Landscaping

From the Animal Totem Tarot, the Seven of Swords; from the Blum/Gern Rune Cards, 'Berkano/Growth:'

This ferret suggests deception is not always a bad trait. But before I start rationalizing my plans and actions along that line of thinking, I should ask myself a question: Is this helpful and kind or selfish and hurtful? If I'm the only beneficiary, then likely it falls into the second category. I recently omitted some information to a friend who was going in for a burn debridement; I thought knowing the pain she would endure would ultimately create anxiety and more pain. Was it the right thing to do? The edge of that sword is a tricky place on which to balance. The Berkano Rune deals with birth and growth and makes me pause to consider what seeds my thoughts and actions are planting that will sprout and mature. My choices will ultimately shape the landscape of my reality.

It is as though we are all artists, but instead of canvas and paint, or marble or music, as our medium, our very bodies, minds, and life experience are the materials of our creative expression.

—Joseph Goldstein

The Wide Plain

From the Shadowscapes Tarot, the Sun; from the Cedar Runes, 'Berkano:'

           The Sun brings clarity and wakefulness, not just on a mundane level, but a spiritual one as well. Understanding dawns; vision and purpose become clear. Such an awakening can create an energetic response full of confidence. Berkano, the rune of the birch tree, suggests birth and new ventures. Birch trees are considered a pioneer species, rapidly colonizing open ground after a disturbance or fire. Yet young sprouts and saplings need protection in order to grow. Travers states that this is also a rune of incubation, allowing time for things to mature. While the inclination may be to ride full tilt with plans on the wing, it may be prudent to spend some time planning and preparing oneself first.

Strange, that some of us, with quick alternative vision, see beyond our infatuations, and even while we rave on the heights, behold the wide plain where our persistent self pauses and awaits us.

― George Eliot,

Each Day a New Beginning

From the Victorian Fairy Tarot, the Three of Autumn (Pentacles); from the Haindl Rune Oracle, "Bar/Berkano:"

It's apple cider time in the land of fairy, and everyone seems to have an assigned role: gathering, slicing, carrying, squeezing or bottling. They are all cooperating to get the job done, but what is amazing is the look of happiness and contentment on their faces. I've had jobs where people did as little as possible and were only there to collect a paycheck. Then I've had other jobs where there was a sense of camaraderie, and even when chaos and confusion reigned, everyone pulled together and used humor to keep plugging along. I'm sure you can guess which type of employment I preferred.

Berkano is often translated as "birch" or "white, glistening." The second set of meanings makes me think of a new blanket of snow before man or beast has crossed it. Everything looks fresh and unspoiled, like a new coat of paint. Added with the tarot card, it reminds me that my attitude can make or break my day. If I wake up thinking "same old, same old," that's likely what my experience will be like. But if I see each day as a new beginning, even if I'm familiar with most of the actors and sets, I am more likely to be enthusiastic, eager to see what the day holds.  

Relationships are the Key

From the Shadowscapes Tarot, the Ten of Cups:

Under the salty sea, the lord and lady of the waves swim with their family of fish.  The sun shines overhead, sending its warming rays through the water.  The Ten of Cups is a card of emotional fulfillment, and in this particular card, there is more said by what is missing than what is there.  There is no castle under the sea and no "stuff" to put in it.  Why?  Because true, lasting joy and contentment cannot be found by accumulating things.  It comes from participating in and appreciating relationships - with humans, with Nature, and with the Higher Self.  I'll try to remember this lesson the next time a new deck catches my eye...

     From the set of cedar runes this morning comes "Berkano:"

Birch
leafy twig and little tree
and fresh young shrub.
Icelandic Rune Poem

The rune Berkano ("birch") suggests growth and renewal, an appropriate draw as the spring ends and summer begins.  The birch tree is considered a pioneer species - a species that is the first to establish itself on land cleared by fire, flood, or man.  I am reminded by this rune that life is constantly changing, and endings allow for new beginnings to take root.  Life doesn't lie fallow for long...