Deep Roots

This week I'll be using three decks, all created by Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gomm and illustrated by Will Worthington. The Druidcraft Tarot and the Druid Plant Oracle were published by Connections; the Druid Animal Oracle was published by St. Martin's Press. I've combined the two oracles and will be using them as one deck. Today's draws are the Hanged Man and Earth Dragon:

          I was curious as to why this particular Hanged Man had his mouth stuffed full of oak leaves. The authors suggest it represents a vow of silence and imply that such an experience of absolute surrender goes beyond any words. Everyone comes to this point at some time in their lives: when our body is wracked with pain, holding a loved one's hand as they die, watching those we care about make destructive choices. It is both humbling and frightening to reside in that space where there is no control, where no words or actions make any difference. Nearby, the Earth Dragon lies curled in his cave. The treasures around him symbolize the young man's potential - not in some airy, fantasy world but in reality. I think it is only when we run out of options that we stop trying to outmaneuver life and accept life on life's terms. Then we find the hidden treasure of inner strength that allows us to adapt and adjust with grace.

Deep roots are not reached by the frost.

― J.R.R. Tolkien

The Wisdom of Practicality

From the Druidcraft Tarot, the King of Pentacles:

This king loves his comforts, but he doesn't mind working hard to acquire them.  He's also a great financial advisor and quite generous.  But if he lends you money to buy a riding mower, you'd best get busy starting that lawn business you've been talking about.  He is a practical sort of guy and open to new creative ideas (represented by robin redbreast in the window), but he expects to eventually see some results from them (the boar roasting on the fire).  He values what he owns, and instead of choosing to fall into the "buy, buy, buy!" mindset, he prefers to take good care of what he has.  He fully enjoys the physical, sensual side of life, but he doesn't have to have it all to be content and satisfied.  He's learned to use his resources wisely rather than impulsively.

     From the Druid Animal Oracle comes the "Earth Dragon:"

The Earth Dragon represents the power of potential in the realm of the physical.  It's easy to check our bank accounts, look at the stack of bills on the table, then conclude there are no resources to be found.  But this card emphasizes the treasures within - our untapped talents and abilities.  I will never know what I am capable of until I try, and who knows, I might just surprise myself.