Learning and Supporting

From the Tabula Mundi Tarot, the Six of Wands; from the Words of the Brehon, "Three speeches better than silence:"

No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn. 

—Hal Borland

The Six of Wands arrives after a period of strife and challenge. Lessons were learned and insights gained that turned things around for us. The animals represent traits that were needed to get to this place: the lion represents strength and courage; the owl symbolizes vigilance and wisdom. It was much more than luck that got us here. The three speeches better than silence involve giving courage to those who are anxious, offering knowledge that might be of help, and praising someone for the skills gained through hard work. We are all struggling, sometimes with small things, other times with weighty matters. Offering words of support and encouragement can be the light that shines in the darkness of others. 

Tick Tock

From the Tabula Mundi Tarot, the Queen of Disks; from the Words of the Brehon, "Three things that show a weak man:"

It's your reaction to adversity, not adversity itself that determines how your life's story will develop. 

—Dieter F. Uchtdorf

The Queen of Disks is associated with Capricorn's sea-goat, a fitting symbol for someone who is sure-footed (capable) and able to move with the flow (resourceful). She takes pride in creating a haven for people and providing for their needs. She often acts as a facilitator, assisting and helping prepare others before they take on a big project or other endeavor. The Brehon's three things that show a weak man - bitterness, hatred, and cowardice - are all ways people try to duck reality rather than dealing with it. Inner strength allows us to move forward, keeping in mind what is truly important; to forgive, as we refuse to take everything personally; and stay grounded as we face adversity. This Queen would agree, reminding us that no one gets to hide in a refuge forever.

Wipe Your Feet

From the Tabula Mundi Tarot, the Three of Disks; from the Words of the Brehon, "Three sons whom folly bears to anger:"

I will not let anyone walk through my mind with their dirty feet. 

—Mahatma Gandhi

The Three of Disks is titled 'Work' - it shows what happens when our will flows consistently in a stream of effort. We begin to see our progress, which is encouraging and can keep us going. It's like mowing grass when it's hot outside; seeing how nice it looks when we're halfway done can keep us on task. This card encourages us to maintain our momentum and stay focused. The three foolish sons of anger from the Brehon card suggest self-absorption that shows up as resentment, a refusal to listen, and ridicule. Some folks can't abide others outshining them in any way. Don't get distracted or drawn in by their antics. Hold on to that determination!

After the Storm

From the Tabula Mundi Tarot, the Six of Cups; from the Words of the Brehon, "Three drops of life:"

If you want to see the sunshine, you have to weather the storm.

—Frank Lane

The intense emotions of pain, fear and frustration have passed, and now calm, contented pleasure arrives. Is there anything more wonderful? Of course, the seas of life never stay calm forever, yet our job (as Pema Chodron would tell us) is to make room for all of it. The Brehon card lists the drops of life as a drop of blood, a teardrop, and a drop of sweat. They represent physical vitality and life; deep love and empathy; and the effort of perseverance in the pursuit of purpose. To think that we can live a human without any hardships is pure fantasy. However, we can widen our perspective when we are going through these challenges so that we can notice the good as well.

Noticed or Admired?

From the Tabula Mundi Tarot, the Two of Wands; from the Words of the Brehon, "The three things that constitute a buffoon:"

Men value things in three ways: as useful, as pleasant or sources of pleasure, and as excellent, or as intrinsically admirable or honorable.  —Mortimer Adler

Dominion is the keyword for the Two of Wands; having dominion suggests we are the master of our 'house.' In other words, we use our will with wisdom, purposefully taking charge of the way our lives unfold. The Ace gave us an idea, now this second wand allows us manifest something with it. Whether we squander it or use it beneficially, it will become a piece of our reality. The Brehon card states that buffoons blow out their cheeks, satchels, and bellies. This saying points out people who are full of self-importance, like to boast about what they have, and are gluttons. Such a squandering of power begs the question, "Do we want to be noticed or do we want to be admired?"

