Sock Drawers

From the Vision Quest Tarot, the Eight of Earth (Pentacles); from the Bird Signs/Ascension to Paradise Cards, Loon:

In all chaos there is a cosmos, in all disorder a secret order. 

—Carl Jung

The Thoth keyword for this card is 'prudence,' while the Vision Quest calls it 'inner order.' It is easy to over expend our energy and other resources when all the world seems to be a mess. Order in our environment does seem to help with inner calm, but we can't line up all the ducks and expect them to stay that way. Attempts to control are not the answer. Yet there are always a few practical things we can do, even if it's only to pay a bill, make a bed, or organize a drawer. Loon's song is often used in movies to denote secluded natural settings and suspense. Its deep dives for food suggest we look within for the insecurities exacerbating the disorder we're focusing on in the outer world. We might practice self-compassion while challenging our assumptions and expectations. Identifying our triggers, like too much social media or TV news, and staying away from them might also be of help. Meanwhile, keep organizing your sock drawer.

First, The Basics

From the Gaian Tarot, the Eight of Earth (Pentacles); from the Goddess Oracle, Ix Chel:

In learning you will teach, and in teaching you will learn.

― Phil Collins

A father mentors his daughter in the art of drumming, teaching her tempo and rhythm. But be assured that he is learning as much as she is. Teach a class or lead a discussion and any notes we made will soon be forgotten by the constant barrage of questions and discourse. Once there's an interest, we'll find that we learn as much as the students as we uncover more techniques and information. Ix chel, the Mayan moon goddess, is associated with creativity; her upturned jar constantly pours out the waters of inspiration and innovation. However, what allows our creativity to flourish is learning the fundamental skills first. Then we have a foundation to build on as we experiment and try out new ideas.

Steadfast Work

From the Stone Tarot, the Eight of Pentacles; from the Buddhist Quote Cards, Dhammapada 25:365:

What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work.

―Stephen King

Those who have developed a gift for something - whether it's writing, carpentry or cooking - will soon find themselves in high demand. The sound of crickets chirping will be drowned out by phone calls of folks wanting those services, and they'll soon find steadfast work with few days off. Which brings to mind the words of psychologist Corey Wilkes: "It’s easy to focus on the prestige of 'arriving,' but lose sight of what the day-to-day reality of success looks like." The Dhammapadma quote reads:

One shouldn't scorn what one has received, nor envy others.

When we stop comparing our lives to others, we might discover we're happier and more content than we thought.

A Job Enjoyed

From the Russian Lubok Tarot, the Eight of Pentacles; from the Marseille Oracle, Events:

Never continue in a job you don't enjoy. If you're happy in what you're doing, you'll like yourself, you'll have inner peace. And if you have that, along with physical health, you will have had more success than you could possibly have imagined. - Johnny Carson

We don't necessarily have to be great at doing what we love, but if we enjoy our work, we will continue to practice our skills with diligence. As the saying goes, practice makes progress. And part of success is when people appreciate the services or products because they see our joy and satisfaction in doing them. The cup in the oracle card represents Events, or milestones in our lives. There is an achievement that has nothing to do with age or anniversaries. It is when we have the confidence to proclaim the title of what we do, whether it is a baker, artist, or some other occupation. With the tarot card, it suggests the words of Arthur Ashe: "An important key to self-confidence is preparation."

Laser-like Focus

From the Greenwood Tarot, the Eight of Stones (Pentacles); from the Rune Cards, Day (Dagaz):

The successful warrior is the average man, with laser-like focus. 

— Bruce Lee

A person sits alone in a cave, surrounded by beasts and beings he or she has carved and painted on the stone walls. Potter suggests this card is about the ability to work alone independently and with deep concentration. Such work comes from the depth of the soul, something AI could only semi-replicate. As Terry Goodkind wrote, "Art reveals the artist’s inner self. Art reveals a man’s ideals, what he values." Dagaz (Day) is a rune that symbolizes the end of one cycle and the beginning of another, which includes the potential for new growth. Working in solitude has its advantages, but coming back out of our cave can help stimulate inspiration and new ideas.

