Lead Soles

From the New Era Elements Tarot, the Six of Fire (Wands); from the Tao Oracle, 'Biting Through:'

          Another runner shows up today, this one winning a marathon. I can't imagine the daily challenges of training this young woman endured to make her body capable of such a long run. But that's the point of the Six of Fire; it isn't one mountain we have to climb over, but a mountain range. The trick in being persistent is to do it one day at a time, focusing only on the hill that's right in front of us. The Biting Through card (hexagram 21) deals with both obstacles and discernment. It is tempting to blame other people or life in general for any difficult situations we must deal with on our daily climb. But the Tao assures us that the root of suffering grows directly from the bottom of our own feet. To bite through the root, we must realize how our thinking is sabotaging our efforts. As the Buddha explains, "Attachment is the root of suffering." We need to figure out what expectations and assumptions have poured lead in our running shoes.

Fire and Wind

From the Art of Life Tarot, the Chariot; from the Tao Oracle, Biting Through:

 Do not go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Hexagram 21: Lightning accompanied by thunder.

          Getting a hot air balloon up or down simply involves increasing or decreasing the propane flow to the burner. But to move horizontally, the pilot must be aware of the winds. Since winds blow in different directions at different altitudes, he must ascend or descend to catch the one blowing in the direction he wants to go. Likewise, to move successfully toward a goal will require monitoring one's inner fire (will, thoughts and emotions) as well as being alert to any external distractions or obstacles along the path. Hexagram 21 suggests meeting those blocks with swift and decisive action. Sit still too long and its easy to get comfortable. Unless I apply some discipline and determination to stoke my fire, I'll be at the mercy of whatever wind blows my way.