Keeping the Line Open

From the Fey Tarot, the Eight of Wands; from the I Misteri Sibilla, Conversazione (Ace of Hearts):

          Like a parkour practitioner, this fey leaps from branch to branch looking for the fastest and most efficient way possible to the top of the tree. Yet no matter how quickly things are moving, the Conversation card indicates that communication should not be sacrificed. Just as in an ER where doctors and nurses are constantly announcing blood pressure, oxygen levels and heart rates while looking for injuries, it helps to have an open line from various sources to keep us apprised of what we might miss as things move at a rapid pace. The best communicators are like great dancers, each letting the other take their turn at leading. 

The two words 'information' and 'communication' are often used interchangeably, but they signify quite different things. Information is giving out; communication is getting through. ~Sydney J. Harris

Ask for Advice

From the Fey Tarot, the Ten of Wands; from the I Misteri della Sibilla, the Ace of Hearts:

          On the plus side, all that inspiration and effort this fey has put forth has paid off with a bumper citrus crop. But the abundance has created more work and more to manage, which seems to be weighing her down mightily. Yet before she gives up, she might take Pema Chodron's advice to start where she is and work openheartedly with life just as it is. No need to pre-plan worry, but taking stock of one's resources can be helpful. One often forgotten resource is the experience of friends and acquaintances. As the Ace of Hearts ('conversation') suggests, we shouldn't let pride keep us from tapping into the knowledge and advice of others. We might just find a new strategy to help us with the workload.

Connections with others loosens the bonds of self-concern and helps us find

our best course of action in the world. ~ Henry Shukman

Facts First

From the Tarot of the Masters, the Moon; from the Key to the Kingdom, the 'Ace of Hearts:'

          When someone has just enough information to be enticing but not enough for clarity, things can get out of hand quickly. The Moon sets such a scenario, making situations and ideas seem like we've got the drop on what's happening. But when we don't have all the information we need for understanding what is actually going on, we're liable to make some terrible choices based on what we think we know. I've been working on an Emotional Inventory (from the work of Dr. Alan Berger) this month. It is helping me to see what lies beneath my waters which creates unhealthy emotional reactions when I experience conflict. It's been amazing to see what's been dredged up so far. The verse for the Ace of Hearts comes from Mary St. Leger Harrison in which she describes the brief life of a butterfly. The context for the verse is her character's description of marriage: "Marriage is a sort of grave, Sara, in which it seems to me, women are called upon to bury a whole lot of precious and delightful possibilities." While Miss Crookenden (the character in the story) might be right on some level, she leaves out that what is given up might be filled with other rewards. As the humor of Mark Twain advises, "Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please."

Everybody Knows Your Name

From the Fey Tarot, the Queen of Chalices; from the I Misteri della Sibilla, the Ace of Hearts (Conversation):

          Rather than a small cup, this queen sends out water from a giant chalice (reminding me of the practice of tonglen). People know her as a woman of compassionate understanding with the ability to deeply listen - skills sorely lacking in a self-absorbed society. It's no wonder she rarely has a spare moment of solitude. Her biggest challenge, however, is knowing how to gently mother herself, to take time to touch her own emotions tenderly and allow herself to apply the balm of kindness to them. As Brian Andreas poetically describes it, "There are days I drop words of comfort on myself like falling leaves and remember that it is enough to be taken care of by myself." The Ace of Hearts is a card of affection, and in this watercolor is a group sharing an engaging dinner conversation. As much as self-compassion and care is beneficial, we need people. The theme song from the series Cheers explains it perfectly:

Making your way in the world today takes everything you've got. 

Taking a break from all your worries, sure would help a lot. 

Wouldn't you like to get away? 

Sometimes you want to go 

Where everybody knows your name, 

and they're always glad you came. 

You wanna be where you can see, 

our troubles are all the same 

You wanna be where everybody knows 

Your name. 

Good Night, Good Morning

This week I'll be using the Tarot of the Masters, created and self-published by James Ricklef. I'll also be using the Key to the Kingdom, a transformation deck created by Tony Meeuwissen and published by Running Press. Today's draws are the World and "Ace of Hearts:"

          The American spiritual, She's Got the Whole World in Her Hands (albeit a gender change), started playing in my head when I saw this card. It is based on a painting by George Frederic Watts called The All-Pervading. Ricklef's version gives the impression of an angel tucking in the earth at the close of the day. Though the day is done, tomorrow offers a new start.

I'm a little butterfly

Born in a bower,

Christened in a teapot,

Died in half an hour.

The Ace of Hearts card and rhyme is a reminder of how quickly time passes, whether half hours, days or years. Am I awake and aware of all those moments that will never return? Or do I trudge through them all, moving from one checklist to another? As a new morning begins, I'll make an intention not only to show up but to be fully present as well.

Christened in a Teapot

From the Tarot of the Masters, the Lovers:

So who's it going to be - the lovely Lolita or the modest Mary? Vanilla or chocolate is an easy choice for me with ice cream, but decisions that require a long-term commitment of some sort are much more difficult. My first inclination would be toward what would offer the most pleasure (Mary does look a bit prudish), but will the fun last? And will it be dependable and loyal? On the other hand, who wants to be stuck with a partner who is all work and no play? Here's a dilemma where my heart, head and hormones need to be sorted out before I come to a decision.

From the Key to the Kingdom comes the "Ace of Hearts:"

I am a butterfly, born in a bower,

christened in a teapot, died in half an hour.

Some things are made to last longer than others. All friendships and partnerships will change, some for better and some for worse. What is it that make some better? Probably it is respect, good communication and kindness on the part of both partners, not just one. If I'm looking for a commitment, I need to make sure the person I'm considering is on the same page as I am.

Gatekeeper

This week I'll be using the Tarot of the Masters by James Ricklef along with his companion book Tarot Affirmations.  Today's draw is the Ace of Swords:

Swords can wound, protect, or clear away the clutter of the mind.  In his book, Ricklef refers to this Ace as the "gatekeeper of the conscious mind."  I like that description, because while I can't control what thoughts come through my mind, I can decide whether I'm going to saddle that horse and ride out on it, or let it stay in the pasture.  The angel seems to hold the sword waiting for my decision - how will I choose to use my thoughts and words today?

     The oracle deck I'll be using this week is The Key to the Kingdom, a set of transformational playing cards by Tony Meeuwissen.  The companion book contains a verse or rhyme for each card.  This morning's draw is the Ace of Hearts:

I'm a little butterfly
Born in a bower,
Christened in a teapot,
Died in half an hour.

It's a hard fact to hear for some people, but life is terminal.  The average life expectancy for an American woman is 80.8 years, but I've signed no contract with the Universe that even guarantees me that.  This card reminds me that I need to have priorities in my life, if I don't want to have regrets later.  Like this lovely heart-shaped butterfly, my top priority for today will be to live with passion and compassion.