Commit to Sit

From the Sheridan-Douglas Tarot, the Papess (High Priestess); from the Pages of Shustah, the 'Closed Gate:'

          Instead of sitting with a serene expression, this High Priestess is reading. She is often said to have inner, intuitive knowledge, but what does that mean? First, she knows how to meditate and find the spaciousness that lies beyond her ego's demands and judgments. Secondly, she studies. Her knowledge isn't channeled from a moonbeam or some other external source - it comes from within. The combination of the openness of her mind and her collection of knowledge allows her intuition to readily find beneficial information. The Closed Gate suggests a blockage of some type, but note that it is crudely constructed. Many people flatly state that they can't meditate, but what they usually mean is that they tried a few times, got frustrated or antsy, and gave up. There are many ways to calm the mind and find that spaciousness, but regardless it requires that a person 'commit to sit.' There's no easy, quick way to do it but through practice.

What's important is you're having a relationship with your mind. 

~Natalie Goldberg

Rampant Lion

From the Sheridan Douglas Tarot, Fortitude (Strength); from the Pages of Shustah, Closed Gate:

          The red lion in this card reminded me of the Royal Flag of Scotland. The flag shows a rampant lion - standing upright with forelegs raised and claws unsheathed, as if to strike. This lion has been subdued by the woman in blue, who looks like she may as well be scooping a litter box instead of holding a lion's mouth. Douglas writes that the woman represents the inner strength of purpose rather than the outer strength of action. She doesn't allow moods or other distractions to cause her to lose her focus or self-control.

          The Closed Gate looks jury-rigged (an old sailing term that meant temporarily fixing a damaged mast with the materials on hand). It represents a blockage, but not one that will be permanent. Until it is resolved, patience and acceptance will be required. I'm guessing that blockage will be the frustration that winds up the red lion. Yet giving in to these feelings by reacting to them will only further impede progress.

The more passion one has about the faults of others, the more agitated the mind becomes.

~ B. Alan Wallace