Change the Eyes

From the Neuzeit Tarot, the Tower; from Rory's Story Cubes, Elephant:

Alan Watts once stated that reality was just a Rorschach ink-blot - we make sense of it based on what we've experienced and learned. Yet sometimes we create a protective delusion built with the bricks of a concept or dogma that we think we'll shield us from any ill wind that blows. It might be based on religion, politics, education, money or a health regime, but at some point reality will rip it apart, leaving us with a hard landing. Elephants move at a mindful pace, nurture relationships, and exercise compassion and empathy. Their strength and resilience comes from these relational traits, not self-centered interests. With their example, perhaps we should take the advice of Nikos Kazantzakis: "Since we cannot change reality, let us change the eyes which see reality."

Overflowing Mind

From the Legacy of the Divine Tarot, the Magician; from the Tea Leaf Reading Cards, Elephant:

Just as a fletcher straightens an arrow shaft,

even so the discerning man straightens his mind

— so fickle and unsteady, so difficult to guard.

As a fish when pulled out of water and cast on land throbs and quivers,

even so is this mind agitated.  

~Dhammapada 3:33-34

          Fleeting thoughts that are fed and watered soon bear fruit in our words and actions. Every behavior begins as a seed in the mind that manifests after it is cultivated with attention. The Elephant is known for the strength of its memory, but this power can be gentle (as when it strokes the bones of other elephants) or horrific (as when its territory is cut off by human encroachment and rampage ensues). Every day, thoughts and memories fill the buckets of the mind. What bucket is about to overflow?

Get Your Study On

From the Legacy of the Divine Tarot, the Eight of Coins; from the Tea Leaf Reading Cards, Elephant:

          I recognize the studious face on this man as he tries to figure out how to turn an idea into a reality. But when you're a fledgling instead of the master of a craft, it is necessary to devote quite a bit of time to study, practice and attention to detail. Developing knowledge and a skill set is similar to nurturing a child as he or she grows (and requires just as much patience). I've decided to try and create another self-published deck, but this one will be sketched instead of photographed. I don't think I would have even tried to do this had I not taken part in JJ's 52 sketches challenge. The randomly picked themes to draw or paint were way off the beaten path of what I would normally do. Yet pushing myself beyond my normal boundaries helped me sand off some of my rough edges and gain confidence (and JJ was a great mentor). My ideas are usually better than what I have the talent to actually draw, but being able to do something creative with them feels good. The tea leaf Elephant made me think of the Hindu god Ganesha. This deva of intellect and patron of arts and sciences is most commonly known as a remover of obstacles. The Elephant reminds me that an obstacle isn't always what it appears to be; rather than just a cause of frustration, it can be an object of learning.

Rock-a-bye

From the Shining Tribe Tarot, the Five of Trees (Wands); from the Animal Tiles, the "Elephant:"

Rock-a-bye baby, on the treetop,

When the wind blows, the cradle will rock,

When the bough breaks, the cradle will fall,

And down will come baby, cradle and all. 

Pollack uses a lullaby to illustrate the Five of Wands. Though there have been many theories about this song (all unproven), I personally think it describes the physical birth of the baby. First the infant is "rocked" as it is carried inside the mother, then the bough (water) breaks and the baby is born. Just as the mother endures labor to produce the child, so too can the struggles of these Wands turn into something constructive or rewarding.

Elephants are a contradiction of sorts. With their great size and power, they can easily crush whatever they encounter. Yet to watch them tending to one of their young or a sick group member is to recognize their gentleness and patience. Their lesson is that strength can come in many guises. 

Inquisitive Solutions

From the Shining Tribe Tarot, the Knower of Stones (Knight of Pentacles):

This fellow didn't stick his finger in a light socket, but he is full of active energy.  He's the inventor and the problem solver - he tries out multiple tests and has dozens of trials until he finds something that works.  He's the organic farmer who works to find a biological pest control to replace a chemical one, or the chef who experiments in order to perfect a pastry recipe.  This Knower/Knight doesn't spend all his time dreaming up original ideas, he goes out and checks his theories to see if they will hold water; if he's not triumphant, he'll keep trying other alternatives until he finds what works.  In this drawing he's having a "Eureka!" moment, finally putting the last piece in the puzzle with a successful result.

From the animal tiles today comes the "Elephant:"

Eknath Easwaren, founder of the Blue Mountain Meditation Center, once relayed a story told to him by his grandmother.  In India, elephants are often a big part of parades, but they face many temptations as they walk past marketplace stalls that sell bananas or other such foods.  To keep their inquisitive trunks from wandering over to snatch a sample, their caretakers would sometimes give them a baton to hold.  Like the elephant, my mind can wander in a million different directions instead of focusing on what I'm supposed to be doing.  This animal reminds me to stay present with the task at hand, avoiding distractions that will keep me from a successful completion.