Cloudy Days

From the Wild Unknown Tarot, the Five of Cups; from the Pictish Oracle, Arch:

I have my foggy and my fine days within me.

—Blaise Pascal

Tired, worn down by stress, and feeling like the world has been washed of its color - we all have days when we experience such moods. A mood is a sustained, generalized state of feeling (unlike specific emotions which are intense with a specific target). On these days, it might help to consider what our mind and body need (which does not include trying to reshape the world according to our desires). There is no evidence that the Picts shod their horses, so the Arch is likely a structure or a torque (neck ring). It reminds us that there is a way through this dark cloud. First, we offer counter arguments to our thoughts when we catch ourselves thinking in black and white and making assumptions. We might reach out to a friend who is practical but positive or put on some upbeat music. It would also be helpful if we get enough sleep, exercise if possible, and eat regular meals. As Karishma Mehta said, "It's a bad day, not a bad life."

Ready, Set...

From the Wild Unknown, the Eight of Wands; from the Pictish Oracle, Arch:

The step that we are on is only a step to the next place...

― Craig D. Lounsbrough

There are times in life when it feels like we've been on permanent pause, waiting on the same step for a long time. There is no going or coming, simply a state of stasis. The sticks above remind me of a little teepee of wood that you arrange for a campfire. Nothing happens without the addition of fire, but it looks like lightning has arrived to get things going. We're about to start taking some quick steps, maybe two at a time. Though the Arch resembles a horseshoe, there is no archaeological evidence that Pictish horses were shod. Because it shows up in eleven stones with various designs, it is likely a torc, a metal neck ring that symbolized strength, power, or nobility. It is reassurance that we've got what it takes to get through this next phase when things start moving.

Natural Reflex

From the Wild Unknown Tarot, the Six of Pentacles; from the Pictish Oracle, the Arch:

In gardening, there are 'cut and come again' flowers like zinnias and dahlias. Cutting blooms stimulates the growth of new stems, rewarding the gardener with a bountiful harvest. When we share our resources, we make space for more. It's a balance that prevents stagnation on one end and scarcity on the other. But as the Arch suggests, attitude is important. The Arch was likely a torc (neck ring) that denoted status. If both the giver and receiver are considered equal, there is compassion and kindness exchanged too, rather than expectation.  

Nobody is forcing us to do something; we spontaneously do what needs to be done. This one treasure is found within ourselves. 

—MyoOn Chiko Maurine Stuart

Power and Responsibility

From the Wild Unknown Tarot, the Father of Pentacles; from the Pictish Oracle, the Arch:

          Antler growth in a deer depends on age, good nutrition and genetics. This buck looks like he's been blessed with all three. The Father of Pentacles is all about stability, whether it is providing for his family or keeping his community safe. He's a savvy entrepreneur who will investigate an opportunity and take a risk if the odds are good. Though he is known to be generous, he is no one's enabler.
          Eleven Pictish stones have been identified with an arch, each one slightly different than another. This symbol has been suggested to be a bridge, rainbow or torc (neck ring), but is likely not a horseshoe since there is no evidence that Pictish horses were shod. Two of the keywords give for this symbol are 'oath' and 'status' (associated with a torc). Together with the Father of Pentacles, it suggests a responsibility to help guide and nurture others who are less fortunate. In the words of Theodore Roosevelt, "I believe in power; but I believe that responsibility should go with power."

Every man must decide whether he will walk in the creative light of altruism or the darkness of destructive selfishness.  This is the judgment.  Life’s persistent and most urgent question is “What are you doing for others?” ~ Martin Luther King Jr.

Another Look at Balance

From the Neuzeit Tarot, the Two of Pentacles; from Rory's Story Cubes, Arch:

          This is the third card I've drawn this week that relates to balance. With the Two of Pentacles, its focus is squarely in the realm of the physical. It's time to audit how I "spend" my finances, health, energy and time. The coins and lace appear to overlay a galaxy in the background, suggesting I look at the bigger picture. There will always be some sort of crisis going on, in my life or the life of someone I care about. Even in these situations, I am cautioned not to become overloaded and drain my account dry. The Arch resembles a gateway into a temple; if seems to be an invitation to cross into a different mental space. I'm currently reading a book by Ezra Bayda in which he offers a twist on the question, "How would you spend your time if you only had one day to live?" Instead he asks what would you do different - how would you change your routine and normal response to life - if you knew you would have to live this way eternally? Now that was a slap upside the head for me. I would place my health and spiritual practice higher on my priority list, and I would have more fun. As the saying goes, there's no time like the present.

Torch or Tinder?

From the Wild Unknown, the Seven of Wands; from the Pictish Oracle, the "Arch:"

One branch stands upright and blazing in the night, while six other "dead" branches wave below it. Why does there always seem to be a group that tries to put out the creative fire of another person? I can think of a couple of reasons. She might be younger than the rest and labeled an "upstart." Her ideas might threaten the status quo and (they fear) topple tradition. Or, the others might envy her for the recognition she gets, wanting to be acknowledged and rewarded themselves. However, they might simply be "trolls," who delight in ruining the joy and image of others because it makes them feel better about themselves. 

Though the Arch symbol resembles a horseshoe, it is very unlikely that it is; there is absolutely no archaeological evidence that the Picts ever shod their horses. However it does resemble an artifact of jewelry that they are well-known for: torcs, or neck rings. The torc represented the wearer's power and authority. In combining this symbol with the Seven of Wands, there is a warning to use one's power with good intent and for the benefit of all. While it might be nice to wipe off those smug smiles, feed them a large helping of crow, and place my boot on the back of their necks, it would bring me down to their level of understanding and compassion. Then I'd eventually be waving a dead branch too.

Creating Mindfully

From the Greenwood Tarot, the Greenwoman (Empress):

At first glance, I thought this was the Greenman until I noticed the feminine face. I think it is important to realize these two cards are not literally male and female, but represent two sides of the same coin when it comes to nature and creation. The feminine side produces growth and abundance; the masculine side protects and provides limits. The head of the Uffington horse on the large, golden torc suggests the Greenwoman moves at a gallop. Plow under a field, ignore it for just a while, and upon your return it will be full of weeds, flowers and tree saplings. This force of nature is what supplies us with beauty and sustenance, but as the dragon represents, sometimes that force can be overwhelming and rampant (think of the kudzu vine). The Greenwoman encourages me to create in whatever ways my talents and passion lead me (indicated by the Sheila-na-gig on the cauldron). Yet I might keep in mind that perhaps one bowlful is all I should try to handle right now, otherwise I might accidentally spill something important along the way.

From the Pictish Oracle comes the "Arch:"

Eleven stones have been identified with an arch, each one slightly different from the others. Scholars have suggested this symbol might represent a bridge, rainbow or torc (neck ring). Although it resembles a horseshoe, there has been no evidence uncovered that Pictish horses were shod. Again the card and the tile reflect each other with a torc and a torc-like image. For Iron Age Celts, the golden neck ring identified the wearer as a person of high rank and status. The symbol of the Arch reminds me that to some extent, I enjoy self-sovereignty. The decisions I make and the actions I take are my responsibility. There is no higher authority to blame; the majority of the good and bad things I've experienced lead directly back to me. I need to be mindful of the consequences that might be produced by what I create. Such freedom always comes with the price tag of accountability.