Not in Rage

From the Tarot of the Sidhe, the Empress; from the Green Man Tree Oracle, Elder (Ruis):

They knew intuitively they would not find restoration in rage.

—Tom Brokaw

The Empress is She Who Loves Fiercely. As a creator of life, she knows how precious and brief it is, thus she is patient and merciful. She nourishes and nurtures but also renews and restores as well. She is Nature and tells us we must respect its laws even if we don't like them. Elders (Ruis) are known for their intense, rapid regeneration, often regrowing from base shoots or broken branches. It is a symbol of change, growth and the ability to endure great challenges. The past doesn't get any do-overs, but wise intentions and actions today can create a better tomorrow.

Sacrifice and Restoration

From the Tarot of the Sidhe, Dancer Five (Five of Cups); from the Green Man Tree Oracle, Elder (Ruis):

I let my guard down

And then you pulled the rug

I was getting kinda used to being someone you loved

―Lewis Capaldi

Watching a cherished relationship slowly fade or suddenly dissolve is to know grief and loss. Blame - whether of ourselves or another - may be used to try to make us feel better. Yet it would be more useful to feel our feelings without judgment or projections and let them dissipate. The Elder's ogham is Ruis, which means 'redness,' like the stems that hold its berries. It indicates intensity and passion, such as seen with anger or embarrassment. The companion book for this oracle offers the wisdom that "from sacrifice comes restoration." When we can grieve without clinging, we sacrifice the ego's desire for things to stay the same. In return, we find contentment and peace. 

Mysterious Brooder

From the Tarot of the Sidhe, the Dancer Prince (Knight of Cups); from the Green Man Tree Oracle, Elder:

The brooding hero of the dance

A poet's spirit of romance

He'll steal the heart that you would keep

And lead you darkly to the deep.

          Carding's Knight of Cups seems mysterious (which may be a big draw to some romantics), yet there is the hint of something else. What is he hiding? Probably that his idea of love is a weekend fling; commitment is not one of his traits. He prefers the fairy tale to real life and the responsibilities it brings.

          The Elder is a small tree with stinky leaves but sweet blossoms. Its purple berries have been used medicinally, as a dye, and for making jams and wine. Elder stems are hollow and have been used for pipes and bellows. Matthews states that "from sacrifice comes restoration." We gain the most when we give unselfishly with no expectation of a return (like the animals that eat elder berries and spread its seeds). This tree would suggest that a real-life relationship would require two people who aren't seeking something from another but looking to give.

Blind Determination?

This week I'll be using the Via Tarot, created by Susan Jameson and John Bonner; the book and deck set were published by Urania/AGM. I'll also be using the Nature's Pharmacy Deck created by the New York Botanical Garden and published by Chronicle Books. Today's draws are the Chariot and "Elder:"

           Whoa... I've heard of the tongue-in-cheek phrase "herding cats," but three tigers? That's a lot of feline power to manage. Yet they are suitable representations of the forces that lead to success: determination (perseverance), diligence (effort), and discipline (self-control). Unlike Strength which uses the "soft" powers of patience, compassion and courage, the Chariot uses a "hard" form of control -  personal choice followed by deliberate action. This charioteer is blindfolded, but she has a sea eagle as her guide. She doesn't succumb to distracting details or emotional disturbances, because the eagle keeps its eye on the goal in the distance. Movement toward that vision is the only thing on the agenda.
          Sambucus nigra (Elder/Elderberry) is a shrub that produces flat sprays of ivory flowers and purplish-black fruits. Because of the dark color of its fruits, people associated it with witchcraft and magic in European folklore. However, the Romans used the fruits as hair dye. All parts of the plant are poisonous except for the ripe fruit and flowers; wines, cordials and marmalade have been produced from these parts. Preliminary studies show this shrub may be effective in treating the flu, allergies and other respiratory problems. Elder is a plant with beneficial and dangerous qualities. I get the feeling the charioteer above should take off her blindfold; she shouldn't overlook either aspect. Surely there is room for discernment.

Toe-stubbing Stones

From the Anna K. Tarot, the Nine of Pentacles:

A well-dressed woman sits on the edge of a well; Kleffinger describes this image as picturing both outer (gown, jewelry) and inner (well) wealth. I've had a "stone" that I've been stumping my toe on daily, one of those worrisome thoughts about managing life. Then yesterday, something changed. Instead of feeling relief, I've created a different though similar stone to place in my path. This woman reminds me that if every possible physical need in my life is taken care of (and most are) and I still maintain a mindset of "lack" rather than "abundance," it will all be for naught. Those toe-stubbing stones should be used for skipping across ponds, not weighing down my life.

The card from the Green Man Tree Oracle today is "Elder - Ruis:"

Ruis literally means "red," and so Laurie asks in regard to this ogham, "How do my passions help or harm me?" Is my face red from working hard or laughing hard? Or is it red from shame, anger or frenzied worry? My passion is what fuels my life's energy and gives me purpose and meaning. Using it for worthless, unproductive reasons is like firing up the barbecue grill and letting the coals burn without cooking anything. Both the Nine of Pentacles and Elder suggest I make better use of my energy.

No Strings Attached

From the Anna K. Tarot, the Five of Pentacles:

It's cold and snowing, and the tarp put up for a makeshift shelter looks pretty pitiful.  M. Scott Peck said, "Life is difficult," but he also stated, " Community requires the ability to expose our wounds and weaknesses to our fellow creatures."  If I need help and want help, I must stop trying to act as if I am fine and reach out to others.  The elderly woman ministering to the elderly man in this image is touching; she doesn't look like she has many resources herself, yet she shares the one thing most people hold onto the tightest - her time.  As a giver I've thought, "Will they expect me to keep doing this?"  As a receiver, I've thought, "What will I have to do to pay them back?"  These are the type of thoughts that keep me isolated from others.  There will be days when I will have the chance to be the one to offer help and days I will need to ask for it.  Both sides require opening a closed heart.

From the Green Man Tree Oracle comes "Elder:"

From sacrifice comes restoration.

People these days just don't understand sacrifice.  I often hear a parent or spouse say, "I sacrificed so much for them, but I didn't get anything in return!"  The root of sacrifice is giving without expecting anything to be given back.  There's no quid pro quo - this for that.  I find it hard to do a good deed or kindness without at least some recognition.  But the fullness my soul hungers isn't going to come from some ego-driven action, it's going to come from compassion with no strings attached.