The Unknown

From the Tarot of the Crone, the Two of Wands; from the Wondering Traveler's Oracle, Wonder:

The heart has a yearning for the unknown, a longing to penetrate the deep shadow and the winding glade, where, as it seems, no human foot has been. 

—Richard Jefferies

There are those of us who prefer the tried and true, the devil we know rather than the one we don't. Then there are those who are drawn to the unknown, the mysterious places we've never been and know little about. In reality, we are constantly pushed into the unfamiliar because life is constantly flipping our normal upside down. What seems strange at first has a way of becoming routine and typical. Wonder is a feeling of surprise mingled with admiration, often the result of experiencing something beautiful, unexpected, unfamiliar, or unexplainable. The unknown is a perfect place to find it - if we're paying attention rather than grumping about how things used to be.

Traditions

From the Neuzeit Tarot, the Two of Wands; from Rory's Story Cubes, the Whip:

There's a need to respect the past, but it's a mistake to revere your past. 

―Bob Iger

The figures representing the two wands on this card remind me of a mother and daughter. One represents tradition and the other innovation. There is nothing wrong with enjoying the familiar ways of doing things, but change (the Whip) can force us to do something new. My mom has hosted Thanksgiving dinner for many years, doing the bulk of the cooking (and declining most offers to help). But at 87, she tires more easily, and having a lot of things cooking at once has become like spinning plates. She has decided that we'll still gather together but forgo the turkey and dressing and just have something very simple to eat. When traditions are replaced, it is important to realize we don't have to get upset if we consider the root of their purpose - in this case, the gratitude of simply being together.

Take a Leap?

From the Hidden Realms Tarot, the Two of Wands; from the Heart of Faerie, Of Two Minds:

There are 2 types of risk: little “r” risk, and big “R” risk. They’re very different, and it’s important to know what you’re facing by doing some simple reflection. ~Jason Leuenberger

These young fey girls use play to learn about themselves and their environment. But like all kids, at some point they will dare each other to do something risky. Will she attempt the task so she won't be called a fraidy-cat? In Two Minds represents a state of being stuck, unable to make a decision. Yet if we reflect on the choices, we can ask ourselves whether our fear is informed and factual or based on an emotional 'what if'. Little risks help us learn to face uncertainty and adapt to change. Unlike big risks, which could have long-lasting, significant impacts, small risks don't cause a disaster if things don't turn out the way we'd like.

Using a Compass

From the Delta Enduring Tarot, the Two of Oaks (Wands); from the Southernisms Oracle, "Lost as last year's Easter egg:"

We keep trying to chip away at our confusion, to straighten it out, to get rid of it... what we really need to do is to examine it and in doing so transform our view of it. We need to look below the surface to how we perceive reality altogether. ―Judy Lief

A labrador retriever pauses in his romp through the marsh, considering whether he should head home, have breakfast, and dry off or keep exploring. The Two of Wands is a choice between expanding and risking the unknown versus maintaining the less uncertain status quo. "Lost as last year's Easter egg" is a saying that describes feeling lost in the weeds with no clear path ahead. Do we go all in, turn around and go back, or sit down and pause until we're clearheaded? Discernment involves sifting through information, reflecting on potential outcomes, and objectively considering how our desires and fears might be twisting our view of things. It's a great compass to use.

World of Wonders

From the Wayfarer Tarot, the Two of Wands; from the Curious Oracle, the Rose:

We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open. – Jawaharial Nehru

The Two of Wands is a stepping off place between the same and new, the known and unknown. It's exciting, but also a little nerve-wracking to not know what lies down the path ahead. Even our maps and goals don't tell us everything. I had my own adventure not too long ago down unfamiliar roads. I encountered my first roundabout (four, in fact) and felt like I'd entered a revolving door spinning at Mach speed. When we face such new challenges and feel less than adept, it can be easy to decide we should turn back. But Rose reminds us not just to focus on the obstacles, but the beauty, wonder and good things as well. Those are what help make ups and downs of the journey worthwhile.

