Busy Bee

From the PetraK Tarot, the Empress; from the Astrodice, Mercury in Pisces, Fourth House:

The wise man doesn't give the right answers, he poses the right questions.

—Claude Levi-Strauss

The Empress represents unconditional love, mercy, passion and creativity. But above all, she is the power of change and renewal, a force that nourishes but also modifies. She's only a hologram on her throne; she's constantly busy designing what she thinks those around her need. Mercury in Pisces has an intuitive, empathetic communication style; people on the receiving end feel they are listened to and understood. It's not just the ears but the heart that hears and offers them home-like comfort. This roll emphasizes the need to ask questions and listen in order to understand what people need instead of assuming we already know. This method is kinder and much more useful.

Living Musically

From the PetraK Tarot, Art/Temperance; from the Astrodice, Moon in Gemini, First House:

In the end we shall have had enough of cynicism, skepticism and humbug, and we shall want to live more musically. ―Vincent Van Gogh

Unlike Temperance in RWS based decks, the PetraK Tarot sees this card from a Thoth perspective. There is no walking a fine line between extremes, but a wholesale effort to combine contradictory or opposite elements into one pot. Nothing is ignored; all parts are included to enrich the whole. When researchers measure light as a particle or wave, they find what they are looking for. Yet in a sense, light is both wave and particle, and it is neither. When we stop expecting and assuming, separating what we prefer from what we don't, we discover a much more diverse and astonishing world. The Moon in Gemini within the First House describes a person who is a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions, while continually tuned in and soaking up those of others. All the while, nothing is hidden. There are no deceptive intentions or agendas. Receptivity and honesty are tools that can help us live "more musically."

Seasonal Activity

From the PetraK Tarot, the Ace of Disks; from the Astrodice, Uranus in Scorpio, 6th House:

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.

—Ecclesiastes 3:1

Just as the seasons change, this disk spins. At certain times, we are given the raw materials to create, grow or heal. All that is needed is our willingness and effort before the opportunity passes us by. As Michelangelo stated, "There is no greater harm than that of time wasted." In the Astrodice roll, the revolutionary energy of Uranus melds with Scorpio's intensity, transforming daily work and health routines. Just because something looks new or unusual doesn't mean it won't be useful!

Speaking of seasons, this is the kind of summer we're having here in South Georgia:

That's about 39 C. Add in our humidity, and the heat index bumps up to 113 F/45 C. 

Intentional Choices

From the PetraK Tarot, the Magician; from the Astrodice, Neptune in Pisces, 7th House:

Intentional living is the art of making our own choices before others' choices make us. 

—Richie Norton

This undefinable Magician moves along the narrow path between illusion and reality, imagination and the concrete world. He symbolizes active will and the possibility of making an idea come true. His first step is creating an intention - focusing his mind one a specific goal then mentally organizing the factors needed to carry it out. But the AstroDice roll implies there might be a distraction ahead. Partnerships for Neptune in Pisces tend to be like a sponge, soaking up each other's energy and emotions. As Melody Beattie wrote, "We take things to heart that we have no business taking to heart." It's okay to have our own sense of self and spend time creating what we want and need.

No Ladders

From the PetraK Tarot, the Three of Swords; from the Astrodice, Jupiter in Pisces, 4th House:

No matter how bad things are, you can always make things worse.

― Randy Pausch

The Sword suit is double-edged, both a gift and a whammy with its honesty and clarity. Just as we're skipping through life, blissfully unaware of things, a sword gets driven into the ground in front of us. We are forced to wake up to reality, no matter how painful. After several years of disciplined exercise, healthy eating, prescribed supplements and infusions for osteoporosis, my latest tests showed no improvement but a decline. The radiologist said I've got a 50% chance of a hip fracture. I was not prepared for that bit of reality. The Astrodice roll suggests I let compassion and my spiritual path expand my perception instead of panicking. I obviously have some little quirk that is resisting treatment. I am working closely with my doctor, who has ordered some unusual tests (all the usual ones are fine) to see if the cause can be uncovered. She has said there are also injections that might be an option. I have done what I can and will put my fear and disappointment on the shelf as I wait for results and her recommendations. I do not want to squander what is good with worry, but I will not be climbing ladders for a while!

