What We Put Into It

From the Ship of Fools Tarot, the Five of Coins; from the Wisdom of the Four Winds, Antares/Rehua:

What you put into life is what you get out of it.

―Clint Eastwood

Researchers in the U.S. found that people of lower socioeconomic status are actually more altruistic than those higher on the economic ladder. And what happens when these kindhearted folks are in need? People reach out to help immediately. The original text by Sebastian Brant says: "He who has riches and delights in them/ paying no heed to those in need/ will be forsaken, so that he too shall beg." Antares (the summer star), known as Rehua in Māori lore, was visited on behalf of the humans by two brothers - the benevolent lord of light and the angry lord of darkness. The deity gave the first lord three baskets of knowledge, but the latter's basket was filled with pain. As the companion book explains: "Gentleness came asking and gathered seeds of hope; Anger came demanding and garnered seeds of war." The acts and attitude we carry into life will affect the quality we get out of it.

Not Okay

This week I'll be using the Idiosyncradeck Tarot, created and self-published by Jessica Bott. Along with it, I'll be drawing from the Mixed Emotions Cards, created by Petra Martin with Kris Wiltse (Illustrator) and published by Heron Lake Press. Today's draws are the Five of Stones and Loving:

I am not okay

I'm barely gettin' by

I'm losin' track of days

And losin' sleep at night

I am not okay

I'm hangin' on the rails

So if I say I'm fine

Just know I learned to hide it well

―Jelly Roll

This stone has been eroded by flood, wind and precipitation to the point that just a gust of wind could topple it. It's the same way with humans, when we get hit time and time again with unexpected events, hardship and emotional challenges. We barely have time to get to our feet when we get knocked down again. When sincere folks ask how we're coping, do we answer "Fine"? We all know what that stands for: f#cked up, insecure, neurotic and emotional. The Loving card encourages us to drop the tough act and be honest, including being tender to our self. Doing so would allow others to reach behind the wall we've erected and offer support.

Actual Facts

From the Urban Tarot, the Five of Disks; from the Principles to Live By, Discernment:

In the long run, it is far more dangerous to adhere to illusion than to face what the actual fact is.

—David Bohm 

Scott writes that we are fragile beings living fragile lives. The Five of Disks is subtitled Worry; it indicates a threat to our financial or physical security. This card takes me back several months ago when my husband was told he had a cancerous tumor on his kidney. When our knees buckle with such news, it is important to rely on Discernment, the ability to see clearly and objectively. Our emotional reaction can cause us to expect the worst and fear that there is no hope for any sort of positive outcome. When everything seems too big and overwhelming, we need a wise, insistent friend or family member to point out other beneficial alternatives if we take corrective action. As Buddha said, “Good friends, companions, and associates are the whole of the spiritual life.” 

Joy or Sorrow

From the Tarot of the Cat People, the Five of Pentacles; from the Insectorum Divinorum, the Brood:

Weary at the close of day, wondering if tomorrow brings me joy or sorrow. —Leon Redbone

As much as we'd like to deny it, aging means a loss of some of the abilities we had in our youth. Yet as Albert Camus wrote, "To grow old is to pass from passion to compassion." Elders are not used up and worthless: we have much knowledge and wisdom to share with a world that desperately needs it. The Brood indicates a new generation, one that will leap into life with enthusiasm. But even the young will experience pain and setbacks. We older folks can show them how to find their interest and excitement in life again.

Winter's Bite

From the Tarot of the Sidhe, Maker Five (Five of Pentacles); from the Green Man Oracle, Alder (Fearn):

Seasons come and seasons go

Much is lost when harsh winds blow

And in the midst of winter's sting

The Maker has forgotten spring

—Emily Carding

Many of us do not live with a constant 'winter's bite' as Carding calls it. Like the seasons, it is temporary. But when we're in the middle of a health or financial crisis, we can feel like we're stuck in this place forever. But the sunbeams coming over the mountains are a reminder that things will change. The wood of Alder (Fearn) was used for making shields, and thus this ogham is a symbol of protection. What are we protecting if we can't change the present circumstances? Marilyn Suttle wrote, "Feelings have more to do with the story you tell yourself than the facts." Alder suggests we shield ourselves from the stories we're weaving about a situation and focus only on the facts.

