Handful of Water

From the Fey Tarot, the Ace of Cups; from the I Misteri Della Sibilla, the Two of Diamonds:

That is what happens when the heart door opens- you become less yourself than part of everything. Many are the sentinels who guard that door...

― Roger Housden

A young fey makes an offering of a handful of water. It's like the shy smile offered in a group of strangers, a tendril extended to see if any heart responds in kind. That tentative exchange might be stifled by the memory of past relationships, yet we are animals who thrive on belonging and connection. If we are willing to take a chance and be vulnerable, we might find a friend or partner who can help us discover joy. Though I don't often write them, I do appreciate letters. They tend to be more thoughtful and less rushed, more conversation than just the facts. It is a relationship on paper, yet one that allows us to say what we might not otherwise. Letters and notes can be the handful of water that opens a heart.

Fulcrum of Friendship

This week I'll be using the New Era Elements Tarot, created by Eleonore Pieper and published by U.S. Games. I'll also be using the Tao Oracle, created by Ma Deva Padma and published by St. Martin's Press. Today's draws are Ace of Water and Grace (Hexagram 22):

We all come to the table with our own life experiences and relationships.

―Alisyn Camerota

Water is a fundamental necessity for all living things. But now scientists are discovering that emotional connections (that water can symbolize) are just as important. Positive relationships are crucial for physical and mental health, leading to greater happiness, a longer life, and better health outcomes. Our well-being rests on the fulcrum of friendships. Yet Hexagram 22 takes this a step further, encouraging us relate to all of our experiences with grace and humility. Rather than seeing only what is wrong with things, we move through our days noticing the good, the beautiful and the awe-inspiring. Depending on whether our hearts stay open or shut down in these daily encounters, we are shaped accordingly. What kind of friend are we shaping up to be?

It's a Journey

From the Gaian Tarot, the Ace of Water; from the Goddess Oracle, Demeter:

The gift of life is yours. It’s an amazing journey, and you alone are responsible for the quality of it.

―Dan Zadra

Can you imagine being this tiny salmon, suddenly hatched into a big world that is completely unfamiliar? We all go through this at some point, such as with divorce or a geographical move. Nothing seems the same, which can at times be exhilarating or terrifying; we may even grieve for what was. Yet there is the potential of new friendships and partnerships, of connecting and belonging, even if at the moment we feel lost. We must only keep our hearts open and pay attention to find them. Demeter is associated with emotions because of the kidnapping of her daughter. How we feel needs to be accepted and expressed appropriately rather than pretending to be fine. As Jason N. Linder reminds us, "Ignoring emotion is like tuning out essential signals to and from our body and brain, obstructing your success and ability to understand, take care of yourself, and act wisely and intentionally."