Shared Project

From the PetraK Tarot, the Princess of Discs; from the Astrodice, Venus in Taurus, Eighth House:

Perhaps the secret of living well is not in having all the answers but in pursuing unanswerable questions in good company. —Rachel Naomi Remen

The Princess of Discs is quiet and reserved but hardworking and trustworthy. Like the light that infuses her body, she is open to new ideas and projects. However, once one is chosen, she maintains her focus and locks onto a target to ground it in practical ways. Venus in Taurus within the 8th house creates a slow moving but deeply intimate relationship filled with the pleasures of sharing what each partner brings to the table. What better endeavor could there be than an exciting project to work on together as long as there is patience in the mix?

Seeking the Gifts

This week I'll be using the PetraK Tarot, created by Petra Reiter-Köck and published by Piatnik. The oracle I'll be using this week is the AstroDice, created by Wessex Astrologer Ltd. It consists of three dice: one for Planets, one for Signs and one for Houses. Today's draw and roll are Death and Neptune in Cancer, 1st House:

No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man. ―Heraclitus

I'm currently reading Joan Chittister's Gift of Aging. In her introduction, she states that the book is not about dying because we don't need to get old to die. Change and loss begin soon after we're born as a natural part of impermanence. In Petra's card, the scorpion represents the sting of loss, but the butterfly symbolizes the beauty and understanding that can come too. Yet if we cling to tightly to the sting, we miss the gift. Neptune in Cancer within the 1st House suggests being viewed by others as a person who drifts toward people and places that feel like emotional home. In times of great change and bereavement, that seems like a sane and safe response in order to learn to accept and to heal.

80% Behavior

From the PetraK Tarot, the Knight (King) of Discs; from the Astrodice, Mercury/Sagittarius/6th House:

Personal finance is only 20% head knowledge. It’s 80% behavior!

– Dave Ramsey

This Knight (King) of Discs reminds me of the saying "keep your head above water." This fellow, who has enough earth to restrain his fire, knows how to manage finances when things are good or bad. Not a person to take risks, he is known for being prudent and practical. He concentrates on the tasks that need his attention and avoids unnecessary distractions. Besides communication, Mercury is also known for problem solving, which works well with the curiosity and desire to learn of Sagittarius. The 6th House deals with work and well-being. Together with the Knight of Discs, they suggest that we don't assume we're managing our finances and health wisely but to investigate the evidence. We need to be able to keep our heads up when waters rise.

McSteamy

From the PetraK Tarot, the Prince (Knight) of Cups; from the Astrodice, Saturn/Sagittarius/8th House:

But your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Without, everything seems discordant; only within does it coalesce into unity. Who looks outside dreams; who looks inside awakes. ~Carl Jung

The steamy Prince of Cups is a combination of fiery passion and watery, emotional depths - the airy part of water. He is clever and open-minded as well as sensitive, creating a personality that is both introspective and expansive.  The Prince is learning how to shape his desires into reality. The 8th House, which represents what our relationships can bring us and how we can get the most out of them, is tempered with the curiosity and honesty of Sagittarius. It is further limited by the structure and discipline of Saturn. As Jung writes, we should not mistake our outer projections for reality; instead, we should dive within and explore the root of our desires to discover what will give our life a deeper meaning.

The Next Generation

From the PetraK Tarot, the Ten of Discs; from the Astrodice, Uranus/Taurus/4th House:

Legacy is not what I did for myself. It's what I'm doing for the next generation.

—Vitor Belfort

If we charted the way we spent our time, energy and money for a month, what would it look like? How we live and expend these resources will create the legacy we will leave for those who come behind us. We might like to judge ourselves by our intentions, but others will base their assessment on our actions. Perhaps following the Dalai Lama's advice would be wise: if you can't help, at least don't harm. Uranus suggests that, although we all have long to-do lists, we breakthrough our busyness for altruistic purposes (though Taurus reminds us not to neglect things that are actually necessary). The 4th House tells us to begin with home and family and work outward. 

