Dividing Lines

From the Roots of Asia Tarot, the Knight of Swords; from the Mahjongg Cards, Dragon:

Who we are in every aspect of the self - individual, family, community, culture - is defined by what we crave, who we hate, and what we believe to be true.

—Sean Feit Oakes

Being elementally Air of Air, this Knight is full of knowledge and eloquent in speech. And while he may think he's a defender of justice, who he works for is often selective based on personal preference. Though he might not admit he hates anyone, his actions and words clearly act as a dividing line between 'us' and 'them.' Dragon suggests good fortune, and in this Knight's case, it would be that he balance some of his intellect with compassionate wisdom. To understand our connection with the whole of humanity allows us to be a more complete human being, one whose life has meaning beyond our latest conquest. As Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly."

Facts and Fiction

From the Legacy of the Divine Tarot, the Hanging Man; from the Tea Leaf Reading Cards, Dragon:

We all find ourselves in the limbo of uncertainty at some point, unable to fast forward to a better time or place and powerless to change the current circumstances. Crouched in a hallway waiting for the hurricane to pass, trying to find a lost pet, checking messages for a biopsy result - these are the moments when it can feel impossible to wait patiently. Yet practicing patience (recognize, reframe, remember the big picture) is a way to bring gentleness and tenderness to our spirit when we most need it. Dragon is a mythical creature and as such represents fiction and fantasy. Our experiences are made up of a fraction of what is actually happening and a majority of how the autopilot function of the brain interprets them. Our mind will generally weave stories of the worst case scenario, but if we can simply be with what is happening in the moment we can work with more facts than fiction.

Cradler of Secrets

From the Roots of Asia Tarot, the Queen of Cups; from the Mah Jongg Oracle, the Dragon:

Being a cradler of secrets has, as the years have passed, made me gentler and more accepting.

― Irvin Yalom

          The Queen of Cups nurtures by being able to listen deeply and compassionately without judgment. She's not in a hurry to give advice or fix. She would agree with Vicki Lannerholm about the role of counseling: "Sometimes what we need is time. Time to feel what we are feeling until our emotions run out of energy and we can resurface for air." The dragon - a symbol of good fortune - is a remind of how fortunate we are if we have a friend who can keep our secrets, listen to our pain, and provide comfort just by their presence. May we never take them for granted.

They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel. 

— Carl W. Buechner

Fertilizer Check

From the Wayfarer Tarot, the Seven of Earth; from the Curious Oracle, Dragon (Prosperity):

          This fellow seems to be taking stock of his garden. At first glance, it appears to be growing well as the plants are so tall. But the root system is too small for such a large plant. He needs to do a fertilizer check. Nitrogen is essential for the protein that makes up plant tissue and produces lush leaves (check). Phosphorus is used by a plant to help with photosynthesis, increase fruit development and to produce a strong root system. (Might need to add that.) Potassium strengthens a plant's ability to resist disease, protects the plant when the weather is cold or dry, and strengthens its root system. (Another he might need to add.) Just because things look whole and hearty on the outside, doesn't necessarily mean they are below the surface. A good assessment will consider more than just appearances. The Dragon might suggest a quote from Aristotle: "Learning is an ornament in prosperity, a refuge in adversity, and a provision in old age." While we might be willing to put forth an effort, we need reliable information to guide us in the right direction.

Completion with a Caveat

From the Granny Jones Australian Tarot, the World; from the Button Oracle, Dragon:

          Granny's card reminds me of the many television shows here in America that focus on remodeling someone's home. Usually they hide the family from the rebuilding activity, then when it is finished, they bring them back. The builders have something blocking the family's view at first (like a large truck); when it is moved, the family gasps in gleeful surprise. When I have shouldered the responsibility and done the work to bring about my own achievement, I often feel fiercely protective of the result. The Dragon Button represents that reaction but with a caveat. In the words of Carl Jung, "protection and security are only valuable when not excessively cramping to our existence." Just as that new house will get dinged, scuffed and dusty, I can't keep my life and what I accomplish under a bell jar. But I can enjoy what is here now, without clinging to the hope that it will never change.

Skillful Manifestation or Manipulation?

This week I'll be using a primitive art deck, created by Rebecca Jones, called the Granny Jones Tarot.  Today's card is the Magician:

In this card we see a man who looks like a used car salesman trying to make a sale.  Is he honest?  The pockets on his blazer are turned out, as if he says, "See?  Nothing to hide!"  But I do notice there is a bill hanging out the side of his pants pocket.  The Magician skillfully uses all of his tools - the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual - to manifest what he desires.  He has a focus like a laser that keeps him on track.  But because of his proficiency, there is a temptation to use these talents only for self-benefit, regardless of how it may affect others.  Before I use what's in my toolbox, I need to check my motives. The end doesn't necessarily justify the means.

     The oracle I'll be using this week is a homemade one, composed of metal buttons with various pictures and designs on them.  Some I've bought and some have been generously given to me as a gift.  Each one has a quote and a keyword associated with it.  Today's draw is the "Dragon - Protection:"

You protect your being when you love yourself better. ~ Isabelle Adjani

Unlike Western dragons, Eastern dragons are portrayed as good, kind, and intelligent.  This image reminds me that no one can look out for my welfare better than me.  While I try to see the good in everyone, I know that some folks have ulterior motives and will manipulate me to get what they want.  I must guard my "treasure" from these people, whether it is my finances, my time and energy, or my peace of mind.