Hustle Your Bustle

From the World Spirit Tarot, the Eight of Wands; from the Mystic Glyphs, Turkey:

Life changes in the instant. The ordinary instant.

― Joan Didion

Looks like I better hustle my bustle today, as some potential activities or opportunities are about to land on my doorstep. As that eye on one of the wands indicates, today is not a day for lolling about but for paying attention. I'm on my first cup of coffee and have not yet washed the grumpy sleepiness out of my system. It would be easy to complain about all I have to do today without adding extra on my plate. Turkey shows up - a symbol of abundance, community, and gratitude - to remind me that such opportunities are gifts. There's no need to impute the day with assumptions of what a chore it will be when I've barely lived much of it yet. Plus, as Didion points out, things can change quickly, and this particular gift may not arrive again.

Time is a River

From the Sacred India Tarot, the Eight of Staves; from the Land Sky Oracle, Abhinivesha:

Time is a river, a violent current of events, glimpsed once and already carried past us, and another follows and is gone. ―Marcus Aurelius

After 14 years, Rama finally defeated the demon king and was headed home, collecting his allies as he went along. When hardships keep one away from the people and place one loves, no time is wasted in getting back for a joyful reunion. In this case, Rama borrowed the Pushpaka Vimana, a divine flying chariot, to get there speedily. The booklet suggests that there are times when we are struck with creative ideas or solutions, and we must act on them quickly. Abhinivesha translates to the "fear of death" - not just bodily death, but loss and change as well. Sometimes when we feel led to follow a new direction, especially when it is different from how we normally define our self, there is a fear of losing our identity. But this change is natural, as Marcus Aurelius tells us: "Loss is nothing else but change, and change is Nature's delight." 

Excellence is not Perfection

From the Legacy of the Divine Tarot, the Eight of Wands; from the Tea Leaf Reading Cards, Butterfly:

Productivity is never an accident. It is always the result of a commitment to excellence, intelligent planning, and focused effort.  –Paul J. Meyer

The Sagittarian archer readies to loose his arrow behind eight wands; all preparations have been made and obstacles overcome. Now it is full steam ahead, so as my father-in-law used to say, "Keep your head down and tail up." The Butterfly warns us not to get sidetracked by perfection, flitting from one thing to another, trying to ensure every detail is flawless. That ideal state will never be reached. As Angela Duckworth reminds us, "Time and energy are limited. Any successful person has to decide what to do in part by deciding what not to do."

Last Mile

From the Norse Tarot, the Eight of Wands; from the Wolf Pack, Home:

There is no mile as long the final one that leads back home.

― Katherine Marsh

The long, slender ships of the Norse (aptly name longships) were built for speed. In calm waters or during surprise attacks, they dropped the sail and used oars. These men, seeing the familiar coastline of their village, are likely rowing for all their worth, ready to get back to familiar, friendly faces and relax with some hot food and good drink. Home brings up mixed memories for me. What I consider my original home was my grandparents' house, which was demolished for a hospital parking lot. It would take many years - after I married my husband - that I felt as if I had found another home. As Maya Angelou wrote, “The ache for home lives in all of us. The safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.”

The rambling, roomy house on Mimosa Drive

Welcomed its first family in 1928.

The Garrisons would grow there and grieve there,

Celebrating an abundance of joyful times and finding refuge during loss.

Throughout the years, its walls, floors, and roof

Were suffused with the affection and devotion of family.

Bulldozers have now crushed its beams and crumbled its foundation,

Yet the love that grew there still remains.

How appropriate that it will soon provide parking space

For those in search of comfort and healing.

―BK

A Little Literal

From the Rosetta Tarot, the Eight of Wands; from the Day of the Dead Lenormand, Book:

Don't watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going.

—Sam Levenson.

