Wiser Than Before

From the Greenwood Tarot, the Eight of Cups; from the Rune Cards, Birch/Beorc:

We are the old people we are the new people

We are the same people wiser than before

~"Cauldron of Changes" chant

Potter's Eight of Cups includes the cauldron of transformation, a chance to pour all of the elements of oneself into the vessel in order to be changed for the better. This is not simply a geographical cure or trading in an old set of companions for some new ones. It is the realization that internal changes need to be made so that we no longer react to life in our usual habitual ways. Birch trees produce winged seeds that lack a hard outer shell, allowing them to germinate easily and quickly. For this reason it is a pioneer species, one of the first trees to 'rebirth' a land that has been disturbed by fire or storms. When we remove the hard shell of our mindset, we are able to see from a wider perspective and respond in more skillful and wholesome ways. A transformation truly takes place. 

Beginnings and Conclusions

From the Tarot of the Sidhe, Maker Seven (Seven of Pentacles/Earth); from the Green Man Tree Oracle, Birch:

          A Sidhe lass works to get a sacred circle of stones set up just right. Like an artist, she places one, steps back and checks alignment, then resets it if necessary. She's not focused on the hurried completion of her task, but with doing it mindfully. The right result rather than the finish line is what is important to her. As Carding writes, "The heavy toil will near an end when patience, heart and skill attend." Birch trees are considered a 'pioneer species' - hardy species which are the first to colonize previously disrupted or damaged ecosystems. It is no wonder then that this tree and its ogham are associated with fresh starts. The question asked by Birch is, "Do you think a good conclusion can be reached without a good beginning?" Thoughtful preparation followed by sustained effort will provide the best strategy for a successful ending.

Flying by the seat of your pants precedes crashing by the seat of your pants.

~ Bill Walsh

Watching Grass Grow

From the Anna K. Tarot, the Seven of Pentacles:

The usual RWS version of this card shows a farmer looking at the fruits his efforts have produced and taking note about how he might improve next year's harvest. Kleffinger's fellow has cleared the stones from his field, tilled the earth, planted the seeds and given them all a good drink of water. The outcome of his hard work, however, is just beginning to develop. He will need patience for his crop to mature. I am reminded by this card that my first impressions are often wrong. I've been surprised by people, projects and situations as I let each progress and unfold on their own timetable. There's no need to throw up my hands in exasperation yet.

From the Green Man Tree Oracle comes "Birch - Beith:"

 The color ban, or white, is associated with the birch tree and Beith and implies purity and self-discipline. As the first letter of the ogham, it is also related to new beginnings. In her book, Laurie asks, "How can I prepare for life? Where do I need self-discipline?" The tarot card above would encourage me to have patience and let things move at their own pace. But the Amanita muscaria mushrooms (hallucinogenic) growing next to one of the birch trees are a caution not to attempt to distract myself so I don't have to endure the wait. Part of the discipline is paying attention - some of the effort expended is internal.