Learning to Fly

From the Wild Unknown Tarot, the Hanged Man; from the Pictish Oracle, the Double Disc:

Because bats are mammals and have heavier bodies than birds, they hang from a height to make their take-off flight easier. Literally, they let go and fall so they can fly. We humans will stubbornly cling to the idea that we can control situations and people; we've somehow convinced ourselves that this shows that we care. Yet usually all we manage to accomplish with this mindset is a physical and mental state of exhaustion. What would happen if we let go of what has hooked us? Maybe the outcome would not be as dire as we thought, or perhaps the consequences of those involved would provoke a decision to change. The Double Disc shows the sun moving from sunrise to sunset - even its 'rule' has limits as the earth turns. Likewise, sometimes the best use of control is when it is applied to ourselves.

I'll Fly Away

From the Wild Unknown Tarot, the Lovers; from the Pictish Oracle, the Double Disc:

          Kran again makes another wise choice from the wild - Canada geese as the Lovers. These birds mate for life, and pairs remain together throughout the year. My in-laws' commitment and loyalty to each other were much like these geese. Together they made it through the depression, WWII and the suicide of of son; later my mother-in-law nursed her husband for 19 years after a blood transfusion resulted in brain damage. It feels surreal that I drew this card this morning, as I dreamed last night that I was holding my MIL's hand as she lay dying. She spoke of seeing "Charlie" and then slipped away.
          The Double Disc was an often seen inscription of the Picts, second in appearance only to the Crescent and V-rod. This symbol was thought to represent the sun or the high king. During the Romano-Celtic period, solar wheel offerings were placed in water and at shrines as offerings. The sun's image suggests power and energy but also movement (as it seemed to move across the sky and then briefly disappear until sunrise). Together with the migrating geese, it feels like the sun is about to set for my MIL. Indeed the reality of the situation is that her body and mind are beginning to make that journey. These draws makes me think of one of her favorite gospel songs:

Some glad morning when this life is o'er

I'll fly away

To a home on God's celestial shore

I'll fly away

I'll fly away, oh Glory I'll fly away 

When I die

Hallelujah by and by I'll fly away

Just a few more weary days and then

I'll fly away

To a land where joy shall never end

I'll fly away

I'll fly away, oh Glory yes I'll fly away 

When I die

Hallelujah by and by I'll fly away

  ~ Albert E. Brumley