Restorative Effects

From the Somnia Tarot, the Four of Swords; from the Spirits of Nature, Honeybee (Community):

Nature can have a calming and restorative effect, giving our mind a rest from the intense and mentally fatiguing focus and concentration required in much of our day-to-day lives.

― Noel Brick

Restful solitude, restorative sleep, and a space to breathe deeply are represented by the Four of Swords. Like the sleeping figure in this card, we all need to be able to lay down the boulder we carry and just relax. Relieving the mental weight we bear is an essential part of clearing our mind and allowing it some relief. Our ability to think and perceive reality with discernment depends on it. The Honeybee reminds us of the people with whom we associate and share common interests. I have found that when I am living in a constant state of stress, I need to be careful of the community I spend time with. Those folks who make me laugh, who point out what is beautiful, joyful or awe-inspiring can have the same effect as being in nature or a good night's sleep. 

Burning or Crossing

This week I'll be using the Slavic Legends Tarot, an independently published deck (Taroteca Studio) by Krzysztof Wasiuk and Magdalena Kaczan (artist). I'll also be using the Urban Crow Oracle, created by Margaux Jones (aka MJ Cullinane) and published by Hay House. Today's draws are the Knight of Wands and Community:

This young man leaves a burning wake behind him everywhere he goes. The Knight of Wands channels his wild energy into change, confrontation, and often chaos. He thrives on excitement and has the charisma to lead a (usually clueless) posse of followers. He's good at challenging outdated traditions and ideas as he rides over them, waking up those who are complacent and sanctimonious. But he doesn't stick around for the clean up or to suggest an alternative for what he disparaged. The Community card is a warning that he is not an independent agent. We all need a safe place to come together, share information and rest from the stresses of the day. A place where we recognize our interconnection even if we don't always agree with one another can give us both boundaries and freedom. 

The hardest thing in life to learn is which bridge to cross and which to burn.

―David Russell

Unruly Be-ing

From the Ellis Deck, Strength; from the Brownies Oracle, Community:

Unruly beings are as unlimited as space

They cannot possibly all be overcome,

But if I overcome thoughts of anger alone

This will be equivalent to vanquishing all foes.

― Shantideva

          Inner strength could be defined as an enduring source of calm fortitude that allows us to see things clearly and deal with them sanely. How do we cultivate this trait? The Buddha suggested wise attention (through mindfulness and meditation); these practices allow us to recognize how fleeting and precious life is as well as how so much of the suffering we experience is rooted within our own mind. These insights lead to a wider perspective and lessen our knee-jerk reactions. Community suggests a concern for the well-being of one's fellow beings. Most communities are made up of people with a variety of religious, political and social, and environmental interests. If we want to play a helpful role, calm fortitude can aid us in keeping out extraneous views and opinions that have nothing to do with the task at hand.