Heart Work

From the Wild Unknown Tarot, the Eight of Pentacles; from the Pictish Oracle, Broken Sword/Tuning Fork:

The spider is a masterful web builder, knowing exactly how to construct a framework of threads to support her web. Like those who are highly skilled in their career or craftwork, she moves intuitively as she creates. Yet the Pictish Oracle's Broken Sword (or possibly a Tuning Fork) suggests that for all we've accomplished, something has gone wrong. Has our work become like trudging on a treadmill, simply churning out what is expected? Perhaps what is broken is a sense of purpose and joy in what we do. If so, it's time to listen to our heart and not just our head.

Much to Learn

From the Wild Unknown Tarot, the Daughter (Page) of Pentacles; from the Pictish Oracle, the Broken Sword/Tuning Fork:

          This trusting (she still believes in the promise of that rainbow) and trustworthy little fawn made me think of something Mark Nepo wrote in The Book of Awakening:

We begin so aware and grateful. The sun somehow hangs there in the sky. The little bird sings. The miracle of life just happens. 

Yes, that's how yesterday started off. I went for a long walk early in the morning and found an apple snail shell by the pond. I was relaxed and clear-headed.

Then we stub our toe, and in that moment of pain, the whole world is reduced to our poor little toe... When we narrow our focus, the problem seems everything.

And then someone said something callous and inappropriate to someone I love. I went into protective mode. Harsh words were exchanged, though I did my best to speak respectfully. But the encounter seems to have washed its sewage over me, and this morning it still reeks. The Pictish symbol as a broken sword implies a ceasefire; as a tuning fork, it suggests resonance. Nepo's ending words of wisdom seems to fit both meanings:

So, when feeling miserable, we must look wider than what hurts.

Ah, it appears this Daughter of Pentacles still has much to learn.

Feeding the Body, Feeding the Soul

From the Greenwood Tarot, the Queen of Stones (Pentacles):

Like all the other queens, the Queen of Stones is a nurturer. But if she sees that you're out of sorts, she's not going to give you a book to read or ask you about your dysfunctional family of origin. Instead, she'll ask if you're getting enough sleep, eating healthy and exercising to relieve stress. She'll remind you to write down all your receipts from your debit card in order to be aware of your bank balance. She'll want to know if your home feels safe and comfortable, and if not, she'll offer some suggestions. Like this mother bear with her cub, the Queen of Stones believes in taking care of our basic needs before worrying about all the rest. I feel sure she and Maslow were on a first name basis.

From the Pictish Oracle this morning comes the "Broken Sword / Tuning Fork:"

Those who study the Pictish symbols are divided over the meaning of this one. In some cases (particularly when found on a stone with a hammer and anvil), they see it as a broken sword. But since the Picts appreciated music, a type of tuning fork may also be a possibility. A sword that has been broken can not be used to fight a battle, and thus can represent a time of peace or acceptance. If I allow my mind and body a break so they are not consumed with constant challenges, I have time to rest and feed my soul (music comes to mind). What am I battling without benefit? How am I uselessly expending energy? It's time to lay down the sword and nurture my life with beauty and creative inspiration instead.