Less "You"

From the PetraK Tarot, the Seven of Cups; from the Astrodice, Sun/Capricorn/4th House:

The less 'you' there is, the greater the level of awareness. ~Michael H. Brooks

What is missing from this card? A person. Selfing (selfishness, self-centeredness, self-referencing) creates blinders and filters that separate us from reality, distorting the decisions we make. The best choice for emotional fulfillment often gets overlooked by the options that appear to be more fun, might improve social standing or could be the easiest way to success. When the real world impinges on our fantasy, the veil lifts briefly. If we can take our "I" out of the equation, if only briefly, we might make saner choices. In the Astrodice roll, the vitality and drive of the Sun merges with the patience and hard work of Capricorn. However, the 4th House suggests these efforts be made toward our home and family rather than seeking contentment outside of our domestic refuge.

Don't Add Fuel

From the PetraK Tarot, the Queen of Cups; from the Astrodice, South Node/Virgo/3rd House:

Real equanimity isn’t indifference. It’s the capacity to be present with your whole being and not add fuel to the fire. —Jack Kornfield

People love to be around this attentive queen because her calm demeanor has a way of rubbing off on whomever she's around. It's not that she doesn't get angry, sad or worried - she does, but she doesn't identify her life as an emotion. She would tell us uncomfortable feelings are simply energetic messengers that show up because we are in opposition to the way things are. South Node suggests that we have emotional habits that make us feel secure. Yet by using Virgo's focus, we can resist letting our emotions override reality when we relate to others (3rd House).

Move on Down the Road

From the PetraK Tarot, the Five of Wands; from the Astrodice, Mercury/Gemini/1st House:

A perfectly straight shot with a big club is a fluke.

—Jack Nicklaus

When we want to get something accomplished as efficiently as possible, multiple obstacles or distractions will likely appear. Particularly when this is a joint venture, there always seem to be a variety of ideas about how things should proceed. Rather than getting frustrated and angry, we can remember our goal or purpose. Mercury's skill in thinking and communicating logically combines with Gemini's ability to be versatile and branch out. The 1st House (how others see us and how we relate to our world) suggests that instead of trying to hold the conductor's baton, we listen and discuss things openly as a member of the orchestra. If everyone feels heard, things are likely to move on down the road a little bit quicker.

Seasons

This week I'll be using the PetraK Tarot, created by Petra Reiter-Köck and published by Piatnik. I'll be pairing with this deck a roll from the Astrodice, a kit produced by The Wessex Astrologer Ltd. Today's card and roll are the Ace of Discs and South Node/Aries/6th House:

Our character is basically a composite of our habits. 

—Stephen Covey

This disc hovers between a tree with green leaves and a branch of autumn leaves. Our life is made of changing seasons, when some things in our physical world need more of our attention than others. Home repairs, more sleep, a closer eye on our spending, or addressing health concerns are all part of our own changing seasons. The South Node points out how our experiences have shaped and formed our habits and patterns. The 6th House focuses on daily routines, including our health and wellness. Together with Aries, these dice suggest we make an assertive and energetic effort to change any unhealthy tendencies so that we enjoy a season of well-being rather than tolerate one of discontent and discomfort.

Delightful Season

From the PetraK Tarot, the Nine of Wands; from the Astrodice, Mercury/Gemini/8th House:

Eight burned out matches and one aglow on an orange ball makes me think of George Harrison singing that while it's been a long, cold lonely winter, the sun is on its way. I've often heard that a balance of gratitude and tenacity can serve a person in good stead when things are tough while remembering change is coming. Getting older means dealing with a body that begins to wear down, but I've decided to make the words of poet Sandra Cisneros my motto as I age: "I am a woman of a delightful season." The Mercury/Gemini/8th House roll suggests a conversation about the cycles of life and their meaning. Today is a good day for pondering them, but with a mind and heart full of appreciation.

Not All or Nothing

From the PetraK Tarot, the Four of Discs; from the Astrodice, Mercury/Gemini/7th House:

Be moderate in prosperity, prudent in adversity. 

