Litmus Test

From the Spacious Tarot, the Two of Cups; from the Phenomena Oracle, Wind:

Our findings show that pain is a particularly powerful ingredient in producing bonding and cooperation.  —Brock Bastian

Two cups sit on the leaf pads of a lotus, a plant that starts life in muck and mud then moves through murky water until it reaches the light. Adversity is a litmus test of relationships, either driving people apart or connecting them more closely together. During vulnerable times, it may encourage mutual cooperation, solidarity and exchange. As Harriet Jacobs wrote, "There are no bonds so strong as those which are formed by suffering together." And when the Winds of change blow, the resilience we've learned will provide a compass to navigate them. 

Just a Few Adjustments

From the Margarete Petersen Tarot, the Eight of Flames (Wands); from the Elemental Dice, Wind (Light + Air):

There is a muscular energy in sunlight corresponding to the spiritual energy of wind.

—Annie Dillard

The Eight of Flames tells us it is time to act, but not impulsively. We must hone our focus, concentrating on the task rather than imagining the outcome. Now we must stay centered in what is important and needs to be done rather than allowing discursive thinking to distract us. Wind indicates that change is brewing, but if we're paying attention, we'll catch it. We might need to be flexible and make a few adjustments to adapt. Even so, all is not lost; as John McGraw said, "one small breeze doesn't make a wind storm." 

Add the Fuel

From the Spacious Tarot, the Ace of Wands; from the Phenomena Oracle, Wind:

No man ever wetted clay and then left it, as if there would be bricks by chance and fortune.

~Plutarch

It only takes one match to start a fire, but we've got to quickly add fuel. That match will burn out otherwise, leaving behind only a vague scent of smoke. Although we might engage in some free association planning to fill out our idea, we still have to get moving if we want it to materialize. Wind is no friend to matches, seeming to blow them out as soon as they're struck. Cynical doubt can be the same way, trashing our creative nudges before they are brought to life. Questioning doubt may be helpful, as it looks for answers and solutions (even a fire needs fresh air). 

Enthusiastic Response

From the Ship of Fools Tarot, the Page of Staves (Wands); from the Wisdom of the Four Winds deck, Wind:

My birthstone is a coffee bean. ~Anonymous

There are some people who jump out of bed, inspired simply by the chance to explore and experience a new day. The Page of Wands is such a fellow; he's so excited and full of energy about the hunt for adventure that the dogs and hares seem unsure who's hunting what. I, unfortunately, rely on a couple cups of coffee to get me up and running. But I have to agree with both this Page and David Vann: "Having something to look forward to changes everything." The Wind card speaks of change, sometimes occurring with subtlety until we see it's effects. Is it possible that we could retain the Page's enthusiasm when change happens, to see it as a new adventure? As Leon Megginson wrote, "'It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change."

Power of Giving

From the Buckland Romani Tarot, the Six of Bolers/Wheels (Pentacles); from the Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards, Wind:

If you knew, as I do, the power of giving, you would not let a single meal pass

without sharing some of it. ~Buddha

          The king of the Romani people has shown up to buy some wagon wheels from people who could use a few coins. It's likely the king has someone who would make the wheels for him without him heading out to the rural areas to 'shop.' But this way, his benevolence is not seen as charity but as a transaction by the receiver. Generosity is powerful. As Beth Roth wrote: "It is a profound antidote to the strong habits of clinging, grasping, guarding, and attachment that lead to so much pain and suffering. Generosity brings happiness at every stage of its expression: we experience joy in forming the intention to give, we experience joy in the action of giving, and we experience joy in remembering that we have given." Yet Wind (a symbol of change), offers another reason to develop generosity. At some point, that king might have to depend on the kindness of others, and it's likely that they will happily offer help because of his past benevolence.

Reassembled Parts

From the Motherpeace Tarot, the Six of Swords; from the Toltec Oracle, Ehekatl:

          Sixes are generally about restoring harmony, and this card from the Motherpeace Tarot indicates different parts of the self have reconciled into a whole. I think of it as cognitive dissonance, the mental stress one experiences when trying to hold on to contradictory beliefs, attitudes or behaviors. The discomfort becomes so great that these ideas or conduct must be altered to restore balance. For instance a gay woman might work for a boss who constantly makes snide remarks or hateful jokes about homosexuals. She eventually decides to find another job with a more open-minded employer. The Toltec card - Ehekatl - can literally be translated as breath, spirit or wind (similar to the Hebrew word ruach). For me, this represents the part of myself that is greater than the ego; I prefer to call it the luminous mind. This part does not seek pleasure, power, fortune or recognition but perceives impartially with wisdom and compassion. When dissonance makes me feel miserable, the luminous mind can guide me in making saner choices that will reassemble me in a healthier whole.

Poker Night

From the Ship of Fools Tarot, the Nine of Coins; from the Wisdom of the Four Winds, "Wind:"

 Four jesters, both male and female, take a break from their duties to enjoy a card game. There aren't any huge stacks of coins on the table, so I'm assuming this is a friendly game rather than a serious one. Games have been recorded since 2600 BC and generally involve some sort of mental or physical stimulation. They may teach practical skills and strategies, but above all they are fun and help us to relax and unwind. The theme of fun and play seems to be running through my readings this week.
This image of Wind reminds me of the sand dunes here that the wind constantly sculpts. Brailsford describes it as a "Shifter and shaper, Timeless change maker." So what do change and play have to do with each other? I read an article about a politician (whose name escapes me) who believed the only way Congress would ever agree and move forward on anything was away from the White House. He often took members out on his boat for a relaxing ride or fishing excursion. His idea was that if they could connect in some way instead of keeping each other at arm's length because of their political labels, they might make some progress. Sounds good to me.