Pause and Appreciate

From the Restored Order Tarot, the Ten of Pentacles; from the Oracle of Kabbalah, Dalet:

Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths. 

—Etty Hillesum

Well-being indicates not just health and wealth, but a safe place to live. These three generations have these gifts, likely made possible through the efforts of the elder of the family. The scales on the post suggest not only his generosity, but the teaching of moderation in all things to maintain this well-being. The younger couple appear to be full of plans for the day. Yet the older man pets his dog, while making eye contact with his grandson. On the back of his chair, between the two crescent moons, is a design that reminds me of the digital symbol for pause. The elder knows that they are only temporary custodians of all they own. He understands the importance of stopping to appreciate it all during the day. The Hebrew letter Dalet is said to have three meanings: door, a poor person, and to lift up. It is the recognition (door) that we don't really own anything (poor), yet we have been allowed to make use of the resources we have been given (lift up). Its shape represents the form of a bent-over person, signifying humility. In his old age, the head of the family now acknowledges this wisdom.

Fair Shake

This week I'll be using the Tarot in de Herstelde Orde (Tarot in Restored Order), created by Rob Docters van Leeuwen and Onno Docters van Leeuwen; it was published by Servire. The second deck I'll be drawing from is the Oracle of Kabbalah, a deck and book set created by Richard Seidman and published by Thomas Dunne Books. As an added resource, I'll be using The Hebrew Letters by Rabbi Yitzchak Ginsburgh. Today's draws are the Knight of Swords and Dalet:

 Dalet painting by Dani Antman

In our world, there are people who act as philosophers (who like to investigate and discuss the truth), judges (who slice away deception so that truth is clearly seen), and knights (who defend and uphold the truth). Knights of the Sword are moved to action, especially where righting wrongs are concerned. These are the folks who risk bodily harm, loss of freedom, and insults to their character to protest and work for change. Thank goodness for their courage; their actions are often what wake others from their complacent cocoons. Dalet means 'door,' and Ginsburgh suggests it represents a sense of selflessness that comes from recognizing that none of us permanently possesses anything. The door of Dalet is the gateway to humility. Through it, we find kinship with others rather than focusing on the things that separate us. The selfless courage of this Knight, idealistic and impulsive as he might be, is based in the belief that everyone deserves a fair shake at life.

The Seeds Within

From the Restored Order Tarot, the Priestess; from the Oracle of Kabbalah, 'Dalet:'

 Dalet artwork by Tina Spiro

          The Priestess personifies sacred wisdom, not necessarily in a religious sense, but sacred because it has the power to transform. The pomegranates on her veil are split open, revealing the seeds inside. According to Jewish tradition, the pomegranate has 613 seeds, which correspond to the 613 mitzvot (precepts and commandments). But the seeds the Priestess offers don't come from outside ourselves; the hidden treasure of knowledge is within each of us. She encourages us to look beyond the ego (which prefers things to be black or white) to a spaciousness that is without manmade, fabricated boundaries. Here we find an awareness that contains both wisdom and compassion. The Hebrew letter Dalet's root means 'door,' and it gives us the opportunity to transition to something better. Seidman suggests that recognizing this opportunity depends on our humility, understanding that "We are not separate, and we are not self-sufficient. Rather, we are connected to and dependent upon everything." Both these cards imply a benevolent perspective capable of seeing beyond self-centered ideas and desires. 

H.O.W.

From the Restored Order Tarot, the Fool; from the Oracle of Kabbalah, Dalet (Daled):

          In 12 Step rooms around the world, the 'HOW' in "How It Works" stands for honesty, openness and willingness. Doesn't that sound just like the Fool? His ego hasn't developed much muscle yet, so he's not concerned with shifting blame or hiding the truth. His heart and mind are unclouded by opinions and prejudices. And he's ready to try almost anything, because just being alive is an amazing adventure in his eyes. Will he learn things the hard way? It's likely, but at least he won't miss a drop of joy or wonder. The Hebrew letter Dalet is often given the meaning 'doorway,' which has a very different meaning from 'door.' Doors can be closed or open, but a doorway remains a threshold for coming and going. Thoreau once wrote, "However mean your life is, meet it and live it; do not shun it and call it hard names." It is tempting to close the mind and heart, to isolate the body and spirit, when life becomes heavy and hard. The Fool and Dalet encourage me not to run away or close the door, but embrace it all. Sometimes it is in the darkness that much is learned; it is where seeds develop and sprout.