Joy or Sorrow

From the Tarot of the Cat People, the Five of Pentacles; from the Insectorum Divinorum, the Brood:

Weary at the close of day, wondering if tomorrow brings me joy or sorrow. —Leon Redbone

As much as we'd like to deny it, aging means a loss of some of the abilities we had in our youth. Yet as Albert Camus wrote, "To grow old is to pass from passion to compassion." Elders are not used up and worthless: we have much knowledge and wisdom to share with a world that desperately needs it. The Brood indicates a new generation, one that will leap into life with enthusiasm. But even the young will experience pain and setbacks. We older folks can show them how to find their interest and excitement in life again.

Teacher and Student

From the Da Vinci Enigma Tarot, the Hierophant; from the Insectorum Divinorum, "The Brood:"

          Peter, depicted in this Da Vinci sketch, was the first Pope. Originally named Simon, he was given the name Peter (petra - literally a rock) by Jesus.  Petra (feminine) is a mass of rock, while petros (masculine) is a detached stone, a rock that might be easily moved. As his death approached, Jesus declared that from this stone (petros - Peter's faith) a strong foundation (petra) would be built that would become the Church. The question asked for this card is: "How do you bridge the microcosm of daily life with the macrocosm of spiritual existence?" My answer would be through the study of practical spirituality, the application of universal principles (compassion, honesty, etc.) to daily life. It is what I teach in small groups, as well as what I continue to learn about through wise friends and teachers who push me outside my comfort zone.
          The Brood card suggests a number of young produced or hatched at one time. Among that group of eggs, some won't hatch, some will hatch and be killed or eaten, and others will hatch and continue the life cycle. In the same way, what I am taught or what I teach may have an impact or may simply be the entertainment of the day. That information can be used and applied, ignored or just forgotten. No one has control over what happens, except the person who heard it.

And now a bit of a rewind and a story about yesterday:

How a Snake Saved Christmas

As the holiday approached, I was so worried about being in the middle of political and religious discussions among family members on Christmas. Before I left, the Da Vinci card I chose and its companion book reminded me that challenges are not necessarily evil. As I was taking in food to the house upon arrival, I noticed a coiled baby snake near the door. I didn't have my glasses on and couldn't tell if it was poisonous or not, so I went to ask for the neighbor's help to remove it safely to another location. It caused a quite a lot of excitement, and at the dinner table all that was discussed were animal encounters, pets, etc. Turns out it was a nonpoisonous checkered garter. I have to laugh sometimes at just how literal the message behind the cards can be!

Developmental Stages

From the Da Vinci Enigma Tarot, the Hermit:

What light shines in the darkness and solitude?

What shadows does it reveal in this matter?

This sketch is a self-portrait believed to be done a few years before Da Vinci retired. He wrote, "The painter should be solitary and consider what he sees..." My spiritual path requires that I often take an inventory, consider what my assets and liabilities are, and make plans for progress. Being alone when I do this task keeps me from being distracted and reminds me where my focus needs to be. For me, this is the shining light that can bring about change and help me get back on course.

From the Insectorum Divinorum comes the "Brood:"

In the insect world, a brood includes the three developmental stages before emerging as adults: egg, larva, and pupa. There are times in my life where I feel stuck spiritually, and times when I feel like I've taken more steps backward than forward. But perhaps these are just the places and stages I need to experience to motivate me to transform into a spiritually mature adult.