When Urgency Fades

From the Buckland Romani Tarot, the Queen of Chivs; from the Lakota Sweat Lodge Deck, the Eight Directions of the Wind:

Sometimes we mistake the end of the crisis for the end of the problem. Crisis can clarify what matters, but it cannot make us live by what we have learned. That choice comes later, when urgency has faded and the familiar life is quietly inviting us back. —Yonatan Hambourger

This Queen sits before us with an upright sword and an open chest. She asks us to tell her our stories and experiences, being as honest as possible. When we have finished, the Queen asks, "What did you leave out? What have you purposefully ignored?" She knows information is not necessarily the truth. The Eight Directions include the cardinal directions and their gifts: West (courage), North (endurance), East (illumination) and South (growth). The intercardinal directions are also included, which represent challenges: fear, apathy, rigidity and stagnation. Challenges and difficulties aren't forced upon us as lessons to be learned; they are a natural part of life. But to live a skillful life, we should digest any wisdom we can rather than bypassing them and returning to our regularly scheduled program. 

I'd Rather Know, But...

From the Buckland Romani Tarot, the Wheel of Fortune; from the Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards, Fire:

I'd much rather 'know', but then again, not-knowing keeps all the possibilities open. 

―Ruth Ozeki

A contractor doing some work inside the house once asked me why I had a small collection of gemstone skulls. I told him that they reminded me of the principle of impermanence - good or bad, things only last for a limited time. The Wheel of Fortune indicates change is on the horizon; like the skulls, it is a symbol of constant transitions. Fire is both a consumer and creator. How does it create? Nutrient-rich ash that improves the soil. Fire opens some seeds so they can sprout It also opens the forest canopy, allowing more sunlight to reach the ground, allowing new plants to grow. We humans hate uncertainty, but we actually can't see far enough down the road to know all the possibilities that might come because of change. 

It'll Take Some Patience

From the Buckland Romani Tarot, the Page of Koshes (Staves); from the Lakota Sweat Lodge Deck, Hanblecheya:

Doing less is often harder than doing more.  

―Carolyn Rubenstein

This Page craves what is fun and daring, always vying to be the center of attention. He stretches his neck and muscles after a training session with his older brother in learning the skill of plate spinning. When things are new, he can be hyper-focused, but his attention wanes quickly. He'll have to train in concentration as well if he wants to learn this skill. Hanblecheya is a traditional Lakota (Sioux) sacred ceremony commonly known as a Vision Quest. Things that normally keep one busy and entertained are left behind, as the participant spends time alone in a remote, natural place while fasting. Attention changes when there is less of everything; at first, we may feel restless and irritated until we settle. Inner inspiration comes when we become open rather than trying to force it. Both these cards ask us to be patient, stay focused, and become receptive - it'll be worth it. 

Starting Anew

This week I'll be using the Buckland Romani Tarot, created by Lissanne Lake and Raymond Buckland; this book and deck set was published by Galde Press. Along with it, I'll be using the Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards, created by Archie Fire and Chief Lame Deer; this deck and book set was published by Inner Traditions. Today's draws are the Ace of Bolers (Wagon Wheels) and Mitakuye Oyasin:

There are two ways of meeting difficulties: you alter the difficulties, or you alter yourself to meet them. —Phyllis Bottome

This particular Ace represents new beginnings in the material world: money, career, and health - the physical foundations of life. The abandoned wagon wheel covered with ivy reminds me of the changes that come with aging. I've collected a lot of exercise videos over the years, but recently got rid of a lot of them because I could no longer do them safely or without pain. Elderhood doesn't mean we need to give up but encourages us to find new things we can learn and do instead. This Ace is a reminder that opportunities still abound if we'll stop fretting about what was lost. Mitakuye Oyasin is a sacred Lakota phrase that translates to "all my relations." It acknowledges that everything is connected and a part of one family, that no part is greater than any other, and that our actions can affect the whole. Indigenous cultures have honored their elders, but our modern societies seem to find them more of a burden. Yet while those of us might not have all the technological knowledge that some younger folks do, we have a wider history that gives us a more panoramic view of life. It grants us a different sort of perspective, such as realizing WWII is definitely not the same as the current war we're in with Iran.

