Agree to Disagree

From the Tyldwick Tarot, the Two of Cups; from the Antiquarian Lenormand, the Bear:

Our shared values define us more than our differences.

―John McCain

In a formal English garden, two huge flower containers sit on pedestals while separated by a triangular obelisk. Like the two planters, humans who would normally consider themselves friends or partners can elevate their opinions to the point where they divide themselves from each other. Yet the flowers are very similar, suggesting a commonality. Relationships between people usually occur because they share values, interests, or goals, but these seem to be forgotten. The Lenormand Bear implies strength, power and protection. It asks us if differing opinions are more important than protecting our relationship. Perhaps it is time to take Malcolm Forbes words to heart: "Diversity: the art of thinking independently together."

No Exceptions?

From the Norse Tarot, the Emperor; from the Viking Lenormand, the Bear:

The young man knows the rules, but the old man knows the exceptions.

~Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

The Emperor is represented by Tyr, a principal war god of the Norse and an upholder of the law. Just as Odin sacrificed an eye in pursuit of wisdom, Tyr offered his hand in support of the law. He was considered the guardian of treaties, oaths, and contracts. One look at his commanding presence (highlighted by the red sky and his red robe), and a person might rethink breaking any rules or vows. The Bear reinforces his strength and power as well as his role as protector. But there is a danger of being 'overbearing,' to see the laws in black and white. The truly wise person knows that there exceptions.

Its Beauty Only

From the Tyldwick Tarot, the Fool; from the Antiquarian Lenormand, the Bear:

Taking a walk

I saw

a wildflower.

Not knowing its name

I saw

its beauty only.

—Ok-Koo Kang Grosjean

This Fool/jester is about to step through the mirror into another reality. His greyhound waits, anticipating the adventures ahead. The featureless artist mannequin suggests someone not yet shaped by the conditions of life, someone with a beginner's mind. The Bear (from a 1690 illustration of Ursa Major) implies power. What is the Fool's power? His mind holds no preconceptions and expectations, judgments and prejudices. As such, he sees things as they are, without the contamination of fear or demands. What a great way to start a morning!

Endless Possibilities

From the Llewellyn Tarot, Judgment; from the Beasts of Albion, Bear:

          One legend of the death of King Arthur describes how the bodies of Arthur and his men were put into a special cave. It is said that when the world is in need of admirable leadership, they would rise again. Likewise, Bear represents a dormant quality or ability that is awakened and emerges. It is easy to point the finger at political leaders and the self-serving management they presently offer. But what if this is personal - not 'out there' - but something that needs to be nourished and cultivated within me? The list of possibilities is endless, but perhaps today I could just choose one to water and nurture.

Grace, respect, reserve, and empathetic listening are qualities sorely missing from the public discourse now. ~Meryl Streep

Froglessness

From the Shining Tribe Tarot, the High Priestess; from the Animal Tiles, Bear:

FROGLESSNESS

The first fruition of the practice

is the attainment of froglessness.

When a frog is put

on the center of a plate,

she will jump out of the plate

after just a few seconds.

If you put the frog back again

on the center of the plate,

she will again jump out.

You have so many plans.

There is something you want to become.

Therefore you always want to make a leap,

a leap forward.

It is difficult

to keep the frog still

on the center of the plate.

You and I

both have Buddha Nature in us.

This is encouraging,

but you and I

both have Frog Nature in us.

That is why

the first attainment

of the practice—

froglessness is its name.

~Thich Nhat Hanh

The stillness, receptivity, and curiosity cultivated by the High Priestess lead to insight, but Bear reminds us that this is not the end goal. Just as the Bear must end his torpor in the Spring, so we must act on the understanding and illumination we've received. With insight, we can make wise leaps.