Places to Go

From the Tyldwick Tarot, the Two of Staves; from the Antiquarian Lenormand, Book:

Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and diligence.

-Abigail Adams

The Two of Staves is illustrated with two spikes of a red hot poker (aka torch lily). One inflorescence (cluster of flowers) is in full bloom while another is just beginning. When we are enjoying the fruits of our efforts, it is tempting to think that extra will bring something even better. But 'more' of one thing often affects other things, like less time for enjoyment because of additional work or added worries and concerns. The Lenormand Book suggests learning and study, a wise choice before we make a decision we might regret. On the other hand, it could be as Dr. Seuss suggests: "The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go."

It Can Be Uncomfortable

From the Lilifer Tarot, the Two of Wands; from the Wandering Soul Oracle, Memories:

When it comes to choices, there is no one way our life is supposed to go. Each choice leads to another branch of possibilities and on and on it goes.

― Dee Waldeck

These two little demons remind me of game show host announcers. "Come on down! You're the next contestant on Expand Your Life!" Moving from our comfort zone into the unknown can be scary but also exciting. We have a chance to get out of our routine and try our hand at something new. Maybe we prefer to put a toe in the water instead of jumping in with both feet, and that's okay. Each new choice we make will open other doors for us to peer into. The Memories card points to our habit of thinking about the past as "the good ole days." Of course our experiences were not all good; we just think of them that way when the present is a challenge. But don't let the hard times sway you. As Jonathan Majors said, "Growth is uncomfortable; you have to embrace the discomfort if you want to expand."

Express Yourself

From the Wayfarer Tarot, the Two of Fire (Wands); from the Curious Oracle, Mudra:

A man has seized the opportunity presented in the Ace and now looks down an unknown road he will travel. But he pauses as he considers the impact of leaving behind what he was doing, and even how he identified himself through that work. Yet he knows what he learned in the past will help carry him forward. The Mudra card (expression) hints that we all express our ideas and feelings in various ways - from a wave, to a raised middle finger, to hands clasped together. This opportunity allows us to express ourselves in new and different ways, to step out of complacency and try something both exciting and challenging.

Experience should be a plus as long as it doesn't become complacency.

 ~Marv Levy

Two-Way Street

From the Sasuraibito Tarot, the Two of Wands; from the SoulCards, Support:

The Two of Wands offers a chance to either expand or stay where we are, a decision which can lead to some anxiety. These two wands lie on a vegvísir ('way-finder') found in an Icelandic manuscript of magic symbols written about 1860. It said: "If this sign is carried, one will never lose one’s way in storms or bad weather, even when the way is not known." Well, I guess that might provide some small comfort, but a knowledgeable navigator might be better. Support shows an angel like figure with one protective arm around a child and another around a budding branch. I saw a meme the other day that said, "It takes six people to carry a casket; imagine what it would be like if each person had that kind of support when they were alive." The only problem with that idea is that many of us want the benefits of having support without being a support, a relationship that creates imbalance and isn't sustainable. 

Mutual aid means that every participant is both giver and recipient in acts of care that bind them together, as distinct from the one-way street of charity.

― Rebecca Solnit

Horizon Gazing

From the Slavic Legends Tarot, the Two of Wands; from the Urban Crow Oracle, Mimicry:

This young person has a choice to make - to follow the map of the known or venture out into the unknown. Neuroscientists have found that when we're stressed, our visual field narrows in focus; when we're relaxed we expand our periphery. It's no wonder then that people with an important decision to make like to gaze at the horizon, giving them a chance to unwind and envision more possibilities than just one. Mimicry shows a dog confused by a crow that doesn't sound like a crow. Crows can mimic many sounds made by animals or humans. One morning I thought for sure I had a wild turkey gobbling in my backyard, only to see it was a crow. This card suggests we pause and ask if this opportunity might not be as shiny and bright as it was presented. Or, perhaps we pretended to be interested and now have gotten tangled into something that just isn't us. We might need to keep staring out at that horizon a while longer.

