A Little Literal

From the Rosetta Tarot, the Eight of Wands; from the Day of the Dead Lenormand, Book:

Don't watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going.

—Sam Levenson.

Meleen describes this card as a visual representation of the electrical stimulation of the brain. Fire enters the realm of intellect and knowledge, requiring swift decisions and creative solutions. The Book indicates knowledge and education. Sometimes the cards I pull are so literal, they make me laugh. Many years ago, when my daughter was young, I created a memorial to honor our ancestors for the fall equinox. The pictures were accompanied by trinkets and miniatures that described their lives. For instance, my great-grandmother had a tiny trunk because she spent months traveling overseas with her sisters (leaving behind husbands and children). I'm lucky in that my mother put together five booklets about the ancestors on her side (the family album for the Book!). I've decided to do this again, so I've been busy reading them and making notes, but I also need to do some research on my biological father. I never included him before, but as one teacher reminded me, my life wouldn't exist without him, and that's something. He was a medic helicopter pilot in Korea and Vietnam, so I'll find a little helicopter for him. I've got until September 22 to be ready!

Places to Go

From the Tyldwick Tarot, the Two of Staves; from the Antiquarian Lenormand, Book:

Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and diligence.

-Abigail Adams

The Two of Staves is illustrated with two spikes of a red hot poker (aka torch lily). One inflorescence (cluster of flowers) is in full bloom while another is just beginning. When we are enjoying the fruits of our efforts, it is tempting to think that extra will bring something even better. But 'more' of one thing often affects other things, like less time for enjoyment because of additional work or added worries and concerns. The Lenormand Book suggests learning and study, a wise choice before we make a decision we might regret. On the other hand, it could be as Dr. Seuss suggests: "The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go."

Hollow as Bamboo

This week I'll be using the Rosetta Tarot along with its companion book The Book of Seshet. This set was created by M.M. Meleen and published by Atu House. The oracle deck I'll be using is the Day of the Dead Lenormand, created and self-published by Edmund Zebrowski. Today's draws are the Nine of Wands and Book:

Meleen describes this card as a steady force that cannot be diverted, a strength supported by a purity of will. Such a force can be formidable, but that 'purity of will' might need to be balanced with evidence and discernment.  Our emotions and opinions may lead us to follow an ideal or a leader that looks impressive on the outside but is as hollow as bamboo on the inside. We may be so gung-ho that we cannot be distracted by what others might see as questionable ethics or methods. The Lenormand Book symbolizes hidden knowledge and secrets and suggests we don't have the full story. To borrow a question from President Joe Biden, are we willing to live not by the light of truth but in the shadow of lies? 

The Flow of Behavior

From the Nigel Jackson Tarot, the Nine of Cups; from the Viking Lenormand, Book:

          Without cable, I've been watching Lucifer on Netflix lately. I always find the answers interesting when he asks people "What is your deepest desire?" Desire drives people, sometimes in good ways and sometimes not. This morning with the Nine of Cups (wish card), I wonder what the manifestation of my wishes would bring. Would they be selfless or selfish? Would they be of benefit in the long run, or would they provide a brief bit of pleasure but then regret later? The Book card suggests information and knowledge, but it is the kind that requires effort on my part, such as research or education. Perhaps before I chase the next pleasure, I might spend time doing investigation and study.

Human behavior flows from three main sources: desire, emotion, and knowledge.

~Plato

Discerning Knowledge

From the Nigel Jackson Tarot, Temperance; from the Viking Lenormand, Book:

          The colors this angel wears suggest to me two extremes: the fiery passion of our beliefs, values and opinions (red) and the innocent mind that goes along with the flow (white). Jackson calls Temperance the supreme combination of opposites, which in this case might be called discernment. Living on this earth requires the ability to make decisions and act on them, so going with the flow (while sounding serene) is not always an option. If there are situations in my world that are unjust, harmful or destructive, I need to step out of that flow. On the other hand, completely operating from my preferences or prejudices places a veil in front of reality. All my preconceptions can keep me from seeing with clarity. If I am discerning (the middle way), I will be able to see what is actually unfolding without blinders. The Book suggests knowledge and information based in fact. There is so much fear and paranoia, hate and blame in the world right now, but most of it seems based in ignorance. It is easy for me to let my emotions outrun my intellect, and not ask myself, "Do I absolutely know this to be true?"

Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity. 

― Martin Luther King Jr.

Banks and Books

From the Neuzeit Tarot, the King of Pentacles; from Rory's Story Cubes, Book:

          I normally like the King of Pentacles, but this guy feels a little icky. I think it must be the microphone; it appears he's about to do an info-mericial. He reminds me of the TV preachers who sell prayer cloths or of a certain presidential candidate touting his wealth as proof he should be elected. This King might have the money, but I'm not so sure about his generous, kind nature. I'm fairly certain if this guy gives you a hand up, he's going to expect a hefty payback at a high interest rate. And even then, you may never get away from his influence. The Book cube reminded me of a woman from the book club I attend. The discussion one day turned to why most Jewish people were so intelligent and well educated. She (a Reform Jew) told us that the Jewish people have always been persecuted and run out of many countries. One of the few treasures they could always take with them was knowledge. The card and cube together illustrate a quote by Frank Baum: "No thief, however skillful, can rob one of knowledge, and that is why knowledge is the best and safest treasure to acquire."