A Bit Crumbly

From the Vision Quest Tarot, the Five of Earth (Pentacles); from the Bird Cards, Tropicbird:

Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present. ― Marcus Aurelius

The Five of Earth indicates a change that brings disruption and imbalance after stability; it's no wonder why its keyword is insecurity. After a scan last week, I was alerted by my physician that I had osteoporosis in my femurs and hips - even though I am active, a nonsmoker and eat well. I immediately began to feel like that nibbled corn and broken basket. The Tropicbird, a seabird with elongated tail feathers, is built for life on the wing. Because their legs are located far back on their body, walking on land is difficult and forces them to use a shuffling gait. Its message is to use the resources we have (including logic) to do what we can. It might not change the facts, but it can give us some options to deal with them.

Learned Helplessness

From the Greenwood Tarot, the Five of Stones (Pentacles); from the Rune Cards, Elk Sedge (Algiz):

In psychology, learned helplessness is a state that occurs after a person has experienced a stressful situation repeatedly. They believe that they are unable to control or change the situation, so they do not try, even when opportunities for change are available. —Jayne Leonard

In this Five of Stones, a person hides while multiple lightning strikes occur. Potter suggests that there are times we all have to pull back when health or finances go off track, but we need to be careful that we don't become overly passive. Even when things are out of our control, we can direct our thoughts and attitude in a more beneficial direction. And although there are many things we can't fix or change, we may be able influence them in some way. But this all hinges on us not curling up in a ball like a roly-poly. The rune Algiz is represented by a sedge with razon sharp edges, implying defense and protection. The deck's companion booklet suggests that we should be wary in times of need, when we may grab quickly at any support we easily find. We should be careful our desire for comfort does not bring us more suffering.

A Wide Canyon

From the Norse Tarot, the Five of Discs; from the Viking Lenormand, Birds:

The love of money may be the root of all evil, but poverty is its wicked offspring. Hungry children have a harder time learning in school; parents who struggle financially are more susceptible to physical and mental health conditions. What makes this worse is that people who could help are stymied by a mindset of scarcity - the belief that there is not enough of something to go around, and that one must compete with others for limited resources. Motivated by insecurity, generosity doesn't stand a chance. Birds suggest a gathering and a shared conversation. Rather than judge, it invites us to sincerely listen to the stories of those who lack the basics for well-being. We may see that there is wide canyon between their reality and our ideas.

Gathering Up

This week I'll be using the Tarot of the Hidden Realm, created by Julia Jeffrey with Barbara Moore, and published by Llewellyn. I'll also be drawing from the Heart of Faerie Oracle created by Brian and Wendy Froud  and published by Abrams. Today's cards are the Five of Pentacles and the Thief:

Oh that my monk’s robe were wide enough

to gather up all the suffering people in this floating world 

—Ryokan

Cold and hungry, the elder of two fey sisters comforts the younger one. I am convinced that a person can get through almost any hardship if they know they have someone walking beside them on the journey. Of course it is best if this fellow traveler has certain qualities:

• They neither blame nor shame, only support and encourage; they realize that this shoe could easily be on their own foot.
• They don't try to get rid of their own discomfort with a quick fix; they do not employ toxic positivity or spiritual bypass. They allow feelings to be felt without sanctioning self-pity.
• Instead of assuming to know what the other needs, they ask and try to supply it.

The Thief steals something we can't ever get back - our time. He tells us that we can put things off, postpone and procrastinate because we'll have time to get around to it. I'm sure we all know someone who could use our compassion and support now rather than later.

But Then

From the Urban Tarot, the Five of Disks; from the Principles to Live By, Justice:

You think your pain and your heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read. ― James Baldwin

We've all been there, when our health, home or livelihood has been affected. Whether it's the devastation of a tornado, the doctor's diagnosis, or the pink slip from our employer, it begins as a moment of numbness and disbelief. That soon morphs into fear or anger, accompanied by a feeling that this isn't fair or right; we shouldn't have to deal with such a burden. Yet the Justice tile is a reminder that we all deal with loss of all kinds; hardships come to everyone regardless of how knowledgeable, wealthy or spiritual they are. This counsel (and Baldwin's words) are not meant to be a condescending pat on the head, but a poke to awaken compassion for ourselves and everyone else. It's not easy being a human, but if we look beyond our current mindset, we'll likely find some support.