Meleen describes this card as a visual representation of the electrical stimulation of the brain. Fire enters the realm of intellect and knowledge, requiring swift decisions and creative solutions. The Book indicates knowledge and education. Sometimes the cards I pull are so literal, they make me laugh. Many years ago, when my daughter was young, I created a memorial to honor our ancestors for the fall equinox. The pictures were accompanied by trinkets and miniatures that described their lives. For instance, my great-grandmother had a tiny trunk because she spent months traveling overseas with her sisters (leaving behind husbands and children). I'm lucky in that my mother put together five booklets about the ancestors on her side (the family album for the Book!). I've decided to do this again, so I've been busy reading them and making notes, but I also need to do some research on my biological father. I never included him before, but as one teacher reminded me, my life wouldn't exist without him, and that's something. He was a medic helicopter pilot in Korea and Vietnam, so I'll find a little helicopter for him. I've got until September 22 to be ready!

Just a Few Adjustments

From the Margarete Petersen Tarot, the Eight of Flames (Wands); from the Elemental Dice, Wind (Light + Air):

There is a muscular energy in sunlight corresponding to the spiritual energy of wind.

—Annie Dillard

The Eight of Flames tells us it is time to act, but not impulsively. We must hone our focus, concentrating on the task rather than imagining the outcome. Now we must stay centered in what is important and needs to be done rather than allowing discursive thinking to distract us. Wind indicates that change is brewing, but if we're paying attention, we'll catch it. We might need to be flexible and make a few adjustments to adapt. Even so, all is not lost; as John McGraw said, "one small breeze doesn't make a wind storm." 

Hot and Fast

From the Forest of Enchantment Tarot, the Eight of Spells (Wands); from the Mushroom Spirit Oracle, Scarlet Elf Cup:

Your intuition knows what to do. The challenge is to listen to it. 

—Gay Hendricks 

A parliament of owls is coming in hot and fast, representing the result of things put into motion earlier. Maybe it's a choice that must be made or a big project that has been given an affirmative nod, but whatever it is, we must be ready to move quickly. When we don't have time to patiently think things over, intuition can be our friend. The information we need has already been uploaded in our brain; all we need to do is to trust it. Scarlet Elf Cup is associated with healing - First Nations tribes used it as a styptic on wounds. It is a reminder that big events, good or bad, can take a lot out of us. We need to spend some down time to let our energy recharge.

Ready, Set...

From the Wild Unknown, the Eight of Wands; from the Pictish Oracle, Arch:

The step that we are on is only a step to the next place...

― Craig D. Lounsbrough

There are times in life when it feels like we've been on permanent pause, waiting on the same step for a long time. There is no going or coming, simply a state of stasis. The sticks above remind me of a little teepee of wood that you arrange for a campfire. Nothing happens without the addition of fire, but it looks like lightning has arrived to get things going. We're about to start taking some quick steps, maybe two at a time. Though the Arch resembles a horseshoe, there is no archaeological evidence that Pictish horses were shod. Because it shows up in eleven stones with various designs, it is likely a torc, a metal neck ring that symbolized strength, power, or nobility. It is reassurance that we've got what it takes to get through this next phase when things start moving.

No Mulling, Please

From the Vision Quest Tarot, the Eight of Fire (Wands); from the Bird Cards, the Thrush:

A point of view can be a dangerous luxury when substituted for insight and understanding. 

―Marshall McLuhan

In the Thoth framework, the Eight of Wands is where Fire enters the realm of intellect and logic. It is the sudden penetration of a situation, the apprehension of the nature of things. Such insight sees through misunderstandings and confusion and allows for quick, decisive action. Wood Thrushes migrate more than 2,000 miles each way, between their summer breeding territories in the US and Canada to where they winter in Central America. The birds will fly for hundreds of miles at night, then stop for days or weeks to refuel. In a single night, it will climb to several thousand feet and cover two or even three hundred miles before morning. Like its great bursts of flight, the Thrush tells us to act on rather than mull over our insights. 

