Not a Choice

From the Nigel Jackson Tarot, the Devil; from the Wolf Pack, Communication:

 Addiction is not a choice anybody makes, it is a response to emotional pain.

~Dr. Gabor Mate

Dionysos Melanaigis ("of the Black Goatskin") instructs his followers on all the ways of pleasure and merry-making. Wine played a large part in his rituals; it was thought to "ease suffering, bring joy, and inspire divine madness" (Dionysos in Archaic Greece). We all enjoy time to unwind - it can help us feel relief from pain and stress and perhaps a sense of connection and belonging. But what happens when use certain behaviors as a constant buffer to life? When they become the main focus of our life? As Gabor Mate stated, "When we're alienated from who we are, disconnected from who we are, we suffer." Judging by the faceless bodies in the robes, this has happened. Communication implies that the way out of our madness is by reaching out to those who have found a way out and can offer us guideposts. 

Yard Therapy

This week I'll be using the Spirit Within Tarot, created by Steven Bright and published by Schiffer. I'll also be drawing from the Answer Deck, created by Nicky Zann and published by Running Press. Today's draws are the Ace of Wands and Communication:

          Like the symbol of the blazing sun on the horizon, the Ace of Wands is the seed of energy that inspires and motivates us to take action. It reminds me of the handles of all the yard tools I've been wielding lately, trying to repair my yard from the damage it endured. I'm trying not to be overly enthusiastic though, or I'll be repairing my body instead. I'm just focusing on one small section at a time. The Communication card suggests that no matter how independent I might like to think I am, I still require the skills and help of others when I'm working on something. Today I have a date with a machete to clear the brush from where the HVAC presently is and from where it will be moved after the ductwork gets replaced in the attic (which starts tomorrow). But I will keep in mind my limits and ask for any assistance I might need.

Attention and Communication

From the Golden Tarot, the Knight of Coins; from the Yantra Deck, "Communication:"

          Here's the guy that's going to get things done. But before he does, he'll check the lay of the land, make notes about resources, and draw up some detailed plans. Only then will the Knight of Coins get started; he doesn't like to rush because he doesn't like mistakes. Black describes him as "responsible, reliable and pragmatic." He's definitely more like the tortoise than the hare - slow but doggedly persistent. The Yantra paired with him is Communication and the words of Don Miguel Ruiz : "Be impeccable with your word. Speak with integrity." To be impeccable means to be precise, which does seem to describe this fellow. Unfortunately, he may get so caught up in his precise planning and doing, he forgets to communicate with the people he's doing the work for or with. Sure it's wonderful he got the whole exterior of the house painted and saved money on the paint, but they might not have wanted it to be a deep shade of purple. Communication can save time and avoid blunders just like paying attention to all those details.

No Whining, Just Doing

From the Golden Tarot, the King of Wands; from the Yantra Deck, "Communication:"

Hmmm... This king doesn't look too happy. He probably just had some employee show up who was making excuses for why he can't finish a project on time. I always think of the King of Wands as "The Closer." He has charisma and energy, but he uses these traits to get things completed. The Communication card reminds me of The Four Agreements written by Don Miguel Ruiz who said, "Be impeccable with your word. Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean." In combining these two draws, I am reminded of the promises I have made to friends and family over the past few days. I have no doubt that life will get busy, and I may regret some of those commitments. But the King would tell me I'm only as good as my word, so I should stop whining and get moving.

This Girl is on Fire

From the Bonefire Tarot, the Ten of Wands:

Where I live, you can't walk more than fifteen feet or so without running into a pine tree. It's not uncommon to see bulges of resin coming out of the bark, and those who've spent time in the woods know these globs are very useful in starting a fire. The resin is saturated in the heartwood and stump of the tree; many farmers have found stumps in their fields over 100 years old. While it might seem like this wood would be great for building, it is extremely flammable and burns very hot. As I look at this woman with her load of pine branches, I see a bonfire just waiting to happen. She needs to take a break from her obligations and projects and enjoy a dip in the healing waters of the river behind her.

From the MentorSpirit deck comes "Communication:"

There is a solution to climbing out of the black hole of being overwhelmed, and it begins with honest communication. I don't know why, but we humans seem to think the people we spend the most time with should be able to read our minds. We expect them to know we need help, and we expect them to know exactly what to do. Unfortunately, all this does is add resentment to the pile of work and worry we already find ourselves under. But the funny thing is, I've never yet had anyone turn me down when I asked for help.

Do What You Say, Say What You Mean

From the Touchstone Tarot, the King of Wands:

The face of this king comes from the portrait of a Dutch politician - rather fitting for this particular card.  With the American presidential election coming up, I can't imagine Romney or Obama suddenly deciding they were bored or tired and choosing to drop out of the race.  The King of Wands is the same; he will see the project through to the end without slacking off in effort or focus.  One of his hands is gloved, while the other is not, making me think of the phrase "taking the gloves off."  This fellow encourages me to stop pussyfooting around and finish what I've started.

     From the Oracle of the Grail Code comes "Communication:"

This card comes from a painting done of Mary Magdalene, ardent follower of Jesus, preaching to the folks of Provence.  In her companion book, Marashinsky emphasizes that communication is not "just talking," and states: "when emotions overlay and insinuate themselves into your message, chances are nothing is heard but the emotion."  Definitely a nudge to pay attention to my words, body language, tone, and listening skills in order to get across what I intend today.

Cocoons and Communication

From the Norse Tarot, the High Priest:

The high priest in Barrett's depiction is the Norse god Frey.  Frey's symbol was the golden boar, and his followers wore or carried boar charms and had this animal engraved on helmets and weapons.  The charms of Frey were believed to protect the wearer from harm.   My first thought when I saw this card was how closely all three men resemble each other.  In the same way, I am drawn to groups (whether spiritual or otherwise) who hold similar beliefs and ideals as I do.  And just as Frey protected his followers, the company I surround myself with provide a cocoon of sorts for me to learn and stretch my wings.  As long as I don't have to force myself to fit into a particular mold, these groups can be positive influence on me.

     From the Wolf Pack today comes "Communication:"

I was watching a PBS special last night about a group who were tracking wolves in the zone of the Chernobyl nuclear accident (an area where plants and animals have taken over since humans moved out).  One of the men had studied wolves for so long, he could almost think like them.  And when he howled, the wolves would answer in return.  "Wolf" was not this man's native language of course, but because he wanted to develop a relationship with them, he began to learn how to converse with them (at least on a rudimentary level).  This card reminds me that when I converse with others, I need to start on the same ground level as they stand.  I don't need to try and impress them with my knowledge or overwhelm them with praise or criticism; I need to connect on a heart to heart basis.