Work-based Focus

This week I'll be using the Tarot de St. Croix, created and self-published by Lisa de St. Croix. Along with it, I'll be drawing from the Archetype Cards, created by Caroline Myss and published by Hay House. Today's cards are the Eight of Pentacles and God:

Some people want to see God with their eyes as they see a cow, and to love Him as they love a cow - for the milk and cheese and profit it brings them. This is how it is with people who love God for the sake of outward wealth or inward comfort. They do not rightly love God, when they love Him for their own advantage. ― Meister Eckhart

The Eight of Pentacles suggests a work-based focus, one where physical effort is expended beyond mental fantasy. Sure, a vision is needed as a starting point, but no concrete progress can be made until we buckle down to the tasks at hand. The God archetype (and Eckhart's quote) imply a ploy that people often use to get out of taking responsibility for any personal exertion. "If it's God's will" can suspiciously sound like "I'm going to let someone else handle it." It might be better to follow the advice of an Islamic proverb - Trust Allah but tie up your camel. It's the results we can let go of, not the work.

Heart Work

From the Wild Unknown Tarot, the Eight of Pentacles; from the Pictish Oracle, Broken Sword/Tuning Fork:

The spider is a masterful web builder, knowing exactly how to construct a framework of threads to support her web. Like those who are highly skilled in their career or craftwork, she moves intuitively as she creates. Yet the Pictish Oracle's Broken Sword (or possibly a Tuning Fork) suggests that for all we've accomplished, something has gone wrong. Has our work become like trudging on a treadmill, simply churning out what is expected? Perhaps what is broken is a sense of purpose and joy in what we do. If so, it's time to listen to our heart and not just our head.

Not a Battle

From the Greenwood Tarot, the Eight of Stones (Pentacles); from the Rune Cards, Weapon/Yr:

Deep within a cave with painted walls, a person chisels a wheel. Potter suggests this is a large project that requires concentration to complete. The Weapon/Yr rune poem describes the ax-hammer as a dependable tool for warriors. Together, these cards imply that the craftsperson might feel under attack as if they must finish by a certain time. In such cases, they are no longer simply working on a task, they're battling it. That is the perfect mindset for tension, stress and mistakes. It might be better to simply take a breath and be mindful of what they're doing rather than worrying about the finish line. The only war being waged is a figment of the imagination.

Learn to Surf

From the Tarrochi Celtic, the Eight of Earth (Coins); from the Art of Asia, "The Great Wave Off Kanagawa" by Katsushika Hokusai:

The double disc symbol in this card, found on Pictish stones and metalwork, was likely a solar symbol. This fits with the Eight of Coins, which could be thought of as a reliable proposal that would open a door to prosperity. For instance, if a manuscript was chosen by a publisher but with the caveat that the author immediately write a sequel. There's a 'make hay while the sun shines' urgency to get things done, so this gnome has his acorn hat on and is busily gathering his resources. The quote for Hokusai's painting suggests that the gnome not see this as a straight line to success:

You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf. ~ Jon Kabat-Zinn

In his valiant attempt to take advantage of this opportunity, he must remember to be flexible and adapt to circumstances as they change.

 

Busyness Balanced

From the Prisma Visions Tarot, the Eight of Pentacles; from the Secret Language of Color Cards, Gray:

It's amazing what dedication, perseverance and the willingness to learn from others and one's mistakes can produce. Tombs writes that we should "steadily cultivate what you have already established so it continues to grow." Whether it's a talent, project, or business we're working on, nothing will continue to thrive if we don't pay attention and keep making an effort. However, Gray suggests doing a body scan, something I do as I begin each sitting meditation. The mind is good at shutting off the body's subtle signals when it has something it wants done by yesterday. It forgets that it is dependent on this magnificent chariot. Checking in with the body - noticing tension in our jaw, a tightness in the belly, or an ache in our back - can signal that we need to step back from our busyness and make some changes. Those little pauses can keep us from coming to a full stop.