Concepts to Application

From the Dark Goddess Tarot, the Ten of Cups/Ixchel; from the Tattwa Cards, Air - Seed of Earth:

I shall become a master in this art only after a great deal of practice.

—Erich Fromm

Ixchel is the Mayan goddess of the moon, water, fertility, and midwifery; she is often shown tipping over her sacred jar of water to let the endings and beginnings of the world flow. The Ten of Water is about emotional fulfillment - not to be confused with being happy all the time. It means we stay grounded in meaning and purpose that allows us to feel the whole range of human emotions. The Air: Seed of Water card symbolizes putting concepts into practice by transforming ideas and knowledge into everyday actions. With regard to emotional fulfillment, we begin to recognize that moods are normal and transient rather than expecting to be cheerful all the time. As Mark Manson wrote, "The desire for more positive experience is itself a negative experience. And, paradoxically, the acceptance of one’s negative experience is itself a positive experience."

Two Minds

From the Dark Goddess Tarot, the Two of Fire/Hekate; from the Tattwa Cards, Air - Seed of Fire:

It takes two flints to make a fire. —Louisa May Alcott

Hekate is the Greek goddess of the crossroads, frequently seen striding through the night with two torches. She acted as a guide, leading others from one place to another, and as a tracker (she helped Demeter hunt for and find Persephone when she was abducted). Hecate tells us not to get tangled up worrying about making a wrong choice but instead focus on the new direction we want to pursue. Air: Seed of Fire combines the intellect and ideas of Air with the energy and transformative action of Fire. Sometimes dreams materialize because there is creative cooperation - an idea person with a vision and an implementer who can use them to produce something concrete (think Arthur Waite and Pamela Colman Smith). Having a partner can help us make the leap from the routine to a new endeavor, as each person can encourage and inspire the other. As Oliver Wendell Holmes stated, “Many ideas grow better when transplanted into another mind than the one where they sprang up.”

Live Like a River

From the Dark Goddess Tarot, the Six of Cups/Tefnut; from the Tattwa Cards, Water - Seed of Water:

Between the banks of pain and pleasure the river of life flows. 

—Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj

Tefnut is the ancient Egyptian goddess of moisture and dew - the life-giving water that sustained the desert land. As a representative of the Six of Cups, she asks us to water our own desert. Sometimes we must look back at what made us curious or awestruck, the simple hobbies or activities that brought us joy. Can we remember a time before all the stressful responsibilities and obligations weighed us down? Water: Seed of Water is about flowing and adaptability. It reminds us not to cling to the bank of pleasure and desire nor freak out if we bump into the bank of pain. Neither can hold us for long if we let go and accept what is present. As our memories will remind us, things come and go. Instead, we might live as John O'Donohue's words suggest: "I would love to live like a river flows, carried by the surprise of its own unfolding."

Not an All or Nothing Deal

From the Dark Goddess Tarot, the Amazon of Earth/Artemis; from the Tattwa Cards, Ether - Seed of Air:

Your assumptions are your windows on the world. Scrub them off every once in a while, or the light won't come in. ―Alan Alda

Homer called the Greek goddess Artemis the "Mistress of Animals" and "She of the Wild." Artemis explicitly refused marriage and chose instead a life governed by her own laws and natural rhythms. Her message is to forgo outside approval and live a life of independence and self-sovereignty. In Ether: Seed of Air, the flow of ideas and perspectives meets an expansive spaciousness. It's kind of like trying to find a shirt on a clothes rack that is tightly crammed together versus one that has plenty of space to see each shirt individually. Being independent doesn't mean we always have to handle everything alone, just that we can be resilient and resourceful when necessary.

Put on Your Life Jacket

From the Dark Goddess Tarot, the Hag of Fire/Maman Brigitte; from the Tattwa Cards, Earth- Seed of Water:

The person who will make your life better, who will change things, who will bring meaning and purpose when everything feels empty, has always been you. 

—Kristo Béranger

Maman Brigitte is a Haitian loa - a spirit who serves as an intermediary between mortals and the divine. She is a guardian of cemeteries, walking there at night, singing and dancing under the moon. She is a fierce protector, particularly of women, and she can be petitioned in matters relating to justice. Yet she asks us to do all we can on our own behalf first rather than simply waiting for someone to come save us. Earth: Seed of Water suggests boldness in a stagnant situation. Rather than remaining stuck, we move in an effort to change, like a stream flowing over a parched land. We do this even though we are afraid, as Erica Jong describes: "I have gone ahead despite the pounding in the heart that says: turn back."

