Mental Transition

This week I'll be using the Victorian Romantic Tarot, a deck and book set published by Magic Realist Press and created by Karen Mahony and Alex Ukolov. Along with it, I'll be using the Flowers' Messages Oracle, published by Éditions Universelles du Verseau and created by Annie Marquier and Véronique Dumont. Today's draws are the Six of Swords and "Begonia:"

          The companion book speaks of a mental transition occurring in the Six of Swords. Judging by the muscle behind the rowing, I would assume this shift in perception is requiring some effort. On this Sunday in churches across America, I imagine the congregants will be trying to adapt to the Supreme Court's recent decision. Personally, it makes me happy; one more civil right enforced for any minority is a good thing in my book. As Lin Jensen stated, " I cannot keep love alive in my own heart if I would deny the same to someone else. Love is not selective in that way but is rather an affectionate generosity that wishes the same for all." Such a decision helps in other ways, which Begonia represents - self-acceptance. All that spewing of hatred and shame because a person is different makes it difficult for him or her to love themselves. Life is hard enough as it is; I'd prefer not to add to anyone's heavy load.

Sharing Talents

From the Victorian Romantic Tarot, the Three of Cups:

These women - the scholar/writer, the artist, and the musician - are friends who have gathered to have fun and share their talents with each other.  This card reminds me of my great-grandmother who, with her sisters, left husbands and children to tour Europe in the early 1900's.  Each sister had a task depending on her skills, such as journal keeper, money manager, or excursion planner.  Now, almost 100 years later, I can read all about their adventures abroad in the daily notes that were kept.  I don't have a stadium full of friends, but those I do have are very diverse in their beliefs, knowledge, and skills.  These differences are of no consequence because of our love and respect for each other, and they make our get-togethers even more enjoyable and exciting.  

From the Flowers' Messages, the "Begonia - Self Acceptance:"

Like the card above, my friends have amazing talents, whether as an artist, quilt-maker, nurse, mother, academic, or spiritual trailblazer.  It is sometimes hard not to compare myself to them and find my talents in many areas sorely lacking.  Yet if I am honest with myself, I know that I have gifts as well.  What a dull world this would be if we all shared the same talents!