Fear and Hope

From the Fey Tarot, the Two of Wands; from the I Misteri della Sibilla, the Lover (Queen of Hearts):

Natural intelligence is always accessible to us. When we’re not caught in the trap of hope and fear, we intuitively know what’s the right thing to do. If we’re not obscuring our intelligence with anger, self-pity, or craving, we know what will help and what will make things worse. 

—Pema Chodron

From the safety of his nest, a fey peers at the beautiful valley below. It's spring and a time for change, but he is conflicted about whether to stay or explore. He wavers between hope and fear. The Lover of the Sibilla cards - lounging and eating cherries - would suggest he stay where he's comfortable and secure. She's a kept woman with little obligation or responsibility, enjoying the pleasures of her married lover. But what happens when she gets older or he gets bored? Any commitment to something different requires effort, but it can also widen our perspective, help develop new skills, and provide an alternative foundation, which might be needed if unexpected change comes (the nest gets blown away).  

Get Rolling

From the Tarot of the Cat People, the Two of Wands; from the Insectorum Divinorum, the Scarab:

The gateway made by the rods this man holds and the priceless expression on the feline's face make me chuckle. Present a cat with a closed door and she will meow or scratch on it until its opened. But once opened, the cat will likely just sit there as if to say, "I just wanted the option." I think it must be the same with humans too. The Scarab is a type of dung beetle that collects dung into balls, then rolls them to an underground chamber to eat (or if its female, to leave for newly hatched larva to enjoy). The Egyptians connected its behavior to the early morning manifestation of the sun god Ra. Its message is that the sun will eventually set on our opportunity; if we do want to take advantage of it, we need to get rolling.

Integrity as a Co-pilot

From the Victorian Romantic Tarot, the Two of Wands; from the Dreaming in Color Deck, Pettiness:

Many people view integrity as some form of duty. Integrity is not a duty. It is a means to improve the probability of being successful and happy. ―John Allison

Salisbury Greenhouse states that the palm was a symbol of victory with integrity. Integrity suggests that our values need to be aligned with reality, and our actions should reflect both. This woman attempts to decide whether to stay or go, to expand or maintain. What is at the root of her restlessness? Perhaps she feels her world is too restrictive or that she's in a rut. Either way, a glance at her moral compass and the knowledge and evidence available to her might be of help. Pettiness is an undue concern with trivial matters, especially of a small-minded or spiteful nature. Any choice she's trying to make will get derailed quickly if she can't tell the difference between what is truly important and what is immaterial. 

Examining Assumptions

From the Morgan Greer Tarot, the Two of Wands; from the Celtic Book of the Dead deck, the Island of the Crystal Keep:

In this Two of Wands, an unknown person tries to hand another staff to this young man. However, his hands are full; if he wants to take the second staff he will have to put down something that he currently holds. It's so tempting to grab what is new because it seems exciting, but we should pause and consider what we will have to let go of in order to have the time for it. The Crystal Keep card describes the voyagers coming upon an island with a fortified tower made of crystal. Feeling entitled, they made demands on the maiden in residence. While she gave them food and drink, their assumed privilege got them booted off the island (which disappeared). We often let our minds override what we see or hear in favor of what we want. Only when we question our assumptions can we see the truth more clearly.

Just Because You're Bored

From the Russian Lubok Tarot, the Two of Wands; from the Marseille Oracle, Presentiments:

In this Two of Wands, a large owl stands atop a castle. Being a symbol of wisdom, it suggests a careful analysis of whether expanding our endeavors or focusing on what's in front of us is the smarter option. It can seem boring to stick with what we have and exciting to go after something new, but the owl's wide-eyed gaze warns us to see things clearly. The circular trumpet on the Presentiments card warns that we should also pay attention to any apprehensions or forebodings we might have. While our idea might be a good one, the timing might not be right or the people we'd be working with might be a problem down the road. This definitely should not be an impulsive decision.

