Play Date

From the Swietlistej Drogi, the Knight of Pentacles; from the Mirrors of the Heart, 'Celebration:'

          The Knight of Pentacles is not content to sit atop his horse and supervise. He likes to have his boots on the ground, hands in the soil and eye on the accounting. Not much will slip by him unobserved that needs attention. And while he is great at his job - responsible, dependable and practical - he's not so great at remembering to take care of himself. The Celebration card suggests that hard work needs to be balanced with play. There is a time for effort and a time for ease. Neurologist Ralph Sacco explains, "One of the biggest things we know is that people who are stressed increase (their) blood pressure and the risk of heart disease and stroke. It can also increase the risk of depression, and depression itself is related to an increase in stroke and heart disease." Hope you'll take time to play today for your health's sake.

Building a Bridge

From the Gill Tarot, the Princess (Page) of Swords; from The Circle, Celebration:

          The Princess/Page is just as intelligent as her mother the Queen, but she hasn't acquired the wisdom of experience. In particular, she needs to learn how to respectfully communicate with others (which in many cases means to control her tongue). Words can be powerful - just look at the way those poor trees bend away from her. Speaking is not the same as communication; intimidation, manipulation and arrogance without listening is not an equal exchange of ideas. While the Page might initially get her way, those who give in won't do so willingly. At the first opportunity, those folks will be trying to take her down a notch. If she does learn to relate to others with kind regard, she will find she has more allies than adversaries. Then (like The Circle's card) she will have reason to celebrate.

I learned that a long walk and calm conversation are an incredible

combination if you want to build a bridge. ~ Seth Godin

Leaping Rather Than Falling

From the Gill Tarot, the World; from The Circle, "Celebration:"

          It's hard to believe I drew these two cards randomly; both are perfect for the new year. In Gill's World card, she contrasts the fall of the Fool into the physical realm with the leap of the androgynous dancer into infinity. Yet the Greek (equal-armed) cross behind the figure suggests there is still a tie to the four elements; the figure's leap is not so much in the body but in the mind. This shift in thinking produces inclusive rather than exclusive perspectives. There is a verse in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad that this reminds me of:

Lead me from the unreal to the Real

Lead me from the darkness to the Light 

Lead me from the temporary to the Eternal 

This is not a prayer asking for immortality, but an intention to be aware of one's essential nature (luminous mind, Buddha-nature, etc.), and see the world through that lens. Truth looks very different when noticing commonalities rather than differences.
          The figure's posture in the Celebration card mimics that of the dancer. Taylor emphasizes choosing happiness and living in the moment as much as possible. But these words particularly caught my attention: "Do not talk yourself out of happiness... Celebrate your successes as they happen." I would add that being able to take care of the basics while taking time to notice the extraordinary in the ordinary  is cause enough for celebration. It's a conscious decision to see from such a viewpoint. Ready to take that leap with me?