Red vs. Blue

From the Tyldwick Tarot, Temperance; from the Antiquarian Lenormand, the 'Bear:'

          The painting in this card is the goddess Iris, who watered the clouds with ocean water from her pitcher. She was a personification of the rainbow and a messenger between heaven and earth. Cloaked in red and blue, Iris represents a balance of passion and logic. Though we all have a rainbow of emotions (our passionate side), it benefits us to use an equal dose of reason with them. Neither the head nor the heart is a perfect navigator on its own, but together they are stronger and wiser than they are separate (a mix of common sense and compassion). The Bear from the Lenormand cards represents strength and resources. Many people prefer to follow their heart while others prefer their mind, but the Bear reminds us that both these resources are needed.

The door to the mind should only open from the heart. ― Joy Harjo

Drop Anchor

From the Shining Tribe Tarot, the Ace of Stones (Pentacles); from the Animal Tiles, 'Bear:'

          This standing stone reminded me of the natural formation found in Australia known as Uluru. Sacred to the Aboriginees, Uluru stands less than a fourth of a mile tall yet extends over a mile and a half underground. The Shining Tribe companion book suggests anchoring oneself in ordinary things. Thinking may get a lot of credit in our culture, but concrete action is what will actually help secure and stabilize things. If the weather will cooperate, today may be a good day for digging in the soil; it is one of the best solutions for grounding my body, mind, and spirit. The Bear symbolizes strength, a stable foundation, and healing. Bear doesn't get in a hurry unless there is an emergency situation. She reminds me to go slow and seek progress rather than perfection. It's only when I believe that life must bend to my will that I become panicked. In the words of Baloo the Bear, "Don't spend your time looking around for something you want that can't be found."

Rousing the Bear

From the Llewellyn Tarot, the Page of Pentacles; from the Beasts of Albion, the Bear:

          This Page might be a student, but he is also a tinkerer and amateur naturalist. He wants to apply the knowledge he learns to shape his world, looking for what will help make it better. Reading a wide variety of books and willing to learn any useful skill, his openness is what often leads to new innovations and results later. The Page of Pentacles' heart lies in the earth; the more he learns about the physical world, the more invested he becomes in protecting it. His challenge will be in maintaining this level of appreciation rather than developing an obsession for the material comforts the land can provide. Gray suggests the sleeping Bear represents "contained strength and power." If the Page can maintain his love and gratitude for the earth, he will be a fierce advocate for it. He will understand why its resources need to be used carefully and mindfully without upsetting its balance.

We’re in a giant car heading towards a brick wall and everyone’s arguing over where they’re going to sit. ~ David Suzuki

Buildings and Bears

From the Tyldwick Tarot, the Six of Wands; from the Antiquarian Lenormand, the "Bear:"

          The laurel wreath in the Staves card is a call back to the Greek wrestlers on the Five of Staves card I pulled this past Tuesday. It implies a challenge was met and conquered. The Greek/Roman architectural design would likely have been a plan for a temple to honor a god or goddess. The design reminds me of the temple built by Octavian (Augustus) to honor Mars after winning the battle of Philippi. Any leader worth his salt won't fail to recognize those who helped him secure his victory, whether god or human. Some of my greatest successes only materialized because I listened to the input of others, leaned on their support and learned from their wisdom.
          Bento uses an Ursa Major illustration for Bear. The Latin name for this constellation means "Greater Bear." It sounds like a title given to a triumphant person at the top of their game (like golfer Jack Nicklaus, know as the "Golden Bear"). In Lenormand-speak, this card can represent both strength and protection. This bear is facing the Six of Staves as if on guard. I am reminded that the second half of any victory involves maintaining it; my own complacency can be my worst enemy.

Fear vs. Love

From the Revised New Art Tarot, Death; from the Viking Lenormand, "Bear:"

          The booklet speaks of the "irresistible impulse of Nature;" the physical realm wears down, breaks and dies. There are endings that keep pace with the beginnings. Yet the authors claim this is only "reabsorption" - what is destroyed is form but not life. Matter moves to spirit (the square merging with the triangle). I've always viewed Death as symbolic, but seeing it this morning gave me a jolt. My mother-in-law (age 94) had a fall last night and is now in the hospital. It is a tenuous thread from which we dangle in this physical world. Yet the she-bear shows up and reminds me of the strength of love, of the sturdy shoulders that can carry weight that would otherwise seem impossible. As Omid Safi expressed, "the path of love is not being impervious to fear. It is simply the stubborn refusal to let fear have the last word."