Power Play

From the Tabula Mundi Tarot, the Two of Swords; from the Words of the Brehon, "Three laughing stocks:"

The mental flexibility of the wise man permits him to keep an open mind and enables him to readjust himself whenever it becomes necessary for a change. —Malcolm X

The Two of Swords in the Thoth tradition represent a peace gain through mental flexibility. Like the moon, we need to be able to change our ideas when necessary. Cognitive elasticity enables us to enhance our problem solving, regulate our emotions, and improve our relationships because we see other viewpoints. The angry man, jealous man and miser in the Brehon card are ridiculed because they are trying to control what they can't and lose the power they have. The angry man loses control to his emotions (which now control him); the jealous man loses the ability to fully appreciate and enjoy what he has; the miser becomes what he fears - functionally destitute - because he refuses to use his resources. If we can master our attitudes, then we can master change.

Effort's Honey

This week I'll be using the Tabula Mundi Colores Arcus Tarot, created and self-published by M. M. Meleen; I'll also be using the Words of the Brehon Oracle, created and self-published by Olivia Wylie. Today's draws are the Nine of Disks and "The three things for which a friend is hated:"

It’s not so much how busy you are, but why you are busy. The bee is praised. The mosquito is swatted. —Mary Flannery O’Connor

Gain is the keyword for the Nine of Disks, yet it doesn't refer to some unexpected windfall. It is a consequence of diligent and dedicated work: a satisfying result that allows for a comfortable cushion. The effort and energy we put in will be reflected in the outcome, but only if our work is beneficial and intentional. As O'Connor notes, we can be busy without actually doing anything useful. The "Three things for which a friend is hated: trespassing, a distant manner and fecklessness" also hints at what makes friendships solid: respecting boundaries, being warm and friendly, and taking responsibility for one's actions and promises. Friendship has many rewards, but as the bees would tell us, it requires time and energy to thrive. 

Courage and Wisdom

From the Tabula Mundi Colores Tarot, the Six of Wands; from the Words of the Brehon Oracle, Three sons:

Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction.

~John F. Kennedy

In the Six of Wands, the struggles and troubles we've been facing have been overcome. This is not some kind of lucky break that happened - we've had to wade through confusion, pain, and unhelpful influences. But a combination of strength and courage (lion) paired with vigilance and wisdom (owl) have helped us not only meet the challenge but grow and develop as well. The Three Sons are a nod to some of those unhelpful influences: people who are judgmental, contentious or sarcastic. We must be careful when choosing our allies; we need folks who will help find solutions rather than create more problems.

Stationary Stasis

From the Tabula Mundi Colores Tarot, the Hanged Man; from the Words of the Brehon, Three ill-bred sisters:

Surrender to what is. Say 'yes' to life — and see how life suddenly starts working for you rather than against you. ―Eckhart Tolle

As Odin discovered, acquiring wisdom can require sacrifice. For most of us, thankfully, we don't give up our right eye but our ideas about how things should be. As we hang in stationary stasis, we can fight reality or open and accept it, allowing our minds to download new concepts and approaches. As Alain de Botton encouraged, “Don't despair: despair suggests you are in total control and know what is coming. You don't - surrender to events with hope.” The Ill-bred Sisters represent a state of stagnation, refusing to budge mentally or physically. Change requires the courage to try new ideas and actions; it may be frightening, but it's better than steeping in fear.

Hiding and Suppressing

From the Tabula Mundi Colores Tarot, the Prince (Knight) of Cups; from the Words of the Brehon, the Three things that characterize a patient person:

What he feared most was that all this hiding had made it impossible for him to ever be found again.

― John Corey Whaley

With the emotional depths of water and the intellectual currents of air, the Prince of Cups has the ability to be an artistic soul or a philosopher. He can easily pick up on what is going on with other people, yet he often protectively hides his own emotions. In some social situations, hiding rather than unloading our feelings can be useful if not done all the time. However, emotional suppression actually increases the physical symptoms experienced with the emotional experience and can negatively affect our cognitive abilities. The Brehon triad lists the outer signs that show a person is patient. Even when trying to be forbearing, our 'tells' often show that we are gritting our teeth to hide an undercurrent of irritation. In the Prince's case, he might practice patience with his own feelings by learning how to express them appropriately and eventually understanding that they are natural and simply show that he's human.