Spinning Tales

From the Sasuraibito Tarot, the Five of Pentacles; from the SoulCards, Ignorance:

“And I said to my body softly, ‘I want to be your friend.’ It took a long breath and replied, ‘I’ve been waiting my whole life for this.’” ~Nayyirah Waheed

The mind will tell us whatever will enhance and protect the ego; the body never lies. The body's messages are often ignored because they come in the form of twinges, cramps, heaviness, aches and pain. The mind, in ignorance (thinking we can get what we want to the exclusion of what we don't want), will tell us to push on, that we need this, that it takes sacrifice to reach the goal. It's ironic that when things come crashing down, we blame the body. The mind is adept at spinning tales - trust the body.

Caught Up

From the Ellis Deck, the Five of Pentacles; from the Brownies Oracle, Temptation:

This particular Five of Pentacles feels like the reverse of the Six of Wands - more like a walk of shame than a celebration. It brings to mind the snake oil medicine sold to guarantee a return to health, Ponzi schemes that are supposed to make you rich, and the myriad other ways unscrupulous people attempt to con others out of their money. The Brownies card - Temptation - explains why both sides get screwed. People always look for an easier way to health or making money, and the ones taking in the cash are mindlessly driven by greed.

People get really caught up in their own trips.

~Max Cannon

Fast Flowing

From the PetraK Tarot, the Five of Discs; from the Astrodice, Saturn/Libra/12th House:

The sands of time, money, and energy flow quickly through two discs while three other discs attempt to stem the flow. We are burning through our days with nothing left over, creating worry and stress. It is interesting that this Five of Discs represents things in the physical realm, while the Astrodice roll shows the 12th House that rules all things not in the material realm (the unconscious, our deepest thoughts and emotions). Is there something hidden in the unconscious that is driving this behavior? Saturn suggests we meet our challenges with prudence and perseverance, while Libra instructs us to correct imbalances. What is the solution? Pay attention to what is going on now (including what is running through our mind) and don't let the choke collar of unfounded thoughts or intense emotions jerk us around.

Ready List

From the Badgers Forest Tarot, the Five of Pentacles; from the Gemstone Oracle, Rhodonite:

If the only prayer you said was ‘thank you,’ that would be enough. 

~ Meister Eckhart

A crow sits on a fruitless branch, battered by a recent storm. We can all find ourselves experiencing unexpected hardships. Pride (or shame) may keep us from reaching out to others. People in the past might have offered help, but if we didn't hear back from them we might assume they weren't sincere. Yet people get distracted or busy; it's up to us to follow-up and be specific about our needs (no one is a mind reader). Being able to help, to make even a small difference, can give others a feel-good boost that they might need too. Rhodonite is a pink silicate mineral often characterized by veins of black manganese oxides - an appearance that seems to symbolize both abundance and need. Yet its metaphysical meaning is gratitude, finding the good in even simple things. It is a practice that can serve us well during challenging times; by seeing who and what we can be thankful for, we have a ready list of resources.

Joie de Vivre

From the Swietlistej Drogi, the Five of Pentacles; from the Mirrors of the Heart deck, Joie de Vivre:

Rather than sick people huddling together in the cold, the SD's card shows a woman leaving behind her gown, gold and jewels and walking naked into a bright light. Advertisements and society have created the illusion that we are lacking something that we need to be happy. We've incorporated a poverty mindset into our lives, thinking our contentment lies in the next acquisition. Yet these are only short-lived pleasures. Joie de Vivre (joy of life) is choosing to live buoyantly and happily as each moment unfolds. This mindset doesn't exclude challenges and pain, but it doesn't focus on them either; it knows there is joy to be found as well. It is an attitude that is in line with these words of  Ezra Bayda: "Happiness comes from the inside; it cannot depend on our external life circumstances. Nor can it depend on simply feeling good emotionally. In short, happiness doesn’t come from making happiness the goal – it comes from being able to appreciate the journey, particularly the present-moment experience of our life."

Sandblasted

From the Spacious Tarot, the Five of Pentacles; from the Phenomena Oracle, Haboob:

A wounded wolf limps uphill, hoping to find a safe place to rest and heal. We all take a turn pushing Sisyphus' boulder; everyone at some point will deal with financial or health challenges. The hardest part of these difficulties is acknowledging them while not letting them become the sum total of our world. The Haboob - an advancing wall of dust and debris caused by thunderstorm outflow winds - suggests that this can be a tough sell. Sandblasting everything in its path, this phenomena lodges silt in the eyes, nose and ears, effectively cutting off all one's senses. Like the Five of Pentacles, it can create a feeling of being off-balance and vulnerable. Yet if we can be tender with ourselves, doing the best we can with the resources at hand, we can focus on helping ourselves while not adding to our suffering. Storms may change us and our circumstances, but they don't have to change our love for life.

