Mere Opinions

From the Da Vinci Enigma Tarot, Experience (Justice); from the Insectorum Divinorum, Diversity:

Dimmi: How does experience inform your integrity?

Where do you need to be just or impartial in this matter?

          The young girl in Da Vinci's sketch seems to point off into the distance as if inviting me to explore something. In this version of Justice, the question is asked about how open or closed-minded we are. Do we base what we think is ethical and equitable on our personal belief system or on the well-being of all? Leonardo wrote, "The greatest deception men suffer is from their own opinions." The Diversity card is a reminder of what a varied assortment exists in the bug world - approximately 17,500 species of butterflies and 350,000 species of beetles. The medley of humans is no different; we are all influenced by such things as our culture and education, but more than anything else, our life experience. Yet even if we can't travel the world, we can learn from books, documentaries, and people who are different from us. Mere opinions and personal beliefs do not produce equality.

 Too often we... enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought. 

~John F. Kennedy

Fully Appreciating

From the Ellis Deck, the Nine of Cups; from the Brownies Oracle, 'Diversity:'

          This fellow reminds me of Aladdin's genie, offering cups full of enjoyment. Although we are all aware of how quickly pleasures come and go, Ellis suggests we take a moment to fully appreciate each one anyway. Neuropsychologists are now advocating that we re-remember those times when our hearts felt full in as much sensory detail as possible. Just as our bodies relive the physical sensations of anger when we replay the past in our minds, so too can the body (and mind) reap the good effects of reliving positive, happy moments. The Diversity card shows one Brownie working on his numbers while another expresses himself artistically. It is a nice reminder to look for joy and pleasure in the small things and ordinary days rather than just the extraordinary. Then we'll have a whole file cabinet of wonderful times to sort through.

Learning Diversity

From the Ellis Deck, the Eight of Pentacles; from the Brownies Oracle, Diversity:

A lone person hangs banners on a bridge. When we are trying to bridge the place between where we are and where we want to be, markers help. It might be grades received or certification granted. For others it may be lab work or steps on a Fitbit. Sometimes it could be ribbons won at an art show or cooking contest. These banners allow us to see how we're progressing and what still needs work. Yet once we get across the bridge, we must keep widening the circle around our focus instead of churning out the same thing or doing it the same way over and over. The Brownies suggest diversity - not just the inclusion of different elements, but the in the way we think about them. Creativity shouldn't just be kept in a jar with the lid on, but poured in a variety of containers.

Appropriate Space

From the Osho Zen Tarot, the Star; from the A'HA Oracle, Diversity:

          Though this card resembles the Moon, it is in fact the Star. Its keyword "silence" indicates that a time and place has been set aside to heal and renew - as Padma puts it, "come home to yourself." All the external worries and obligations are placed on hold; now in the silence insights and understanding are gathered. The natural spaciousness of the luminous mind holds all possibilities rather than just ego's narrow view of things. Here is where useful guidance will be found that can be employed when engagement in the outer world resumes.
          If the Diversity card were in color, it would look like the explosion of blooms now occurring in the neighborhood; every plant, shrub and tree seems to be wearing its most spectacular attire. The shape, size and color of each flower is designed to attract specific pollinators, which benefit both plant and insect (or bird). Linnie writes, "we each have our place; we are all parts of a magnificent whole... each part is as valuable to the whole as every other." I am currently reading a book by Alan Morinis on the Jewish practice of Mussar, and the definition given for humility is “limiting oneself to an appropriate space while leaving room for others.” The space a person occupies can be physical, emotional, verbal, or even metaphorical, but neither expanding nor shrinking beyond what is appropriate is considered humble. One's space may enlarge or shrink depending on knowledge, experience, skill, etc. Yet to be able to know what space is appropriate will require an inner guidance without the input of the ego.

Peppermint peach tree in bloom.

Relax, Smile, Have Some Fun

From the Da Vinci Enigma Tarot, Enigma (High Priestess):

What wisdom do you read in the book of your soul?

How must you apply it in this matter?

The above sketch was an early study of the Mona Lisa. You can see where Da Vinci toyed with adding a palm frond in her arms. I had no clue how to answer the questions for this card, until I read in the companion book that this work of art  is also known as La Gioconda, the "the Playful One." My life lately has been filled with situations that needed handling, problems that needed solutions and quite a lengthy "to do" list. What has been missing is pure, joyful play. Setting aside the serious adult and allowing myself to connect with that fun-loving childlike part of myself isn't easy. Heaven forbid that someone might think I'm immature or a slacker. Yet that merry gleam in her eyes reminds me of the need for balance in my life - no matter what else may be going on.

From the Insectorum Divinorum comes the card "Diversity:"

Beetles make up 40% of all described insects, and there are approximately 174,250 lepidopteran species (butterflies, moths, and skippers). Having attempted to identify many insects in both categories, I can easily see why Esmeralda chose "diversity" as a keyword for this card. In her booklet, she prompts me to remember the numerous ways there are to solve a problem or deal with a situation. Adding this information to the High Priestess above makes me think of a quote by actor John Cleese: “If you want creative workers, give them enough time to play.” Play is like meditation; it can relax the rigid barriers in my mind so that other information and ideas can flow through.