Defined or Strengthened

From the Granny Jones Australian Tarot, the Five of Buttons; from the Button Oracle, Eagle:

When something bad happens, you have three choices. You can either let it define you, let is destroy you, or you can let it strengthen you. ―Theodor Geisel

When we see folks who have a run of bad luck, we automatically try to figure out what they did to land there. It's a way to make us feel better, as if we can prevent it from happening to us. But sometimes we find ourselves in a landslide of difficulties, no matter how savvy we think we are. Do we let these things define us as someone who never gets a break, as someone who always gets a raw deal? You can bet our lives will begin to resemble exactly that if we do. Yet Eagle reminds us to take a broader view of things and to use discernment in our situation. First, we may find allies who can offer advice or help. We may learn to pay more attention to red flags we ignored before. If we look wider than our own pain, we will see troubles come to all and develop compassion. If we zero in on what we can do (rather than what we can't control), we may take a small action that has a domino effect of good results. 

Free Fall

From the Prairie Tarot, the Tower; from the Medicine Cards, Eagle:

To be fully alive, fully human, and completely awake is to be continually thrown out of the nest. To live fully is to be always in no-man's-land, to experience each moment as completely new and fresh. 

—Pema Chodron

Humans bank on things that they believe will provide them with security and certainty - money, religion, education, power, health regimens, etc. It's not that these things aren't helpful, but the nature of life is constant change and impermanence; there is no way to escape loss, aging, sickness and death. If we look outward, we will find these things hold true for everyone. Eagle is a reminder of Great Spirit (Ground of Being, Power Greater than Ourselves). A spiritual path won't keep us safe from the hard knocks of life, but it can soften the blows, providing us comfort and a way to adjust.

Please Disregard

From the Wild Unknown Tarot, the Chariot; from the Pictish Oracle, the Eagle:

The art of being wise is knowing what to overlook.

― William James

What is it that distracts us from our focus, makes our confidence wobble, and dulls our will? While the stimulus might have come from the outside, the seed that grows from it is in our mind, a fictitious narrative that trips up our purpose and progress. The Eagle makes ten appearances on class I stones; an old Gaelic name for the eagle was ‘fireun’ which can be translated as truth, integrity or a just man. This bird suggests we check the soundness of those thoughts and ideas that cause us to deviate from our objective. As James wrote, we may need to disregard those that serve only as a distraction.

No Protection

From the Granny Jones Australian Tarot, the Six of Cups; from the Button Oracle, Eagle:

The afternoon knows what the morning never suspected.

― Robert Frost

Like Granny looking through old photo albums, we often relive moments of the past in our mind. But as we get older and grayer, we also find ourselves checking the obituaries and the calendar for doctor appointments. Some of us may feel as if our body is betraying us as we age. Others, upon hearing of a death in their circle, begin to make comments about the person's lack of a healthy diet or exercise, as if that talisman might protect them from a similar fate. It's not that we need to give up taking care of our body and mind, but we do need to accept that we all come to the same end. Eagle represents clarity and a wide perspective: "An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity." (Martin Luther King, Jr.) Moving out of a self-absorbed orbit can help us live out our days with meaning and equanimity.

Wide Context

From the Druidcraft Tarot, the Two of Cups; from the Druid Animal Oracle, Eagle:

The Two of Cups symbolizes a commitment born of the heart. Whether between spouses, partners, friends, or family members (including pets), such a vow is rooted in love and kindness rather than obligation. Yet life can act as a spade or hoe, disrupting those connections with hardships and pain. The Eagle offers us the spaciousness to see situations in a wider context, providing clarity and objectivity. Rather than being stuck in a mindset of how things should or shouldn't be (based on our particular conditioning and experiences), such a perspective allows us to step into other people's shoes and see through their lens. As Tim Burton put it, "One person's craziness is another person's reality."

Intentional Discovery

From the Llewellyn Tarot, the Four of Cups; from the Beasts of Albion, Eagle:

          The Four of Cups can represent melancholic discontent to overwhelmed apathy. When our cups become too full of sorrow, anxiety, or hurt, we develop a heartache that leaves us in a stagnated state. There is an Irish legend that says when Eagle has lost his vim and vigor, he flies to the sun until his feathers are scorched and then dives into the ocean where he is rejuvenated, much like the phoenix. This message of renewal paired with the Four of Cups reminded me of a daily quote posted by the AA Grapevine that was a twist on the biblical verse in Mark: "What profiteth a man if he gains his sobriety but loses his sense of humor?" Step away from the usual way of trudging through the day and intentionally search for lightheartedness and laughter. In the words of Henri Nouwen, "Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day." 

In Living Color

From the Wild Unknown Tarot, the Three of Wands; from the Pictish Oracle, the Eagle:

          The Three of Wands represents an expansion, whether with a career or how someone moves through the world as a whole. It requires an investment, possibly of money and time, but definitely of emotion and effort. The three sticks suggest tying together diverse talents or knowledge to create something sturdy. Now life has gone from black and white to color - it is an exciting experience to see the changes that are beginning to happen.
          The Eagle made ten appearances on class I stones of the Picts. Another name for the eagle was ‘fireun,’ from an Irish root word meaning truth, integrity, or a just man. James Ricklef's words pull together this card and tile: "Every once in a while you need to step back from the details and take a good look at the big picture." It's easy to get caught up in the excitement and not see all the cargo our ship is bringing in. Just as the industrial revolution brought progress in some areas, it also brought pollution and grim working conditions for many of the poor. An honest, objective view with an eye toward what benefits everyone is an idea worth implementing.

