A Different Approach

From the Sun and Moon Tarot, the Prince (Knight) of Cups; from the Animal Tiles, Cougar:

You don't work on something for six years and be blind to the myriad of other approaches.

―Ken Burns

The Prince of Cups teaches us to discover what we are passionate about and then pursue that dream. The Prince is excellent at following his heart, but his approach could use some work. Whether he's trying to find a partner, join a group, or start a career, he tends to either come on too strongly or be so shy that he's overlooked. Cougar is solitary hunter with methodical tracking skills. It follows and watches patiently, waiting for the right moment to act. Cougar encourages us to take time to know our target well before acting, so that when we act, we engage with knowledge and just the right amount of energy.

Outside my window - the azaleas are putting on a show this year!

A Revolution in Relationships

From the Shining Tribe Tarot, the Knower of Stones (Knight of Pentacles); from the Animal Tiles, Cougar:

          The broom-like hairdo on the Knight/Knower of Stones illustrates an ecstatic, mystical experience - not something that offers spiritual props but something that causes a change in perception and is transforming. This Knight, who is both a student and a practical person, would definitely be wide open to receiving it. I had a mini epiphany today when I read a reply from a blogging buddy who shared something she had read: instead of worrying about getting the virus (or acting like it won't affect us), we should act as if we already had it. Our attitude of fear or frustration would then be transformed into one of humility, gentleness, and kindness. Cougar is a symbol of the right use of power, a power that is not fueled by ego but by what will be of benefit in the long run. This means my intentions will be clear and my actions will be selfless. Hey World, it's time for a revolution in relationships.

We are all going to die. Let's die having created as much love in our relationships - as much family in our relationships - as we possibly can.

—Richard Moss

Quick Fixes and Frustrations

From the Shining Tribe Tarot, the Eight of Wands:

She flies through the air with the greatest of ease, over burning bushes, a house and trees.  There are days when I must be like this woman, moving quickly from one activity to another, taking care of details and duties.  The trick is not to go into panic mode when I have to move at high speeds.  Being late to the book club because I have to meet with the tree removal guy won't cause the end of the world.  Getting the roast out of the crockpot one half an hour later than I'm supposed to won't ruin supper.  Even though it may feel important, some things are neither essential or imperative.  Today I'll just worry about what's at the top of the priority list.

From the animal tiles oracle comes "Cougar:"

With proportionally the largest hind legs in the cat family, this animal was built to hunt and catch prey.  Vertically, they can leap up to 18 feet; horizontally, they can jump 45 feet in one bound.  Though not made to run for long distances, cougars are great sprinters, reaching speeds of 45 mph.  They characteristically kill their prey with a bite to the neck, severing the spinal cord.  With its quick and powerful reflexes, this cat cautions me about instinctively reacting to stressful situations.  When I'm under pressure, it's easy to take out my frustrations on those who are close by.  But this will only add to my growing list of things I need to fix or take care of - something I don't need right now. 

Making Progress on My Own

Today's draw from the Shining Tribe Tarot is the Spiral of Fortune (Wheel of Fortune):

Unlike most Wheel cards, this one contains a spiral.  Life is a series of cycles, but am I repeating the same pattern over and over (going in circles), or am I making progress through each one (moving in a spiral)?  Do I hold on to blind beliefs, or do I step out and take an objective look to see how I can change?  The bird represents seeing the big picture - implying a detached inventory of myself.  The four small circles represent the four worlds of Kabbalah:

Atzilut - divine inspiration
Beriah - divine understanding
Yetzirah - divine emotion
Assiyah - divine action

While I'll never reach the perfection found in the four worlds, I do believe in spiritual evolution.  But to take any steps toward advancement, I need to monitor myself to see whether I'm stuck in a rut or moving smoothly along the spiral.

     The animal chosen this morning from the wooden tile oracle is the "Cougar:"

Averaging between 140 to 160 pounds, the cougar is one large and powerful cat.  It is a solitary hunter, preferring to take its prey by ambush.  These cats communicate with each other through scratched up areas that contain urine and feces called scrapes.  The sites are like huge "No Trespassing" signs to other cougars, and by mutual agreement they avoid each other.  Cougar reminds me that I need to have firm boundaries established, and I should be respectful of the boundaries of others.  His isolated way of life teaches me that I must blaze my own trail; I cannot rely on the opinions and choices of others to make my decisions for me.