You Need It

From the Dark Goddess Tarot, the Siren of Earth; from the Tattva Cards, Air - Seed of Water:

If you ever feel like life is too much to bear, remember this: sometimes you just need to laugh. Not because it’s easy, but because it’s necessary. A joke, a smile, a little bit of mischief — it’s a form of resistance against the heaviness of life. It doesn’t erase the pain, but it lets you breathe through it.

—Deanna Riddick

Baubo is the Greek goddess of mirth, joy, and bawdy humor. Demeter, the goddess of agriculture, went into a deep depression when she lost her daughter. Nothing grew and nothing was harvested. Baubo went to visit her and flashed her 'assets.' Demeter was shocked and confused at first, but it broke through her darkness; she laughed and was then able to do what was needed. Air: Seed of Water is given the keyword Stagnation. It brings to mind cloud seeding when water becomes scarce. Tiny particles are released by planes into clouds. These particles help moisture condense and fall as rain or snow. Sometimes it takes the introduction of the ridiculous and unfamiliar to lure us back into the world.

Taking a Risk

This week I'll be using the Dark Goddess Tarot, created by Ellen Lorenzi-Prince and published by Arnell's Art (now available from Schiffer Publishing). The oracle I'll be using is the Tattwa/Tattva Cards, based on the teachings of John Mumford. Today's draws are Aphrodite/Siren of Water and Ether - Seed of Fire:

Your playing small does not serve the world. 

—Marianne Williamson

Aphrodite, the ancient Greek goddess of love, beauty, and desire, represents the Siren of Water. Her message for us today is "Love is a risk you must take." What we choose to love - whether a person or a passion - requires vulnerability and the willingness to face possible rejection or change. Yet if we take the risk, we might find fulfillment and a meaningful purpose that transforms us and others. Ether: Seed of Fire symbolizes incubation; we give our 'fire' the space to burn. Rather than a desperate search for true love or something to passionately inspire us, we simply stay open, listen and observe. That spark will eventually get fanned into a blaze and a way forward. 

When the World is Too Much with Us

From the Ferret Tarot, the Fool; from Nature's Wisdom Oracle, the Lotus:

There are souls in this world which have the gift of finding joy everywhere and of leaving it behind them when they go. —Jean Paul

The Fool asks us to live lightheartedly, bringing a sense of newness to our perspective and unencumbered by conventional thinking. Frankly, this morning I feel stressed and worn out; to use Wordsworth's line, the world is too much with me. Yet I am reminded by the Lotus, that starts in the mud and muck and moves slowly towards the light, I too have tools to use. I can start with my senses; feeling a breeze, listening to the birds. I can notice neutral moments, when I'm at peace. I can dig into my spiritual toolbox of principles and practices. And I can find joy in small, imperfect activities. My latest bit of enjoyment has been creating small watercolors of my cats as literary characters (that matches their personality). And so, I present to you, Tad as Puss in Boots; Fig as John Blacksad, P.I. (graphic novel); and Lia as Graymalkin (witch's cat in MacBeth):

Pineapple on a Post

From the Ferret Tarot, the Hanged Man; from Nature's Wisdom Oracle, Pineapple:

It's very easy to get caught up in everything that's going on... it's hard to hit that reset button and get pulled away from all that and see life from a different perspective. —Tony Stewart

The Hanged Man is life's attempt at offering us a turning point, a chance to pause from trying to control and order the world as we think it should be and instead view all 360 degrees of it. It doesn't always work right away; we often spend a lot of time venting and complaining in an endeavor to ignore our powerlessness. But if we can get past this point, calming our indignation and frustration, we get a new look at what we thought we knew already - a new perspective. Pineapple, folklore explains, became a symbol of hospitality when returning sea captains started placing a pineapple outside their homes on gateposts, signaling they had returned and were ready to welcome visitors. I'm sure those captains weren't thrilled to see every visitor, but still they followed Rumi's advice: "Welcome and entertain them all!" Likewise, we don't have to be delighted by everything. However, acknowledging reality rather than battling or ignoring it gives us a chance to understand it better so that that we can respond in a more appropriate and beneficial way.

