Taking What is Not Given

From the Dark Goddess Tarot, the Seven of Air (Swords); from the Tattwa Cards, Air: Seed of Earth:

          Laverna is the Roman goddess of thieves, con men, and rascals - basically anyone who succeeds through deceit. She delights in upsetting balances and creating confusion. I could see how such a goddess would be a good partner in battle, but not so much when trying to live peaceably. She would think that was way too boring. There are times when the status quo needs to be disrupted, such as when life has become unfair and oppressive for certain groups. But there are also folks who like to be rebels, yet they have no worthy cause. The bottom line is, 'Who benefits?' Is the result helpful to the whole or self-serving only? Air with a Seed of Earth suggests seeing the humane side of things and being able to perceive how one's ideas would play out realistically. It is easy to assume this pair of cards deals with taking things that are valuable to others. However, the second precept of Buddhism reminds me it involves more than just stuff: 'I vow not to take what is not given, but to practice generosity.' Do I selfishly take time away from others by always dumping my problems on them? Do I take over conversations because I think I have better knowledge to share? When I sit among others, so I use chairs for my personal belongings instead of allowing someone else to sit there? Time, energy and space can also be used with generosity or without.

More than an Idea

From the Dark Goddess Tarot, the Amazon of Earth (Page of Pentacles); from the Tattwa Cards, "Air: Seed of Earth:"

          Artemis is the Greek goddess of the woodlands and its inhabitants. As a protector, I'm sure she observed and learned from every square foot of forest under her care. She's a walking encyclopedia of the wild lands. This goddess reminded me of  a book (I remember neither title nor author) about caring for the environment. It stated that trying to use shame or fear to make people ecologically responsible would never work. Instead, it's inception begins with paying attention. What we notice, we become curious about; what we learn about, we come to appreciate. And what we enjoy, we will want to love and protect.
          Earth of Air from the Tattwa Cards represents adding a chunk of down-to-earth practicality to the intellectual realm. Nothing is more frustrating than a roomful of gasbags who love to hear themselves talk but take no action in regard to their philosophical topic. As Abigail Adams said, “We have too many high sounding words and too few actions that correspond with them.” Time to move something other than my mouth.

The Gate to Elsewhere

From the Dark Goddess Tarot, the Seven of Cups:

Drink from the cup. Enter the gate to elsewhere.

For a while now, I've felt restless, discontent and despondent, so it was no surprise to draw this card. These feelings wash over me like dew that condenses on the grass each morning. And just as the sun dries the moisture with its heat, my projects and obligations keep this discomfort at a distance. But here is Maeve, whose name in Irish Gaelic means "she who intoxicates." All her cups on the shelves are the many ways I've kept busy, allowing me to overlook those emotions. I've gotten a brief pleasure from each cup I've sipped, but none have been satisfying for the long run. Maeve encourages me to find a passion that lasts, one that gives my life purpose and fulfills me emotionally. It is my responsibility to find that "gate to elsewhere."

From the Tattwa Cards comes the draw "Air: Seed of Earth:"

Squaring the Circle

The phrase "squaring the circle" came from a problem in geometry which involved constructing a square that is equal in area to a circle. In common speech, it refers to trying to solve a difficult problem - quite appropriate for the challenge Maeve has tossed down at my feet. How do I choose one from all those ideas and fantasies (air) that is actually practical and realistic (earth)? Is there a holy grail for each person?