Sanctuary

 From the Tabula Mundi Colores, the Ten of Cups; from the Words of the Brehon, Three ungentlemanly things:

Lighthouses don't fire cannons to call attention to their shining - they just shine.

—Dwight L. Moody

The Ten of Cups is described as satiety, the state of being fully satisfied. Like a river finally reaching the ocean, an emotional journey has come to an end. We can relax instead of being on constant alert, allowing ourselves to be content in the peace we've found. It won't last forever, but we need to appreciate and enjoy it while we can. The Brehon card warns of attention seekers - the interrupter, the chaos creator, and the dealer of discomfiture. Close the door, turn off the phone and social media; this time is necessary and sacred.

Finding the Why

From the Tabula Mundi Colores, the Universe; from the Words of the Brehon, the Three Deaths Better Than Life:

The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.

 — Mark Twain

After trials and tribulations (some self-created), we have reached the pinnacle of this phase of our development. We have found our North star, what will guide us in our endeavors in the next chapter of our life. The Irish triad sounds a bit harsh - how could any death be better than life? But what it may be pointing at was that each fulfilled a purpose. The red salmon spawned to continue its species, and perhaps the fat pig fed a starving family. The horse thief's choices might serve as a lesson to others (like the Titanic). Even if it's not something awe-inspiring to the whole world, we all have a purpose. 

Win-Win

From the Tabula Mundi Colores Tarot, the Ten of Pentacles; from the Words of the Brehon Oracle, the Three Glories of Speech:

Wealth is but dung, useful only when spread about.

— Chinese Proverb

The Ten of Disks shows the harvest that is the result of effort and will exerted. At the moment, we are comfortable and content. Yet how do we keep that energy moving, so that it continues to flow freely? M.M. Meleen writes, "Give your wealth inner and outer purpose beyond accumulation." Rather than hoarding, we wisely invest our energy, time or money in others. The Brehon triad espouses the steadiness, wisdom and brevity of speech. That's good advice for those of us trying to guide someone else in the use of finances. Creating hope and opportunity, whether through advice or resources, is a win-win for both sides. 

Better Use

This week I'll be using the Tabula Mundi Colores Arcus Tarot, created and self-published by M. M. Meleen; I'll also be using the Words of the Brehon Oracle, created and self-published by Olivia Wylie. Today's draws are the Queen of Disks and 'Three things that make a wise man foolish:'

A great deal of energy is wasted in hating people, and I can honestly say I’ve no wish to expend such a precious resource on being outraged about anyone.

—Kevin McCloud

Known for her good heart, this Queen is industrious, resourceful and practical. She is a firm believer that people should have the basic necessities and tools to thrive. Like the goat above her, she'll climb any mountain to make that possible when it comes to her family or close circle of friends. The Words of the Brehon suggest that quarreling, anger and drunkenness can make a fool of a wise person. Even the Queen, as grounded as she is, can lose her clarity of mind when intoxicated by emotions or alcohol. Our time and energy deserve to be put to better use.

Destination Unknown

From the Tabula Mundi Colores Arcus Tarot, the Universe; from the Words of the Brehon Oracle, 'Three preparations of a good man's house:'

All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.

~Martin Buber

While a pilgrim journeys to a particular place, spiritual travelers know not where they're headed, only that they must go. Leaving behind what is known, they travel lightly with an open heart and mind. Yet in that vulnerable openness, reality is seen with clarity; truths are discovered and understanding is found. Here the Fool exits her portal, wiser than when she entered. Now there is a sacred pause to assimilate what she's learned and experienced. The Irish triad indicates that something must be built, a foundation for what must not be forgotten. This is not meant to be dogma (as things change and there is more to learn), but guideposts can help us maintain a path of wisdom. As Robert Aitken wrote, without such a guide our path "tends to become a hobby, made to fit the ego."