Mix and Match

From the Ferret Tarot, the Two of Cups; from Nature's Wisdom Oracle, Scarab Beetle:

In a relationship of respect, your task is to understand the other person as a unique individual and learn how to mesh your needs with his or hers... not to control the other person or try to change him or her.  

—Peter Gray

The Two of Cups combines difference and diversity into a relationship of equality and harmony. Like some jigsaw puzzles, this can seem easier before it's unboxed. The key - no matter what type of relationship - is respect. And it is necessary to respect ourselves, not just the other person; otherwise, we may question the sincerity of their compliments or become a people-pleaser. The Scarab Beetle, known for creating a perfectly round ball of dung to feed its young, reminds us that good relationships are formed by developing honest communication, ways to handle conflict without aggression, and a sense of humor.

Sore Winners

From the Ferret Tarot, the Five of Swords; from Nature's Wisdom Oracle, Praying Mantis:

Who knows himself a braggart, let him fear this, for it will come to pass that every braggart shall be found an ass. —Shakespeare

There are sore losers, but there are sore winners too. Such folks gloat about their wins and delight in making the loser feel inadequate and inferior. Rather than graciously acknowledging victory, they act more like a bully who's incapable of empathy. Unfortunately, they don't realize the high cost of their "win," but the Praying Mantis points this out. Hubris creates animosity rather than connection, burning bridges and friendships. Arrogance can convince us that we know more and have a better understanding than anyone else. When things go to hell, there won't be anyone to help, and the blame will fall on the one holding all the swords.

Balance and Buoyancy

From the Ferret Tarot, the Two of Pentacles; from Nature's Wisdom Oracle, Nautilus:

Juggling is an illusion. ... In reality, the balls are being independently caught and thrown in rapid succession. ―Gary Keller

There are times when we all are stretched by an overload of responsibilities - some are necessary tasks we must do, some are obligations we need to do, and some are simply things we want to do. But juggling lit torches, balls and beanbags are very different things. The key is to prioritize our efforts by what is necessary and needed first. In a Nautilus, the animal resides in the shell’s largest chamber, while the other chambers function like the ballast tanks of a submarine. Water is moved about in these other chambers for balance and buoyancy. Likewise, we need to move from task to task with purpose and intention. As Gary Keller explains, "Activity is often unrelated to productivity, and busyness rarely takes care of business."

Multiple Choice

From the Ferret Tarot, the Two of Swords; from Nature's Wisdom Oracle, Pumpkin:

Maintain an active mind: alert to the possibilities and mischievous in your pursuit of them.

―Stewart Stafford

The position of these two swords indicates that there is indecision because of a conflict between mind and heart. The mind is grounded in the facts it knows (but also the unknown it fears). The heart wavers between what it desires and the fear that it won't have the perseverance to accomplish it. Yet before we make any decision, we must acknowledge that change is possible and life can be both different and better. Pumpkin reminds us of the abundance of possibilities. We often see only one view, but just as this gourd can contain 500 seeds, there are many more options and potential prospects that we haven't even imagined. As Francis of Assisi said, "Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible."

There's a Distinction

This week I'll be using the Ferret Tarot, created and self-published by Elaine Moertl. Along with it, I'll be drawing from Nature's Wisdom Oracle, created by Mindy Lighthipe and published by Schiffer Books. The cards for today are the Three of Swords and Coyote:

We must rediscover the distinction between hope and expectation.

―Ivan Illich

I read a monostich poem by Rafiq Kathwari this morning that illustrates the pain of the Three of Swords: "As I fling my arms wide, he extends his hand." As Illich's quote implies, we often set ourselves up for disappointment. Having hope is understanding that the outcome is a possibility (even if only a slim chance); it's not a sure thing. Expectation is a one-sided mental contract that we demand be delivered. And what happens when that doesn't occur? We think of ourselves as a victim, in anguish due to another's cruelty. We never consider that what we expected was never agreed to by the other person. Coyote is associated with adaptability because no matter how its environment has changed, it has managed to adapt to it. Coyote encourages us to live lightly - without taking everything personally and seeing from a self-centered perspective. We can have more joy untainted by resentment by doing so. 

