It's Sailed

This week I'll be using the Hezicos Tarot, created and self-published by Mary Griffin. Along with it I'll be using the Way of the Horse, an oracle deck and book set created by Linda Kohanov with Kim McElroy and published by New World Library. The two cards drawn for today are the Five of Cups and Dominance:

It is about being clear about the list of things we really want to pursue in life, and in choosing to reserve our energy for those things that mean the most. ―Andre Begin

This little gnome is so angry, his body is as rigid as board. Connections and relationships have fallen by the wayside, but right now he's too mad to consider whether he had a hand in their departure. If his anger gives way to grief, then perhaps he'll reflect with a clearer eye. Yet if he gets stuck, he's going to lose the two loyal cups still standing behind him. Dominance shows a horse straining so hard, he is covered in sweat with his veins protruding. Trying to control people can make us feel the same way internally. We feel entitled to expect them to behave how we think they should, but of course they never do (and usually react badly when we berate them). The boat on the ocean behind the gnome illustrates the saying, "that ship has sailed." No amount of bargaining, intimidation or manipulation will turn back time. Best to learn from our mistakes and use our energy for more beneficial pursuits.

Welfare of All

From the Hezicos Tarot, the Ten of Swords; from the Way of the Horse, Dominance:

Every right has its responsibilities. Like the right itself, these responsibilities stem from no man-made law, but from the very nature of man and society. The security, progress and welfare of one group is measured finally in the security, progress and welfare of all mankind. ~Lewis Schwellenbach

I wonder if this little fellow went down screaming, "But it's my right!" We all have our own ideas about things, but that doesn't mean we should inflict them on others. And trying to do so can have consequences. Dominance shows an angry horse with veins protruding and a mouth open and ready to bite. The companion book calls this a show of 'adolescent authority' in humans, when we feel entitled to loudly state our demands and have them fulfilled. But as Schwellenbach states in the quote above, a democratic society measures demands with regard to the well-being of all. Just ask the groups of medical personnel, hopeful organ recipients, and other employees who refuse to get the Covid-19 vaccine.

Relax the Reins

From the Hezicos Tarot, the Devil; from the Way of the Horse Oracle, 'Dominance:'

          The Devil represents an unhealthy, unskillful attempt to feel differently and avoid what is unpleasant. Have you lost control over a situation or group that you're supposed to be managing? Try a little rage. Feel hopeless and depressed? A pint of ice cream with a thick slice of cake might help. Frustrated about your job and boss? There's a bottle of vodka with your name on it. Now of course these 'fixes' are just an illusion. Nothing gets better (at least in the long run) when we resort to such solutions, and we often feel shame about them later. Yet a much bigger problem comes when we continue to repeat and reinforce this behavior. The result is a habit or addiction that makes us feel even more powerless. The Dominance card shows a horse whose rider is pulling too hard on the reins, creating strain in the horse's neck and pain from the bit in his mouth. I've seen riders do this who are frightened; their fear makes them want to over-control the horse. The more unhappy the horse becomes, the tighter the panicked rider pulls on the reins. Both these cards remind me there are parts of life I just can't control no matter how much I try. I'd do better to heed the words of Marcus Aurelius: "You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength."

I've got a crew coming to rip out and replace all the windows in my house today that have been painted shut over the last 50+ years (and I have to be here along with the cats). Just wanted to give you a heads-up in case I don't get a chance to reply to any comments or visit your blog today. :)