In the area of relationships, we might first look at ourselves: Are we looking for someone to entertain us, or are we developing our own interests? Then, we might work on daily actions, such as hugs, kind gestures, expressions of gratitude, and communication on a deep rather than superficial level. 

Planting While Dancing

From the Light and Shadow Tarot, the Endless Dance of Death; from the Art Rounds, Chestnut Tree:

Death is nature's way of saying, 'Your table is ready.'

—Robin Williams

The "Endless Dance" of this card suggests that death is not just about one's final breath; it includes all the stages beforehand as things begin to age and break down. If we're brave enough to face this constant companion, we might worry less and live more. We're all waiting to be seated at that table, but shouldn't we enjoy our dance while we're still upright? The fruit of the Chestnut Tree is contained in a pod covered with sharp spines called a burr. The spiny burr protects the nuts inside until they are fully ripe, then it splits open to release them. Likewise, our life will leave behind seeds in the form of actions and words. What will the later generations think of what grows from them?

Sliding to the Middle

This week I'll be using the Light and Shadow Tarot; the artwork was created by Michael Goepferd, its booklet written by Brian Williams, and its publisher is Inner Traditions. The oracle deck I'll be using is one I created called Art Rounds using pen and watercolor. Today's draws are Justice and Zinnia:

My relationship to reality has been so utterly skewed for so long that I don't even notice it anymore. It's just my reality. —Ethan Hawke

This Justice has the symbols for Alpha and Omega on her scales, the first and last letters of the Greek Alphabet. There is a continuum of thought and behavior, from one extreme to another, and sitting at either end for very long can quickly unbalance those scales. There are times when an extreme may be necessary, but we aren't meant to stay there. If we do, we begin to view life from a skewed perspective. Zinnia is an easy-to-grow, sun loving flower that bees and butterflies love. Available in a range of bright colors, it is a cheery addition in the garden. Zinnia represents warmth, beauty and joy; if we've been without any of these for too long, our attitude and outlook will end up on one imbalanced end or the other. It's time to make these things a priority.

Virtue of Good

From the Morgan Greer Tarot, the Six of Coins; from the Celtic Book of the Dead, Island of the Hound-footed Horse: 

When you're accustomed to privilege, parity and equity and equality may feel like oppression. –Raphael Warnock

The Morgan Greer's LWB for this card reads "Generosity pays off through material prosperity." Past studies have shown that unselfishness has positive consequences for psychological well-being, physical health, and relationships. But new research (conducted among 25 countries) found that in the long run, generous people actually make more money - it literally pays to be generous. The Island of the Hound-footed Horse had an equine-like animal that tried to attack them. Its message is that when we have power over people or animals and mistreat them, we shouldn't be surprised when they lash out. Locally and globally, we are in a web of relationships. How we treat and care for others will ultimately affect us.

The sage has no concern for himself,

But makes the concerns of others his own.

He is good to those who are good.

He is also good to those who are not good.

That is the virtue of good.

–Tao Te Ching, 49

The Equalizer

From the Morgan Greer Tarot, the Empress; from the Celtic Book of the Dead, the Island of the Mill:

Mother Nature is the great equalizer.

—Christopher Heyerdahl

The Empress represents creative energy that can bring warmth, joy and beauty. But this particular Empress holds a shield bearing the crest of the Holy Roman Empire, a sign of power. She understands that we live in relationship with all things, and if that balance is upset for too long, she'll give our bare legs a good switching. She loves all of creation, not just a small part of it. The Island of the Old Mill had a supervisor who called himself "hell's own miller." The mill ground corn but also treasures of the wealthy and stingy - a judgment on those who were selfish and greedy. As both Mother Nature and the psychologist Erich Fromm realized, "Greed is a bottomless pit which exhausts the person in an endless effort to satisfy the need without ever reaching satisfaction." Avarice hurts much more than it ever helps.