Sacred Duty

This week I'll be using the Wheel of Change Tarot, a deck and book set created by Alexandra Genetti and published by Inner Traditions. The second deck I'll be drawing from is the Oracle of the Dreamtime, a compilation of Australian Aboriginal art and Dreamings by Donni Hakanson; this deck and book set was published by Journey Editions. Today's cards are the Lovers and Emu:

Choosing someone as our partner means investing in our togetherness; that when one of us goes up or down, the other does too. —Rachel Glik

With the Fool, there is unconditional trust as he steps into the world. The Lovers, a harmony of opposites, need trust too if their relationship is to stay strong. This doesn't mean they can't grow and change individually, but it does require a commitment to being trustworthy (honest, dependable and loyal). Such a relationship is not like a business, full of competition, transactions, and status-seeking. The Dreamtime story of Emu and her sister Wild Turkey tells a tale of infanticide and self-mutilation in an effort to outdo the other. No one 'wins' in these kinds of situations and often revenge plays on repeat. The Marines have a saying that sums up their core principles of camaraderie, duty and loyalty: "No man (or woman) left behind." Good partnerships follow the same principles.

Closed Parachutes

From the Wheel of Change Tarot, the Four of Swords; from the Oracle of the Dreamtime, Emu:

You have permission to surrender to what is, right here and right now. It is more than OK to surrender to the body’s true condition and its needs: the need for rest, sleep, and self-care. It is a practice. —Alex Tzelnic 

          Genetti writes that the sword is a symbol of the mind in action; yet it can become a stumbling block rather than an ally if we don't practice self-care. Discernment and openness is quickly replaced by delusion and narrow-mindedness when we are exhausted and not meeting our basic needs. When we meet new situations or challenges, the tired mind becomes like a parachute that doesn't open when we jump from the plane.

          The legend of Emu is one of competition between it and the wild turkey. The constant tricks and lies between the two birds ended up costing offspring their lives and the emu the ability to fly. When self-worth is tied to competition and comparison, disaster is sure to follow. Everyone else suddenly becomes the enemy instead of someone to work with in cooperative effort. I just finished reading Michelle Obama's book Becoming; the compassionate leadership of this husband and wife contrasts sharply with the narcissism of the present administration. Perhaps part of resting the mind means resting it on something other than our own interests.