Go, Learn Things

From the Llewellyn Tarot, the Page of Wands; from the Beasts of Albion, the Eagle:

          When there is a new case to investigate on NCIS New Orleans, Agent Pride always tells his team "Go, learn things." His emphasis on 'go' is right in line with the Page of Wands' personality. This young fellow jumps at the chance to experience life; it's all an adventure for him. And while his openness and excitement help him soak up lots of information, his youthful ineptitude can result in errors of judgment. He's so excited about being in the thick of things, he doesn't even realize what he's stepped in until he's knee deep. The Eagle flies in to help him understand the true nature of things. His instructions to the Page would be to stop, step back and look from a wider perspective. Enthusiasm is a good quality, but being able to perceive from an objective and realistic viewpoint is necessary for the long haul. My cousin's son has been hiking the Appalachian Trail since the first of June, and he posted a photo of a sign that is at the beginning of each section (northbound and southbound) of the 100 Mile Wilderness. Its warning is not meant to take away the hikers' joyful enthusiasm, but to make them aware of the dangers of the trail so that they can be prepared. Being sensible doesn't have to deter enjoyment, but it can prevent missteps along the way.

Repairing the World

From the Shining Tribe Tarot, the Nine of Rivers (Cups); from the Animal Tiles, Eagle:

          According to Lurianic kabbalah (Jewish mysticism), Ein Sof ('The Infinite') contracted itself to make room for creation. Its divine light shattered the vessels of creation it filled, but some of its light attached itself to the broken shards. Tikkun Olam ('repair of the world') is the idea that people can bring the world back to its original wholeness through acts of social justice and loving-kindness. This myth is what Pollack's card illustrates, and it reminded me where most of my moments of joy come from - not in getting, but giving. I was at the vet the other day when an elderly woman (so tiny she could barely see over the counter) came in to purchase some medicine. As she slowly counted out her dollars and change, she realized she didn't have enough money. My spiritual principle for this month is generosity, and I realized here was a chance to put it in practice by paying for the difference. She was shocked that a stranger would make such an offer, but I assured her it was no big deal. And though I'm sure she was grateful, I was the real recipient because I felt buoyantly happy the rest of the day. The Bald Eagle is found near large bodies of open water with an abundant food supply, as it is a fisher rather than a hunter. It reminds me that if I want to feel contentment and joy, I might need to actively look for opportunities to act. A fishing pole and a positive attitude is all that is required.

Sangha

From the Shining Tribe Tarot, Tradition (Hierophant); from the Animal Tiles, "Eagle:"

       The red stones (the tribe) have created a sacred space; the green pathways represent the physical realm, and the yellow the spiritual realm. Inside is a place where people can gain understanding, find sustenance and feel the safeness of a refuge. This place is much like the Buddhist sangha, a community of people who share the same spiritual goals and offer encouragement and support to each other. As I deal with a boatload of stress right now, I can see how such a supportive community could be of help. Yet I do have structure from the practices in my spiritual toolbox; these I need to rely on for now.
       The Eagle symbol often shows up in my life when I feel shredded on the inside due to situations beyond my control. It always brings me hope by helping me to look at my life from a wider perspective and see through different eyes besides my own. I am not the only one hurting right now, there are thousands of others sitting in my boat too. And while I can't change what is going on in the outside world, I can work on changing what is going on within me.

It's Not a Cushy Job

From the Llewellyn Tarot, the Emperor:

Ferguson based this image of the Emperor on Bran the Blessed, the king of Britain (and a giant) in Welsh mythology.  In one legend, Bran was leading his men against the Irish when they discovered the bridge across the river Shannon had been destroyed.  Bran told his soldiers, "he who will be chief, let him be a bridge," then laid his body across the water so all could cross.  This card reminds me that being in a position of true leadership is not only about wielding power, but service, organization and protection as well.  It's not a cushy job, but one that requires commitment, a thick skin and a responsibility to all rather than a select few.

From the Beasts of Albion, the "Eagle:"

Gray states that the Eagle represents "the triumph of the mind and spirit over physical restrictions."  The message here is that the brain (intellect) can win over brute force or other physical challenge.  Knowledge is power, and it is important to wield it as wisely and carefully as a sword.

Fear or Freedom?

On this very chilly morning, I drew the Nine of Swords from the Jolanda Tarot:

Nine menacing-looking birds sit atop swords that pierce a heart.  The threatening look of these feathered fiends remind me of the mockingbirds in my neighborhood during their mating and nesting times.  They fly at my dog, cat, and us if we invade their territory - quite an unpleasant experience.  Sometimes my thoughts can be as frightening as those attacking birds.  They bring up ungrounded feelings of fear, and can overwhelm me like an emotional tsunami.  A clue to the solution is in the heart above which has half a yin/yang sign in it.  To be in balance, I need both parts - logic and emotion, assertiveness and receptiveness.  An emotional tidal wave can drown all rationality; it is time to take a hard look at reality through the eyes of objectivity and reason.

     From the Bird Signs deck today comes the "Eagle - freedom:"

I am lucky to live in a city split by a river, where bald eagles have been known to fish.  It is quite amazing to see these giant birds, looking like a speck in the sky, come barreling down to the water and snatch up a fish.  The heights they reach enable them to look down at a body of water and discern whether an object is a fish or just a piece of drifting wood.  Its message for me today is to remove myself from the drama and chaos in my life so that I can see with clarity.  Then I will know what is truly important and what is just driftwood.