Loosely Leashed

From the Tabula Mundi Colores Arcus Tarot, Lust (Strength); from the Words of the Brehon Oracle, 'Three nurses that bring dignity:'

The Lust card emphasizes the need to employ our inner beast in helpful ways rather than suppress it or completely unleash it. The use of 'lust' rather than strength makes me think of bloodlust, a person's desire for ferocity and violence triggered by events around them. We all have those moments that can unlock our desire to act in detrimental ways. Dignity, or respectful conduct, derives from three sources according to the Irish triad. It entails three questions before acting: 

1. A good mind - Is my clarity being affected by emotional intoxication?

2. A good memory - What were the consequences for similar actions in the past?

3. A good soul - How might my behavior overflow, causing untended harm or hurt to others?

Integrity and Timing

From the Tabula Mundi Colores Arcus, the Four of Wands; from the Words of the Brehon Oracle, 'Three deaths that promise life':

The Four of Wands represents completion of a task or project, not from happenstance, but through a focused effort. The symbols of the compass and the square indicate what is needed for this stage. In building, the square ensures buildings do not lean and are structurally strong and sound; it represents honesty and fairness. In architectural planning, the compass is used for drawing circles and arcs; it represents self-restraint so that we live a balanced life. Basically this card says that outer accomplishments happen when our inner world is in order. The Irish triad's 'three deaths' refer to the changing seasons in life. As the writer of Ecclesiastes states, "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." Right timing is also a necessary ingredient of success.

No Magical Solutions

From the Tabula Mundi Colores Arcus Tarot, the Seven of Cups; from the Words of the Brehon Oracle, 'Three sounds of increase':

The Thoth keyword for the Seven of Cups is 'debauch,' a bout of excessive indulgence such as eating and drinking. Indeed, the color of the chalices gives the impression that too much of this emotional intoxication will make one green at the gills. These cups represent delusion or simply the wish to escape reality into a world of fantasy. The 'sounds of increase' referred to in the Irish triad all represent everyday work: milking a cow, the hammering of a smith, or the plowing of a field. Life can be hard, and humans would prefer an easier, softer way to deal with it's challenges than actually doing the work. But as Brad Warner wrote, "Our belief in magic solutions that may happen someday in the future keeps us from doing what we really need to do right here and right now."

Gusty Breeze

From the Tabula Mundi Colores Arcus Tarot, the Five of Swords; from the Words of the Brehon Oracle, the 'Three renovators of the world:'

The airy swords like a fresh breeze and don't abide stagnation. Thus a raptor has attacked the dove while it was resting above its egg. Such strife (and defeat) create a gusty wind to knock us out of our complacent comfort. In a world that's constantly in flux, concepts and creeds don't fare well when we try to sink them in concrete. The Irish triad's three renovators mimic this movement. A woman can create life, the cow's milk can sustain it, and the smith's anvil (via weapons) can end it. In our world, life constantly moves through these three natural cycles. These cards seem to ask: are we trying to preserve an idea that needs to be replaced?

Without impermanence, nothing would be possible. With impermanence, every door is open for change. Impermanence is an instrument for our liberation. ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

Oppressed Thinking

From the Tabula Mundi Colores Arcus Tarot, the Ten of Wands; from the Words of the Brehon Oracle, 'The laughing-stocks of the world:'

The Thoth keyword for the Ten of Wands is oppression. Indeed, with the heavy anvil atop the flask, it gives a feeling of being trapped, a cog in a machine that has no choice but to keep going. The hammer and pick in the card are often represent mining, and working in the dark far below ground is an appropriate symbol. Feeling as if we have no free will, it's easy to become frustrated and hopeless. The Brehon triad suggests that those who are angry, jealous or miserly become laughing-stocks. The irony is that these people feel self-righteous about their reaction to the situation, refusing to widen their view. Yet isn't there more to life than these moments that cause us to feel this way? We have the power to step out of such self-identities. We might not be able to choose what we experience, but we can choose how we respond. And that can include leaving behind old patterns that only serve us in detrimental ways.