Unconditional Giving

From the Shining Tribe Tarot, the Gift of Stones (Queen of Pentacles); from the Animal Tiles, Buffalo:

          Once again I am glad to have Pollack's book in order to understand what her card's illustrations attempt to get across. The curvy stone outlines in the middle represent the Ggantija Temples, two prehistoric temples on Gozo, an island in Malta. The oldest temple predates both Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids. The structures were dedicated to the Great Earth Mother, and there is evidence an oracle (priestess) resided here. A few artifacts have been found, including the famous, full-figured sleeping woman. Yet as archaeologist Marija Gimbutas explains, this was not a feminist culture but one that recognized the importance of interdependent kinship: "she [the Great Earth Mother] embodied in Her all powers of nature, male and female together. They were not separated. There are many sculptures in which she has a phallic head. This is Her strength—life stimulation." The addition of Buffalo to this card reminds me of the abundance that comes from benevolence. Both draws make me ask myself, "What part of me do I give to nurture and sustain life? Do I offer my gifts only to who or what I find useful and enjoyable, or to all?"

A Channel for All that Energy

From the Granny Jones Australian Tarot, the Queen of Wands:

She's vivacious, creative and charismatic; she'll wholeheartedly work on any cause or project. She's got enough energy and enthusiasm to encourage an entire group to keep plugging along. But her choice of a pet tells another side to her story. Bull Terriers, though strong-willed, are generally friendly and enjoy being around other people. But they need to be stimulated physically and mentally, or you may come home to find your belongings shredded and in tatters. This queen reminds me I need an outlet, a creative channel if I want to find passion and purpose in my life. Otherwise, there's no telling where my frustration might lead me.

From the Button Oracle was drawn the "Buffalo Nickel:"

gratitude, abundance, contentment

Today expect something good to happen to you no matter what occurred yesterday. Realize the past no longer holds you captive... A simply abundant world awaits.

~ Sarah Ban Breathnach

Minted from 1913 to 1938, the buffalo nickel was designed by sculptor James Earle Fraser because he wanted to "do something totally American—a coin that could not be mistaken for any other country's coin." It is amazing these animals were almost hunted to extinction, then a few years later they were commemorated on a coin. Sometimes it does take loss to produce gratitude. And while I think it is important to remember such lessons, it's not necessary to be constantly paranoid, "waiting for the other shoe to drop." This morning I woke with three people on my mind, concerned about situations going on in their lives. Much of my worry is based on assumptions created from past experience. The Queen of Wands and Buffalo encourage me to carve out some creative time for myself instead of allowing concerns to overshadow my day. It will give me something to do besides recirculate anxious thoughts, and besides, things may indeed take a turn for the good.

Effortless Smiling

From the Prairie Tarot, the Jackalope:

Part jackrabbit, part antelope, this card is a version of the "Happy Squirrel;" Ator writes " A creature rarely seen, this jackrabbit wearing an antelope's horns embodies the fantastic, the unexpected, the surprising…. It can signify luck, a bolt from the blue, or the crazy gamble."  What does it mean to me?  Don't take life so seriously all the time.  Here are three "thought goals" for myself:
1. I can take care of my responsibilities and still have fun.  The trick is to let other people take care of their own obligations so I'll have the time.
2. Life is short.  I don't want to spend all my time being so serious that I miss the beauty, relationships, and belly laughs around me.
3. Fun and laughter can relieve stress and ease pain; they remind me that perfection is just a figment of my imagination.

From the Medicine Cards comes the "Buffalo":

For the native people of North America, the buffalo represented survival.  Nothing from this magnificent animal was wasted when it was hunted (which was done in a sacred manner rather than for sport).  Buffalo is a reminder for me to look at all that is good in my life and be grateful.  These blessings are highlighted today as I will be driving to visit my mom, while a dear friend will be traveling many miles to bury hers.  I do have much to be grateful about that has nothing to do with material possessions.  And being thankful leads to effortless smiling...