Help and Hindrances

The deck I'll be using this week is the World Spirit Tarot, created by Lauren O'Leary and Jessica Godino and published by Llewellyn. Today's card is the Three of Pentacles:

An artist shows her work to a man who considers which design he prefers. Will he use it to create a pattern on fabric, an ad or as a part of a mural? I am reminded of how many people things filter through before they actually become a product to buy. A farmer buys seed and harvests the crop and then sells it to grocers (or canning companies), who then sell it to us. The Pictish Oracle I created (sidebar above) was drawn and researched by me, but I had neither the tools nor the know-how to burn the designs into pieces of wood. I had to ask and rely on Alaska Laser Maid (Deborah) on Etsy for her expertise in that area. Sometimes my brain bubbles with creative ideas, but I squash them because I think I have no resources or skills to complete the finished product. The Three of Pentacles reminds me to reach out and connect to others who may be able to give me the help I need.

The oracle I'll be using this week is the Mystic Glyphs, created by Barb Rogers and published by Red Wheel. Today's draw is "Bear:"

I've actually had people tell me that if something didn't flow smoothly, it was probably a sign I shouldn't do it. Now I get there are times when every door is closed (and there's not an open window in sight) and my options run out. But if I give up because I run into bumps and obstacles along the way without first looking for another route, I'll never accomplish anything. Bear encourages me to draw on my inner strength and not throw up my hands in despair when challenges come my way. Slow, steady persistence can overcome a lot of snags if I keep moving toward the goal.

Balancing System

From the Tyldwick Tarot, the Two of Coins:

Anyone who's ever had a hanging basket (or in this case bucket), knows how heavy it can get after you water the plant. The pulley system balances out the weight, making it easier to pull back up to its original position. The reddish tone of the bricks symbolizes the great amount of energy being expended. We only have a certain amount of time, energy and money to spread over all of our obligations - both those we want to do and those we must do. Like all "twos," this card is about choosing; in this case, deciding how we are going to "spend" our coins (time, energy, money). After the stress of yesterday - an overload of emotion, physical activity and eating - I need a balancing system to rein myself back in to a place of stability.

The card today from the Antiquarian Lenormand is the "Bear:"

Maree has used a 1690's illustration of Ursa Major to depict the Bear. When I think of a bear, I imagine a female fiercely protecting her cubs. As I try to "re-balance" myself after the indulgences of yesterday, I need to keep in mind that such discipline is not punishment but a way to take care of myself. There's nothing wrong with a celebratory day filled with good food and lots of folks, but I can't live that way. Today the quiet house, yoga and meditation, and a much simpler diet will help me feel better and more grounded. I know the stores are having all kinds of sales today, but I think I will give those a pass.

Powerful Partnerships and Self-Rule

From the Druidcraft Tarot, the Lovers:

In writing about this card, the Carr-Gomms state, "love requires surrender, and surrender requires choice." Surrender can be defined as relinquishing control to another, and if both companions do this (as in neither one wanting power over the other) a true, healthy partnership can be formed.  Choice is also an integral part, as I don't believe in being joined at the hip with anyone.  My husband and I have many separate interests as well as some in common.  Lately we have been busy with our own agendas, but today we've made it a point to spend some time together alone.  What an auspicious card for our day!

     From the Druid Animal Oracle comes the "Bear:"

Two keywords the authors associate with Bear are sovereignty and intuition.  Sovereignty involves having independent authority, or self-rule.  Many people say they want their independence, but they don't want the responsibility that comes with it.  It's much easier to let others do the work and make the hard decisions (and take the blame for them when things don't turn out as planned).  For those who do believe in making their own choices, their best guidance comes from within (miles past the ego) - their intuition.