Misled by Longing

From the Forest of Enchantment Tarot, the Five of Boons (Pentacles); from the Mystic Mushrooms, Pear-shaped Puffball:

Two orphan boys, having left their home to seek a new life,  have not found the fortune they sought. Like many people, what they desperately wanted has blinded them to what is nearby - wild strawberries leading to a warm house. The Pear-shaped Puffball was originally known as Lycoperdon pyriforme but had its genus changed to Apioperdon a few years ago. Its second common name, stump puffball, reflects the fact that this fungus likes to eat wood and often fruits from stumps, something the true Lycoperdons don’t do. Both these cards emphasize that we should observe, investigate and do our homework before making a major decision or taking actions that might negatively affect our finances, health or time. It's easy to allow illusory desires to influence us to make impulsive choices. But if we find ourselves in that position, we need to quit worrying about being seen as incompetent or incapable and ask for help. After all, most everyone's been in that place at some point.

Weathered Away

From the Idiosyncradeck, the Five of Stones (Pentacles); from the Mixed Emotions deck, Encouraged:

Beneath our clothes, our reputations, our pretensions, beneath our religion or lack of it, we are all vulnerable both to the storm without and to the storm within...  

— Frederick Buechner

A once massive stone has been worn away, weathered by wind and water. People can get worn away too in dealing with the challenges they face. I've noticed how easy it is to blame the person struggling with life, insisting it was their own unwise choices that got them to this place. But underneath that, perhaps even unconscious, is the fearful knowledge that that could just as well be us. Sometimes life opens a crevice beneath our feet and we fall in. 'Encouraged' suggests we look toward our resources - people or things that could support us and give us hope. I've found that an ongoing gratitude practice is helpful because it reminds me of the many things I have that might be useful. It also helps my confidence if I remember how I've met (or even survived) past challenges. But the best advice in these situations comes from John Wooden: "Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do."

Misaligned Values and Actions

From the Tarot of the Abyss, the Five of Pentacles; from the Lantern Oracle, Misalignment:

          Two people are cast out of their lodgings in the dead of night. What did they do to deserve their eviction? I can't help but think of the eviction moratorium that went into effect with the pandemic, but with the arrival of August has expired. The worst part is this caveat: "As of August 1, 2021 tenants will owe their landlord any unpaid rent and any fees, penalties, or interest as a result of their failure to pay rent during the period of the CDC order." Who in the world would be able to make past due payments as well as pay rent too? Misalignment makes me think of how overworked back muscles can pull vertebrae out of line, creating a lot of pain. Our actions may also be misaligned with our values - saying we believe in kindness but acting with intolerance and mercilessness, for example. I understand that landlords must pay property taxes, housing repairs, and their own bills, but wouldn't it benefit both parties to just start on a fresh page?

Not a Happy Feeling

This week I'll be using the Buckland Romani Tarot, created by Lissanne Lake and Raymond Buckland; this book and deck set was published by Galde Press. Along with it, I'll be using the Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards, created by Chief Archie Fire Lame Deer and Helene Sarkis; this deck and book set was published by Inner Traditions. Today's draws are the Five of Bolers/Wagon Wheels (Pentacles) and Prayer Ties:

Compassion, in and of itself, is decidedly not a happy feeling.

~Constance Kassor

          These two cards, one implying destitution and the other social conscience, reflect what is all around me. People are on every main thoroughfare or near large businesses holding cardboard signs asking for help. Are they in real need or are they addicts or con artists? Either way, compassion asks that I not turn my head and pretend not to see them but to acknowledge their suffering with a wish to remove it. Yet compassion has some 'near enemies' - actions that appear positive on the surface but are actually unhelpful. The first is pity, when we feel so sorry for the poor person we see. But pity separates us from them; it allows us to think we could never be in their shoes. The second is enabling, when we try to fix the other person and their problems (according to what we think they need). Unfortunately, this offers no long-term aid for the other, it only relieves our short-term discomfort. Finally, despair happens when we self-identify and drown in the sorrows of another. Rather than extending a helpful hand, we both find ourselves in an emotional rip current. Genuine compassion requires an equal measure of kindness and wisdom. It acknowledges that not every problem can be solved, but still endeavors to keep the heart open with a resolve to act with kindness.