A Matter of Balance

From the Greenwood Tarot, the Three of Wands; from the Rune Cards, Yew/Eoh:

There is something both exciting and satisfying when we take action on any creative inspiration. This fellow's third staff with intertwined snakes is that of Hermes; a symbol of commerce and negotiation, it balanced exchange and reciprocity. In other words, the Three of Wands is about expending and obtaining - each acts as a counterbalance. The unique shape of Eoh (Yew), with its two ends pointing in different directions, are like the traits of the tree. On one hand it is evergreen, long-lived and currently used in cancer treatments, while on the other hand many of its parts are poisonous and can be fatal. To borrow the words of Thomas Merton, the message today seems to be that it's "not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm and harmony."

Melting Snow

From the Victorian Fairy Tarot, the Seven of Winter/Swords; from the Haindl Rune Oracle, Eoh/Eihwaz:

A fairy and his rat henchman have broken into a family's store of food for the winter. The Seven of Swords brings up the question of ethics: Can a wrong ever be considered right if it is done to correct an unfair imbalance? We all have a moral code that influences our conduct, but we often judge others by it as well. Stealing is never okay in my code, but neither is hoarding or a lack of generosity. Yet still I harbor a subtle "Is he or she deserving?" in my mind. The rune Eoh/Eihwaz relates to the yew tree, a plant that is evergreen and also poisonous. Its symbolism of both death and life points to an initiation that brings transformation and illumination. Such an initiation is not for the faint of heart; it requires that we "die before we die," a process of stripping ourselves of our pet concepts and opinions as well as our preferences and prejudices. It is only when our ego relinquishes control that we can see the world with clear vision.

Be melting snow.

Wash yourself of yourself.

~Rumi

Look for the Helpers

From the Victorian Fairy Tarot, the Six of Autumn (Pentacles); from the Haindl Rune Oracle, 'Ehwaz/Eoh:'

          The younger fairy has torn her wing, and so the older fairy is applying a poultice of comfrey to help her heal. Here is an example of sharing resources - of skill, herb and tender touch. I read a newsletter recently from Tami Simon (founder of Sounds True) in which she described a dinner of friends she attended. Later the host sent her a note that was signed in a unique way: "May you be a blessing." What would my day look like if I started it with the intention of being a blessing? I know it would change my attitude for one thing, helping me to focus on the good I could do instead of soaking in self-centered thoughts. Ehwaz/Eoh literally means "horse," and three can be spotted in this painting. The rune suggests forward movement, but it also implies that teamwork is responsible for creating such progress. It's easy to despair about what shape our country and world is in if I watch too much news. It can seem like humanity's movement is only backwards. But I'm reminded of a story Fred Rogers (of Mr. Roger's Neighborhood) told his listeners about advice from his mother when he would see scary things on the news: "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping."

Safety First

From the Greenwood Tarot, the Two of Stones (Pentacles); from the Rune Cards, Ihwaz/Eoh:

           Potter illustrates this card with two hares boxing on a bridge over two stones. The European hare's breeding season begins in March, making them behave strangely and sometimes violently (thus the saying 'mad as a March hare'). But in all fairness, these animals are prey not predator; it is urgent that they procreate to continue the species. I'm well aware of that feeling of needing to get something accomplished before time runs out. Yet the board these two hares stand on remind me to stay mindful and keep my balance. Getting hurt or sick won't be helpful and surely will only impede progress. Ihwaz/Eoh is associated with the yew tree, a symbol of protection and continuance. Often seen in graveyards, the toxicity of this tree was thought to deter scavenging animals. A reassessment of values might be in order. Challenges should not be tackled without adhering to safety protocols. Staying alert as I move through the day is a message to heed.