All of You

From the Brady Tarot, the Eight of Feathers (Wands); from the Citadel Oracle, the Spymaster:

If you are going somewhere take all of you there. — Amit Kalantri

The gyrfalcon, the largest, most powerful NA falcon, hunts using 'surprise and flush' tactics. It is able to accelerate instantly and chase down even the fastest bird or mammal. This little ground squirrel has about enough time to think "what?!" before his time on earth is gone. When things are moving so quickly, we can't afford to get distracted and let our attention waver. We need to stay on point. Yet the Spymaster also encourages us to maintain a balanced perspective. Remember Gladys Kravitz, the nosy neighbor on the 1960s sitcom Bewitched? She watched everyone's movements and activities, but she only really cared about what she could use to smear the character of others. Staying focused is important, but only if we do it with a realistic and receptive mindset. 

Fierce Love

From the Cosmic Tarot, the Eight of Wands; from the L'Oeil de Lotus, Death:

Life is like stepping onto a boat which is about to sail out to sea and sink.

— Shunryu Suzuki

In our younger years, we eagerly hurdle toward adulthood, ready to be independent and make our own decisions. In middle age, we are busy with families, jobs, and social groups. Then as we reach elderhood, we begin to realize what we've actually been racing toward - Death. It dawns on us that doing more might not be as important as loving more, and accumulating things not as significant as being generous. Yet Death on the horizon doesn't have to dampen our enthusiasm for life, in fact we can begin to love it all even more fiercely.  

Nothing to Hold On To

From the Sheridan-Douglas Tarot, the Eight of Batons; from the Pages of Shustah, Angel of Autumn:

“Nothing to hold on to” is the root of happiness. There’s a sense of freedom when we accept that we’re not in control. —Pema Chödrön

The Eight of Batons indicates things are happening quickly, that what we've worked for or anticipated is coming in for a landing. Will things go as planned? Will the results be what we hope for? The Angel of Autumn encourages us to release our expectations and welcome what arrives. With wisdom we can realize that how things turn out are not always up to us, no matter how much we've planned and prepared. And with that mindset, we can respond appropriately to whatever turns up.

Practical Optimist

From the Anima Mundi Tarot, the Eight of Wands; from the Nature's Pharmacy deck, Flax:

You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.

― Marcus Aurelius

Wyreweden's Eight of Wands is illustrated with the roadrunner, a bird that can outrace a human. They thrive in the harsh conditions of the Southwest desert and can eat venomous prey like rattlesnakes, scorpions and lizards. I had a laugh after drawing this card as I am currently shuffling around due to a back injury. But just because I am moving at a snail's pace doesn't mean the rest of life will too. Flax is a slender plant with delicate looking stems, yet it yields a resilient linen fiber with great tensile strength. It suggests that no matter how fast the day is racing - even if  our bodies are not up for an athletic challenge - we can still meet it successfully if we adjust our minds. There's a practical optimist hiding in there somewhere!

Incoming

From the Dark Mansion Tarot, the Eight of Wands; from Miss Mai's Victorian Oracle, Invitation:

Creativity itself doesn't care at all about results - the only thing it craves is the process.

~Elizabeth Gilbert

My father-in-law (who retired and then opened a restaurant) had a saying when things got extremely busy and chaotic: keep your head down and your tail up. This phrase suggests a tracking dog with his nose to the ground and his tail in the air (a sign of confidence). In other words, focus on the task in front of you instead of looking at what's ahead, and you can be assured that things will get done in a timely and acceptable manner. And when those wands make a landing, you'll still be on your feet. Invitation implies a request, a chance to participate in something. A successful landing with one project nearly always opens the door to other opportunities. 

Planners and Procrastinators

From the Daniloff Tarot, the Eight of Staves; from the Kuan Yin Oracle, "Not Too Hot, Not Too Cold" (verse 78):

Are you a planner or a procrastinator? Do you get started weeks or months beforehand, determined to have our ducks in a row when the deadline arrives, or do you wait until the last moment and spring into action? Either way, there's a good chance that things will happen differently than assumed. Yet the Kuan Yin verse suggests there is a middle way:

You shouldn't heat chilly water

until it turns to steam.

Not too hot, not too cold -

warm water is just the right thing.