In the Labyrinth

From the Sasuraibito Tarot, the Seven of Cups; from the Soul Cards, Searching the Past:

You spend your whole life stuck in the labyrinth, thinking about how you'll escape one day, and how awesome it will be, and imagining that future keeps you going, but you never do it. You just use the future to escape the present. ―John Green

What do we think will fulfill us emotionally, that pie in the sky that will finally bring us contentment? As Green points out in the quote above, thinking about it is much easier than putting our feet in motion and our hands to work. Searching the Past cautions us to look back on previous choices to see how they panned out for us. Perhaps money and fame led to constant worry about losing them. Revenge was likely sweet for only a moment, followed by the fear of reprisal. As Shakespeare said, what's past is prologue- if we learn from it, we can chart our future with clarity and wisdom.

Work Environments

From the Sasuraibito Tarot, the Three of Wands; from the Soul Cards, Grace and Merit:

We all start with gifts. Merit comes from what we make of them.

—Jean Toomer

Three points always define a flat plane, meaning a three-legged structure will never wobble on uneven ground. Triads introduce diverse viewpoints and prevent stagnation that might afflict simple binaries. When expanding our horizons, collaboration and cooperation with others can help us develop a more stable and far-sighted plan of action. Grace and Merit refer to two different gifts - offering forgiveness, kindness, and patience (grace) or the rewards that come from ethical, generous actions and good works (merit). When working with others, the gift of grace can lead to the gift of merit. Grace fosters connection and respect, allows mistakes, and is more likely to produce work that benefits the whole. What a boon to be in an environment where each person feels inspired and believes what they do is meaningful and appreciated. 

Gifts of Gentleness

From the Sasuraibito Tarot, the Three of Cups; from the Soul Cards, Where Does It Hurt:

When the suffering of another creature causes you to feel pain, do not submit to the initial desire to flee from the suffering one, but on the contrary, come closer, as close as you can to her who suffers, and try to help her. —Leo Tolstoy

Friendship is about more than good times and laughter; it asks us to bear witness to each other's pain too. We make sure basic needs are met, nurture with gentleness (rather than aggressive advice), and extend hope through a lens that offers a different perspective. It takes courage, because our first inclination is to attempt to sweep away their pain because it also causes us to hurt. The Soul Card, Where Does It Hurt, reminds me so much of Warsan Shire's poem:

i held an atlas in my lap

ran my fingers across the whole world

and whispered

where does it hurt?

it answered

everywhere

everywhere

everywhere.

What do we do when the whole world seems to be on fire? We start with those around us, whether it's a stray animal, a neighbor or a stranger, and offer them a little compassion and kindness without ducking.

In the Light

From the Sasuraibito Tarot, the King of Cups; from the Soul Cards, Held in the Light:

Let us then try what Love will do.

—William Penn

This King, when someone troubled shows up, will invite them out on the porch and offer tea or coffee. They'll sit in rocking chairs, and the King will allow them to pour their heart out. The emotions of others don't rattle him; he sees his purpose as a supporter and encourager rather than a fixer. Open-minded and nonjudgmental, he offers others a soft place to fall. The Soul Card made me think of the Quaker expression, "I will hold you in the Light." Philip Gulley explains: "To hold someone in the Light is to stand beside them when they are unable to stand for themselves...our willingness to work for the betterment and well-being of another." How different this is than asking if someone is right with the Lord! A calm, steady presence can help stabilize most folks much better than any reprimand.

Two-Way Rainbow

From the Sasuraibito Tarot, Judgement; from the Soul Cards, It Works Both Ways:

We judge ourselves by our intentions and others by their behavior.

―Stephen Covey

A woman slowly emerges from a pile of blankets as if they were a cocoon; like the butterfly, she's had an inner transformation. She now sees clearly her past mistakes, selfish choices and habitual patterns and vows to change them. There are no excuses and no one to blame - she alone is responsible for the course of her life. The rainbow in It Works Both Ways reminds me of a quote by Yonatan Hambourger: "The rainbow is often understood as a promise... But its deeper meaning is more demanding. A covenant is not only a guarantee. It is a boundary." Yes, we have rights, but we also have responsibilities to those with whom we share our world too.