The Two in the Bush

From the Shadowscapes Tarot, the Two of Wands; from the Cedar Runes, Tiwaz:

I can almost hear this woman discussing a possible new direction with her feline companions: "Is this going to be worth all the trouble? Is the cost going to be greater than the result?" Such is the nature of the Two of Wands - deciding whether to stick with the bird in the hand or go after the two in the bush. Sometimes we just don't know until we get knee-deep in it. Tiwaz means "to shine" and is related to Tyr, the Norse god of law and justice. In an attempt to save his people, he lost his hand to a giant wolf. The proverb "fortune favors the bold" might apply to these draws today. Yet our bravery and enthusiasm should not cloud the fact that a sacrifice of some kind will likely be required of us. 

Take a Beat

From the Sacred India Tarot, the Two of Wands; from the Land Sky Oracle, Bhramari Pranayama:

Ravana, King of Lanka, was unable to be killed by gods, demons or spirits. Feeling invincible, he began to lay waste to the earth. As he did so, he also kidnapped Rama's wife, Sita. Now Rama and his allies must decide if they want to go to war - a decision no one takes lightly. Sometimes our decisions involve ethics as much as money or effort. It's hard not to see the parallel between this card and what is happening between Russia and the Ukraine. Fear and anger, pride and peer pressure can all steer us in a direction with little clarity or thought about consequences. Bhramari Pranayama or 'bee breath' is a breathing that technique that can help us withdraw from external distractions and calm our overactive mind. When our mind can rest in this roomy, open space, it will find the wisdom it needs to make the right decision.

Light It Up

From the Gaian Tarot, the Two of Fire (Wands); from the Goddess Oracle, Amaterasu:

Two fire dancers move towards each other with a passion as hot as their torches. Finding something that ignites our fiery fervor can kick us out of our apathy or complacency. Such passion is linked to its Latin roots which suggest having to endure something. That restless feeling pushes us to want more than the status quo and can give us the courage to move forward. Amaterasu Omi Kami is a Shinto Sun goddess who withdrew to a cave when she was insulted by her crude brother (the storm god). But when her curiosity was piqued by the entertainment of Uzume, she came out of hiding. Amaterasu encourages us to follow our curiosity - an ember that can light our passion and bring us out of our dimly lit caves.

Leaving Something Behind

From the Shining Tribe Tarot, the Two of Trees (Wands); from the Animal Tiles, Green Anole:

Blessed is the mother who has given us shape. (Two of Trees)

A woman stands between two trees that arch toward each other, seeming to form a passageway. She must decide whether to pass through or stay with what is familiar. The quote on the card comes a day after celebrating another trip around the sun. I find myself reassessing my life this morning, wondering if I want to maintain my status quo or make some changes. I've decided to walk into the coming year being more mindful of my physical, mental, and spiritual health, which means I need to make some new choices. The Green Anole has an autotomic tail which breaks off and wiggles to help it escape from a predator. A new tail will begin to grow that contains cartilage rather than bone. This lizard implies that if I want to go forward with my new intention, I must be willing to leave some old habits behind.

Youth is the gift of nature, but age is a work of art.

—Stanislaw Jerzy Lec

Little and Big

From the Tarot of Durer, the Two of Batons; from the Philosopher's Stone, Prudence:

The Twos are often deal with decisions about how we want to expend our energy. In this illustration, one lion works to grab a hedgehog, but the other lion seems to growl and say, "That animal is less than a mouthful! Quit spending your time on him and let's go grab something that will actually feed us!" I can relate to wasting time on something I considered important that in big picture wasn't. Often it is a distraction not to have to do harder more challenging tasks. The Prudence card shows a stone-man focusing on the larger rock rather than the pebble. Nicolas Chamfort once said, "Eat a live frog first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day." He, of course, didn't advocate frog eating but getting the toughest job out of the way first. That way when we do have to face the small stuff, it does indeed feel small.