Against the Current

 From the Sun and Moon Tarot, the Star; from the Animal Tiles, Beaver:

It means entering the stream of the river of life to go against the current.

―Stefano Bettera

The Star represents a turning point; the energy of its water can bring healing, hope and guidance. But we must first dip ourselves into the stream rather than grouse about our troubles on the bank. That is the step of awareness and acceptance - realizing how we got to this place and our part in getting us there. Beaver, with its excellent dam building abilities, represents industriousness. These animals are triggered by the sound of rushing water, an alert that there is a break or hole that needs to be repaired. Beaver suggests effort as our second step: we must swim against the stream of our conditioned patterns and habits. As Paulo Coelho reminds us, “When you repeat a mistake, it is not a mistake anymore: it is a decision.”

Our native azaleas (that come in shades of apricot, pink and white) resemble honeysuckle.

Don't Take Mussolini's Advice

From the Greenwood Tarot, the Knight of Stones (Pentacles); from the Rune Cards, Beaver (Ior):

We become strong, I feel, when we have no friends upon whom to lean, or to look to for moral guidance. ~Benito Mussolini

Potter's Knight of Stones is represented by a wolf and the Pictish rendition of a wolf; in Gaelic, wolf is Mac Tire, meaning "Earth's Son." The Celts thought of the wolf as a guardian and guide (Cormac - the Irish King - was said to have been reared by wolves). As much as we like to think of ourselves as independent and self-sufficient, we all need guidance and support at various points in our life. Otherwise, we may end up like Mussolini who followed no one's suggestions but his own and plunged Italy and most of Europe into darkness. True mentors don't tell us right the path to take but hold up a light so that we can see what lies down each path. The rune Ior is represented by a beaver, an animal that spends its time on land and in water. It suggests fluidity, an ease and ability to move between different thoughts and responses. Rather than being locked into one mode, we are able to choose what is most skillful and beneficial in each situation.

On a Leash

From the Prairie Tarot, the Four of Pentacles; from the Medicine Cards, Beaver:

Seeing this fellow on a locked chest suggests keeping our finances, physical health and time on a short leash. It's a very early spring for us in the South - the azaleas have already been in full bloom this February. Warmer weather after winter always makes me a little over-zealous in the 'doing' department. Yesterday, I cleaned the whole house, did two loads of laundry, hosed down the screened back porch, dumped out quite a few plants that froze, scrubbed the pots, and repotted some new plants. By evening I couldn't move. Beavers are ecosystem engineers with their capacity to alter their environments. They do not like the sound of running water because it signals a leak in their dam (which they immediately repair). I believe my body is in need of repair rather than activity, so I'll have to ignore my 'get-it-done' impulse today. 

Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.

― John Lubbock

Offerings Required

From the Shining Tribe Tarot, the Three of Wands:

How appropriate to draw the Three of Wands on Mother's Day.  Pythagoras considered the number three to be unique in that it equaled the sum of the two numbers preceding it.  Three was the "fruit" of One and Two, and though it may represent a child produced by parents, it could just as easily symbolize a pet adopted by roommates or a business begun by partners.  The decision to expand, no matter what the manner, will require an investment that goes far beyond  the initial excitement of something new.  Pollack uses three manitokans to illustrate this card, wooden spirit figures created by the Ojibwa people of Canada.  They were placed along rivers and hunting or traveling trails to indicate places of prayer and offerings.  For me, their wide arms represent opening to the challenges a new venture will require, as well as the sacrifices (offerings) that will be required of me.

From the wooden oracle tile chosen this morning is "Beaver:"

Anyone who has ever had to use a handsaw to cut down a tree will appreciate the effort a beaver expends in building a dam.  Dozens upon dozens of trunks and limbs are cut and interwoven to produce a lodge; damage done by weather, humans or predators result in constant damage control and remodeling.  There is never any complaining, just continuous hard work to do what must be done.  The beaver reminds me that I too need to avoid procrastination and take care of my obligations.  There will be time to enjoy the fruits of my labor, but first I must nurture and care for them.

Consider the Cost

  From the Tarot of Timeless Truth, the Seven of Cups:

This card is generally about making choices concerning what will help me find fulfillment.  After a stressful, sleepless night, my first thought would be to choose the cup that holds a sleeping pill that would knock me out for about 24 hours.  But I realize this solution wouldn't solve my problems, it would just keep me from dealing with them.  Vey, in her companion book, says to "consider the cost" when making such a decision.  Will it affect my integrity, health, relationships, or peace of mind?  I know those short-term bandaids will not heal the gaping wounds underneath.  I'm going to have to do some work with the spiritual tools I have, which means I'm in this for the long haul.

     From the Rune Cards comes "Beaver (Ior):"

Ior is a river fish and yet it always feeds on land;

it has a fair abode encompassed by water, where it lives in happiness.
~ Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem

The beaver is known for its industriousness in building a sturdy home with constant vigilance to keep it in good shape.  The lodge is built in rivers with an underwater entrance; the den inside is above the water line and has two sections, one for drying off and one for a living area.  This card reminds me that everyone needs a place where they can relax, feel secure, and find comfort.  Such a shelter can allow me the time to rest and regain my strength so I can better weather the storms outside. 

Discovering What I'm Made Of

  From the Shining Tribe Tarot today, I pulled the Star:

Pollack associates the woman in this image with Persephone, the Greek goddess who spent her winters in the underworld, but who came back to earth in the spring.  "It is part of our nature," Pollack writes, "that we must suffer and be tested in order to discover our true selves."  This card was like a spring breeze to me after struggling through the last few weeks.  But combined with the Wheel of yesterday, it lets me know that this cycle is about to change - sort of a pat on the back with a "hang in there" admonition.  Sometimes its hard to remember that the $hit that rains down may just be the fertilizer that helps me grow.  And as the author reminds me, it can have other benefits: "We not only change ourselves through our ordeals, we learn how to help others."  I look forward to the positive changes ahead...

     Today I drew "Beaver" from the wooden tiles, an animal I am quite fond of as you can tell by my blog avatar:

"Busy as a beaver" describes the hard-working, industriousness of this animal.  She has a plan, and come what may, she continues to build it.  Who would ever think such an animal could fell a tree and construct such intricate lodges?  Her perseverance (that borders on pure stubbornness) makes such an imposing task possible.  Though work is important, she is very family-oriented as well, and reminds me that there needs to be balance in all things.  Seeing my old friend show up this morning encourages me to keep paddling along, and not abandon what I've been working toward.