When This Is, That Is

From the Tarot of the Master, the Devil; from the Paracelsus Oracle, Conjunctio:

Resilience isn’t about powering through overwhelming difficulties. It’s a soft, lived honesty — the ability to sit with our experience without abandoning ourselves. ―Pawan Bareja

Vacchetta's Devil, at first startled by a snake, is surprised to find it is part of himself. We can be eaten alive by our emotions, especially fear, grief and anger, if we let them assume control of our thoughts and behaviors. We can't change what created this emotional surge, but we can learn tools to calm ourselves physically, which will likely slow the spinning in our mind as well. Then we can choose more beneficial responses. Conjunctio involves the coming together of specific causes and conditions that create something (even ideas). Yet things are always subject to change, even more so if we influence them by adding or subtracting something in the equation (like the focus of our thoughts). In the words of Buddha:

When this is, that is.

From the arising of this comes the arising of that.

When this isn't, that isn't.

From the cessation of this comes the cessation of that.

Because We Can

From the Tarot of the Master, the Nine of Coins; from the Paracelsus Oracle, Conjunctio:

There are many wonderful things that will never be done if you don’t do them.

 – Charles Gill

The keyword given for this card is a bit unusual - courtesy. When I noticed what appeared to be a serving tray at the bottom, I was reminded how often there are circumstances when we serve and help others not because we have to but because we can. Conjunctio (conjunction) suggests an intersection or convergence of forces that come together for a common goal. Do we cross paths with people so that we may learn from each other, and perhaps offer aid? These opportunities tend to change both parties in beneficial ways. I'm currently reading an older book titled "The Day the World Came to Town," an uplifting account of the many planes from around the world that were forced to land in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland on 9/11 and the kindness and support that was shown. A perfect example of these two cards.