Be A Blessing

From the Herbcrafter's Tarot, the Madre of Air (Queen of Pentacles); from the Green Wheel Oracle, Cow:

The Madre of Air is associated with Motherwort, an herb that grows upright on a prickly bush. Unlike some other herbs in the mint family, it has an unpleasant smell and bitter flavor. Motherwort contains numerous compounds with antioxidant properties, compounds that protect cells from damage caused by potentially harmful molecules known as free radicals. Such is this Queen, whose purpose is to nurture and protect but whose honest objectivity can often be unpleasant when heard. Yet her clarity and wisdom are shared not to hurt but to help. Cow, often a symbol of abundance, represents blessings. It reminds those who speak honestly with others to do so in a kind, gentle manner. Brutality is never a blessing.

The Lay of the Land

From the Druidcraft Tarot, the Prince (Knight) of Pentacles; from the Druid Animal Oracle, the 'Cow:'

          The Prince/Knight of Pentacles is dependable, practical and steady. Some might think of him as lacking in ambition, but he actually just knows how to be patient, plan, and work realistically toward his goal. He might not be as adventurous (or impulsive) as his knight cousins, but if you're looking for someone to do you a solid, he's your man because he'll remember the promise and follow through on it. Worthington chose to illustrate the Cow with a breed from Scotland - a Highland cow. Bred to endure the harsh Scottish environment, they have an outer layer of long, oily hair that sheds precipitation and a downy, inner layer that insulates them against the cold. Their horns make excellent tools for digging under snow and ice to find plants to eat. It is well suited for where it was raised, suggesting that being aware of the requirements for a particular environment is important. Even a great plan won't succeed if it doesn't consider the setting and atmosphere in which it is taking place. Know the lay of the land before beginning.

Wild vs. Civilized

From the Druidcraft Tarot, Strength; from the Druid Animal, "Cow:"

          The book for the Druidcraft describes the Strength card as "the meeting between the wild and civilized selves." Looking at both draws today, that's exactly what I see - the wild boar and the domesticated cow. The woman's sword is lying in the grass; she obviously knows her inner beast well enough not to have it in hand when it makes an appearance. Though the boar is behind her, her hand rests on its back. Awareness of its presence is half the battle in not allowing it to take control. Instead, she channels its energy into the shape of the cow - who doesn't exactly look meek either. The purpose of civilizing my beast is not to take away my power and courage, but to channel it in beneficial ways. I can keep my horns as long as I don't use them to gore anyone.

Spark or Fuel?

From the Llewellyn Tarot, the Knight of Wands; from the Beasts of Albion, the "Cow:"

          These two card draws seem very opposite to me; the characters in them are even facing opposite directions (except the calf). The Knight of Wands is full of stimulating conversation, innovative ideas and fiery enthusiasm. But he's not always your best bet to manifest those concepts into concrete designs; he's more like the match that lights the fire. The Cow, however, is the nurturer and sustainer. Creating and raising what the Knight inspired will be up to her. At times I have been in the Knight's saddle, poking others with my wand of inspiration. Yet I have friends who have fired me up about a creative project then encouraged me to run with it. I'm not sure if I'll need a saddle or a milking stool today.