Take the Offered Hand

This week I'll be using the Tarot of Durer, created by Manfredi Toraldo and Giacinto Gaudenzi and published by Lo Scarabeo. The oracle deck I'll also be using is the Philosopher's Stone, created by De Es and published by AG Muller. Today's draws are the Four of Wands and Direction:

          The lion-skin rug depicted here is not an encouragement to safari hunters, but a symbol of  self-will. Volition can be useful if it's reined in rather than given free rein (which tends to lead to extremes). A somewhat similar example can be seen in the creatures associated with Hindu deities which represent the forces they control. In the Four of Wands, this fellow seems to be trying to convince his bride of what he's capable of building. Being able to focus the will on a project without being easily distracted is a good start (thus 'the rug'). The Philosopher's Stone card - Direction - suggests that the fellow with big dreams might need some help. Looking at his roughly hewn timbers, I think some guidance from someone who's accomplished a similar goal would be in order. He can learn from both his mentor's successes and mistakes, making it possible for him to finish his project before his patience runs out and frustration sets in.

But then it occured to him that any progress he had made on his quest so far he had made by accepting the help that had been offered to him. ~ Neil Gaiman

Inclusive or Exclusive

From the Gill Tarot, the Seven of Swords:

My first reaction when I drew this card was one of uncertainty - are those real swords?  Some of them look very bendy like they're made of rubber, and the diagonal lines on some remind me of feathers.  Sevens offer a chance to assess our options.  With this Seven of Swords, the framework of my perception changes everything.  Do I look at things from a selfish, self-centered perspective (How will this affect me?  Will I get what I want?)?  Or do I look from a wide, holistic perspective (How will this affect everyone?  Will it benefit all or just a few?)?  When I'm only looking out for my interests is when I feel the sharp points.  As Shantideva put it:

“Whatever joy there is in the world
Arises from wishing for others' happiness.
Whatever suffering there is in the world
Arises from wishing for your own happiness.”

From The Circle deck comes "Direction:"

Maybe I'm influenced too much by logic, but when it comes to a spiritual path (or any other path for that matter) I have a hard time just "going with the flow."  I feel like I need tools and a map to head in a certain direction or toward a specific goal.  I don't mean direction that is rigid or inflexible, but one that guides and gives direction.  Some structure can give me feedback to test the path I'm on and assess it for whether it is an authentic one for me.