The Hive

From the Tarot de St. Croix, the World; from the Archetype Cards, Angel:

To understand just one life, you have to swallow the world.

–Salman Rushdie

The companion book states that the World speaks of wholeness and numinous revelation, showing us that we are connected to all that is. Regardless of outer appearances and the pride we take in our personal views, we are interdependent and thus connected. All things depend on other factors - causes and conditions - to exist. Pull one leg off of a table and it becomes unstable; remove another and it ceases to stand. To understand and embrace this connection is to step through a portal of awakening. Angel reminds us that kindness and a willingness to help those in need is a sane choice, not a weak one. As Marcus Aurelius wrote, "That which is not good for the swarm, neither is it good for the bee."

Devil vs. Angels

From the Legacy of the Divine Tarot, the Devil; from the Tea Leaf Reading Cards, Angel: 

One thing I appreciate about Marchetti's Devil is that he's enticing, promising us comfort, pleasure and release. The Devil represents that part of us that desires these things because we are stressed and weighed down with anger, grief or fear. He symbolizes our seeking for something to remove what we're dealing with, a longing which can lead to all sorts of unhealthy behaviors if we form a dependence on them. I prefer to see the Angel card as an indication of humans who help, much like Stevie Ray Vaughan's take: "The way people come into your life when you need them, it's wonderful and it happens in so many ways. It's like having an angel. Somebody comes along and helps you get right." I've got a core sample biopsy tomorrow, and my inner devil would love me to succumb to all sorts of pleasures that would ultimately upend my well-being. Thankfully, I have the support of friends and spiritual teachers to remind me it's not as big as my mind is trying to make it.

Learning to Thrive

From the Tarot de St. Croix, the Nine of Pentacles; from the Archetype Cards, 'Angel:'

          St. Croix writes in her booklet, "Prosperity comes from doing the work you love." I know some folks who are wealthy, but they aren't necessarily happy in a healthy sort of way. To prosper means to thrive and flourish; it is on another level than simply having a fat wallet. Perhaps what I do for a living is separate from what I love, yet my paycheck gives me the financial freedom to nourish that side of myself. As long as I have a chance to grow my own 'sunflowers,' I can still bloom. The Angel card doesn't have anything to do with winged celestial beings, but people willing to be of service to others without expectations. Victor Hugo wrote, "It is by suffering that human beings become angels." I've experienced such kindness from those who've suffered. My friend Sharyn (who took care of two parents with dementia) sent a very helpful DVD to me as we became caretakers of my mother-in-law. Some of us harden our hearts when life deals a heavy blow, while others grow metaphorical wings and become mentors. These 'angels' can teach us how to prosper no matter what the weather brings.

An Honest Inventory

From the Tarot de St. Croix, the Hermit; from the Archetype Cards, "Angel:"

          Alone in a windswept canyon, a woman emerges from a cave with an aspen staff in her hands. The quaking aspen is known for its fluttering leaves, resembling hundreds of waving hands, as if trying to get someone's attention. This is the reason the woman is alone - to intentionally contemplate her life and see what wisdom reveals itself. When my life feels like it is sagging or falling apart, the Hermit calls out to me. Instead of pointing the finger of blame at others, she encourages me to look at my own choices, motives and assumptions. The goal is to do this with gentle honesty and attention; derogatory condemnations won't be beneficial in making lasting changes.
          The Angel archetype can show immediately whether the Hermit's self-inventory has been sincere or not. My attempt to feel better about myself by "helping" others is simply a distraction of busyness - a way to cover up the emotional mess I am on the inside. My efforts at performing a kindness then becomes self-centered instead of other-centered; I use them to feel better about me. The "giver's glow" that the researchers talk about will remain elusive. My brain can't be fooled and won't send out dopamine and oxytocin if my intentions aren't altruistic. If I want that kind of peace and joy, I better go back to the Hermit's cave and try again.