Prudent Humility

From the Rohrig Tarot, the Eight of Disks; from the Master Tarot, Knock:

The Eight of Disks is a reminder that growing or expanding anything needs time and consideration, patience and prudence. We need a clear awareness of what is necessary and what is superfluous; we need to be aware of the details without losing sight of the big picture. When we're nervous or excited, it's hard to be the tortoise and not the hare, but that's what this card encourages. The Knock card refers to the verse in Matthew 7:7-8. Does this mean if we just show up and ask that we'll get whatever we want? I don't think so, but it does imply we may get some support and assistance if we are open and honest. 

...but at some point when things are really dicey, your stubbornness gives way to a certain form of humility that, after you get over yourself, feels liberating. 

― Dee Williams

Trying Something New

This week I'll be using the Legacy of the Divine Tarot, created and self-published by Ciro Marchetti. I'll pair with it the Tea Leaf Reading Cards, created and self-published by Karin Dalton-Smith. Today's draws are the Eight of Coins and the Lion:

Being a craftsperson of any stripe is an ongoing effort. Even if you've had some success, there is always a question of what to do next. Most people attempt to branch out into something new every now and then. Yet that requires leaving the comfort of our proficiency and moving back into the beginner's chair. Feeling inept and confused when we attempt to learn a new skill or add to our knowledge can deflate our confidence. The Tea Reading offers Lion, a symbol of courage and strength. I have a small network of friends (most older and wiser than me) who I can turn to at such times. They don't tell me what I want to hear but what I need to hear, however they also prop me up with plenty of encouraging support. They often have faith in me until I can have faith in myself once again.

Fear and anxiety many times indicate that we are moving in a positive direction, out of the safe confines of our comfort zone...

― Charles F. Glassman

   

Keep Your Eye on the Ball

From the Rosetta Tarot, the Eight of Disks; from the Day of the Dead Lenormand, the Moon:

With a protective spread of her wings, an owl watches over the eight eggs in the nests below her. In Thoth-speak, the Eight of Disks is a caution to be prudent; patience, attention and care are needed at this point. The Lenormand Moon, however, signals positive recognition and honor for one's work, but those eggs haven't hatched yet. It would be easy to get distracted by fantasies, imagining all the good fortune that's about to come our way. Yet if we take our focus away from the task at hand, that future might not be very rosy at all. Apply oneself now, and the rewards will come later.

A garden requires patient labor and attention. Plants do not grow merely to satisfy ambitions or to fulfill good intentions. They thrive because someone expended effort on them. ~Liberty Hyde Bailey

Allowing Insight

From the Ship of Fools Tarot, the Eight of Coins; from the Wisdom of the Four Winds, Owl:

This fellow works diligently and steadfastly, away from distractions. He's got a job to finish, and quality work depends on not being interrupted every few minutes. He reminds me of trying to wrap a few presents with the cat 'helping' - sitting on the wrapping paper and chasing every ribbon. Our presents will have a bit of pawed and chewed love added to them this holiday. The Owl represents insight, the ability to see clearly and understand what has previously been in darkness. The focus of the craftsman reminds me that insight requires stillness of the mind (as opposed to googling for endless hours in a search of answers), and an open mind willing to accept the wisdom it discovers rather than judge it. What we give up is the preferred explanation we're hoping to find in order to accept what is true.

Nothing is more terrible than activity without insight. ~Thomas Carlyle

Guarding with Boundaries

From the Tarot of the Crone, the Eight of Disks; from the Transforming Dragons deck, Nervoc:

I know what is mine.

I guard and keep it.

~E.L-P.

This particular Eight of Disks makes me think of the phrase 'happy place.' Most of us have a place that can create a feeling of solitude and peace, allowing us to take a deep relaxed breath. It encourages our creative muse to come out of hiding and offers it a safe space to express itself, no matter what form of skill it takes. Nervoc is the dragon of thoughtlessness and carelessness who speaks and acts without any self-discipline. If we can't explain the idea of personal space and courtesy to such folks in a way they can grasp, firm boundaries are the next logical step. Explanations may pour in one ear and out the other, but experiencing the results of their imprudence might help them understand. 

Everyone needs a happy place.