Some preparation without over-planning and causing ourselves too much worry sounds about right. As Thomas Merton said, "Happiness is not a matter of intensity, but of balance, order, rhythm and harmony." 

Continue

From the Buckland Romani Tarot, the Eight of Koshes (Staves); from the Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards, Great Spirit:

You can't just turn on creativity like a faucet. You have to be in the right mood.

What mood is that? Last-minute panic.

― Bill Watterson

Under an oak, someone has started setting up a 'bender' tent, or a temporary shelter. Judging by the leafless trees, the temperatures are probably dropping along with the sunlight. Best to get a move on if that shelter is going to be set up before evening. The Great Spirit is All That Is, residing in and surrounding everything, including us. We have a connection to this creative power of the universe that we can plug into for inspiration when we open our heart. Doing so makes space for more than just our struggles. As Curtis Mayfield sang in Keep On Keeping On, "Continue to give, continue to live."

Energy Expense

From the Ferret Tarot, the Eight of Wands; from the Nature's Wisdom Oracle, Oak:

Scientists call them FRAPs (Frenetic Random Activity Periods), but pet owners know them as the 'zoomies' - times when our four-footed companions make laps around the house like NASCAR drivers. Ferrets (who always seem to have energy when awake) are not immune, running, jumping, and twisting in the air. Oak has wood that is dense and durable, but the tree itself is impressive as well. Their roots generally lie only 18 inches under the soil, yet they may spread four to seven times the width of the tree's crown. The strength and stability of Oak suggest we prepare for the energy expense we'll need ahead - eat healthy, get enough rest and don't sweat the small stuff.

Everyday Occurrence

From the Tarot of the Masters, the Eight of Wands; from the Key to the Kingdom, the Nine of Hearts:

Ricklef's rendering of this card is from Pierre-Auguste Cot's painting "The Storm." The couple aren't in any real danger, but they're about to take a soaking if they don't find cover soon. It makes me wonder if they were so wrapped up in each other that they failed to see the dark clouds rolling in. Focus is a good thing except when it keeps us from noticing things that need noticing. The Nine of Hearts' verse begins, "What's the news of the day, good neighbor I pray?" Like the couple in the previous card, we may looking through a straw and fail to notice all the other things around us. What if I told you today nine good things were going to come your way - something that warmed your heart, piqued your curiosity, made you pause in awe and wonder, or made you laugh? It's true, but the caveat is you must be paying attention to catch them (because this is an everyday occurrence). 

Maintaining Awareness

From the Gaian Tarot, the Eight of Fire (Wands); from the Goddess Oracle, Cerridwen:

The role of awareness is the gathering of data.  ~Sayadaw U Tejaniya

When things are happening quickly (like these meteors racing toward earth), it's easy to freak out and want to try to control things. We stop paying attention to what is going on and worry about our assumptions or fantasize about how things will turn out. We may miss what actually would be helpful to do because we are bent on trying to manipulate what is headed our way. Even it the news is good (such as a job interview), it can be hard to maintain awareness without shoveling all of our emotions and expectations on top of the situation. Cerridwen, the Welsh goddess of death and rebirth, was the keeper of the cauldron of knowledge and inspiration in the Underworld. Yet that potion had to be brewed a year and a day to reach its potency. She reminds us that we need to be patient and willing to let go of our need to manage what is beyond our ability direct. Simply show up, listen, and be observant; we will understand our role to play when we have the information we need.

The Task at Hand

From The Classic Tarot, the Eight of Staves; from the Constellations Deck, Coma Berenice:

The Eight of Staves represents an efficient use of our creative energy - getting those projects done we've being putting off or that required a block of our time. The cut flowers on either end of the card imply something good coming from its completion, but the buds below them suggest there are other plans that will have to be ignored for now. Multitasking is not going to work if we want to bring this enterprise to its fruition. Coma Berenices (Berenice's hair) was named for Queen Berenice of Egypt who vowed to cut off her long, glorious mane of hair if her husband returned safely from war. When he did, she kept her promise. This constellation encourages us to fulfill the pledge we've made before we start making other commitments. Focus on the task at hand.