~Periander

In this painting, the lower, smaller discs seem constricted by some outer covering. Yet the top two discs are larger and unencumbered, producing a bright light or energy. We all get squeezed by circumstances from time to time, whether physically (energy and health), financially or time-wise. We may barely have enough 'shine' to keep ourselves upright and afloat. But when we have some extra shine to spare, we may remember others who are currently treading water and practice kindness rather than restraint. The Astrodice roll implies a merging of communication, sociability and relationships. While we all have preferences with regard to introversion or extroversion, moderation might serve us well.

I’m both an introvert and extrovert. I love people, but I need to be alone. I’ll go out to meet people, but it has an expiration because I have to recharge. If I don’t find the valuable alone time I need to recharge, I cannot be my highest self.

~Denzel Washington

Relax, Release, Resist Nothing

From the PetraK Tarot, the Two of Swords; from the Astrodice, Mars/Gemini/6th House:

We can approach our lives as an experiment. In the next moment, in the next hour, we could choose to stop, to slow down, to be still for a few seconds. We could experiment with interrupting the usual chain reaction and not spin off in the usual way.

—Pema Chodron

The swords lying on their sides and the pastel colors of this card suggest this person took Chodron's words (above) to heart. To pause for a few moments without feeding the mind allows the aggressive feeling that we must choose NOW to pass. When a modicum of peace can wedge itself within us, we realize the only real danger is making an impulsive decision. Even when dealing with difficult choices, such clarity can help us see that the easier choice might be the worst one down the line. The Sixth House from the Astrodice roll involves health or work - two areas where discernment needs to be exercised. Yet the fiery nature of Mars and the restlessness of Gemini might push us into a spin again. Relax, release, resist nothing. Let the mud settle, the water clear and the right choice will be apparent.

Steeping

From the PetraK Tarot, the Knight (King) of Cups; from the Astrodice, Southern Node/Pisces/9th House:

This Knight/King seems to be steeping in his cup like a tea bag, reminding me of Eleanor Roosevelt's words: "A woman is like a tea bag. You never know how strong it is until it’s in hot water." So don't let the kind, compassionate gaze of this fellow fool you - he's both capable and composed no matter what hits the fan. He knows how to express and control his own emotions as well as interpret, understand, and respond appropriately to the emotions of others. The South Node represents the natural skills or gifts that we were born with which help with our purpose in life. Pisces tends toward sensitivity, spirituality and the arts. The Ninth House is an exploration into philosophy, psychology and spirituality - what will shape our ideals and ethics. These are the areas that can help ground us, allowing us to 'steep' without losing our head or values. 

Real Love

From the PetraK Tarot, the Lovers; from the Astrodice, Jupiter/Libra/3rd House:

Real love ought to be more like a tree and less like a flower.

― Mya Robarts

The multiple pairs of people and animals remind me of the phases of love. In the beginning, there is lust and infatuation. Time spent together seems to shrink one's world down to two rather than expand it. But if it has the ability to mature and develop, it becomes something different and wonderful - a deep friendship as well. As Leon Uris put it: "Love can’t mature in one room. It has to come out of the full sharing of everything: joys, aspirations, downfalls, all of it. That’s the only real path to love." The keywords for the Astrodice might be joy-spreader/diplomacy/communication. In the evolution of love, we learn to communicate our thoughts and feelings with respect for the other rather than intimidation or manipulation. It is heartfelt sharing rather than withholding that bonds us and creates joy and contentment.

Fast Flowing

From the PetraK Tarot, the Five of Discs; from the Astrodice, Saturn/Libra/12th House:

The sands of time, money, and energy flow quickly through two discs while three other discs attempt to stem the flow. We are burning through our days with nothing left over, creating worry and stress. It is interesting that this Five of Discs represents things in the physical realm, while the Astrodice roll shows the 12th House that rules all things not in the material realm (the unconscious, our deepest thoughts and emotions). Is there something hidden in the unconscious that is driving this behavior? Saturn suggests we meet our challenges with prudence and perseverance, while Libra instructs us to correct imbalances. What is the solution? Pay attention to what is going on now (including what is running through our mind) and don't let the choke collar of unfounded thoughts or intense emotions jerk us around.