There's Always More

This week I'll be using the Gill Tarot, created by Elizabeth Gill and published by U.S. Games. The oracle deck I'll be using with it is The Circle, created by D.R. Taylor and published by Versation Publishing. Today's draws are the Eight of Discs and Mystery:

The world, even the smallest parts of it, is filled with things you don't know.

― Sherman Alexie

        A metalworker, so in the flow of his work that he resembles the element he creates with, designs a huge figure of the number eight. The companion book describes this card as the application of concepts. The two circles that make up the number nicely symbolize the way mental skill rests on physical skill. Yet the Mystery card suggests delighting in - rather than being frustrated by - the unknown in the creative process. A teacher once gave me some great advice: "Be willing not to be an expert." Curiosity keeps the doors of the mind open to learning, producing more skills and knowledge rather than complacency and stagnation. That mindset can be much more exciting than being an expert.

The possession of knowledge does not kill the sense of wonder and mystery. There is always more mystery. ― Anais Nin

Mudita

From the Deirdre of Sorrows Tarot, the Eight of Coins; from the Victorian Flower Oracle, Scabious and Marigold:

Practice puts brains in your muscles. ~Sam Snead

          O'Donoghue calls the Eight of Coins the apprentice card, and here students exercise their individual talents. I'm sure some of them are hoping to get athletic, scholastic or musical scholarships. Pincushion flowers and Marigold suggest compassion and sympathy for things not turning out as planned. If we are the fortunate ones, can we pause our celebration long enough to lend some words of encouragement for those who weren't? And if we weren't the ones blessed with favorable results, can we attempt to cultivate appreciative joy - gratitude for what we do have and delight for those who have found good fortune? It is a soothing antidote that frees us from comparison and envy.

Green tea leaves swirling

Warmth soothes arthritic fingers

Simple gratitude.

~Deb Wright

Advocating Persistence

From the Animal Totem Tarot, the Eight of Pentacles; from the Blum/Gern Rune Cards, Taiwaz/Tiwaz:

          This adolescent mountain goat becomes more surefooted and confident as he climbs each day, learning which stones will crumble and which will bear his weight. Likewise, the Eight of Pentacles encourages us to keep practicing our skills and adding to our knowledge. This year the pandemic has forced everyone to adapt and learn new information (though some are more skillful and willing than others). Yet in the future, another generation might look back at ours to see if we became proficient or failed at our task. Adjusting isn't easy for anyone, which is probably why Taiwaz has appeared, a rune representing the warrior god Tyr. He advocates persistence, order and balance. "Keep doing what is right for the good of all, regardless of the naysayers. Rationality will eventually bring success."

The mark of a true practitioner is not what arises in your life and mind, but how you work with what arises. —Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche

Setting Boundaries

 From the Swietlistej Drogi Tarot, the Eight of Pentacles; from the Mirrors of the Heart, Voice:

Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives. ~William A. Foster

          I imagine this woman as a quality-control worker; she checks the raw product before allowing it to go any further. Like the photographer who looks at shots before printing, or the gem buyer who looks for certain features, she must learn how to be discriminating. Voice shows an expression that comes from the depths within. It is a way to stand up for ourselves, whether it's to the dentist who treats patients as if he were resoling a shoe or the coworker who makes inappropriate remarks. Like the quality-control worker, we learn how to discern what is appropriate and what is not. They might not want to listen, but we have the right to speak our truth about our experience and set boundaries for behavior.

Work and Wonder Time

From the Songs for the Journey Home Tarot, the Eight of Earth (Pentacles); from the Raven Cards, 'Grasp It:'

          These young folks are honing their various skills and talents, from designing and baking to painting and exercising. Some of us make our way in the world by becoming Jacks and Janes of all trades while others seek a specific career. It consumes us in our younger and middle years, but later we may find that while having money in the bank gives us security, it doesn't necessarily bring us joy. The Raven Card implies that we each have something innate that does, whether it's creating or enjoying the creation. It's usually different for everyone, but worthwhile for us to discover and spend time doing.

The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.     

~Bertrand Russell