An Invincible Summer

From the Ferret Tarot, Strength; from the Nature's Wisdom Oracle, Crocus:

Your struggles develop your strengths. - Arnold Schwarzenegger

Facing our fears and embracing our challenges are what develop our muscles of courage and resilience. Spiritual fitness takes effort; our tendency to avoid what looks difficult only makes our inner strength atrophy.  Crocus is associated with joy because it is one of the first flowers to push against the last of winter's ice and snow, appearing during the earliest days of spring. It too is a reminder that when we refuse to hide, we will find our strength. As Albert Camus explained, "In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer."

Relax and Look for Beauty

This week I'll be using the Ferret Tarot created by Elaine Moertl.  Today's draw is the Four of Pentacles:

The expression on this ferret's face reminds me of a toddler with a new toy.  The toddler might let you have a peek at his plaything, but no way is he going to let you hold it - he's afraid you might not give it back.  My energy is in short supply these days due to stress overload, and I'm beginning to feel like the toddler and the ferret.  I want to hole up someplace quiet and undisturbed, isolating myself from whatever else might come my way.  But deep down I know when I react this way, I don't avoid the stress but do miss out on the support that can help me through it.  Guess that's why moms always teach us to share...

The other deck I'll be using this week is Nature's Wisdom Oracle created by Mindy Lighthipe.  This morning's card is the "Crocus:"

The crocus is one of the first flowers to push up through the dead leaves, ice or snow.  Even though winter is still around, it gives hope that change is coming.  I feel like I'm covered in a pile of cold, wet leaves myself these days, and have to remind myself to look for what is good and beautiful in life instead of focusing on what is not.  As I look out my window while I am typing, the sun is rising and coming through the leaves of a giant sycamore tree in the backyard.  The filtered light shines on the fiery red leaves of a laceleaf Japanese maple, under which a Buddha statue sits.  So beautiful it makes me sigh...